bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of vibratory behavior of a graphene nano/microelectromechanical system
Authors: Anjum Naveed , He Ji‐Huan
Published: July 2020

The nano/microelectromechanical systems (N/MEMS) have gained considerable attention in the past few decades for their attractive properties such as small size, high reliability, batch fabrication, and low power consumption. Carbon‐based nanostructures such as one‐dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and two‐dimensional graphene are the key materials in many N/MEMS and very attractive due to their unique properties and ultra‐small dimensions especially the large surface area‐to‐volume ratio make them prime candidates for sensing applications in N/MEMS. Therefore, the main objective of this manuscript is to analyze the dynamic behavior of a graphene N/MEMS. The mathematical model of this system uses constitutive stress–strain law and the electrostatic Coulomb force for the restoring force of the spring and the driving force of the mass attached to the spring, respectively. The modeled system is then solved by employing the variational iteration method (VIM) accompanied by the techniques of the Laplace transform. This coupling of VIM and Laplace transform (Laplace‐based variational iteration method [LVIM]) not only suggests an easier approach to determine the Lagrange multiplier used in the VIM but also provides approximate nonlinear frequency and approximate solution of graphene N/MEMS in an efficient way. Moreover, the LVIM also approximates the pull‐in threshold, a critical phenomenon associated with N/MEMS, in terms of model parameters. Finally, to verify the obtained findings, the results are compared with those achieved numerically as well.
Bisphenol A‐induced mechanistic impairment of decidualization
Authors: Nelson William , Adu‐Gyamfi Enoch Appiah , Czika Armin , Wang Ying‐Xiong , Ding Yu‐Bin
Published: July 2020

Decidualization is a crucial precedent to embryo implantation, as its impairment is a major contributor to female infertility and pregnancy complications. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in the impairment of decidualization has been a subject of interest in the field of reproductive medicine. Evidence from several experimental settings show that exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine‐disrupting chemical, affects the expression of several molecules that are involved in decidualization. Both low and high doses of BPA impair decidualization through the dysregulation of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors. Exposure to low doses of BPA leads to decreased levels and activities of several antioxidant enzymes, increased activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and increased production of nitric oxide (NO) via the upregulation of ER and PR. Consequently, oxidative stress is induced and decidualization becomes impaired. On the other hand, exposure to high doses of BPA downregulates ER and PR and impairs decidualization through two distinct pathways. One is through the upregulation of early growth response‐1 (EGR1) via increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2; and the other is through a reduced serum glucocorticoid‐induced kinase‐1 (SGK1)‐mediated downregulation of epithelial sodium channel‐α and the induction of oxidative stress. Thus, regardless of the dose, BPA can impair decidualization to trigger infertility and pregnancy complications. This warrants the need to adopt lifestyles that will decrease the tendency of getting exposed to BPA.
Cerebrospinal fluid pulse wave velocity measurements: In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel multiband cine phase‐contrast MRI sequence
Authors: Sonnabend Kristina , Brinker Gerrit , Maintz David , Bunck Alexander C. , Weiss Kilian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Intracranial and intraspinal compliance are parameters of interest in the diagnosis and prediction of treatment outcome in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus and other forms of communicating hydrocephalus. A noninvasive method to estimate the spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a measure of compliance was developed using a multiband cine phase‐contrast MRI sequence and a foot‐to‐foot algorithm.

Methods

We used computational simulations to estimate the accuracy of the MRI acquisition and transit‐time algorithm. In vitro measurements were performed to investigate the reproducibility and accuracy of the measurements under controlled conditions. In vivo measurements in 20 healthy subjects and 2 patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus were acquired to show the technical feasibility in a clinical setting.

Results

Simulations showed a mean deviation of the calculated CSF PWV of 3.41% ± 2.68%. In vitro results were in line with theory, showing a square‐root relation between PWV and transmural pressure and a good reproducibility with SDs of repeated measurements below 5%. Mean CSF PWV over all healthy subjects was 5.83 ± 3.36 m/s. The CSF PWV measurements in the patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus were distinctly higher before CSF shunt surgery (33.80 ± 6.75 m/s and 31.31 ± 7.82 m/s), with a decrease 5 days after CSF shunt surgery (15.69 ± 3.37 m/s).

Conclusion

This study evaluates the feasibility of CSF PWV measurements using a multiband cine phase‐contrast MRI sequence. In vitro and in vivo measurements showed that this method is a potential tool for the noninvasive estimation of intraspinal compliance.
Collagen I and collagen III polymorphisms in women with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Batista Nilce C. , Bortolini Maria A. T. , Silva Rebecca S. P. , Teixeira Juliana B. , Melo Natália C. , Santos Renata G. M. , Pepicelli Fernanda A. A. , Castro Rodrigo A.
Published: July 2020

Aims

Verify the presence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1800012 of the collagen I (COL1A1) and rs1800255 of the collagen III (COL3A1) genes and their association with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in Brazilian women and to determine risk factors for POP.

Methods

We assessed 826 postmenopausal women divided into POP (stages III and IV) and control groups (stages 0 and I) by examination and peripheral blood sample collection. DNA sequences of interest were analyzed by real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. We used logistic regression analyses, recessive and codominance models of inheritance, and P < .05 for significance.

Results

Six‐hundred and thirty‐four postmenopausal women were included: 348 (54.8%) POP cases and 286 (45.1%) controls. The frequencies of GG, GA, and AA genotypes for COL1A1 were 69.12%, 20.24%, and 10.59% in POP group and 71.79%, 20%, and 8.21% in controls; GG, GT, and TT for COL3A1 were 37.54%, 59.53%, and 2.93% in POP group and 36.24%, 60.14%, and 3.62% in controls. There were no genotypic or allelic association with POP phenotype that link both SNPs rs1800012 and rs1800255 to increased risk of POP. Vaginal delivery (odds ratio [OR] = 13; 95% confidence interval [CI] [4.00‐47.08]), POP family history (OR = 3.1; 95% CI [1.49‐6.50]), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.3; 95% CI [1.08‐5.21]), number of pregnancies (OR = 1.2; 95% CI [1.05‐1.36]), and age (OR = 1.1; 95% CI [1.09‐1.19]), were variables of increased risk for POP (P < .05 for all).

Conclusion

Our study suggests lack of association between DNA polymorphisms rs1800012 of COL1A1 and rs1800255 of COL3A1 with advanced POP. Vaginal delivery, POP family history, diabetes mellitus, number of pregnancies, and age are risk factors for POP.
An account of disproportionate child healthcare utilization in Nigeria
Authors: Ihedimma Godfrey I. , Opara Godwin I.
Published: July 2020

Adults are capable of self‐assessment of their health status and are at the rudimentary level, able to determine if they need to consume more of health services or not. This, however, lacks in children below the age of 5 years, and as such they rely on their parents and or guardians for healthcare utilization. The study acknowledges the mismatch between utilization and prevalence of illness across the country and the attendant inequality in healthcare utilization across regions. The study adopts the NDHS 2013, the Grossman Framework on the demand for health and the Logistic Regression Analysis, and found that higher maternal educational levels increase child healthcare utilization. Other factors include increased wealth, frequency of older mothers, vaccination and exclusive breastfeeding. Frequency of older children and larger household sizes were, however, found to reduce the probability of child healthcare utilization. The study finds strong regional variations across the country with utilization more enabled in some regions than others, under the same conditions, and recommends that households maintain a size they can cater for health‐wise. The study recommends an all‐inclusive health policy to cater for disparities across regions and the retraining of mothers since secondary education alone is requisite for child healthcare utilization.
Psychological resilience and related influencing factors in postoperative non‐small cell lung cancer patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Shihao , Mei Ranran , Tan Chuxia , Li Xuting , Zhong Chenxi , Ye Man
Published: July 2020

Objective

The psychological resilience of postoperative non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is influenced by many factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the current state of psychological resilience and identify its influencing factors in postoperative NSCLC patients.

Methods

This descriptive cross‐sectional study used a convenience sampling method and recruited 382 inpatients from two Class A hospitals in Hunan, China. The Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC), Strategies Used by People to Promote Health (SUPHH), Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used.

Results

Postoperative NSCLC patients' psychological resilience was at a low level, with a score of (57.18 ± 8.55). Stepped Linear Regression showed that the related influencing factors of psychological resilience of postoperative NSCLC patients were age (β = −0.313, P < .001), family average income (β = 0.143, P < .001), self‐efficacy (β = 0.416, P < .001), confrontation (β = 0.116, P < .001) and acceptance‐resignation (β = −0.155, P < .001), which could explain 58.0% of the total variation in psychological resilience (F = 103.68, P<.001).

Conclusions

Psychological resilience is positively predicted by average income, self‐efficacy, confrontation, but negatively predicted by age and acceptance‐resignation. Self‐efficacy is the most important variable influencing psychological resilience in postoperative NSCLC patients. In the future, a series of targeted interventions need to be implemented to strengthen patients' self‐efficacy and psychological resilience, which can also improve the quality of life of postoperative NSCLC patients.
Clinical correlates of the ability to consent to research participation in brain metastasis
Authors: Gerstenecker Adam , Gammon Meredith , Marotta Dario , Fiveash John , Nabors Burt , Mulhauser Kyler , Triebel Kristen
Published: July 2020

Objective

Impairment in the ability to provide informed consent is common in persons with brain metastasis. However, little is known about what factors contribute to this impairment in the patient group. Our objective is to determine if the associations between demographic, cognitive, and clinical variables correlate with the ability to provide informed consent in persons with brain metastasis.

Methods

We administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery to a group of 61 persons with brain metastasis. Demographic and clinical information was also collected. All diagnoses were made by board‐certified oncologists and were verified histologically. Statistical analyses included Pearson's product‐moment correlations, point biserial correlations, and linear regression.

Results

Results indicated that combinations of education, verbal memory, executive function, whole brain radiation therapy, and chemotherapy affected various aspects of the ability to provide informed consent. Subsequent regression models demonstrated that these variables contributed a significant amount of shared variance to the ability to provide informed consent.

Conclusion

We found that the ability of persons with brain metastasis to provide informed consent is a cognitively complex ability that is also affected by education and treatment variables. This information can help clinical researchers in identifying persons with brain metastasis at risk of an impaired ability to provide informed consent and aid in the consenting process.
A three‐tier process for screening depression and anxiety among children and adolescents with cancer
Authors: Yardeni Maya , Abebe Campino Gadi , Bursztyn Shira , Shamir Anat , Mekori – Domachevsky Ehud , Toren Amos , Gothelf Doron
Published: July 2020

Objective

To establish and to evaluate the effectiveness of a three‐tier screening process of depressive and anxiety disorders among children and adolescents with cancer based on questionnaires (first tier), semistructured psychiatric interviews (second tier), and referral for psychiatric assessment and recommendations for treatment (third tier). We also aimed to determine the rates of depressive and anxiety disorders among participants.

Methods

Participants and their parents completed the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression and Anxiety modules. Then, they were interviewed separately using the semistructured Affective and Anxiety Modules of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐Age Children (K‐SADS). PROMIS cutoff values for diagnosing depressive and anxiety disorders, based on the K‐SADS, were calculated by receiver‐operating characteristics (ROCs).

Results

Of 91 participants 34 (37.4%) aged 7 to 21 years with cancer met the K‐SADS criteria for depressive and/or anxiety disorders. The results of the ROC analyses were stronger for depressive disorders than for anxiety disorders and for more severe cases. The cutoff of 13 on the child‐reported PROMIS for a major depressive episode had a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.82, and a cutoff of 14 on the parent‐reported PROMIS for generalized anxiety disorder had a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.79.

Conclusions

Using the K‐SADS, we found that anxiety and depressive disorders are very common in youngsters with cancer. The three‐tier screening process we developed for depression and anxiety in this population provides practical cutoff values for identifying depressive and anxiety disorders in children with cancer.
A model for stable isotopes of residual liquid water and ground ice in permafrost soils using arbitrary water chemistries and soil‐specific empirical residual water functions
Authors: Fisher David A. , Lacelle Denis , Pollard Wayne , Faucher Benoit
Published: July 2020

We present the basic theory of stable isotopes (δ(18O) and δ(D)) of freezing water solutions in the environment set within a water isotope‐augmented version of FREZCHEM(V15). We validate this model with a couple of examples. The isotope‐capable FREZCHEM is simplified to run much faster using set‐piece initial chemistries to calculate the freezing temperature of the remaining water. The fast version is embedded in a semi‐empirical model for residual liquid water in sub‐zero soils. A uniform specific soil column is driven with a defined seasonal temperature wave. The co‐isotopes of the residual water and ice are calculated as a function of time and depth. The model is applied to clayey soils of the sort sampled in detail in a 10 (10 to 20 m) core suite from the Mackenzie Delta, Canada. The stable isotopes are compared to the model ones and the match is quite good except in the uppermost 2.5 m, where an upturn in the model δ(18O) curve is smaller. If the upper 2.5 m of icy soil is populated with “modern” water, and below by late glacial meltwater the size of the upturn in δ(18O) starting at 2.5 m is reproduced by the model.
Pulmonary pneumatoceles in neonates
Authors: Rocha Gustavo
Published: July 2020

Pulmonary pneumatoceles were relatively common in neonates in the pre‐surfactant era. In the current era of surfactant, noninvasive and gentle invasive ventilation there is a paucity of data on clinical characteristics and outcomes of pneumatoceles in neonates. The lesion generally resolves spontaneously, but a few cases follow a complicated course with formation of extensive and expanding lesions. To better understand the pathophysiology, clinical significance, natural history, complications, treatment options and prognosis of pulmonary pneumatoceles in neonates, an extensive research was performed on the databases of medical literature. The information collected in this review is important for the clinicians in decision‐making, especially in the most difficult cases.
Year in review 2019: Neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Birnkrant David J. , Black Jane B.
Published: July 2020

Neuromuscular cardiopulmonary medicine is entering a new and exciting phase, with studies that assess the respiratory effect of emerging genetic and molecular therapies. In this year's neuromuscular Year in Review, we focus on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), reviewing studies that evaluate the respiratory effect of eteplirsen, the cardiopulmonary effects of ataluren, and a study comparing the use of spironolactone with eplerenone for the treatment of DMD‐related cardiomyopathy.
Increased nuclear factor I/B expression in prostate cancer correlates with AR expression
Authors: Nanda Jagpreet S. , Awadallah Wisam N. , Kohrt Sarah E. , Popovics Petra , Cates Justin M. M. , Mirosevich Janni , Clark Peter E. , Giannico Giovanna A. , Grabowska Magdalena M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Most prostate cancers express androgen receptor (AR), and our previous studies have focused on identifying transcription factors that modify AR function. We have shown that nuclear factor I/B (NFIB) regulates AR activity in androgen‐dependent prostate cancer cells in vitro. However, the status of NFIB in prostate cancer was unknown.

Methods

We immunostained a tissue microarray including normal, hyperplastic, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, primary prostatic adenocarcinoma, and castration‐resistant prostate cancer tissue samples for NFIB, AR, and synaptophysin, a marker of neuroendocrine differentiation. We interrogated publically available data sets in cBioPortal to correlate NFIB expression and AR and neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPCa) activity scores. We analyzed prostate cancer cell lines for NFIB expression via Western blot analysis and used nuclear and cytoplasmic fractionation to assess where NFIB is localized. We performed co‐immunoprecipitation studies to determine if NFIB and AR interact.

Results

NFIB increased in the nucleus and cytoplasm of prostate cancer samples versus matched normal controls, independent of Gleason score. Similarly, cytoplasmic AR and synaptophysin increased in primary prostate cancer. We observed strong NFIB staining in primary small cell prostate cancer. The ratio of cytoplasmic‐to‐nuclear NFIB staining was predictive of earlier biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer, once adjusted for tumor margin status. Cytoplasmic AR was an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence. There was no statistically significant difference between NFIB and synaptophysin expression in primary and castration‐resistant prostate cancer, but cytoplasmic AR expression was increased in castration‐resistant samples. In primary prostate cancer, nuclear NFIB expression correlated with cytoplasmic NFIB and nuclear AR, while cytoplasmic NFIB correlated with synaptophysin, and nuclear and cytoplasmic AR. In castration‐resistant prostate cancer samples, NFIB expression correlated positively with an AR activity score, and negatively with the NEPCa score. In prostate cancer cell lines, NFIB exists in several isoforms. We observed NFIB predominantly in the nuclear fraction of prostate cancer cells with increased cytoplasmic expression seen in castration‐resistant cell lines. We observed an interaction between AR and NFIB through co‐immunoprecipitation experiments.

Conclusion

We have described the expression pattern of NFIB in primary and castration‐resistant prostate cancer and its positive correlation with AR. We have also demonstrated AR interacts with NFIB.
Determining the prognostic significance of IKKα in prostate cancer
Authors: Montes Melania , MacKenzie Lewis , McAllister Milly J. , Roseweir Antonia , McCall Pamela , Hatziieremia Sophia , Underwood Mark A. , Boyd Marie , Paul Andrew , Plevin Robin , MacKay Simon P. , Edwards Joanne
Published: July 2020

Background

As the survival of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains poor, and the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathways play key roles in prostate cancer (PC) progression, several studies have focused on inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway through generating inhibitory κB kinase subunit α (IKKα) small molecule inhibitors. However, the identification of prognostic markers able to discriminate which patients could benefit from IKKα inhibitors is urgently required. The present study investigated the prognostic value of IKKα, IKKα phosphorylated at serine 180 (p‐IKKα S180) and threonine 23 (p‐IKKα T23), and their relationship with the androgen receptor (AR) and Ki67 proliferation index to predict patient outcome.

Methods

A cohort of 115 patients with hormone‐naïve PC (HNPC) and CRPC specimens available were used to assess tumor cell expression of proteins within both the cytoplasm and the nucleus by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels were dichotomized (low vs high) to determine the associations between IKKα, AR, Ki67, and patients'Isurvival. In addition, an analysis was performed to assess potential IKKα associations with clinicopathological and inflammatory features, and potential IKKα correlations with other cancer pathways essential for CRPC growth.

Results

High levels of cytoplasmic IKKα were associated with a higher cancer‐specific survival in HNPC patients with low AR expression (hazards ratio [HR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] log‐rank, 0.11‐0.98; P = .04). Furthermore, nuclear IKKα (HR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.27‐5.33; P = .01) and cytoplasmic p‐IKKα S180 (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.17‐3.76; P = .01) were associated with a lower time to death from recurrence in patients with CRPC. In addition, high IKKα expression was associated with high levels of T‐cells (CD3+ P = .01 and CD8+ P = .03) in HNPC; however, under castration conditions, high IKKα expression was associated with high levels of CD68+ macrophages (P = .04), higher Gleason score (P = .01) and more prostate‐specific antigen concentration (P = .03). Finally, we identified crosstalk between IKKα and members of the canonical NF‐κB pathway in the nucleus of HNPC. Otherwise, IKKα phosphorylated by noncanonical NF‐κB and Akt pathways correlated with members of the canonical NF‐κB pathway in CRPC.

Conclusion

The present study reports that patients with CRPC expressing high levels of nuclear IKKα or cytoplasmic p‐IKKα S180, which associated with a lower time to death from recurrence, may benefit from IKKα inhibitors.
Dielectric/Semiconductor Interfacial p‐Doping: A New Technique to Fabricate Solution‐Processed High‐Performance 1 V Ambipolar Oxide Transistors
Authors: Chourasia Nitesh K. , Sharma Anand , Pal Nila , Biring Sajal , Pal Bhola N.
Published: July 2020

Herein, dielectric/semiconductor interfacial p‐doping is used to develop a high‐carrier‐mobility and balanced ambipolar tin oxide (SnO2) thin‐film transistor (TFT). To introduce this interfacial doping, TFTs are fabricated by using two different ion‐conducting oxide dielectrics containing trivalent atoms. These ion‐conducting dielectrics are LiInO2 and LiGaO2 containing a mobile Li+ ion that reduces the operating voltage of these TFTs to ≤2.0 V. During SnO2 thin film deposition, the interfacial SnO2 layer is p‐doped by an In or Ga atom of the gate dielectric and therefore, hole conduction is facilitated in the channel of the TFT. To realize this interfacial doping phenomenon, a reference TFT is fabricated with a Li2ZnO2 dielectric that contains a divalent zinc atom. Comparative electrical data indicate that TFTs with LiInO2 and LiGaO2 dielectrics are ambipolar in nature, whereas the TFT with a Li2ZnO2 dielectric is a unipolar n‐channel transistor, corroborating the interfacial doping of SnO2. Most interestingly, using a LiInO2 dielectric, a 1.0 V balanced ambipolar TFT with high electron and hole mobility values of 7 and 8 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively, can be fabricated, with an on/off ratio > 102 for both operations. The TFT with a LiInO2 dielectric is utilized successfully to fabricate a low‐voltage complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) inverter.
Ag‐Nanoparticles‐Decorated Ge‐Nanowhisker Grafted on Carbon Fiber Cloth as Flexible and Effective SERS Substrates
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhu Chuhong , Pan Qijun , Meng Guowen , Lei Yong
Published: July 2020

Three‐dimensional (3D) flexible surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates of silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) decorated Germanium nanowhiskers (Ge‐NWHKs) grafted on carbon fiber cloth (CFC) (denoted as Ag‐NPs@Ge‐NWHKs@CFC) are constructed via chemical vapor deposition growth of high‐density Ge‐NWHKs on CFC and then assembly of Ag‐NPs on the Ge‐NWHKs by galvanic displacement. Ordered 3D framework of Ge‐NWHKs grafted flexible CFC impels the formation of large amounts of Ag‐NPs with homogenous distribution via spontaneous reduction of Ag+ ions. Thus, the Ag‐NPs@Ge‐NWHKs@CFC SERS substrates present ultra‐high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and high flexibility. This SERS sensor has achieved a detection limit of 1 pM for Rhodamine 6G and 0.1 nM for thiram respectively. The as‐fabricated SERS substrates show promising potential for applications in rapid detection of trace organic pollutants in the aquatic environment.
An Improved First‐Generation Synthesis of ent‐Oxycodone
Authors: Endoma‐Arias Mary Ann A. , Makarova Mariia , Dela Paz Helen E. , Hudlicky Tomas
Published: July 2020

An improvement in the stereoselective total synthesis of unnatural (+)‐oxycodone from phenethyl acetate is described. The total step count was reduced by conducting some chemical transformations in “one‐pot” and a change in the sequence of chemical operations was implemented, in comparison with the previously published first‐generation synthesis. The synthesis of (+)‐oxycodone was completed in a total of 12 operations (17 steps) and an overall yield of 1.6%, in comparison to our previous synthesis (13 operations, 19 steps, 1.5% yield) Experimental and spectral data are provided for all new compounds.
Fabrication of Fe3O4/O‐Carboxylmethyl Chitosan Magnetic Particle Assembles in Inverse Miniemulsions for Loading and Release of Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Gao Feng , Qi Qi , Liang Xiaoqin , Wen Lixin , Shang Yi , Mi Yifang , Ziener Ulrich , Cao Zhihai
Published: July 2020

Fe3O4/O‐carboxylmethyl chitosan (OCMC) magnetic particle assembles (MPAs) with high magnetite loading and superparamagnetism were controllably prepared through Schiff base crosslinking reaction of OCMC‐stabilized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (OCMC‐Fe3O4 MNPs) in the dispersed phase of inverse miniemulsions. The Fe3O4/OCMC MPAs were composed of many tiny Fe3O4 MNPs, and they did not only inherit the good superparamagnetism of OCMC‐Fe3O4 MNPs, but also displayed high collective magnetic response to an external magnetic field. The crosslinked network of OCMC offered a good structural integrity of the Fe3O4/OCMC MPAs either in inverse emulsions or in aqueous dispersions within a wide pH range. The Fe3O4/OCMC MPAs displayed a reversible pH‐dependent loading and release behavior of a model protein, bovine serum albumin, exhibiting a great potential in functioning as nanocarriers for loading and release of biomacromolecules.
Histidine‐Naphthalimide based Organic‐Inorganic Nanohybrid for Electrochemical Detection of Cyanide and Iodide ions
Authors: Chaudhary Monika , Verma Meenakshi , Jena Kailash C. , Singh Narinder
Published: July 2020

Histidine‐naphthalimide based receptors were prepared with variation of the side chain amine having morpholine and 1,1‐dimethylethylenediamine. The prepared organic compounds were then employed as a framework for the fabrication of organic‐inorganic nanohybrid assembly with the aim of detection of environmentally essential anions in the aqueous medium. The size and morphology of the nanohybrid particles were confirmed with TEM and DLS analysis. Hybrid nanoparticles of morpholine naphthalimide show selective and sensitive response with cyanide ion. Subsequently, the hybrid nanoparticles of 1,1‐dimethylethylenediamine naphthalimide display visible difference with iodide ions and the response was electrochemically detected. Both the hybrid nanoparticles were utilized for the selective and sensitive detection of CN− and I− ions; with quite low detection limits.
A Projection Rule for Complex‐Valued Associative Memory with Partial Connections
Authors: Tsuji Masayuki , Isokawa Teijiro , Kobayashi Masaki , Matsui Nobuyuki , Kamiura Naotake
Published: July 2020

Projection rule is a powerful learning scheme for embedding patterns onto Hopfield‐type associative memories, but this cannot be used for non‐fully connected networks, such as bidirectional associative memory. This paper presents a novel type of Projection rule that can embed patterns onto partially connected networks. The applicability and performances of the proposed Projection rule are evaluated through numerical experiments. From experimental results, it is confirmed that the proposed scheme actually works on partially connected networks, though the embedding capability is not high with compared to the one in fully connected networks. It is also shown that gray‐scaled images can be embedded and retrieved in the networks. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Reactive oxygen species regulate miR‐17‐5p expression via DNA methylation in paraquat‐induced nerve cell damage
Authors: Zhan Yanting , Guo Zhenkun , Zheng Fuli , Zhang Zhipeng , Li Ke , Wang Qingqing , Wang Lijin , Cai Zhipeng , Chen Nengzhou , Wu Siying , Li Huangyuan
Published: July 2020

There is emerging evidence suggesting that oxidative stress and DNA methylation can alter miRNA expression. However, little is known on the mechanism of miR‐17‐5p expression changes in paraquat (PQ)‐induced nerve cell damage. In the present study, neuro‐2a cells were pretreated with antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) or DNA methylation inhibitor decitabine (DAC), then exposed to different concentrations of PQ, while the expression levels of miR‐17‐5p were detected by qRT‐PCR. Here, it is showed that PQ downregulated the expression of miR‐17‐5p dose‐dependently in neuro‐2a cells. The DNA methylation level was upregulated after PQ exposure, while downregulated with the pretreatment of NAC in the above content, detected by 5‐mC immunofluorescence technique. The interaction effect of NAC and PQ in alternating DNA methylation level was further confirmed by flow cytometry. NAC and DAC individually had an interaction effect in PQ‐induced nerve cell damage. After using NAC, PQ‐induced ROS elevation and DNA methylation are reduced, thereby preventing the proapoptotic effect of miR‐17‐5p. Above all, PQ can induce DNA methylation variations through ROS production, leading to the downregulation of miR‐17‐5p expression in PQ‐induced nerve cell damage.
First‐principles dynamics of photoexcited molecules and materials towards a quantum description
Authors: You Peiwei , Chen Daqiang , Lian Chao , Zhang Cui , Meng Sheng
Published: July 2020

The past decades have witnessed the success of ground‐state density functional theory capturing static electronic properties of various materials. However, for time dependent processes especially those involving excited states, real‐time time‐dependent density functional theory (rt‐TDDFT) and advanced nonadiabatic algorithms are essential, especially for practical simulations of molecules and materials under the occurrence of ultrafast laser field. Here we summarize the recent progresses in developing rt‐TDDFT approaches within numerical atomic orbitals and planewave formalisms, as well as the efforts combining rt‐TDDFT and ring polymer molecular dynamics to take into account nuclear quantum effects in quantum electronic‐nuclear dynamic simulations. Typical applications of first‐principles dynamics of excited electronic states including high harmonic generation, charge density wave, photocatalytic water splitting, as well as quantum nuclear motions in ozone and graphene, are presented to demonstrate the features and advantages of these methods. The progresses in method developments and practical applications provide unprecedented insights into nonadiabatic dynamics of excited states in the Ehrenfest scheme and beyond, towards a comprehensive understanding of excited electronic structure, electron–phonon interactions, photoinduced charge transfer and chemical reactions, as well as quantum nuclear motions in excited states.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte‐Carlo Methods
Biogas production by co‐digestion of municipal wastewater and food waste: Performance in semi‐continuous and continuous operation
Authors: Ounsaneha Weerawat , Rattanapan Cheerawit , Suksaroj Thunwadee Tachapattaworakul , Kantachote Duangporn , Klawech Wichuda , Rakkamon Tanawat
Published: July 2020

Municipal wastewater has recently attracted interest in relation to anaerobic wastewater treatments. Biogas production with co‐digestion of mixed substrates has been proposed and has many potential benefits for municipal wastewater. The aim of this research was to assess the performance of biogas production during co‐digestion of municipal wastewater and food waste under semi‐continuous and continuous operation with various hydraulic retention times (HRTs). A laboratory‐scale continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) at room temperature operation (27–32°C) was employed in this research. The highest methane yields of 167.41 ± 66.52, 194.35 ± 85.44, and 214.81 ± 85.44 ml/g‐Vs were found in semi‐continuous mode, respectively, at 30, 10, and 10 days of HRTs with a 10:90 ratio of municipal wastewater to food waste (based on TS). Result finding of optimum condition (10 days of HRTs) presented a methane yield of 485.58 ± 82.35 ml/g with continuous operation. Hence, food waste has practical implications for use as a co‐substrate with the optimization condition of HRT and operation mode for biogas production from municipal wastewater.

Practitioner points

Food waste has good potential for use as a co‐substrate for biogas production from municipal wastewater.

HRT reduction from 30 to 10 days in semi‐continuous, biogas production from municipal wastewater and food waste increased by 59%.

Co‐digestion of municipal wastewater and food waste with continuous mode and 10 days of HRT was the effective biogas production.
Phase transitions of neutral planar hairy AdS black holes
Authors: Anabalon Andres , Astefanesei Dumitru , Choque David , Edelstein Jose D.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We investigate the phase diagram of a general class of 4-dimensional exact regular hairy planar black holes. For some particular values of the parameters in the moduli potential, these solutions can be embedded inω-deformed$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 8 gauged supergravity. We construct the hairy soliton that is the ground state of the theory and show that there exist first order phase transitions.
Elliptic blowup equations for 6d SCFTs. Part III. E-strings, M-strings and chains
Authors: Gu Jie , Haghighat Babak , Klemm Albrecht , Sun Kaiwen , Wang Xin
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We establish the elliptic blowup equations for E-strings and M-strings and solve elliptic genera and refined BPS invariants from them. Such elliptic blowup equations can be derived from a path integral interpretation. We provide toric hypersurface construction for the Calabi-Yau geometries of M-strings and those of E-strings with up to three mass parameters turned on, as well as an approach to derive the perturbative prepotential directly from the local description of the Calabi-Yau threefolds. We also demonstrate how to systematically obtain blowup equations for all rank one 5d SCFTs from E-string by blow-down operations. Finally, we present blowup equations for E–M and M string chains.
Therapieansprechen auf intraläsionale Steroidinjektionen bei granulomatöser Entzündungsreaktion nach Tätowierungen
Authors: Cussigh Christiane S. , Toberer Ferdinand , Enk Alexander , Haenssle Holger A. , Fink Christine
Published: July 2020

Tätowierungen inklusive Permanent-Make-up können diverse Komplikationen wie virale oder bakterielle Infektionen sowie allergische und entzündliche Reaktionen nach sich ziehen. Bei Letzteren weist die Histologie neben exogenem Pigment ein Entzündungsinfiltrat auf, das je nach Reaktionsmuster lymphozytär oder histiozytär-granulomatös dominiert sein kann. Nachfolgend wird über die erfolgreiche Therapie mittels intraläsionaler Triamcinolonacetonid-Injektionen bei granulomatöser Entzündungsreaktion nach Tätowierungen in 2 Fällen berichtet.
Pharmakotherapie der Alkoholentwöhnung: Update und neue Entwicklungen
Authors: Soyka Michael , Rösner Susanne
Published: July 2020

Bislang sind nur wenige Medikamente zur pharmakologischen Rückfallprophylaxe der Alkoholabhängigkeit zugelassen. Neben dem in Deutschland nicht mehr vertriebenen Disulfiram sind es die Opioidantagonisten Naltrexon und Nalmefen sowie das vermutlich über glutamaterge Neurone wirkende Acamprosat. Baclofen und γ‑Hydroxybutyrat (GHB) sind in einzelnen Ländern zugelassen. Wirkstoffe wie z. B. Vareniclin, Gabapentin und Topiramat können für die Rückfallprophylaxe der Alkoholabhängigkeit von Interesse sein, jedoch ist bislang keine Zulassung erfolgt. Vor dem Hintergrund der zur Revision anstehenden S3-Leitlinie zur Diagnose und Behandlung alkoholbezogener Störungen wird der heutige Kenntnisstand zur Pharmakotherapie der Alkoholabhängigkeit dargestellt.
Anti-thrombotic strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing PCI
Authors: Schäfer Andreas , Flierl Ulrike , Bauersachs Johann
Published: July 2020

Triple anti-thrombotic therapy combining oral anticoagulation and dual anti-platelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with atrial fibrillation was considered as standard and recommended by guidelines. While bleeding risk is considerable with that approach, data for efficacy are scare. Several trials assessed the possibility of reducing anti-thrombotic treatment by mainly shortening the exposure to acetylsalicylic acid. Dropping one of the anti-platelet components might increase the risk of stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction or stroke. Despite that fear, the recent trials’ primary endpoint was major and/or clinically-relevant non-major bleeding. We review data on major bleedings, intracranial bleedings and major adverse cardiovascular events from the published reports. We demonstrate that Non-Vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC)-based strategies compared to VKA-based triple therapies significantly reduce the risk for TIMI-major bleedings by 39% and for intracranial bleedings by 66%, while they did not increase the risk for overall ischemic or embolic events. However, recent meta-analyses indicate an increased risk for stent thrombosis with less intense anti-thrombotic therapy. While the overall incidence rate for stent thrombosis is rather low, relative increases by about 30–60% are reported, but they did not translate into adverse clinical net-benefit ratios. This review highlights that using certain NOAC regimens proven effective for stroke prevention in AF can reduce the rate of bleeding without increasing ischemic or embolic events. Furthermore, additive ASA in triple anti-thrombotic regimens should be limited to 1 month and individual weighing of ischemic versus bleeding risk during the first 30 days seems to be reasonable.
The impact of time-updated resting heart rate on cause-specific mortality in a random middle-aged male population: a lifetime follow-up
Authors: Cui Xiaotong , Mandalenakis Zacharias , Thunström Erik , Fu Michael , Svärdsudd Kurt , Hansson Per-Olof
Published: July 2020

Background

A high resting heart rate (RHR) is associated with an increase in adverse events. However, the long-term prognostic value in a general population is unclear. We aimed to investigate the impact of RHR, based on both baseline and time-updated values, on mortality in a middle-aged male cohort.

Methods

A random population sample of 852 men, all born in 1913, was followed from age 50 until age 98, with repeated examinations including RHR over a period of 48 years. The impact of baseline and time-updated RHR on cause-specific mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models and cubic spline models.

Results

A baseline RHR of ≥ 90 beats per minute (bpm) was associated with higher all-cause mortality, as compared with an RHR of 60–70 bpm (hazard ratio [HR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–2.19,P = 0.003), but not with cardiovascular (CV) mortality. A time-updated RHR of < 60 bpm (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.07–1.85,P = 0.014) and a time-updated RHR of 70–80 bpm (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02–1.75,P = 0.036) were both associated with higher CV mortality as compared with an RHR of 60–70 bpm after multivariable adjustment. Analyses using cubic spline models confirmed that the association of time-updated RHR with all-cause and CV mortality complied with a U-shaped curve with 60 bpm as a reference.

Conclusion

In this middle-aged male cohort, a time-updated RHR of 60–70 bpm was associated with the lowest CV mortality, suggesting that a time-updated RHR could be a useful long-term prognostic index in the general population.

Graphic abstract
A risk-based groundwater modeling framework in coastal aquifers: a case study on Long Island, New York, USA
Authors: Karamouz Mohammad , Mahmoodzadeh Davood , Oude Essink Gualbert H. P.
Published: July 2020

A methodology is proposed to define indices for quantifying risks under the threat of reducing in groundwater levels, the existence of saltwater intrusion (SWI), and an increasing nitrate contamination load in submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). The proposed methodology considers coastal regions under geological heterogeneity and it is tested on a groundwater system in Nassau County of Long Island, New York (USA). The numerical model is constructed with the SEAWAT code. The parameter uncertainty of this model is evaluated by coupling the Latin hypercube sampling method (as a sampling algorithm) and Monte Carlo simulation to consider the uncertainty in both hydraulic conductivity and recharge rate. The indices are presented in spatial maps that classify areas of risk to potential threats. The results show that two of the water districts have a high risk under conditions of decreasing groundwater level. Salinity occurs in the southern and southwestern parts of the Nassau County aquifer and a considerable area of high risk of SWI is identified. Furthermore, the average SGD rate with the associated fluxes of nitrate is estimated as 81.4 million m3/year (average 0.8 tons of nitrate through SGD per year), which can adversely affect the quality of life in the local coastal ecosystems. The framework developed in this study could help the water district managers to identify high-risk areas for short-term and long-term planning and is applicable to other coastal settings.
TissueGene-C promotes an anti-inflammatory micro-environment in a rat monoiodoacetate model of osteoarthritis via polarization of M2 macrophages leading to pain relief and structural improvement
Authors: Lee Hyeonyoul , Kim Heungdeok , Seo Jinwon , Choi Kyoungbaek , Lee Yunsin , Park Kiwon , Kim Sujeong , Mobasheri Ali , Choi Heonsik
Published: July 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by cartilage destruction, pain and inflammation in the joints. Existing medications can provide relief from the symptoms, but their effects on the progression of the disease are limited. TissueGene-C (TG-C) is a novel cell and gene therapy for the treatment of OA, comprising a mixture of human allogeneic chondrocytes and irradiated cells engineered to overexpress transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). This study aims to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of action of TG-C in a rat model of OA. Using the monosodium-iodoacetate (MIA) model of OA, we examined whether TG-C could improve OA symptoms and cartilage structure in rats. Our results showed that TG-C provided pain relief and cartilage structural improvement in the MIA OA model over 56 days. In parallel with these long-term effects, cytokine profiles obtained on day 4 revealed increased expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in the synovial lavage fluid. Moreover, the increased levels of TGF-β1 and IL-10 caused by TG-C induced the expression of arginase 1, a marker of M2 macrophages, and decreased the expression of CD86, a marker of M1 macrophages. These results suggest that TG-C exerts a beneficial effect on OA by inducing a M2 macrophage-dominant micro-environment. Cell therapy using TG-C may be a promising strategy for targeting the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of OA, reducing pain, improving function, and creating a pro-anabolic micro-environment. This environment supports cartilage structure regeneration and is worthy of further evaluation in future clinical trials.
From Sufficient Health to Sufficient Responsibility
Authors: Davies Ben , Savulescu Julian
Published: July 2020

The idea of using responsibility in the allocation of healthcare resources has been criticized for, among other things, too readily abandoning people who are responsible for being very badly off. One response to this problem is that while responsibility can play a role in resource allocation, it cannot do so if it will leave those who are responsible below a “sufficiency” threshold. This paper considers first whether a view can be both distinctively sufficientarian and allow responsibility to play a role even for those who will be left with very poor health. It then draws several further distinctions that may affect the application of responsibility at this level. We conclude that a more plausible version of the sufficientarian view is to allow a role for responsibility where failure to do so will leave someone else who is not responsible below the sufficiency threshold. However, we suggest that individuals must exhibit “sufficient responsibility” in order for this to apply, involving both a sufficient level of control and an avoidable failure to respond adequately to reasons for action.