bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compound simulation of fluvial floods and storm surges in a global coupled river‐coast flood model: Model development and its application to 2007 Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh
Authors: Ikeuchi Hiroaki , Hirabayashi Yukiko , Yamazaki Dai , Muis Sanne , Ward Philip J. , Winsemius Hessel C. , Verlaan Martin , Kanae Shinjiro
Published: July 2017

Water‐related disasters, such as fluvial floods and cyclonic storm surges, are a major concern in the world's mega‐delta regions. Furthermore, the simultaneous occurrence of extreme discharges from rivers and storm surges could exacerbate flood risk, compared to when they occur separately. Hence, it is of great importance to assess the compound risks of fluvial and coastal floods at a large scale, including mega‐deltas. However, most studies on compound fluvial and coastal flooding have been limited to relatively small scales, and global‐scale or large‐scale studies have not yet addressed both of them. The objectives of this study are twofold: to develop a global coupled river‐coast flood model; and to conduct a simulation of compound fluvial flooding and storm surges in Asian mega‐delta regions. A state‐of‐the‐art global river routing model was modified to represent the influence of dynamic sea surface levels on river discharges and water levels. We conducted the experiments by coupling a river model with a global tide and surge reanalysis data set. Results show that water levels in deltas and estuaries are greatly affected by the interaction between river discharge, ocean tides and storm surges. The effects of storm surges on fluvial flooding are further examined from a regional perspective, focusing on the case of Cyclone Sidr in the Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna Delta in 2007. Modeled results demonstrate that a >3 m storm surge propagated more than 200 km inland along rivers. We show that the performance of global river routing models can be improved by including sea level dynamics.
Self‐Normalized Detection of ANXA3 from Untreated Urine of Prostate Cancer Patients without Digital Rectal Examination
Authors: Jeun Minhong , Park Sungwook , Kim Yongdeok , Choi Jaewon , Song Sang Hoon , Jeong In Gab , Kim Choung‐Soo , Lee Kwan Hyi
Published: July 2017

A noninvasive quantitative assay that is capable of identifying prostate cancer biomarkers in untreated urine is an attractive diagnosis tool, but this method is subject to various obstacles. Difficulties presented by untreated urine include varying salt concentrations, and pH levels that may be different even though they are from the same patient. Untreated urine also presents interference from other biomolecules and possesses a fewer number of cancer biomarkers than can be found in serum. As a result, urine preconditioning processes and digital rectal examination (DRE) to increase biomarker secretion are mandatory in current urine assays. To address these challenges, an ion‐responsive urine sensor (IRUS) that measures differential electrical signals is proposed as a self‐normalized detection method. The proposed IRUS is based on a FET biosensor with a disposable sensing gate and has the capability to detect the prostate cancer antigen ANXA3 in untreated patient urine. The IRUS can detect ANXA3 at <1 fg mL−1 with high reliability. In addition, it is found that ANXA3 levels in urine show clinically significant correlation with real tumor volumes. This paper provides a guideline in developing a clinically ready accurate noninvasive platform, which is capable of predicting prostate cancer using untreated urine without DRE.
Regulating Surficial Catalysis Mechanism of Copper Metal by Manipulating Reactive Intermediate for Growth of Homogenous Bernal‐Stacked Bilayer Graphene
Authors: Yang Qian , Hu Baoshan , Jin Yan , Luo Zhengtang , Besenbacher Flemming , Fang Liang , Dong Lichun , Dong Mingdong
Published: July 2017

Large scale and homogenous bernal‐stacked bilayer (AB‐stacked) graphene is a promising 2D functional material due to its distinct electronic properties. As motivated by some evidence, the continuous carbon radicals (e.g., ·CH3) can greatly contribute to the nucleation and growth of second layer graphene film; thus, overcoming the self‐limited catalysis regime of metallic Cu surface by conventional chemical vapor deposition. Herein, a two‐step reaction system is designed to facilitate more continuously supplying reactive intermediate for the second layer growth of graphene. With this strategy, monolayer and AB‐stacked bilayer graphene films can be controllably grown by simply tuning the confined amount of predeposited amorphous carbon (α‐C) under atmospheric pressure rather than low pressure or vacuum. This approach opens a straightforward way to grow 2D materials by managing the surficially catalytic kinetics in the two separated reaction units.
Stöchiometrische und katalytische C‐C‐ und C‐H‐Bindungsbildung mit B(C6F5)3 über kationische Zwischenstufen
Authors: Soltani Yashar , Wilkins Lewis C. , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: July 2017

Diese Arbeit beschreibt eine neuartige katalytische Cyclisierung unter Verwendung eines stark Lewis‐sauren Borans mit einhergehender C‐H‐ oder C‐C‐Bindungsbildung. Die Aktivierung von Molekülen mit C‐C‐Dreifachbindungen unter Verwendung von B(C6F5)3 ermöglicht erstmals eine entsprechende Lewis‐Säure‐katalysierte, intramolekulare Cyclisierung von Carbonsäuren. Darüber hinaus zeigen die Ester dieser Carbonsäuren mit katalytischen Mengen B(C6F5)3 eine formale 1,5‐Migration der Estergruppen unter Knüpfung einer C‐C‐Bindung. Unter Verwendung dieser neuen metallfreien Methode konnten anspruchsvolle Dihydropyrone und Isocumarine in hohen Ausbeuten unter milden Bedingungen sowie mit hoher Atomökonomie synthetisiert werden.
A Bulky m‐Terphenyl Cyclopentadienyl Ligand and Its Alkali‐Metal Complexes
Authors: Veinot Alex J. , Todd Angela D. K. , Masuda Jason D.
Published: July 2017

The synthesis of the new m‐terphenyl‐substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand precursor 1‐cyclopentadiene‐2,6‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)benzene (TerMesCpH) is described. The synthesis proceeds through the reaction of TerMesLi with cobaltocenium iodide, followed by oxidation of the intermediate cobalt(I) species to give the corresponding cyclopentadiene as a mixture of isomers. The preparation and spectroscopic properties of the alkali‐metal salts (Li–Cs) is described, as well as structural information obtained by X‐ray diffraction studies for the lithium, potassium, and cesium analogues. Crystallographic data demonstrate the ability of these new ligands to act as monoanionic chelates by forming metal complexes with Cp–M–Ar bonding environments.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Reductive Arylation: Convenient Access to 3,3‐Disubstituted Oxindoles
Authors: Jang Young Jin , Larin Egor M. , Lautens Mark
Published: July 2017

A rhodium‐Josiphos(L*) catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular hydroarylation reaction is described. The reductive cyclization of o‐bromoaniline‐derived acrylamides provides convenient access to 3,3‐disubstituted oxindoles in good yields and with excellent enantioselectivity across a range of substrates. We propose that the key cyclization proceeds via a rhodium(III) intermediate. Overall, this method represents an unusual mode of reactivity for rhodium catalysis and is complementary to palladium(0)‐catalyzed α‐arylation methods.
A Second‐Coordination‐Sphere Strategy to Modulate Nickel‐ and Palladium‐Catalyzed Olefin Polymerization and Copolymerization
Authors: Li Min , Wang Xingbao , Luo Yi , Chen Changle
Published: July 2017

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed copolymerization reactions of olefins with polar‐functionalized comonomers are highly important and also highly challenging. A second‐coordination‐sphere strategy was developed to address some of the difficulties encountered in these copolymerization reactions. A series of α‐diimine ligands bearing nitrogen‐containing second coordination spheres were prepared and characterized. The properties of the corresponding nickel and palladium catalysts in ethylene polymerizations and copolymerizations were investigated. In the nickel system, significant reduction in polymer branching density was observed, while lower polymer branching densities, as well as a wider range of polar monomer substrates, were achieved in the palladium system. Control experiments and computational results reveal the critical role of the metal−nitrogen interaction in these polymerization and copolymerization reactions.
Geoarchaeological evaluation of ground penetrating radar and magnetometry surveys at the Iron Age burial mound Rom in Norway
Authors: Schneidhofer Petra , Nau Erich , Leigh McGraw Jessica , Tonning Christer , Draganits Erich , Gustavsen Lars , Trinks Immo , Filzwieser Roland , Aldrian Lisa , Gansum Terje , Bill Jan , Neubauer Wolfgang , Paasche Knut
Published: July 2017

Following magnetometry and ground penetrating radar surveys, a geoarchaeological field evaluation was carried out at the Iron Age burial mound of Rom in Slagendalen, Vestfold County, Norway, in order to assess the accuracy of the geophysical data interpretation and to investigate specific questions that have arisen during data interpretation. The evaluation was conducted within the framework of an archaeological excavation campaign in 2013, which enabled direct access to the subsurface materials. The archaeological stratification was recorded by laser scanning using a three‐dimensional (3D) single‐surface approach, permitting a virtual reconstruction of the excavated part of the mound and facilitating the comparison between excavation and prospection data. Selected sediment sequences were targeted with in situ and laboratory‐based measurements for correlation purposes, including magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity and water content measurements. Here we present the methodological approach and the results of the geophysical prospection surveys, followed by a geoarchaeological evaluation and a discussion of the impact on the overall archaeological investigation.
Effects of Solids Concentration and Underflow Diameter on the Performance of a Newly Designed Hydrocyclone
Authors: Gonçalves Suélen M. , Barrozo Marcos A. S. , Vieira Luiz G. M.
Published: July 2017

Solid‐liquid and liquid‐liquid separations in a hydrocyclone are versatile and require low maintenance costs. The demand for process improvement and cost reduction has motivated numerous optimization studies. The performance of a newly designed hydrocyclone is evaluated. The proposed device was obtained by application of differential evolution techniques and is called optimized thickening hydrocyclone (OTH). The OTH provides promising results, leading simultaneously to low Euler numbers and high solids concentrations of the underflow streams. Compared to the conventional Rietema hydrocyclone, it shows higher efficiency and better thickening power. The effects of solids concentration and underflow diameter on the performance of the OTH are quantified and a design equation for this device is proposed.
The EIS‐based Kohonen neural network for high strength steel coating degradation assessment
Authors: Ran Junshuang , Xu Yuanming , Tong Yan
Published: July 2017

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method is used for a long‐term and in‐depth study on the failure analysis of polymer coatings. With the assistance of neural networks, a deeper insight into the changing states of corrosion during certain exposure circumstances has been investigated by applying specific Kohonen intelligent learning networks. The Kohonen artificial network has been trained by using 4 sets of samples from sample 1# to sample 4# with unsupervised competitive learning methods. Each sample includes up to 14 cycles of EIS data. The trained network has been tested using sample 0# impedance data at 0.1 Hz. All the sample data were collected during exposure to accelerated corrosion environments, and it took the changing rate of impedance of each cycle as an input training sample. Compared with traditional classification, Kohonen artificial network method classifies corrosion process into 5 subprocesses, which is refinement of 3 typical corrosion processes. The 2 newly defined subprocesses of corrosion, namely, premiddle stage and postmiddle stage were introduced. The EIS data and macro‐morphology for both subprocesses were analyzed through accelerated experiments that considered general atmospheric environmental factors such as UV radiation, thermal shock, and salt fog. The classification results of Kohonen artificial network are highly consistent with the predictions based on impedance magnitude at low frequency, which illustrates that the Kohonen network classification is an effective method to predict the failure cycles of polymer coatings.
18F‐Labeling of Sensitive Biomolecules for Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Krishnan Hema S. , Ma Longle , Vasdev Neil , Liang Steven H.
Published: July 2017

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging study of fluorine‐18 labeled biomolecules is an emerging and rapidly growing area for preclinical and clinical research. The present review focuses on recent advances in radiochemical methods for incorporating fluorine‐18 into biomolecules via “direct” or “indirect” bioconjugation. Recently developed prosthetic groups and pre‐targeting strategies, as well as representative examples in 18F‐labeling of biomolecules in PET imaging research studies are highlighted.
Determination of the Absolute Configuration of (−)‐Hydroxynitrilaphos and Related Biosynthetic Questions
Authors: Pallitsch Katharina , Happl Barbara , Stieger Christian
Published: July 2017

The ongoing search for bioactive natural products has led to the development of new genome‐based screening approaches to identify possible phosphonate producing microorganisms. From the identified phosphonate producers, several until now unknown phosphonic acid natural products were isolated, including (hydroxy)nitrilaphos (4 and 5) and (hydroxy)phosphonocystoximate (7 and 6). We present the synthesis of phosphonocystoximate via an aldoxime intermediate. Chlorination and coupling with methyl N‐acetylcysteinate furnished 6 after global deprotection. The obtained experimental data confirm the previously assigned structure of the natural product. We were also able to determine the absolute configuration of (−)‐hydroxynitrilaphos. Chiral resolution of diethyl cyanohydroxymethylphosphonate (24) with Noe's lactol furnished both enantiomers of 4. Conversion of (+)‐24 to (R)‐2‐amino‐1‐hydroxyethylphosphonic acid by reduction of the cyano‐group showed (−)‐hydroxynitrilaphos ultimately to be S‐configured. Further, we present a 13C‐isotope labeling strategy for 4 and 5 that will possibly solve the question of whether hydroxynitrilaphos is a biosynthetic intermediate or a downstream product of hydroxyphosphonocystoximate biosynthesis.
A Combined 1H/6Li NMR DOSY Strategy Finally Uncovers the Structure of Isopropyllithium in THF
Authors: Barozzino‐Consiglio Gabriella , Hamdoun Ghanem , Fressigné Catherine , Harrison‐Marchand Anne , Maddaluno Jacques , Oulyadi Hassan
Published: July 2017

Despite its common use in synthesis, the structure of isopropylliyhium in THF has never been determined, a dimer being generally proposed but not supported. This paper fills this data gap through a sophisticated NMR study that shows that, in THF at low‐temperature, isopropyllithium is in the form of a 1:2 mixture of a trisolvated monomer and a disolvated dimer in equilibrium. The presence of the monomer, never evoked before, together with a hypo‐solvation of the dimer hinted by DFT calculations, provides a rational explanation to the remarkable reactivity of this organolithium reagent in ethereal solvents.
MnCl2‐Catalyzed C−H Alkylations with Alkyl Halides
Authors: Liu Weiping , Cera Gianpiero , Oliveira João C. A. , Shen Zhigao , Ackermann Lutz
Published: July 2017

C−H alkylations with challenging β‐hydrogen‐containing alkyl halides were accomplished with sustainable MnCl2 as the catalyst under phosphine‐ligand‐free conditions. The proximity‐induced benzamide C−H activation occurred with ample substrate scope through rate‐determining C−H metalation, also setting the stage for manganese‐catalyzed oxidative C−H methylations.
Assessment of Density Functionals for Computing Thermodynamic Properties of Lanthanide Complexes
Authors: Jaoul Arnaud , Nocton Grégory , Clavaguéra Carine
Published: July 2017

The equilibrium between the radical phenanthroline complex Cp*2Sm(phen) and the coupling product (Cp*2Sm(phen))2has been investigated based on quantum chemistry calculations. Topological analyses pointed out that the C−C bond created has a partial covalent character, explaining why both the monomeric and the dimeric forms exist in equilibrium. A large variety of density functionals have been tested to reproduce experimental thermodynamic data for this equilibrium. Finally, the PBE0‐D3 and M06‐2X functionals lead to a good evaluation of the energies and enable a correct description of the ligand to metal charge transfer, both in the 4f and 5d metal orbitals.
Novel chemiluminescent Western blot blocking and antibody incubation solution for enhanced antibody‐antigen interaction and increased specificity
Authors: Schwartz Kimberly , Bochkariov Dmitry
Published: July 2017

Western blotting is a ubiquitous tool used in protein and molecular biology research, providing information about the presence, size, relative abundance, and state of a protein in a mixture. First, the proteins in a sample are separated by size using SDS‐PAGE then transferred onto a membrane for detection with a set of primary and secondary antibodies. High‐quality Western data requires high signal‐to‐noise ratios, which depend upon reduction of nonspecific antibody interactions. Blocking is a critical step in the Western blot method as it prevents the antibodies from binding nonspecifically to the membrane and irrelevant proteins. A solution of nonfat dry milk (NFDM) in physiological buffer is commonly used for this purpose, but does not perform well with every type of antibody and is not optimal for low‐abundance proteins. We present a novel blocking solution for chemiluminescent Western blots, AdvanBlock™‐chemi, which outperforms NFDM in experiments with 20 unique antibodies by increasing signal‐to‐noise ratios and minimizing nonspecific binding. This solution enhances protein detection by Western blot and provides consistent results for detection of low abundant and modified proteins.
Using Natural Gas Price Indices
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: July 2017

In today's $3.00‐per‐million‐Btu natural gas price environment, it's difficult to envision the Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Supply Association, American Gas Association, American Public Power Association, and independent power producers complaining about natural gas indices.
It's All (Mainly) Good: FERC Shows Plentiful Gas Reserves, Low Prices
Authors:   FERC Staff
Published: July 2017

Overall in 2016 there were record‐low natural gas prices and near‐record‐low electricity prices. Although natural gas production fell for the first time since 2005, flat demand due to above‐average winter temperatures at the start of the year and high natural gas storage inventories contributed to the low prices. The low natural gas prices further incentivized gas‐fired generation in 2016, and for the first time in history, natural gas's share of total electricity generation output overtook coal's on an annual basis.
BMP‐ and TGFβ‐signaling regulate the formation of Müller glia‐derived progenitor cells in the avian retina
Authors: Todd Levi , Palazzo Isabella , Squires Natalie , Mendonca Ninoshka , Fischer Andy J.
Published: July 2017

Müller glia‐derived progenitor cells (MGPCs) have the capability to regenerate neurons in the retinas of different vertebrate orders. The formation of MGPCs is regulated by a network of cell‐signaling pathways. The purpose of this study was to investigate how BMP/Smad1/5/8‐ and TGFβ/Smad2/3‐signaling are coordinated to influence the formation of MGPCs in the chick model system. We find that pSmad1/5/8 is selectively up‐regulated in the nuclei of Müller glia following treatment with BMP4, FGF2, or NMDA‐induced damage, and this up‐regulation is blocked by a dorsomorphin analogue DMH1. By comparison, Smad2/3 is found in the nuclei of Müller glia in untreated retinas, and becomes localized to the cytoplasm following NMDA‐ or FGF2‐treatment. These findings suggest a decrease in TGFβ‐ and increase in BMP‐signaling when MGPCs are known to form. In both NMDA‐damaged and FGF2‐treated retinas, inhibition of BMP‐signaling suppressed the proliferation of MGPCs, whereas inhibition of TGFβ‐signaling stimulated the proliferation of MGPCs. Consistent with these findings, TGFβ2 suppressed the formation of MGPCs in NMDA‐damaged retinas. Our findings indicate that BMP/TGFβ/Smad‐signaling is recruited into the network of signaling pathways that controls the formation of proliferating MGPCs. We conclude that signaling through BMP4/Smad1/5/8 promotes the formation of MGPCs, whereas signaling through TGFβ/Smad2/3 suppresses the formation of MGPCs.
Increased ethanol‐inducible cytochrome P450‐2E1 and cytochrome P450 isoforms in exosomes of alcohol‐exposed rodents and patients with alcoholism through oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Cho Young‐Eun , Mezey Esteban , Hardwick James P. , Salem Norman , Clemens Dahn L. , Song Byoung‐Joon
Published: July 2017

This study investigated the role of ethanol‐inducible cytochrome P450‐2E1 (CYP2E1) in enhancing CYP2E1 and other P450 proteins in extracellular vesicles (EVs) from alcohol‐exposed rodents and human patients with alcoholism and their effects on oxidative hepatocyte injury. Female Fischer rats and wild‐type or Cyp2e1‐null mice were exposed to three oral doses of binge ethanol or dextrose control at 12‐hour intervals. Plasma EV and hepatic proteins from alcohol‐exposed rodents, patients with alcoholism, and their respective controls were isolated and characterized. The number of EVs and the amounts of EV CYP2E1, CYP2A, CYP1A1/2, and CYP4B proteins were markedly elevated in both patients with alcoholism and alcohol‐exposed rats and mice. The number of EVs and EV P450 proteins were significantly reduced in ethanol‐exposed rats fed a diet containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. The increased number of EVs and EV CYP2E1 and other P450 isoforms in alcohol‐exposed wild types were significantly reduced in the corresponding Cyp2e1‐null mice. EV CYP2E1 amounts depended on increased oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress because their levels were decreased by cotreatment with the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine or the CYP2E1 inhibitor chlormethiazole but increased by ER stress‐inducer thapsigargin, which was blocked by 4‐phenylbutyric acid. Furthermore, cell death rates were elevated when primary hepatocytes or human hepatoma cells were exposed to EVs from alcohol‐exposed rodents and patients with alcoholism, demonstrating that EVs from alcohol‐exposed rats and patients with alcoholism are functional and can promote cell death by activating the apoptosis signaling pathway, including phospho‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, proapoptotic Bax, and activated caspase‐3. Conclusion: CYP2E1 has an important role in elevating EV CYP2E1 and other P450 isoforms through increased oxidative and ER stress. Elevated EV‐CYP2E1 detected after withdrawal from alcohol or exposure to the CYP2E1 inducer pyrazole can be a potential biomarker for liver injury. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:675–690)
Results of implementation of a hospital‐based strategy to reduce cesarean delivery among low‐risk women in Canada
Authors: Shoemaker Esther S. , Bourgeault Ivy L. , Cameron Carol , Graham Ian D. , Hutton Eileen K.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To assess the cesarean delivery (CD) rate among low‐risk pregnancies before and after implementation of a hospital‐based program in Canada.

Methods

A prospective before‐and‐after study was conducted to assess the effects of the CARE (CAesarean REduction) strategy, which was developed and implemented at Markham Stouffville Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada, in 2010 to reduce CD among low‐risk women. Hospital records were reviewed to identify changes in the proportions of CD performed during 12 months (April 2009–March 2010) before implementation of the CARE strategy versus 12 months after implementation (April 2012–March 2013) at Markham Stouffville Hospital and 36 hospitals of the same level in the same province.

Results

At the intervention hospital, 30.3% (964/3181) of women underwent CD in 2009–2010, compared with 26.4% (803/3045) in 2012–2013 (difference −3.9%, P<0.001). By contrast, no significant difference was recorded in control hospitals (28.1% [23 694/84 361] vs 28.2% [23 683/83 895]; difference 0.1%, P=0.5157).

Conclusion

Implementation of the CARE strategy reduced rates of CD among the target population.
Targeted therapies in pancreatic cancer: Promises and failures
Authors: Barati Bagherabad Matineh , Afzaljavan Fahimeh , ShahidSales Soodabeh , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Avan Amir
Published: July 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an incidence rate nearly equal to its mortality rate. The poor prognosis of the disease can be explained by the absence of effective biomarkers for screening and early detection, together with the aggressive behavior and resistance to the currently available chemotherapy. The therapeutic failure can also be attributed to the inter‐/intratumor genetic heterogeneity and the abundance of tumor stroma that occupies the majority of the tumor mass. Gemcitabine is used in the treatment of PDAC; however, the response rate is less than 12%. A recent phase III trial revealed that the combination of oxaliplatin, irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin could be an option for the treatment of metastatic PDAC patients with good performance status, although these approaches can result in high toxicity level. Further investigations are required to develop innovative anticancer agents that either improve gemcitabine activity, within novel combinatorial approaches or acts with a better efficacy than gemcitabine. The aim of the current review is to give an overview of preclinical and clinical studies targeting key dysregulated signaling pathways in PDAC.
Identification of sequence polymorphisms in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase genes as risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Hongfang , Xu Jinsheng , Li Demao , Zhang Shenglei , Guo Zhanjun
Published: July 2017

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) accumulated in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is susceptible to the tumor formation. We discovered previously that SNPs in the mitochondrial displacement loop (D‐loop) was associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The cytochrome c oxidase (COX) genes of mtDNA were sequenced between 107 HCC patients and 100 matched healthy controls. The χ2 test was used to analyze single SNPs’ statistical difference between HCC patients and healthy controls.

Results

In this study, cancer risk‐associated SNPs in the COX genes of mtDNA coding region were assessed in HCC patients and health controls. The nucleotide position at site 9545A/G (P=.036) was identified its association for HCC with the 9545G allele susceptible to cancer risk.

Conclusions

The SNPs in the COX genes may help us to evaluate the cancer risk of HCC.
Maresin 1 inhibits TNF‐alpha‐induced lipolysis and autophagy in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Laiglesia Laura M , Lorente‐Cebrián Silvia , López‐Yoldi Miguel , Lanas Raquel , Sáinz Neira , Martínez Jose Alfredo , Moreno‐Aliaga Maria J.
Published: July 2017

Obesity is associated with high levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), which promotes inflammation in adipose tissue. The omega‐3 PUFAs, and their derived lipid mediators, such as Maresin 1 (MaR1) have anti‐inflammatory effects on adipose tissue. This study aimed to analyze if MaR1 may counteract alterations induced by TNF‐α on lipolysis and autophagy in mature 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Our data revealed that MaR1 (1–100 nM) inhibited the TNF‐α‐induced glycerol release after 48 hr, which may be related to MaR1 ability of preventing the decrease in lipid droplet‐coating protein perilipin and G0/G1 Switch 2 protein expression. MaR1 also reversed the decrease in total hormone sensitive lipase (total HSL), and the ratio of phosphoHSL at Ser‐565/total HSL, while preventing the increased ratio of phosphoHSL at Ser‐660/total HSL and phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 induced by TNF‐α. Moreover, MaR1 counteracted the cytokine‐induced decrease of p62 protein, a key autophagy indicator, and also prevented the induction of LC3II/LC3I, an important autophagosome formation marker. Current data suggest that MaR1 may ameliorate TNF‐α‐induced alterations on lipolysis and autophagy in adipocytes. This may also contribute to the beneficial actions of MaR1 on adipose tissue and insulin sensitivity in obesity.
Qualitative Research Quality: A Collaborative Inquiry Across Multiple Methodological Perspectives
Authors: Walther Joachim , Sochacka Nicola W. , Benson Lisa C. , Bumbaco Amy E. , Kellam Nadia , Pawley Alice L. , Phillips Canek M. L.
Published: July 2017

Background

The field of engineering education research is adopting an increasingly diverse range of qualitative methods. These developments necessitate a coherent language and conceptual framework to critically engage with questions of qualitative research quality.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This article advances discussions of qualitative research quality through sharing and analyzing a methodologically diverse, practice‐based exploration of research quality in the context of five engineering education research studies.

Design/Method

As a group of seven engineering education researchers, we drew on the collaborative inquiry method to systematically examine questions of qualitative research quality in our everyday research practice. We used a process‐based, theoretical framework for research quality as the anchor for these explorations.

Results

We constructed five practice explorations spanning grounded theory, interpretative phenomenological analysis, and various forms of narrative inquiry. Examining the individual contributions as a whole yielded four key insights: quality challenges require examination from multiple theoretical lenses; questions of research quality are implicitly infused in research practice; research quality extends beyond the objects, procedures, and products of research to concern the human context and local research setting; and research quality lies at the heart of introducing novices to interpretive research.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential and further need for the engineering education community to advance methodological theory through purposeful and reflective engagement in research practice across the diverse methodological approaches currently being adopted.
Odors generated from the Maillard reaction affect autonomic nervous activity and decrease blood pressure through the olfactory system
Authors: Zhou Lanxi , Ohata Motoko , Owashi Chisato , Nagai Katsuya , Yokoyama Issei , Arihara Keizo
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) of rats decreases significantly following exposure to the odor generated from the Maillard reaction of protein digests with xylose. This study identified active odorants that affect blood pressure and demonstrated the mechanism of action.

RESULTS

Among the four potent odorants that contribute most to the odor of the Maillard reaction sample, 2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3(2H)‐furanone (DMHF) and 5‐methyl‐2‐pyrazinemethanol (MPM) decreased SBP significantly. The earliest decrease in blood pressure was observed 5 min after exposure to DMHF. Application of zinc sulfate to the nasal cavity eliminated the effect. Furthermore, gastric vagal (parasympathetic) nerve activity was elevated and renal sympathetic nerve activity was lowered after exposure to DMHF.

CONCLUSION

It is indicated that DMHF affects blood pressure through the olfactory system, and the mechanism for the effect of DMHF on blood pressure involves the autonomic nervous system. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dual energy CT − a possible new method to assess regression of rectal cancers after neoadjuvant treatment
Authors: Al‐Najami Issam , Drue Henrik C. , Steele Robert , Baatrup Gunnar
Published: July 2017

Background and Objectives

The measurement of tumor regression after neoadjuvant oncological treatment has gained increasing interest because it has a prognostic value and because it may influence the method of treatment in rectal cancer. The assessment of tumor regression remains difficult and inaccurate with existing methods. Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) enables qualitative tissue differentiation by simultaneous scanning with different levels of energy. We aimed to assess the feasibility of DECT in quantifying tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy in loco‐advanced rectal cancer.

Methods

We enrolled 11 patients with histological and MRI verified loco‐advanced rectal adenocarcinoma and followed up on them prospectively. All patients had one DECT scanning before neoadjuvant treatment and one 12 weeks after using the spectral imaging scan mode. DECT analyzing tools were used to determine the average quantitative parameters; effective‐Z, water‐ and iodine‐concentration, Dual Energy Index (DEI), and Dual Energy Ratio (DER). These parameters were compared to the regression in the resection specimen as measured by the pathologist.

Results

Changes in the quantitative parameters differed significantly after treatment in comparison with pre‐treatment, and the results were different in patients with different CRT response rates.

Conclusion

DECT might be helpful in the assessment of rectal cancer regression grade after neoadjuvant treatment.
Analysis of polychlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxins and polychlorodibenzofurans in stationary source emissions in GC–MS/MS using hydrogen as the carrier gas
Authors: Benedetti Paolo , Guerriero Ettore , Mosca Silvia , Rotatori Mauro
Published: July 2017

The European and American methods for the determination of polychlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxins and polychlorodibenzofurans in stationary source emissions require a high‐resolution mass spectrometer detector. At the same time, all of the 17 toxic 2,3,7,8‐chlorine‐substituted isomers have to be separated by an appropriate chromatographic method. The resulting analysis has long runtimes and sometimes a double‐column run is needed, which results in a huge waste of time, money and manual labor. To obtain a fast and cost‐effective but still reliable analytical system, a single‐column gas chromatography with hydrogen as carrier gas and tandem mass spectrometry detection is proposed. The use of hydrogen as the carrier gas is a good choice to shorten runtimes and improve the chromatographic resolution, while tandem mass spectrometry is a well‐known alternative for this analysis. All the chromatographic and mass spectrometric parameters fill the requirements of the reference methods with a 35% reduction of runtimes. The accuracy is tested with three fly ash samples of a proficiency interlaboratory test. A good correlation between the results is obtained (R2 = 0.992, slope = 0.9675), and no coelutions are noted. The system robustness is tested during 5 years of constant use and the maximal relative standard deviation of the relative response factor is 18.8%.
What Unionization Means to Supervisors
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: July 2017

Supervisors are judged on the quantity and quality of the work their groups turn out; not their own output, but the output produced by those whose work they direct. Supervisors who have never experienced what it's like to work in a unionized plant may not be aware of all the ways having a union can adversely affect their ability to do their jobs.
Local well‐posedness and blow‐up criterion for a compressible Navier‐Stokes‐Fourier‐P1 approximate model arising in radiation hydrodynamics
Authors: Fan Jishan , Li Fucai , Nakamura Gen
Published: July 2017

We establish a local well‐posedness and a blow‐up criterion of strong solutions for the compressible Navier‐Stokes‐Fourier‐P1 approximate model arising in radiation hydrodynamics. For the local well‐posedness result, we do not need the assumption on the positivity of the initial density and it may vanish in an open subset of the domain.
The mutual effect of a carbonyl polar bond and an endocyclic oxygen on the 1JC‐F coupling constant of fluorinated six‐membered rings
Authors: Silla Josué M. , Freitas Matheus P.
Published: July 2017

The 1JC‐F coupling constant can be useful to probe the conformational landscape of organofluorine compounds and the intramolecular interactions governing the stereochemistry of these compounds. Neighboring oxygen electron lone pairs and a carbonyl group relative to a C─F bond affect this coupling constant in an opposite way, and therefore, analysis of the interactions involving these entities simultaneously indicates which effect dominates 1JC‐F. Spin–spin coupling constant calculations for a series of fluorinated tetrahydropyrans, cyclohexanones, and dihydropyran‐3‐ones indicated that an electrostatic/dipolar interaction between the C─F and C═O bonds is more important than the steric interaction between the C─F bond and the oxygen electron lone pairs. An intuitive consequence of such outcome is that this interaction not only drives the coupling constant but can also be taken into account when aiming at the stereochemical control of functionalized organofluorine compounds.
High‐resolution diffusion tensor imaging in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a preliminary follow‐up study
Authors: Guan Li , Chen Xiaolong , Hai Yong , Ma Xiaodong , He Le , Wang Guangzhi , Yuan Chun , Guo Hua
Published: July 2017

Diffusion imaging is a promising technique as it can provide microstructural tissue information and thus potentially show viable changes in spinal cord. However, the traditional single‐shot imaging method is limited as a result of various image artifacts. In order to improve measurement accuracy, we used a newly developed, multi‐shot, high‐resolution, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) method to investigate diffusion metric changes and compare them with T2‐weighted (T2W) images before and after decompressive surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). T2W imaging, single‐shot DTI and multi‐shot DTI were employed to scan seven patients with CSM before and 3 months after decompressive surgery. High signal intensities were scored using the T2 W images. DTI metrics, including fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD), were quantified and compared pre‐ and post‐surgery. In addition, the relationship between imaging metrics and neurological assessments was examined. The reproducibility of multi‐shot DTI was also assessed in 10 healthy volunteers. Post‐surgery, the mean grade of cervical canal stenosis was reduced from grade 3 to normal after 3 months. Compared with single‐shot DTI, multi‐shot DTI provided better images with lower artifact levels, especially following surgery, as a result of reduced artifacts from metal implants. The new method also showed acceptable reproducibility. Both FA and RD values from the new acquisition showed significant differences post‐surgery (FA, p = 0.026; RD, p = 0.048). These changes were consistent with neurological assessments. In contrast, T2W images did not show significant changes before and after surgery. Multi‐shot diffusion imaging showed improved image quality over single‐shot DWI, and presented superior performance in diagnosis and recovery monitoring for patients with CSM compared with T2W imaging. DTI metrics can reflect the pathological conditions of spondylotic spinal cord quantitatively and may serve as a sensitive biomarker for potential CSM management.
Model reduction from partial observations
Authors: Herzet C. , Héas P. , Drémeau A.
Published: July 2017

This paper deals with model‐order reduction of parametric partial differential equations (PPDEs). More specifically, we consider the problem of finding a good approximation subspace of the solution manifold of the PPDE when only partial information on the latter is available. We assume that 2 sources of information are available: (a) a “rough” prior knowledge taking the form of a manifold containing the target solution manifold and (b) partial linear measurements of the solutions of the PPDE (the term partial refers to the fact that observation operators cannot be inverted). We provide and study several tools to derive good approximation subspaces from these 2 sources of information. We first identify the best worst‐case performance achievable in this setup and propose simple procedures to approximate the corresponding optimal approximation subspace. We then provide, in a simplified setup, a theoretical analysis relating the achievable reduction performance to the choice of the observation operator and the prior knowledge available on the solution manifold.
Surface modification of multiwall carbon nanotubes and its effect on mechanical and through‐plane electrical resistivity of PEMFC bipolar plate nanocomposites
Authors: Athmouni Nafaa , Mighri Frej , Elkoun Saïd
Published: July 2017

In this work, we showed how the functionalization of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) by nitric acid (HNO3) and their predispersion into poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT) improved the through‐plane electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of co‐continuous morphology polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/carbon black (CB)/graphite (GR)/MWCNT nanocomposites. First, when MWCNT were functionalized with HNO3 then premixed with PBT, they showed no aggregations inside the PBT matrix due to their improved interfacial interactions and chemical compatibility with the PBT matrix. Then, when PBT/(HNO3‐functionalized MWCNT) mixture was added in small quantities to (PET/PVDF)/(CB/GR) composites, it decreased significantly their through‐plane resistivity and enhanced their impact and flexural properties. Its synergistic effect also led to the best proton exchange membrane fuel cell bipolar plate prototypes (smoother surface, without any cracks).
QM/MM calculations combined with the dimer approach on the static disorder at organic‐organic interfaces of thin‐film organic solar cells composed of small molecules
Authors: Brückner Charlotte , Stolte Matthias , Würthner Frank , Pflaum Jens , Engels Bernd
Published: July 2017

A QM/MM approach using ωB97X‐D combined with AMOEBA calculations was used to analyze the energetic disorder in the vicinity of interfaces in amorphous organic heterostructures. Distributions of ground‐, excited‐, and cationic‐state energies as well as of ionization potentials and excitation energies, all being relevant quantities for the transport properties of thin films, were calculated. As already found for bulk amorphous organic semiconductors, local densities of states at molecular interfaces possess Gaussian‐shaped profiles with a significant amount of disorder. Assuming a disorder‐limited activation of exciton and charge transport, a decrease in the amount of disorder could improve the transport properties. Relating calculated disorders to molecular parameters revealed that in line with the Bässler model, especially the molecular polarity, its change upon electronic excitation, and the molecular polarizability are relevant quantities leading to energetically largely disordered films. Moreover, because of the different mechanisms of exciton and polaron delocalization, a given morphology with disordered charge‐transport levels gives not necessarily rise to disordered exciton‐transport levels and vice versa.
Pathogen screening and prognostic factors in children with severe ARDS of pulmonary origin
Authors: Phung Thuy Thi Bich , Suzuki Tadaki , Phan Phuc Huu , Kawachi Shoji , Furuya Hiroyuki , Do Huong Thu , Kageyama Tsutomu , Ta Tuan Anh , Dao Nam Huu , Nunoi Hiroyuki , Tran Dien Minh , Le Hai Thanh , Nakajima Noriko
Published: July 2017

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the most lethal diseases encountered in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The etiological pathogens and prognostic factors of severe ARDS of pulmonary origin in children with respiratory virus infections were prospectively investigated.

Methods

Enrolled children fulfilled the following criteria: (1) PICU admission; (2) age of 1 month to 16 years; (3) diagnosis of infectious pneumonia and respiratory virus infection; and (4) development of severe ARDS within 72 h after PICU admission. Pathogens were detected in the blood and tracheal lavage fluid using molecular techniques and a conventional culture system. The serum levels of inflammatory mediators on the day of PICU admission were examined.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients (32 boys; median age, 9 months) were enrolled. Multiple virus infections, co‐infection with bacteria/fungus, and bacteremia/fungemia were observed in 60%, 49%, and 32% of children, respectively. Adenovirus‐B, measles virus, and cytomegalovirus were detected predominantly in tracheal lavage fluid. There were no statistically significant differences between non‐survivors and survivors regarding the types of pathogen, incidence of multiple virus infection, gender, age, clinical features, and treatment. The serum levels of interferon (IFN)‐γ and the IFN‐γ/interleukin (IL)‐10 ratio were higher in non‐survivors.

Conclusions

IFN‐γ upregulation as detected on the day of PICU admission was found to be one of the possible prognostic factors affecting a fatal outcome. These results suggest that modulation of inflammatory responses is critical for the clinical management of children with ARDS.
Large‐eddy simulation of vortex streets and pollutant dispersion behind high‐rise buildings
Authors: Han Beom‐Soon , Park Seung‐Bu , Baik Jong‐Jin , Park Junho , Kwak Kyung‐Hwan
Published: July 2017

Understanding turbulent flow and pollutant dispersion in urban areas is one of the important problems in urban meteorology and environmental fluid mechanics. In this study, we examine turbulent flow and pollutant dispersion in a densely built‐up area in Seoul, South Korea, using the parallelized large‐eddy simulation model (PALM). In particular, we focus on vortex streets and associated pollutant dispersion behind high‐rise buildings. The turbulence recycling method is used to produce inflow profiles. Vortices are generated near the high‐rise buildings and propagate downstream forming vortex streets behind the high‐rise buildings. To investigate characteristics of the vortex streets, spectral and correlation analyses are performed. The spectral analysis reveals that vortices have a non‐dimensional vortex shedding frequency of 0.1–0.2, and this periodicity is weakened due to the influence of other buildings. The correlation analysis shows that vortices appear frequently in regions of negative pressure perturbation. The vertical turbulent momentum fluxes induced by ejections and sweeps largely contribute to the total vertical turbulent momentum flux downstream of the high‐rise buildings. Especially, ejections in the wake region are stronger compared to other regions because ejections are induced by vortices near the top of the high‐rise buildings. It is found that pollutant dispersion is interrupted by both low‐rise and high‐rise buildings. Strong updraughts behind the high‐rise buildings transport pollutant upward and increase the mean pollutant concentration at upper levels. Vortices forming the vortex streets play a role in pollutant mixing in such a way that the vortices eject air of high pollutant concentration from the wake region behind the high‐rise buildings and entrain air of low pollutant concentration into the wake region. The mixing by vortices is verified by the correlation between vorticity and pollutant concentration.