bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(all‐E)‐ and (5Z)‐Lycopene Display Similar Biological Effects on Adipocytes
Authors: Fenni Soumia , Astier Julien , Bonnet Lauriane , Karkeni Esma , Gouranton Erwan , Mounien Lourdes , Couturier Charlene , Tourniaire Franck , Böhm Volker , Hammou Habib , Landrier Jean‐François
Published: December 2018

Scope

Although about 90% of lycopene in dietary sources occurs in the linear all‐trans conformation, a large proportion of the lycopene found in human tissues is of the cis‐isomer type, notably (5Z)‐lycopene. The biological effects of this (5Z) isomer have been under‐researched. The aim of this study is to evaluate some biological functions of (5Z)‐lycopene in adipocytes and to compare them with those of (all‐E)‐lycopene.

Methods and results

(all‐E)‐ and (5Z)‐Lycopene displayed strong similarities in global gene expression profile and biological pathways impacted. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) signaling is identified as a major actor mediating the effects of lycopene isomers. Transactivation assays confirmed the ability of both isomers to transactivate PPARγ. In addition, the TNFα‐induced proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes is reduced by both isomers via a reduction in the phosphorylation levels of p65. Finally, lycopene isomers restore the TNF‐α‐blunted uptake of glucose by adipocytes via a modulation of AKT phosphorylation.

Conclusion

These results show that lycopene isomers exert similar biological functions in adipocytes, linked to their ability to transactivate PPARγ. These findings add to our knowledge of lycopene effects in adipocyte biology and point to the possible use of lycopene in the prevention of obesity‐related disorders.
Dietary Early Glycation Products Promote the Growth of Prostate Tumors More than Advanced Glycation End‐Products through Modulation of Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Chen Yingjia , Guo Tai L.
Published: December 2018

Scope

Glycation products are ubiquitous in food at high concentrations in the Western diet. The well‐controlled glycation resulting in the production of early glycation products (EGPs) has been proposed as a strategy to improve the physicochemical properties of food proteins. However, the health effects of EGPs are unknown. It has been shown that the Western diet (glycation prone) is associated with a higher mortality in prostate cancer (PCa) patients than the prudent diet; therefore, the role of EGPs in prostate tumorigenesis is investigated.

Methods and results

C57BL/6 male mice are treated with the vehicle (water), non‐reacted samples, EGPs, and advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) by gavage. EGPs (600 mg kg−1 body weight per day) promoted the growth of subcutaneously transplanted TRAMP‐C2 PCa cells the most among these groups. Significantly, increases in the circulation monocytes and tumor‐associated M2 macrophages are observed in EGP‐treated mice, and the M2/M1 ratio is also increased in the EGP group when compared to that of water and AGEs. In the human PCa cell and macrophage co‐cultures, EGPs increase the spheroid size, and importantly, macrophages are also polarized toward M2.

Conclusions

EGPs induce the proliferation of PCa cells either directly or by assisting PCa cells to polarize macrophages toward M2.
A 167‐to‐172 GHz 65‐nm CMOS body‐voltage‐tuned harmonic‐mode voltage‐controlled oscillator
Authors: Jain Sanjeev , Zhang Nan , Belostotski Leonid
Published: December 2018

This article presents a mm‐wave harmonic‐mode varactor‐free 167‐to‐172‐GHz oscillator that features improved output power and tuning range. The parasitic capacitor of the cross‐coupled pair is adjusted for frequency tuning via the body‐bias technique, thus eliminating the need for varactors of conventional mm‐wave voltage‐controlled oscillators (VCOs). The output of the proposed VCO is at the 2nd‐harmonic and is tunable from 167 to 172 GHz, while its dc power consumption ranges between 13.5 and 21 mW, respectively. The proposed circuit was designed and implemented using TSMC 65‐nm 1P9M CMOS technology, with a total chip size of 0.22 × 0.35 mm2. The output power of the proposed VCO is −10.5 dBm at 169.8 GHz with 13.5 mW dc power consumption, and its maximum dc‐to‐RF efficiency is 0.48%.
Dual‐polarized planar lens antenna designed with a quad‐ridged frequency selective surface
Authors: Moy‐Li Hon Ching , Sánchez‐Escuderos Daniel , Antonino‐Daviu Eva , Ferrando‐Bataller Miguel
Published: December 2018

This letter presents a microwave planar lens illuminated by a radially corrugated horn antenna. The lens is formed by a set of 5×5 multilevel unit cells working as a frequency selective surface. Each layer of the unit cells is formed by a square metallic ring with two sets of orthogonal stubs. The length of each set of stubs controls the transmission phase shift for each polarization, so that the lens can be configured independently for two orthogonal polarizations. The lens presented in this letter makes use of this operation to compensate the phase profile of the radiation pattern generated by the feeder. A prototype, with the lens located at 0.59
λ from the feeder, has been fabricated. Measured results show a maximum gain above 14.44 dBi within the operating frequency band (12.55‐13.10 GHz), and a crosspolar level below −32 dB within the HPBW.
A power efficient impulse generator for 6‐9 GHz UWB applications
Authors: Jang Won Il , Choi Woon Sung , Kong Tong Ook , Park Myung Cheol , Eo Yun Seong
Published: December 2018

This article presents a VCO‐based impulse generator, in which all circuit blocks are switched for low power consumption. A switching control pulse generator is employed for adjusting the impulse duration. The drive amplifier can generate triangular‐like impulse with high amount of side‐lobe rejection without any external filter. The experimental results show that the frequency range covers 6.5‐9.3 GHz and 10‐dB bandwidth is tunable from 0.5‐2 GHz, while consuming only 39.6 pJ/pulse at 10 MHz pulse repetition frequency. The impulse generator is fabricated using a 0.13 μm CMOS process and chip size is 1.07 × 1.50 mm2 including ESD pads.
A Yagi‐Uda antenna array for conformal IoT and wireless charging applications
Authors: Raad Haider
Published: December 2018

In this article, a flexible Yagi‐Uda antenna array is presented. The array comprises 4 radiating elements and operates at 5 GHz. The design is aimed at integration within Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO)‐based Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless charging platforms that require mechanical flexibility. The array elements are positioned back to back in a cross fashion to achieve a pattern diversity utilizing the end‐fire radiation characteristics of such high gain antennas. This technique in turn reduces the mutual coupling between the array elements which is crucial to the performance of MIMO systems. Each single element is printed on a 50.8 μm Kapton Polyimide substrate and consists of a driven (fed) element and three parasitic directors. The simulated and measured scattering parameters show that the proposed array achieves a reasonable impedance bandwidth and isolation performance (S12 < −31 dB) at resonance.
Surgery for urinary incontinence in women: Report from the 6th international consultation on incontinence
Authors: Gomelsky Alex , Athanasiou Stavros , Choo Myung‐Soo , Cosson Michel , Dmochowski Roger R. , Gomes Cristiano M. , Monga Ash , Nager Charles W. , Ng Roy , Rovner Eric S. , Sand Peter , Tomoe Hikaru
Published: December 2018

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent condition worldwide and causes a tremendous impact on a woman's quality of life. While conservative and non‐surgical therapies are options for treatment, surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common. Options include colposuspension, slings (pubovaginal and midurethral), and periurethral bulking. While evidence supports each of these options in the treatment of SUI, each is associated with various rates of success and unique adverse event profiles. Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) is initially treated with behavioral modification and pharmacologic means, with surgery reserved for those with refractory symptoms or significant complications from medication use. At present, intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injections, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, and sacral neurostimulation are all viable options for refractory UUI/overactive bladder. As with surgical interventions for SUI, each of these is, likewise, associated with unique outcomes and adverse event profiles. Herein, we summarize the findings and conclusions from the 6th International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI) regarding surgical treatment of urinary incontinence in women.
Nonconforming mixed finite elements for linear elasticity on simplicial grids
Authors: Hu Jun , Ma Rui
Published: December 2018

This paper introduces a new family of nonconforming mixed finite elements for solving the linear elasticity equations on simplicial grids. Besides, this paper describes the construction of the lowest order basis functions. The construction only involves simple computations due to the new explicit stress shape function spaces and the procedure applies for high order cases. Numerical experiments for four benchmark problems in mechanics indicate the robust locking‐free behavior and show that the lowest order nonconforming mixed method leads to smaller stress errors than the first and second order standard Galerkin methods for the nearly incompressible case.
How Should Water Professionals Talk About Tap Water?
Authors: Burlingame Gary
Published: December 2018

Have you ever wondered how to help people better understand tap water's value as an essential ingredient for life?
Prepare Now for Utility Disaster Resilience
Authors: Brooks Peter
Published: December 2018

Preparing for ever‐intensifying weather events means reaching out to allied utilities, harnessing institutional knowledge, and recovering with skill after major events. Utilities can plan now for rapidly changing conditions.
An analytical approach for predicting the tensile strength of plain weave fabric composites
Authors: Wang Qian , Sun Lingyu , Yang Wu , Zhan Bowen , Yang Xudong
Published: December 2018

To predict the strength of plain weave fabric composites (PWFCs) quickly, an analytical model was developed by simplifying it as a three‐layer orthogonal laminate (0°/90°/0°). The undulation effects of fibers were taken into account based on stiffness and strength degradation theory. Moreover, less memory space is occupied due to the symmetry in ply stacking of the simplified laminate model. A PWFC was taken as an example to obtain the undetermined coefficients in the proposed analytical model. In comparison with the available experiment results the prediction accuracy of our method was checked. It demonstrates that the prediction errors for tensile strength of PWFCs are less than 10%, while the total modeling and computing time is no more than 30 s. Therefore, the proposed model is very suitable for quick conceptual design in engineering applications of PWFCs. Moreover, it is easy to extend this model to predict strength of PWFCs with other woven patterns, for example, triaxial woven composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2391–2399, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Simultaneous qualitative and quantitative evaluation of Toddalia asiatica root by using HPLC‐DAD and UPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS
Authors: Zhu Mingjuan , Wei Pinqing , Peng Qian , Qin Shengying , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Ren , Zhu Chenchen , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Coumarin and alkaloids are the major bioactive constituents of Toddalia asiatica, playing an important role in various biological activities such as anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, anti‐bacterial and anti‐tumour.

Objective

To establish a method that will simultaneously determine the coumarins and alkaloids compounds in T. asiatica and identify their characteristic fragmentation patterns, while combining fingerprints and chemical identification with chemometrics for discrimination and quality assessment of T. asiatica samples.

Methodology

Qualitative characterisation of coumarins and alkaloids compounds in the methanol extracts of T. asiatica was determined by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS). Quantitative analysis relies on high‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD).

Results

A total of 59 components were characterised by UPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS, including 29 coumarin, 25 alkaloids, one phenolic acid and four flavonoids. While the 19 characteristic components out of 23 common peaks in the chromatographic fingerprints of T. asiatica were confirmed. Quantitative analysis of seven major compounds from 18 samples were simultaneously detected by HPLC‐DAD at wavelengths of 280 nm. The samples were classified into three groups by hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) combined with principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) which screened out the main chemical markers responsible for the samples differences.

Conclusion

Fingerprints combined with chemometrics and chemical identification are a simple, rapid and effective method for the quality control of T. asiatica.
School psychologists’ interprofessional collaboration with medical providers: An initial examination of training, preparedness, and current practices
Authors: Arora Prerna G. , Levine Jamie L. , Goldstein Thalia R.
Published: December 2018

Research has pointed to the importance of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between school psychologists and medical providers in the provision of quality mental health care for youth with chronic health conditions. However, little is known about current IPC practices among school psychologists. This study examined school psychology trainees’ and professionals’ perceptions of training, preparedness, and current practices related to IPC with medical providers. Survey results indicated that participants (N = 317) endorse relatively low levels of training and preparedness and limited practice of IPC with medical providers. Additionally, results indicated that perceptions of training and preparedness were associated with current practices in IPC with medical providers. Findings demonstrated the impact of training and preparedness on subsequent engagement in IPC and have implications for the future training of school psychologists as they seek to address the needs of youth with chronic health conditions.
Field‐grown soybean transcriptome shows diurnal patterns in photosynthesis‐related processes
Authors: Locke Anna M. , Slattery Rebecca A. , Ort Donald R.
Published: December 2018

Many plant physiological processes have diurnal patterns regulated by diurnal environmental changes and circadian rhythms, but the transcriptional underpinnings of many of these cycles have not been studied in major crop species under field conditions. Here, we monitored the transcriptome of field‐grown soybean (Glycine max) during daylight hours in the middle of the growing season with RNA‐seq. The analysis revealed 21% of soybean genes were differentially expressed over the course of the day. Expression of some circadian‐related genes in field‐grown soybean differed from previously reported expression patterns measured in controlled environments. Many genes in functional groups contributing to and/or depending on photosynthesis showed differential expression, with patterns particularly evident in the chlorophyll synthesis pathway. Gene regulatory network inference also revealed seven diurnally sensitive gene nodes involved with circadian rhythm, transcription regulation, cellular processes, and water transport. This study provides a diurnal overview of the transcriptome for an economically important field‐grown crop and a basis for identifying pathways that could eventually be tailored to optimize diurnal regulation of carbon gain.
Interventions to promote adherence to endocrine therapy among breast cancer survivors: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Finitsis David J. , Vose Brittany A. , Mahalak Justin G. , Salner Andrew L.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) significantly reduces risk of breast cancer recurrence in those patients whose tumor tests hormone (estrogen and/or progesterone) receptor positive. Many who are prescribed AET do not adhere adequately. Studies have sought to examine the effects of interventions to enhance patients' AET adherence, with strikingly mixed results. In order to reconcile a disparate literature, this paper aims to (1) quantitatively review the aggregate effect of interventions designed to optimize AET adherence within the current literature and (2) meta‐analyze these effects across studies' by intervention design.

Methods

Duplicate searches were conducted using multiple electronic databases as well as hand searches of recent year conference abstracts. Studies were included that (1) tested an intervention to promote AET adherence; (2) reported at least one measure of medication adherence; and (3) reported (or provided upon request) data sufficient to calculate effect size. Effect sizes were calculated using random effects models.

Results

Seven studies representing eight unique interventions were included. We observed an overall null effect across all interventions (k = 8;d[95% CI] = 0.28 [−0.05, 0.61]); however, sensitivity analyses showed that interventions that used bi‐directional communication showed statistically significant effects relative to control groups within each study (k = 4;d[95% CI] = 0.59 [0.23, 0.95]) while those relying only on providing information to the patient (one‐way communication) did not (k = 4;d[95% CI] = −0.03 [−0.27, 0.20]).

Conclusions

Interventions that promote patient self‐report may improve AET adherence through enhancing patient engagement. Investigators and clinicians who wish to optimize medication adherence in this population can consider this approach.
Physicians' attitudes towards psycho‐oncology, perceived barriers, and psychosocial competencies: Indicators of successful implementation of adjunctive psycho‐oncological care?
Authors: Senf Bianca , Fettel Jens , Demmerle Christina , Maiwurm Paula
Published: December 2018

Objective

Clinical experience reveals a gap between recommended psychosocial care and actual support for psycho‐oncology. Physicians are essential for managing psychosocial distress and for the successful implementation of psycho‐oncology. The aim was to explore physician's attitudes towards psycho‐oncology, their self‐perceived barriers towards referral to psycho‐oncology, and their personal psychosocial competencies in a maximum‐care hospital.

Method

Semistructured interviews informed the development of a questionnaire administered to a monocentric sample of 120 physicians at the University Hospital Frankfurt. The data were exploratively analysed.

Results

One hundred two physicians completed the questionnaire. Physicians provided high ratings concerning the value of psycho‐oncology, beliefs about its efficacy, and their personal commitment to psycho‐oncology. Physicians noticed especially barriers that originated from patients themselves. They estimated their own psychosocial education and knowledge as moderate but rated their psychosocial skills and abilities as higher. Frequency of integration of psychosocial care was most strongly influenced by physicians' psychosocial competencies and their personal commitment to psycho‐oncology. Integration of psycho‐oncological issues occurs in 43% of patients.

Conclusion

Physicians are an important indicator of successful implementation. The discrepancy between the positive evaluation and actual support for psycho‐oncology may be explained by several factors, eg, the lack of support from clinic leaders. Patient‐related barriers, most often identified by physicians, seem to be an indication of actual lack of psychosocial competencies. Physicians' psychosocial competencies positively affect the implementation of psycho‐oncology. Sound knowledge of psychosocial topics may result in increased integration of psychosocial aspects into treatment. Therefore, medical training should focus more on psychosocial issues.
Nanoscale Imaging and Stabilization of Silica Nanospheres in Liquid Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Meijerink Mark J. , Spiga Cristiano , Hansen Thomas W. , Damsgaard Christian D. , de Jong Krijn P. , Zečević Jovana
Published: December 2018

Liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LP‐TEM) is a novel and highly promising technique for the in situ study of important nanoscale processes, in particular the synthesis and modification of various nanostructures in a liquid. Destabilization of the samples, including reduction, oxidation, or dissolution by interactions between electron beam, liquid, and sample, is still one of the main challenges of this technique. This work focuses on amorphous silica nanospheres and the phenomena behind their reshaping and dissolution in LP‐TEM. It is proposed that silica degradation is primarily the result of reducing radical formation in the liquid phase and the subsequent accelerated hydroxylation of the silica, while alterations in silica solid structure, pH, and oxidizing species formation had limited influence. Furthermore, the presence of water vapor instead of liquid water also results in degradation of silica. Most importantly however, it is shown that the addition of scavengers for reducing radicals significantly improved amorphous silica stability during LP‐TEM imaging. Devising such methods to overcome adverse effects in LP‐TEM is of the utmost importance for further development and implementation of this technique in studies of nanoscale processes in liquid.
3D Printed Clamps to Study the Mechanical Properties of Tendons at Low Strains
Authors: Vella Wood Michelle , Casha Aaron , Gatt Alfred , Formosa Cynthia , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Grima Joseph N. , Gatt Ruben
Published: December 2018

Various clamp designs have been proposed over the years with different degrees of complexity and actual performance vis‐à‐vis correct grip and reduced impact on the surface strains of the tendon sample. The previous studies all focused on impact on ultimate tensile strain and Young's modulus of the tendons. Here an innovative clamp design is proposed that utilizes the fairly recently available technology that is 3D printing to produce a made‐to‐measure tendon sleeve that encloses the sample ends and also enables straightforward alignment within the testing equipment. All experiments are carried out using the superficial digital flexor tendons obtained from pig hind legs. The Young's moduli for the linear region of the tendon obtained using this clamp design are very similar to those obtained using the cryo Jaw by other researchers for the same tendon. Furthermore, negative Poisson's ratios are also obtained for the toe‐region, in agreement with previous work.
The vorticity of the current density tensor and 3D‐aromaticity
Authors: Barquera‐Lozada José Enrique
Published: December 2018

The induced current density (J(r)) vector field has been extensively used as a criterion of aromaticity and electron delocalization. However, the selection of the direction of the perturbing magnetic field (B) is arbitrary and in the case of three‐dimensional electron delocalization/aromaticity the selection could be ambiguous. The J(r) has also recently received some criticism as an aromaticity index. We propose the Trace of the Vorticity of the Current Density tensor (TVCD) scalar field as a more suitable quantity for the evaluation of electron delocalization of three‐dimensional systems. It does not depend on the orientation of B and contrary to other related scalar fields like the anisotropy of the induced current density, it does not lose the information of the direction of the currents. We show that not only the currents parallel to the molecular plane are important in the evaluation of the aromaticity, as is largely believed, but also the perpendicular ones, which information is included in the TVCD. The TVCD is very useful to study planar and 3D delocalized molecules (eg, fullerenes). Moreover, the integration of the TVCD over an internal surface of the 3D‐cages serves as index for 3D‐aromaticity.
Derivatization‐free method for compound‐specific isotope analysis of nonexchangeable hydrogen of 4‐bromophenol
Authors: Kuder Tomasz , Bernstein Anat , Gelman Faina
Published: December 2018

Rationale

Compound‐specific isotope analysis (CSIA) is a valuable tool in environmental chemistry and in other fields of science. Currently, hydrogen CSIA of polar compounds containing exchangeable hydrogen is uncommon. To extend the scope of CSIA applications, we present an alternative method of analysis, bypassing the typical step of derivatization. The method is demonstrated for two environmental contaminants, 4‐bromophenol (4BP) and 2,4,6‐tribromophenol (TBP).

Methods

Net isotope ratios obtained by CSIA combine the isotope composition of nonexchangeable, carbon‐bound hydrogen and the exchangeable hydroxyl hydrogen. To constrain the isotope composition of the latter, an ethyl acetate solution of 4BP or TBP injected into the IRMS instrument was amended with excess water of known isotope composition. The results were calibrated using bracketing control samples analyzed in sequence with the unknown samples and the known isotope ratios of water present in ethyl acetate solution.

Results

The analytical precision was comparable to the precision for halogenated compounds without exchangeable hydrogen, analyzed using similar instrumentation. The isotope ratios of the bromophenols correlated with the isotope composition of the water in the sample matrix, suggesting that the hydroxyl group of the target compound remained close to the equilibrium with the sample water during the passage through the instrument. Based on this relationship, the signatures of the nonexchangeable hydrogen were obtained using the isotope composition of sample water as the proxy for the isotope composition of the target compound hydroxyl group.

Conclusions

The developed method could be adopted to analysis of other low molecular weight compounds amenable to gas chromatography without the absolute need for derivatization. Currently, the method can be used for samples from laboratory experiments, with high concentrations of the target compound to provide mechanistic insight into the degradation mechanisms. Further work would be required to optimize the method to low concentration environmental samples.
Addition of divalent iron to electron donor mixtures for remediation of chlorinated ethenes: A study of 100 wells
Authors: Davis Doug , Miller Owen J.
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study is to assess the effects of adding soluble divalent iron (DVI) to emulsified electron donor mixtures to promote the biogeochemical destruction of four common chlorinated ethenes—perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, cis‐1,2‐dichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride (VC)—as part of electron donor mixture enhanced reductive dechlorination treatments in groundwater. Twenty‐four project sites were studied, comprising 100 performance monitoring wells across the U.S. Wells that received DVI treatment showed increased dechlorination rates, improved contaminant reduction, and limited daughter product formation relative to the wells that did not receive DVI treatment. Following injection of electron donor treatments and DVI, the time required for a well to reach 90% reduction from a peak concentration was improved for the 25, 50, and 75% confidence intervals for the four chlorinated ethenes studied relative to an approach using electron donor mixture treatments alone. The total improvement in time to degrade chlorinated ethenes through VC was also improved. Daughter product formation was also less for wells where DVI was added to the electron donor mixture. The cost to add a DVI amendment was less than $3 per cubic yard as applied.
Accumulation of arsenic and antimony in Aloe barbadensis: A transplantation study
Authors: Ong Ghim Hock , Cheng Wan Hee , Wong Ling Shing
Published: December 2018

Arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) accumulation in medicinal plants is a serious health issue, especially in common plants such as Aloe barbadensis. The accumulation of As and Sb in A. barbadensis is assessed in this study by transplanting A. barbadensis in a control and contaminated soil plot. Samples of A. barbadensis and surface soils from both control (Nilai, Malaysia) and polluted (Klang, Malaysia) sites were collected and analyzed for heavy metals using neutron activation analysis. Indices used to assess the anthropogenic input of this study were the index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF), while the metals uptake of the plant were determined using the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF). Overall, Klang soils showed higher As and Sb concentrations compared to Nilai. The EF of As were 19.38 for Nilai and 28.07 for Klang while the EF of Sb was 18.01 for Nilai and 29.12 for Klang. These values indicated significant enrichment (EF: 5–20) for Nilai and moderate enrichment (EF: 20–50) for Klang. The Igeo values for As were 3.25 (Nilai) and 3.89 (Klang) while the Igeo values for Sb were 3.14 (Nilai) and 3.94 (Klang), which fell under the category of “strongly polluted” (Igeo: 3–4). The BCF for As ranged from 0.05 to 0.07 while Sb was recorded at 0.07, indicating only small amounts of As and Sb were transferred from the soil to the roots. TF for As ranged from 0.29 to 0.67 while TF for Sb ranged from 0.51 to 0.89, showing a high percentage of metals transfer from roots to shoots. This study concluded that As and Sb levels in A. barbadensis were not harmful for human consumption.
Bayesian model of disease progression in GNE myopathy
Authors: Quintana M. , Shrader J. , Slota C. , Joe G. , McKew J.C. , Fitzgerald M. , Gahl W.A. , Berry S. , Carrillo N.
Published: December 2018

One Sentence Summary: A Bayesian repeated measures model based on quantitative muscle strength data from a prospective Natural History Study was developed to determine disease progression and design clinical trials for GNE myopathy, a rare and slowly progressive muscle disease.

GNE myopathy is a rare muscle disease characterized by slowly progressive weakness and atrophy of skeletal muscles. To address the significant challenges of defining the natural history and designing clinical trials for GNE myopathy, we developed a Bayesian latent variable repeated measures model to determine disease progression. The model is based on longitudinal quantitative muscle strength data collected as part of a prospective Natural History Study. The GNE Myopathy Progression Model provides an understanding of disease progression that would have otherwise required a natural history of unfeasible duration. “Disease age,” the model‐generated measure of disease progression, highly correlates with a variety of clinical, functional and patient‐reported outcomes. With the incorporation of a treatment effect parameter to the GNE Disease Progression Model, we describe a novel GNE Myopathy Disease Modification Analysis that significantly increases power and reduces the number of subjects required to test the effectiveness of novel therapies when compared to more traditional analysis methods. The GNE Myopathy Disease Progression Model and Disease Modification Analysis can be applied to muscle diseases with prospectively collected muscle strength data, and a variety of rare and slowly progressive diseases.
Multistate models and lifetime risk estimation: Application to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Brookmeyer Ron , Abdalla Nada
Published: December 2018

The lifetime risk of a clinical condition is the probability of onset of the condition during one's lifespan. Recent advances in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research have identified screening tests for biomarkers that can identify persons who are in the earliest stages of the AD process but who do not yet have any clinical signs or symptoms. A critical question asked by patients and clinicians is, what is the probability an individual will develop AD dementia during his or her lifetime? Here, we discuss estimation of lifetime risks using biomarkers for preclinical disease based on a discrete nonhomogeneous Markov multistate model for the disease process. We allow the transition probabilities to depend on chronological age. In addition, we allow the probabilities to depend on calendar time to account for possible calendar trends in death rates and to evaluate the impact on lifetime risks of future interventions designed to slow disease progression. We develop estimating equations for calculating the lifetime risks from the nonhomogeneous multistate Markov model. Estimates of lifetime risks for AD dementia based on biomarkers for preclinical disease are presented.
Isocyanide‐Based Multi‐Component Reactions: One‐Pot Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of Carboxamides
Authors: Mokhtari Tayebeh Sattaei , Amrollahi Mohammad Ali , Sheikhhosseini Enayatollah , Sheibani Hasan
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a catalyst‐free procedure is described for the synthesis of novel carboxamide derivatives through a one pot five‐component reaction of cycloalkylidene‐substituted Meldrum's acid, alkyl isocyanide, and 4,4′‐methylene‐ or 4,4′‐oxydianiline. Any by‐product was not prepared through this reaction, and products were separated by a simple work‐up procedure. The other noticeable benefits of this procedure are good yields, mild reaction conditions and use of available materials.
Cellular Detection of Hydrazine as Isoniazid Metabolite by a New Turn‐On Fluorescent Probe: Synthesis, Live Cell Imaging and In Vitro Toxicity Studies
Authors: Banerji Biswadip , K Chandrasekhar , Chatterjee Satadru , Killi Sunil Kumar , Prodhan Chandraday , Chaudhuri Keya
Published: December 2018

A new turn‐on fluorescent probe 2‐((pyren‐3‐yl) methyl) isoindoline‐1,3‐dione was synthesized in a single step, high yielding reaction to detect hydrazine in solution. This ligand is highly sensitive to detect hydrazine in micromolar (1.1 μM) concentration in solution. It has high selectivity towards hydrazine compared to other analytes. Different biophysical experiments like hydrazine screening from both tap water and distilled water, vapour phase detection, anti‐interference studies with different analytes also corroborate the phenomenon of selective detection of hydrazine by our ligand. NMR titration and mass spectrum established the mechanism of hydrazine sensing. In addition, the probe was successfully used to trap exogenously added hydrazine inside the cell, which was further utilized to study insitu hydrazine released from an anti‐tubercular drug Isoniazid (INH), after its metabolism.
Facile Surface Modification of Glass‐Fiber Membrane with Silylating Reagent through Chemical Bonding for the Selective Separation and Recycling of Diverse Dyes from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Li Jia‐Le , Gao Yu‐Hang , Jin Chun‐Xin , Wang Yu , He Miao , Dong Wei‐Wei , Zhao Jinhua , Li Donghao , Shang Hai‐Bo
Published: December 2018

3‐(Trimethoxysilyl)‐1‐propanamine (APTMS) modified glass fiber membrane (APTMS‐GF) was prepared via chemical bonding with different volume ratios (APTMS : methanol=1:20, 1:10, 1:5), which was called APTMS‐GF‐1, −2 and −3, respectively. For congo red (CR) with the concentrations ranging from 5 to 45 mg L−1, the removal efficiencies were up to above 95% by filtration with APTMS‐GF composite membranes, but there was no distinct difference in removal capacity with increasing the volume ratio of APTMS. More importantly, on account of the electrostatic interaction, APTMS‐GF composite membrane could selectively separate and recycle neutral bromophenol blue (BPB), cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic methyl orange (MO) from binary systems including BPB/CR, MB/CR, and MO/CR, respectively. Under the static adsorption, the adsorption process of CR on the APTMS‐GF composite membrane was better fitting with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model (R2=0.992) due to the electrostatic interaction, which was confirmed by the effects of inorganic ions and pH in solution. The structural advantage of glass fiber membrane with micropores made all of filtration fulfilled under atmospheric pressure in comparison to the reported membranes. As a result, this work provides a feasible method for fabricating the economic membrane in removing dyes.
A Facile Chemical Precipitation Method for the Synthesis of Nd(OH)3 and La(OH)3 Nanopowders and their Supercapacitor Performances
Authors: Arunachalam Subasri , Kirubasankar Balakrishnan , Rajagounder Nagarajan Erumaipatty , Vellasamy Devadoss , Angaiah Subramania
Published: December 2018

A facile chemical precipitation method is used to prepare both lanthanum hydroxide [La(OH)3] and neodymium hydroxide [Nd(OH)3] nanopowders in an ambient temperature without the addition of any surfactants. Both rare‐earth hydroxides nanopowders are characterized by X‐ray diffraction and FE‐SEM analysis. The supercapacitor performances of La(OH)3 and Nd(OH)3 electrodes are studied by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical AC‐impedance and galvanostatic charge‐discharge studies. It revealed that Nd(OH)3 electrode possesses a high specific capacitance (Csp) than La(OH)3 electrode. Hence, an asymmetric supercapacitor device is fabricated and denoted as Nd(OH)3||AC in 6 M KOH as the electrolyte soaked in the electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane as the separator, which exhibited an energy density of 18.8 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 796 W kg−1.
Endothelial Differentiation G Protein-Coupled Receptor 5 Plays an Important Role in Induction and Maintenance of Pluripotency
Authors: Neganova Irina , Cotts Lewis , Banks Peter , Gassner Katja , Shukurov Anvar , Armstrong Lyle , Ladds Graham , Lako Majlinda
Published: December 2018

Direct reprogramming of human somatic cells toward induced pluripotent stem cells holds great promise for regenerative medicine and basic biology. We used a high-throughput small interfering RNA screening assay in the initiation phase of reprogramming for 784 genes belonging to kinase and phosphatase families and identified 68 repressors and 22 effectors. Six new candidates belonging to the family of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were identified, suggesting an important role for this key signaling pathway during somatic cell-induced reprogramming. Downregulation of one of the key GPCR effectors, endothelial differentiation GPCR5 (EDG5), impacted the maintenance of pluripotency, actin cytoskeleton organization, colony integrity, and focal adhesions in human embryonic stem cells, which were associated with the alteration in the RhoA-ROCK-Cofilin-PAXILLIN-actin signaling pathway. Similarly, downregulation of EDG5 during the initiation stage of somatic cell-induced reprogramming resulted in alteration of cytoskeleton, loss of human-induced pluripotent stem cell colony integrity, and a significant reduction in partially and fully reprogrammed cells as well as the number of alkaline phosphatase positive colonies at the end of the reprogramming process. Together, these data point to an important role of EDG5 in the maintenance and acquisition of pluripotency. Stem Cells  2019;37:318–331
Recent Advances in Mechanically Robust and Stretchable Bulk Heterojunction Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: St. Onge P. Blake J. , Ocheje Michael U. , Selivanova Mariia , Rondeau‐Gagné Simon
Published: December 2018

Organic bulk heterojunction solar cells are promising candidates as future photovoltaic technologies for large‐scale and low‐cost energy production. It is, therefore, not surprising that research on the design and preparation of these types of organic photovoltaics has attracted a lot of attention since the last two decades, leading to constantly growing values of energy conversion and efficiency. Combined with the possibility of a large‐scale production via roll‐to‐roll printing techniques, bulk heterojunction solar cells enable the fabrication of conformable, light‐weight and flexible light‐harvesting devices for point‐of‐use applications. This perspective review will highlight the recent advances toward mechanically robust and intrinsically stretchable bulk heterojunction solar cells. Mechanically robust fullerene‐based and all‐polymer devices will be presented, as well as a comprehensive overview of the recent challenges and characterization techniques recently developed to overcome some of the challenges of this research area, which is still in its infancy.
Estimated mink home ranges using various home‐range estimators
Authors: Halbrook Richard S. , Petach Marty
Published: December 2018

Although the American mink (Neovison vison) is a fairly common and valued semiaquatic furbearing species, studies evaluating space use by mink in North America are scarce. We implanted radiotransmitters in 8 male and 6 female mink living within 3 km of the Hudson River between Hudson Falls and Northumberland Dam, New York, USA, during 2009–2011 and estimated Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP), Minimum Bounding Circle (MBC), and Kernel Density Estimate (KDE) home ranges. We also estimated an Ecological Home Range (EHR) using habitat characteristics known to be important to mink. The MBC, MCP, and 95% KDE estimation methods produced home ranges that appear to include area not actually used by mink, while the EHR method appeared to more accurately reflect space used at a finer scale. The mean 95% KDE home‐range estimate was 2.3 times greater than the mean MCP estimated home range and 3.3 times greater than the mean EHR estimate. The size of individual mink EHRs ranged from 23 to 164 ha and did not differ between male and female. Our results indicate that mink home ranges can be quite variable and demonstrates the importance of selecting an estimation method based on management objectives. Home‐range curves and asymptotes calculated using the Michaelis–Menten equation are provided; Site Fidelity and Time To Statistical Independence calculations reported in the rhr package of the Program R Statistical software are discussed. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Track plates detect the endangered New Mexico jumping mouse
Authors: Harrow Rachel L. , Horncastle Valerie J. , Chambers Carol L.
Published: December 2018

The New Mexico jumping mouse (Zapus luteus luteus, formerly Z. hudsonius luteus), an endangered subspecies found in the southwestern United States, inhabits riparian areas with tall, dense herbaceous vegetation as habitat. To detect presence of this species for use in defining life history and habitat use, we developed and tested 4 noninvasive track‐plate methods, and selected the best for field use. New Mexico jumping mice have unique feet and toes that are readily distinguishable from other small mammals within their geographic range. We created reference photos of rodent tracks that confirmed the unique footprints of the jumping mouse and tested this method against detection with live traps in the Apache–Sitgreaves, Arizona, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, National Forests, 2016 and 2017. When comparing the 2 detection methods, in only 1 of 16 comparisons did results differ, where we captured jumping mice in live traps, but did not detect them with track plates. Based on our success with this approach, we developed a 14‐minute instructional video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2x0Ydc1XVM) on assembly, deployment, and interpretation of track plates. Although trapping provided specific information about individuals, the noninvasive nature of our track‐plate design minimized risk of injury or mortality to animals and lowered study costs. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
On the move towards customer-centric business models in the automotive industry - a conceptual reference framework of shared automotive service systems
Authors: Grieger Marcus , Ludwig André
Published: December 2018

Digitalization drives automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to change their value propositions and open-up towards greater collaboration and customer integration. The shift towards services implies a transformational change from product- towards customer-centricity. This study proposes a conceptual reference framework (CRF) out of a business model perspective to systematize automotive service systems. The CRF presents relevant dimensions and dependencies between the involved stakeholders and the necessary infrastructures in order to facilitate digital service conceptualization in the early phases of the service design. The artifact is developed based on a literature review and conceptual modeling, then iteratively evaluated by means of guideline-supported interviews from three different perspectives and applied to a real problem statement within a case workshop. The results suggest value creation for automotive services occurs in shared mobility networks among interdependent stakeholders in which customers play an integral role during the service life-cycle. Additionally, the results deepen the understanding of service business model development under consideration of industry-specific aspects and suggest the framework to be a beneficial structuring tool that can save resources and specify solution finding.
RNF126 Quenches RNF168 Function in the DNA Damage Response
Authors: Zhang Lianzhong , Wang Zhenzhen , Shi Ruifeng , Zhu Xuefei , Zhou Jiahui , Peng Bin , Xu Xingzhi
Published: December 2018

DNA damage response (DDR) is essential for maintaining genome stability and protecting cells from tumorigenesis. Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modifications play an important role in DDR, from signaling DNA damage to mediating DNA repair. In this report, we found that the E3 ligase ring finger protein 126 (RNF126) was recruited to UV laser micro-irradiation-induced stripes in a RNF8-dependent manner. RNF126 directly interacted with and ubiquitinated another E3 ligase, RNF168. Overexpression of wild type RNF126, but not catalytically-inactive mutant RNF126 (CC229/232AA), diminished ubiquitination of H2A histone family member X (H2AX), and subsequent bleomycin-induced focus formation of total ubiquitin FK2, TP53-binding protein 1 (53BP1), and receptor-associated protein 80 (RAP80). Interestingly, both RNF126 overexpression and RNF126 downregulation compromised homologous recombination (HR)-mediated repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Taken together, our findings demonstrate that RNF126 negatively regulates RNF168 function in DDR and its appropriate cellular expression levels are essential for HR-mediated DSB repair.
Navigating Our Way Between Market and State
Authors: Smith Jeffery
Published: December 2018

In this address I argue that different perspectives on the normative foundations of corporate responsibility reflect underlying disagreements about the ideal arrangement of tasks between market and state. I initially recommend that scholars look back to the “division of moral labor” inspired by John Rawls’ seminal work on distributive justice in order to rethink why, and to what extent, corporations take on responsibilities normally within the purview of government. I then examine how this notion is related to recent theoretical work in the field of business ethics. I thereafter turn to provide a brief outline of an alternative view that sees corporations as having responsibilities in so far as markets are sites of delegated oversight over the production of social goods that might otherwise be administered by the state.