bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr 1 Resistance Genes in Post Chloroquine Era in South-South Region of Nigeria
Authors: Alade Tolulope , Sunday Itodo Ewaoche , Lawani Ebidor , Adie Gloria , Youtchou Tatfeng Mirabeau
Published: December 2019

Malaria, a global health problem especially in the sub-Sahara region has been posing a recurrent problem due to the resistance of the parasites to the available antimalarial drugs despite the preventive measures provided by WHO.

Aims: This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of resistance markers in four Niger Delta states of Nigeria, a decade after withdrawal of chloroquine.

Methods: Eight hundred and forty six (846) subjects participated in the study and were distributed as follows, 192(22.7%)  Bayelsa; 218(25.8%) Rivers; 196(23.2%) Edo and 240(28.4%) Delta respectively. Malaria parasite identification was carried out using standard parasitological techniques. Genotyping of the resistance markers Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr 1 was carried out by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results: Our findings revealed that the prevalence of malaria infection in the four Niger Delta states were 78.1%, 68.8%, 62.8% and 58.8% in Bayelsa, Rivers States, Edo and Delta respectively. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of malaria within the four Niger Delta states. (P>0.05). Children below the age of 5 years recorded the highest infection rates when compared to subjects in other age groups (P< 0.01). Our findings also revealed that the distribution of mutant Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr 1 genes across the four states were 12.0% and 28.6%, 4.0% and 22.0%, 14.6% and 29.3%, 10.6% and 25.0% in Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo and Delta state respectively. However, the prevalence of Pfcrt K76T in Rivers State was statistically lower when compared to other states (P < 0.01) while no statistical difference existed in the distribution of Pfmdr 1 mutant genes (P>0.01).

Conclusion: Prevalence of Pfcrt and Pfmdr 1 remained elevated in the Niger Delta states despite the withdrawal of chloroquine over a decade ago. Hence, Nigeria is far from an eventual re-introduction of chloroquine as its resistance markers still persist in our communities. Furthermore, the root cause of the persistence of these resistance markers needs to be investigated.
Brachypodium distachyon triphosphate tunnel metalloenzyme 3 is both a triphosphatase and an adenylyl cyclase upregulated by mechanical wounding
Authors: Świeżawska Brygida , Duszyn Maria , Kwiatkowski Mateusz , Jaworski Krzysztof , Pawełek Agnieszka , Szmidt‐Jaworska Adriana
Published: December 2019

Proteins with a CyaB, thiamine triphosphatase domain (CYTH domain) may play a central role at the interface between nucleotide and polyphosphate metabolism. One of the plant CYTH domain‐containing proteins from Brachypodium distachyon, BdTTM3, is annotated in NCBI databases as an ‘adenylyl cyclase (AC)’ or a ‘triphosphate tunnel metalloenzyme’. The divergent nomenclature and the search for plant ACs induced us to experimentally confirm the enzymatic activity of BdTTM3. Based on in vitro analysis, we have shown that the recombinant form of BdTTM3 is a protein with high triphosphatase activity (binding both tripolyphosphate and ATP) and low AC activity. Furthermore, the analysis of BdTTM3 transcriptional activity indicates its involvement in the mechanism underlying responses to wounding stress in B. distachyon leaves.
Mucin adsorbed by E. coli can affect neutrophil activation in vitro
Authors: Mikhalchik Elena , Balabushevich Nadezhda , Vakhrusheva Tatiana , Sokolov Alexey , Baykova Julia , Rakitina Daria , Scherbakov Petr , Gusev Sergey , Gusev Alexander , Kharaeva Zaira , Bukato Olga , Pobeguts Olga
Published: December 2019

Bacteria colonizing human intestine adhere to the gut mucosa and avoid the innate immune system. We previously demonstrated that Escherichia coli isolates can adsorb mucin from a diluted solution in vitro. Here, we evaluated the effect of mucin adsorption by E. coli cells on neutrophil activation in vitro. Activation was evaluated based on the detection of reactive oxygen species production by a chemiluminescent reaction (ChL), observation of morphological alterations in neutrophils and detection of exocytosis of myeloperoxidase and lactoferrin. We report that mucin adsorbed by cells of SharL1 isolate from Crohn's disease patient's inflamed ileum suppressed the potential for the activation of neutrophils in whole blood. Also, the binding of plasma complement proteins and immunoglobulins to the bacteria was reduced. Desialylated mucin, despite having the same adsorption efficiency to bacteria, had no effect on the blood ChL response. The effect of mucin suggests that it shields epitopes that interact with neutrophils and plasma proteins on the bacterial outer membrane. Potential candidates for these epitopes were identified among the proteins within the bacterial outer membrane fraction by 2D‐PAGE, fluorescent mucin binding on a blot and HPLC‐MS/MS. In vitro, the following proteins demonstrated mucin adsorption: outer membrane porins (OmpA, OmpC, OmpD and OmpF), adhesin OmpX, the membrane assembly factor OmpW, cobalamine transporter, ferrum uptake protein and the elongation factor Ef Tu‐1. In addition to their other functions, these proteins are known to be bacterial surface antigens. Therefore, the shielding of epitopes by mucin may affect the dynamics and intensity of an immune response.
APP‐derived peptides reflect neurodegeneration in frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Illán‐Gala Ignacio , Pegueroles Jordi , Montal Victor , Alcolea Daniel , Vilaplana Eduard , Bejanin Alexandre , Borrego‐Écija Sergi , Sampedro Frederic , Subirana Andrea , Sánchez‐Saudinós María‐Belén , Rojas‐García Ricard , Vanderstichele Hugo , Blesa Rafael , Clarimón Jordi , Antonell Anna , Lladó Albert , Sánchez‐Valle Raquel , Fortea Juan , Lleó Alberto
Published: December 2019

Objective

We aimed to investigate the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid levels (CSF) of amyloid precursor protein (APP)‐derived peptides related to the amyloidogenic pathway, cortical thickness, neuropsychological performance, and cortical gene expression profiles in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)‐related syndromes, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and healthy controls.

Methods

We included 214 participants with CSF available recruited at two centers: 93 with FTLD‐related syndromes, 57 patients with AD, and 64 healthy controls. CSF levels of amyloid β (Aβ)1‐42, Aβ1‐40, Aβ1‐38, and soluble β fragment of APP (sAPPβ) were centrally analyzed. We compared CSF levels of APP‐derived peptides between groups and, we studied the correlation between CSF biomarkers, cortical thickness, and domain‐specific cognitive composites in each group. Then, we explored the relationship between cortical thickness, CSF levels of APP‐derived peptides, and regional gene expression profile using a brain‐wide regional gene expression data in combination with gene set enrichment analysis.

Results

The CSF levels of Aβ1‐40, Aβ1‐38, and sAPPβ were lower in the FTLD‐related syndromes group than in the AD and healthy controls group. CSF levels of all APP‐derived peptides showed a positive correlation with cortical thickness and the executive cognitive composite in the FTLD‐related syndromes group but not in the healthy control or AD groups. In the cortical regions where we observed a significant association between cortical thickness and CSF levels of APP‐derived peptides, we found a reduced expression of genes related to synaptic function.

Interpretation

APP‐derived peptides in CSF may reflect FTLD‐related neurodegeneration. This observation has important implications as Aβ1‐42 levels are considered an indirect biomarker of cerebral amyloidosis.
Outcome Measures in Large Vessel Vasculitis: Relationship Between Patient‐, Physician‐, Imaging‐, and Laboratory‐Based Assessments
Authors: Rimland Casey A. , Quinn Kaitlin A. , Rosenblum Joel S. , Schwartz Mollie N. , Bates Gribbons K. , Novakovich Elaine , Sreih Antoine G. , Merkel Peter A. , Ahlman Mark A. , Grayson Peter C.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To assess the relationship between measures of disease assessment in patients with large vessel vasculitis.

Methods

Patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) or Takayasu arteritis (TAK) were recruited into a prospective, observational cohort. Assessments within the following outcomes were independently recorded: 1) patient‐reported outcomes (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, patient global assessment of disease activity [PtGA], Short Form 36 health survey [SF‐36], Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire), 2) physician global assessment of disease activity (PhGA), 3) laboratory outcomes (C‐reactive protein [CRP] level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]), and 4) imaging outcomes (PETVAS, a qualitative score of vascular 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography activity).

Results

Analyses were performed on 112 patients (GCA = 56, TAK = 56), over 296 visits, with a median follow‐up of 6 months. Correlation network analysis revealed assessment measures clustered independently by type of outcome. PhGA was centrally linked to all other outcome types, but correlations were modest (ρ = 0.12–0.32; P < 0.05). PETVAS, CRP level, and PtGA were independently associated with clinically active disease. All 4 patient‐reported outcomes strongly correlated with each other (ρ = 0.35–0.60; P < 0.0001). Patient‐reported outcomes were not correlated with PETVAS, and only PtGA correlated with CRP level (ρ = 0.16; P < 0.01). Patients whose clinical assessment changed from active disease to remission (n = 29) had a corresponding significant decrease in ESR, CRP level, and PETVAS at the remission visit. Patients whose clinical assessment changed from remission to active disease (n = 11) had a corresponding significant increase in CRP level and PtGA at the active visit.

Conclusion

Measures of disease assessment in large vessel vasculitis consist of independent, yet complementary, outcomes, supporting the need to develop composite outcome measures or a standard set of measures covering multiple types of outcomes.
Soft Wearable Systems for Colorimetric and Electrochemical Analysis of Biofluids
Authors: Ghaffari Roozbeh , Choi Jungil , Raj Milan S. , Chen Shulin , Lee Stephen P. , Reeder Jonathan T. , Aranyosi Alexander J. , Leech Adam , Li Weihua , Schon Stephanie , Model Jeffrey B. , Rogers John A.
Published: December 2019

Wearable monitoring systems provide valuable insights about the state of wellness, performance, and progression of diseases. Although conventional wearable systems have been effective in measuring a few key biophysical markers, they offer limited insights into biochemical activity and are otherwise cumbersome in ambulatory modes of use, relying on wired connections, mechanical straps, and bulky electronics. Recent advances in skin‐interfaced microfluidics, stretchable/flexible electronics, and mechanics have created new wearable systems with capabilities in real‐time, noninvasive analysis of sweat biochemistry in combination with biophysical metrics. Here, the latest technologies in multifunctional sweat sensing systems are presented with a focus on novel microfluidic designs, fully‐integrated wireless electrochemical sensors, and hybrid biochemical/biophysical sensing capabilities, creating real‐time physiological insights.
Engineered Nanoplatelets for Targeted Delivery of Plasminogen Activators to Reverse Thrombus in Multiple Mouse Thrombosis Models
Authors: Xu Junchao , Zhang Yinlong , Xu Jiaqi , Liu Guangna , Di Chunzhi , Zhao Xiao , Li Xiang , Li Yao , Pang Ningbo , Yang Chengzhi , Li Yanyi , Li Bozhao , Lu Zefang , Wang Meifang , Dai Kesheng , Yan Rong , Li Suping , Nie Guangjun
Published: December 2019

Rapid cut‐off of blood supply in diseases involving thrombosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the current thrombolysis strategies offer limited results due to the therapeutics' short half‐lives, low targeting ability, and unexpected bleeding complications. Inspired by the innate roles of platelets in hemostasis and pathological thrombus, platelet membrane‐camouflaged polymeric nanoparticles (nanoplatelets) are developed for targeting delivery of the thrombolytic drug, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA), to local thrombus sites. The tailor‐designed nanoplatelets efficiently accumulate at the thrombi in pulmonary embolism and mesenteric arterial thrombosis model mice, eliciting a significantly enhanced thrombolysis activity compared to free rt‐PA. In addition, the nanoplatelets exhibit improved therapeutic efficacy over free rt‐PA in an ischemic stroke model. Analysis of in vivo coagulation indicators suggests the nanoplatelets might possess a low risk of bleeding complications. The hybrid biomimetic nanoplatelets described offer a promising solution to improve the efficacy and reduce the bleeding risk of thrombolytic therapy in a broad spectrum of thrombosis diseases.
A Morphologically Engineered Robust Bifunctional CuCo2O4 Nanosheet Catalyst for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Aqueel Ahmed Abu Talha , Pawar Sambhaji M. , Inamdar Akbar I. , Kim Hyungsang , Im Hyunsik
Published: December 2019

The development of an earth abundant, low‐cost, and energy‐efficient electrocatalyst with robust adhesion is highly essential for the generation of hydrogen fuel. Herein, the outstanding overall water splitting performance of a CuCo2O4 catalyst which is fabricated using a hydrothermal process is reported. The performance optimization is done through engineering the surface structure and size of the CuCo2O4 catalyst, without altering its chemical composition and crystallinity. Different solvents used in the hydrothermal growth tune the morphology of CuCo2O4 from porous 2‐dimensional nanosheets through cubes and grains to agglomerated spheres. An optimized 2‐dimensional nanosheet CuCo2O4 catalyst exhibits superior electrochemical performance for both hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, achieving the smallest overpotential of 115 and 290 mV versus a reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively, at 10 mA cm−2 with excellent long‐term stability under an alkaline electrolyte medium (1.0 m KOH). This highly stable and electrochemically active bifunctional electrocatalyst can deliver a cell voltage of 1.64 V at 10 mA cm−2 under alkaline condition. Moreover, the correlation between electrochemical catalytic activity with solvent viscosity is manifested in the present study, which reveals that a change in morphologies causes the catalytically active surface area to vary and influences the intrinsic reaction kinetics.
Graphene Electromechanical Water Sensor: The Wetristor
Authors: Meireles Leonel M. , Neto Eliel G. S. , Ferrari Gustavo A. , Neves Paulo A. A. , Gadelha Andreij C. , Silvestre Ive , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Chacham Helio , Neves Bernardo R. A. , Campos Leonardo C. , Lacerda Rodrigo G.
Published: December 2019

A water‐induced electromechanical response in suspended graphene atop a microfluidic channel is reported. The graphene membrane resistivity rapidly decreases to ≈25% upon water injection into the channel, defining a sensitive “channel wetting” device—a wetristor. The physical mechanism of the wetristor operation is investigated using two graphene membrane geometries, either uncovered or covered by an inert and rigid lid (hexagonal boron nitride multilayer or poly(methyl methacrylate) film). The wetristor effect, namely the water‐induced resistivity collapse, occurs in uncovered devices only. Atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy indicate substantial morphology changes of graphene membranes in such devices, while covered membranes suffer no changes, upon channel water filling. The results suggest an electromechanical nature for the wetristor effect, where the resistivity reduction is caused by unwrinkling of the graphene membrane through channel filling, with an eventual direct doping caused by water being of much smaller magnitude, if any. The wetristor device should find useful sensing applications in general micro‐ and nanofluidics.
Homeless Adults’ Recovery Experiences in Housing First and Traditional Services Programs in Seven European Countries
Authors: Greenwood Ronni Michelle , Manning Rachel M. , O'Shaughnessy Branagh R. , Vargas‐Moniz Maria J. , Loubière Sandrine , Spinnewijn Freek , Lenzi Michela , Wolf Judith R. , Bokszczanin Anna , Bernad Roberto , Källmén Håkan , Ornelas José ,   the HOME‐EU Consortium Study Group
Published: December 2019

Highlights

Housing First reports more service user recovery but little is known about how this is achieved.

Certain features of homeless services are likely to promote service users’ recovery.

Housing First service users reported more choice, better housing quality, and more satisfaction.

Service features predicted independent housing, psychiatric symptoms, and community integration.

Across socio‐political and economic contexts, Housing First predicts greater recovery than traditional services.
Comparison of extraction methods for recovering ancient microbial DNA from paleofeces
Authors: Hagan Richard W. , Hofman Courtney A. , Hübner Alexander , Reinhard Karl , Schnorr Stephanie , Lewis Cecil M. , Sankaranarayanan Krithivasan , Warinner Christina G.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Paleofeces are valuable to archeologists and evolutionary biologists for their potential to yield health, dietary, and host information. As a rich source of preserved biomolecules from host‐associated microorganisms, they can also provide insights into the recent evolution and changing ecology of the gut microbiome. However, there is currently no standard method for DNA extraction from paleofeces, which combine the dual challenges of complex biological composition and degraded DNA. Due to the scarcity and relatively poor preservation of paleofeces when compared with other archeological remains, it is important to use efficient methods that maximize ancient DNA (aDNA) recovery while also minimizing downstream taxonomic biases.

Methods

In this study, we use shotgun metagenomics to systematically compare the performance of five DNA extraction methods on a set of well‐preserved human and dog paleofeces from Mexico (~1,300 BP).

Results

Our results show that all tested DNA extraction methods yield a consistent microbial taxonomic profile, but that methods optimized for ancient samples recover significantly more DNA.

Conclusions

These results show promise for future studies that seek to explore the evolution of the human gut microbiome by comparing aDNA data with those generated in modern studies.
Topo I inhibition, DNA photocleavage, Molecular docking and cytotoxicities of two new phenanthroline‐based ruthenium complexes
Authors: Liu Xue‐Wen , Tang Yu‐Cai , Liu Ning‐Yi , Deng Yuan‐Qing , Wang Shan , Liu Ting , Chen Yuan‐Dao , Lu Ji‐Lin
Published: December 2019

Two ruthenium complexes containing a new phenanthroline‐based ligand pai (pai = 2‐(5‐(1, 10‐ phenanthroline))‐1H‐acenaphtho[1′,2′:4,5]imidazole) were synthesized and characterized. Two ruthenium complexes were found to cleave DNA under irradiation, interact with CT‐DNA by intercalation. Furthermore, DNA topoisomerase inhibition experiments indicated that complex 2 exhibited higher topoisomerase I inhibition activity (IC50 = 10 μM) than complex 1 (IC50 = 40 μM). Molecular modeling studies revealed that complex 2 stabilized Top1cc complex via π‐π interaction and the formation of hydrogen bond. The cytotoxicity of complexes 1 and 2 against Eca‐109 and A549 cells was also evaluate by MTT method, indicating that complex 2 exhibited good anticancer activity against Eca‐109 cells (IC50 = 17.23 ± 0.22 μM), but two ruthenium complexes displayed weak anticancer activity against A549 cells.
Study of compatibility between aliphatic polyketone terpolymer and poly(styrene‐r‐acrylonitrile)
Authors: Lee Hong Chan , Son Younggon , Lee Shichoon
Published: December 2019

Compatibility studies have been conducted for polyketone (PK) and styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) blends in which SAN polymers have different acrylonitrile (AN) contents. Measurements of mechanical properties exhibit the immiscibility of PK/SAN blends. Glass transition temperature shifts and width broadening of the glass transition mean partial compatibility in the amorphous region of the PK/SAN blends. Peak shifts of the CO functional group are larger for PK/SAN48 than that of PK/SAN40 blend. In morphological observations, the dispersed domains appear more refined for the PK/SAN48 blend and the PK/SAN48 blend has better boundary adhesion between the two phases. The Flory–Huggins interaction parameters simulated for the PK/SAN mixture were at a low level and the PK/SAN48 blend showed lower values than the PK/SAN40 blend. This means that the PK/SAN polymer blend is partially compatible in the amorphous region. The level of compatibility tends to increase as the AN content of the SAN polymer increases. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48743.
Controlled aggregation of amphiphilic aggregation‐induced emission polycation and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as fluorescence/magnetic resonance imaging probes
Authors: Fu Shengxiang , Cai Zhongyuan , Liu Li , Yang Li , Jin Rongrong , Lu Zhiyun , Ai Hua
Published: December 2019

Fluorescence/magnetic resonance (MR) dual‐mode imaging, which combines the excellent single‐cell sensitivity of fluorescence imaging and the high spatial resolution of MR imaging, has been applied to different biomedical applications. However, the aggregation‐caused quenching characteristic of most fluorescence molecules often put limits in their applications. Herein, a fluorescence/MR dual‐mode imaging probe [polyethylene glycol‐polyethylenimine‐tetraphenylethene (PEG‐PEI‐TPE)/superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)] with aggregation‐induced emission characteristic is prepared by coupling poly(acrylic acid)‐coated SPIO with PEG‐PEI‐TPE. The fluorescence intensity and lifetime of PEG‐PEI‐TPE/SPIO is higher than PEG‐PEI‐TPE especially at lower polymer concentrations (≤0.2 mg mL−1). Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of PEG‐PEI‐TPE/SPIO gradually increased along with the decline of the pH from 9.0 to 4.0, which is beneficial for studying intracellular organelles. The T2 relaxivity of PEG‐PEI‐TPE/SPIO is 212.3 Fe mM−1 s−1 under a 3.0 T MR scanner. Cell labeling experiment shows that PEG‐PEI‐TPE/SPIO can effectively label RAW 264.7 and Hela cells, and labeled cells are visible under both fluorescence and clinical MR examinations. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48760.
Role of Chondrocytes in the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis Via Transmembrane Protein 147–MediatedNF‐κB Activation
Authors: Ota Mitsutoshi , Tanaka Yuki , Nakagawa Ikuma , Jiang Jing‐Jing , Arima Yasunobu , Kamimura Daisuke , Onodera Tomohiro , Iwasaki Norimasa , Murakami Masaaki
Published: December 2019

Objective

We have previously reported that the coactivation ofNF‐κB andSTAT3 in nonimmune cells, including synovial fibroblasts, enhances the expression ofNF‐κB target genes and plays a role in chronic inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to examine the role ofNF‐κB activation in chondrocytes and better understand the pathogenesis ofRA. Furthermore, transmembrane protein 147 (TMEM147) was investigated as a representativeNF‐κB activator in chondrocytes.

Methods

Clinical samples fromRApatients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Specimens obtained from patients with polydactyly were used as control samples. The functional contribution of chondrocytes andTMEM147 to arthritis was examined in several murine models ofRA. In vitro experiments (quantitative polymerase chain reaction,RNAinterference, immunoprecipitation, and confocal microscopy) were performed to investigate the mechanism of action ofTMEM147 in chondrocytes.

Results

Samples obtained fromRApatients and mouse models of RA showed coactivation ofNF‐κB andSTAT3 in chondrocytes (P< 0.001). This coactivation induced a synergistic expression ofNF‐κB targets in vitro (P< 0.01). Chondrocyte‐specific deletion ofSTAT3 significantly suppressed the development of cytokine‐inducedRA(P< 0.01).TMEM147 was highly expressed in chondrocytes fromRApatient samples and the mouse models of RA. Gene silencing ofTMEM147 or anti‐TMEM147 antibody treatment inhibited the cytokine‐mediated activation ofNF‐κB in vitro (P< 0.01) and suppressed cytokine‐inducedRAin vivo (P< 0.01). Mechanistically,TMEM147 molecules acted as scaffold proteins for theNF‐κB complex, which included breakpoint cluster region and casein kinase 2, and enhancedNF‐κB activity.

Conclusion

These results suggest that chondrocytes play a role in the development ofRAviaTMEM147‐mediatedNF‐κB activation and indicate a novel therapeutic strategy forRA.
Untersuchung des Einflusses der Geometrie von PCM‐Elementen auf ihre Wärmespeichereffizienz
Authors: Musiał Michał
Published: December 2019

Der Aufsatz präsentiert die Ergebnisse experimenteller Untersuchungen an Innen‐Fensterläden, die durch Phasenwechselmaterialien (Phase Change Material – PCM) modifiziert wurden. Gegenstand der Analyse ist die Beurteilung der Erhöhung der Wärmekapazität von Jalousien als Maßnahme zur Energieeinsparung. Eine Erhöhung der Wärmekapazität von Jalousien wurde durch die Verwendung von organischem Wechselphasen‐Material erzielt. Diese Materialien sind relativ teuer, sodass ihre effektivste Verwendung darin besteht, mit geringem finanziellem Aufwand einen größtmöglichen energetischen Nutzen zu erzielen. Forschungsergebnisse zeigen, dass Jalousien mit PCM eine bessere Ausnutzung der solaren Gewinne aus Sonneneinstrahlung im Wärmebedarfsprofil ermöglichen. Sie ermöglichen die vorübergehende Speicherung der absorbierten Wärme und reduzieren die täglichen Temperaturschwankungen aufgrund der Verglasung und den Heizwärmebedarf. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine größere Abhängigkeit der Wärmeverteilung innerhalb von PCM‐Profilen von ihrer Geometrie als von den äußeren Klimabedingungen.
Negative misconceptions about disaster behaviour through availability cascades: An examination of secondhand information and the moderating effect of trait anxiety on disaster myths
Authors: Nogami Tatsuya
Published: December 2019

The present study was designed to shed light on the origin of disaster myths, such as panic, looting, crime, and psychological shock in postdisaster situations, by examining effects of secondhand information and the moderating effect of anxiety on such negative misconceptions. It was hypothesized that secondhand information on disaster behaviour, such as media reports and word‐of‐mouth rumours, and trait anxiety would increase the degrees to which people gave credit to four popular disaster myths. Also, trait anxiety was predicted to moderate the association between information sources and disaster myths. Questionnaire data obtained from 1,500 Japanese participants indicated that people relying on secondhand information gave more credit to all the four misconceptions than those relying on firsthand information such as direct disaster experience. However, trait anxiety was not found to significantly affect the degrees of the disaster myths. Furthermore, the moderating effect of trait anxiety on the association between the information sources and the disaster myths was not observed in any of the four myths. The present results imply that although reliance on secondhand information increases the degree of disaster myths to some extent, there should be other causes from which disaster myths originate.
Implantation of one versus two MitraClips in the German TRAMI registry: Is more always better?
Authors: Puls Miriam , Huenlich Mark , Boekstegers Peter , Lubos Edith , von Bardeleben Ralph S. , May Andreas E. , Nickenig Georg , Baldus Stefan , Sievert Horst , Ouarrak Taoufik , Senges Jochen , Schillinger Wolfgang
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To compare baseline characteristics and outcomes in patients treated with either 1 or 2 MitraClips in the German TRAMI (Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions) registry.

Background

The MitraClip community seems to silently assume that results should intrinsically be better after implantation of more than one clip, although data is still sparse.

Methods

In 2010–2013, 803 patients were enrolled prospectively into TRAMI (461 one‐clip and 312 two‐clip procedures). Follow‐up was performed centrally at 30 days and 1 year.

Results

Baseline characteristics of TRAMI‐patients with two clips differed significantly from single‐clip patients regarding constitutional (more men, taller body height) and heart failure‐related factors (larger left ventricular dimensions, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, more severe heart failure). Also, a significant increase in two‐clip procedures over time was present.

After propensity score matching for differing baseline characteristics, residual moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) occurred more frequently after implantation of two clips, whereas residual severe MR could more frequently be observed after one‐clip procedures. However, no or mild residual MR at discharge was present in 71.6% after single‐clip and in 70.1% after two‐clips implantation (p = .81).

After 1 year, no significant differences regarding mortality or New York Heart Association status could be detected in the propensity matched cohorts. However, TRAMI‐patients treated with two clips had a significantly higher incidence of cerebral‐vascular events (p = .02).

Conclusions

TRAMI data cannot support the theory that implantation of more than one clip is associated with better clinical outcomes. The finding of more cerebral‐vascular events after two‐clip procedures might be hypothesis‐generating.
The Planned Happenstance Career Inventory: A Cross‐Cultural Comparison
Authors: Lee Ji Hae , Cho Soohyun , Lee Sujung , Lee Sang Min
Published: December 2019

This study examined the measurement invariance and latent mean difference of an English version (J. H. Lee et al., 2017) of the Planned Happenstance Career Inventory (PHCI; B. Kim, Jung, et al., 2014) across cultures. Participants were 262 American and 291 South Korean undergraduates. Measurement invariance results indicated that the 5‐factor structure was adequate for both groups and that conditions for configural, metric, and partial intercept invariance were met. Latent mean analysis was used to compare the mean scores of the PHCI skills (curiosity, flexibility, persistence, optimism, and risk taking). The latent means of curiosity, flexibility, persistence, and optimism were higher among South Korean undergraduates, but no significant difference was found regarding risk taking. Career counselors should consider differences in planned happenstance perceptions across cultures to provide better career guidance. Future studies are needed to verify the distinctive nature of flexibility by replicating the factor structure of the PHCI with other samples.
Closing the Gap: Fostering Successful Research‐Practice Partnerships in Counselor Education
Authors: Hays Danica G. , Bolin Todd , Chen Ching‐Chen
Published: December 2019

Research‐practice partnerships offer counselor educators an opportunity to generate scholarship that can promote client welfare and create systemic change in practice and policy. The purpose of this article is to articulate strategies for building and sustaining research‐practice partnerships, as well as suggest methods for evaluating these partnerships.
Mass Loading‐Independent Energy Storage with Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Fiber
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Shen Caiwei , Tang Zirong , Shi Tielin , Zheng Sunxiang , Lin Liwei
Published: December 2019

Large‐scale manufacturing of thick electrode films with high energy storage is critical for practical applications. Two‐dimensional materials are promising candidates due to their high surface areas to volume ratios. However, various studies have reported that the storage capacity of these two‐dimensional materials is highly dependent on the thickness of the films. Here, we demonstrate a scheme based on the reduced graphene oxide/carbon fiber composites as supercapacitor electrodes which demonstrate a mass loadings‐independent energy and power performances. Randomly oriented and interconnected carbon fibers are utilized to provide a framework to alleviate the restacking issues of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets and promoting ion flows in the networks. High capacitances maintain even the mass loadings up to 4 mg cm−2. An all‐solid symmetrical supercapacitor has been fabricated to power a LED light and also can power a commercial gas sensor, which shows the practical application potential.
Inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases biomarkers in chronic hepatitis C virus infection: A review
Authors: Babiker Ahmed , Hassan Mohamed , Muhammed Safwan , Taylor Gregory , Poonia Bhawna , Shah Anoop , Bagchi Shashwatee
Published: December 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects 180 million people worldwide and over 4 million people in the United States. HCV infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and is recognized as a risk factor for clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). Many studies have shown increased prevalence of cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with chronic HCV infection (CHC), and though these markers may be used to risk stratify people for cardiac disease in the general population their role in the HCV population is unknown. Patients with CHC have elevated cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers compared to noninfected controls which may play a role in CVD risk stratification. We undertook a systematic review of inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers in people with HCV infection with a focus on the effect of CHC on serum levels of these markers and their utility as predictors of CVD in this population. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles until June 2019. A total of 2430 results were reviewed with 115 studies included. Our review revealed that HCV infection significantly alters serum levels of markers of inflammation, endothelial function, and cardiac dysfunction prior to HCV treatment, and some of which may change in response to HCV therapy. Current risk stratification tools for development of CVD in the general population may not account for the increased inflammatory markers that appear to be elevated among HCV‐infected patients contributing to increased CVD risk.
Hippocampal oscillatory dynamics and sleep atonia are altered in an animal model of fibromyalgia: Implications in the search for biomarkers
Authors: Blasco‐Serra Arantxa , Alfosea‐Cuadrado Gloria , Cervera‐Ferri Ana , González‐Soler Eva M. , Lloret Ana , Martínez‐Ricós Joana , Teruel‐Martí Vicent , Valverde‐Navarro Alfonso A.
Published: December 2019

The pathogenesis of fibromyalgia is still unknown. Core symptoms include pain, depression, and sleep disturbances with high comorbidity, suggesting alterations in the monoaminergic system as a common origin of this disease. The reserpine‐induced myalgia (RIM) model lowers pain thresholds and produces depressive‐like symptoms. The present work aims to evaluate temporal dynamics in the oscillatory profiles and motor activity during sleep in this model and to evaluate if the model mimics the sleep disorders that occur in fibromyalgia patients. Hippocampal and electromyogram activity were recorded in chronically implanted rats. Following 3 days of basal recordings, reserpine was administered on three consecutive days to achieve the RIM. Postreserpine recordings were taken on alternate days for 21 days. Reserpine induced changes in the sleep architecture with more transitions between states, and a different pattern between the administration period and postreserpine weeks. Administration days were characterized by a larger amount of rapid eyes movement sleep with dominant theta waves without atonia. Following the reserpinization, theta oscillations were always more fragmented and with lower frequency. On the postreserpine days, sleep was dominated by slow‐wave sleep with fast intrusions and reduced hierarchical coupling with spindles and ripples. Simultaneous electromyography recordings also showed muscle twitches during sleep and the dissociation of theta activity and muscle atonia. Abnormally high slow waves, alpha/delta intrusions, frequent transitions, and muscle twitches are common traits in fibromyalgia. Therefore, our analyses support the validity of the RIM model to study sleep disorders in fibromyalgia, and provide new insights into the research of oscillographic biomarkers.
A Nitrogen‐Doped Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles/Porous Carbon Nanosheets Hybrid Material: A High‐Performance Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Li Teng , Wang Ruizi , Tong Zhiqiang , Tian Di , Yuan Liangjie
Published: December 2019

A nitrogen‐doped MnO nanoparticles/ porous carbon nanosheets (N−MnO/PCS) composite was synthesized by the room‐temperature redox reaction between KMnO4 and PCS followed by a facile carbothermal reduction, and a subsequent coating process of urea onto MnO/PCS and heat treatment. N−MnO nanoparticles with a grain size of about 30 nm are homogenously embedded on the surface of the N−PCS, corresponding to a high loading of 50.09 wt.% in the resulting composite. Benefiting from the enhanced reaction kinetics as well as electrical conductivity and continuous transport pathways of Li+/electron resulting from the N‐doping and hybridization of the cross‐linked porous carbon substrate, the as‐synthesized N−MnO/PCS‐1 electrode delivers a large reversible specific capacity (1497.2 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 160 cycles), outstanding rate capacities (710.6 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 and 640.1 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1) and long‐term cycling stability with specific capacity (976 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after cycling 300 cycles). The simple and green synthesis and electronic properties of this composite mean that it has great potential as a high‐capacity anode material for practical application in large‐scale energy storage devices.
Sustainability – A key to Australian finance directors improving their organisation's CSR culture
Authors: Burns Clare Jane M. , Houghton Luke , Stewart Heather
Published: December 2019

Sustainability, as one of six (economic, ethical, social, stakeholder, sustainability, and discretionary) dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is frequently espoused in large finance organisations' corporate reports. In this case study on finance board directors, conducted in the lead‐up to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry (hereafter Commission), sustainability assumptions were not found to be a day‐to‐day consideration for the majority of directors. Directors' primary assumptions, their values‐in‐use, were finance first, followed by risk and defence. Finance, in terms of short‐term profitability, was considered before all espoused values such as customer centricity, integrity, trustworthiness, and professionalism. Within the study there were a small number of directors who did prioritise sustainability, which they closely integrated with the economic (finance) dimension. The additional prioritisation of sustainability led to better integration of the other CSR dimensions and a reduced difference between what is said (espoused) and done. While other CSR and finance studies have focused on “how much”, this study provides unique insights into the “why” of the finance industry's values‐in‐use preceding the 2018 to 2019 Commission which exposed some of the “what” and “when” of director behaviour.
Molecular signaling of G‐protein‐coupled receptor in chronic heart failure and associated complications
Authors: Altamish Mohammad , Samuel Vijaya Paul , Dahiya Rajiv , Singh Yogendra , Deb Pran Kishore , Bakshi Hamid A. , Tambuwala Murtaza M. , Chellappan Dinesh K. , Collet Trudi , Dua Kamal , Gupta Gaurav
Published: December 2019

The well‐known condition of heart failure is a clinical syndrome that results when the myocardium's ability to pump enough blood to meet the body's metabolic needs is impaired. Most of the cardiac activity is maintained by adrenoceptors, are categorized into two main α and β and three distinct subtypes of β receptor: β1‐, β2‐, and β3‐adrenoceptors. The β adrenoreceptor is the main regulatory macro proteins, predominantly available on heart and responsible for down regulatory cardiac signaling. Moreover, the pathological involvement of Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 1 (ACE1)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) axis and beneficial ACE2/Ang (1‐7)/Mas receptor axis also shows protective role via Gi βγ, during heart failure these receptors get desensitized or internalized due to increase in the activity of G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and GRK5, responsible for phosphorylation of G‐protein‐mediated down regulatory signaling. Here, we investigate the various clinical and preclinical data that exhibit the molecular mechanism of upset level of GRK change the cardiac activity during failing heart.
Rear negativity: Verbal messages coming from behind are perceived as more negative
Authors: Frankowska Natalia , Parzuchowski Michal , Wojciszke Bogdan , Olszanowski Michal , Winkielman Piotr
Published: December 2019

Many studies have explored the evaluative effects of vertical (up/down) or horizontal (left/right) spatial locations. However, little is known about the role of information that comes from the front and back. Basing our investigations on multiple theoretical considerations, we propose that spatial location of sounds is a cue for message valence, such that a message coming from behind is interpreted as more negative than a message presented in front of a listener. Here we show across a variety of manipulations and dependent measures that this effect occurs in the domain of social information. Our data are most compatible with theoretical accounts which propose that social information presented from behind is associated with uncertainty and lack of control, which is amplified in conditions of self‐relevance.
A micrometer head integrated microfluidic device for facile droplet size control and automatic measurement of a droplet size
Authors: Bui Hoang Khang , Seo Tae Seok
Published: December 2019

A novel microfluidic droplet generator is proposed, which can control the droplet size through turning an integrated micrometer head with ease, and the size of the produced micro‐droplet can be automatically and real‐time monitored by an open‐sourced software and off‐the‐shelf hardware.
Entwicklung eines neuen hochfesten SN‐Ankers zur Optimierung von konventionellen Vortrieben
Authors: Schiller Andreas , Wiest Marius
Published: December 2019

The new high‐strength SN anchors offer easy handling resulting from a 44 % weight saving compared to conventional SN anchors with the same structural properties. In addition to the advantages in handling and occupational safety, consequential economic advantages can of course be mentioned such as lower freight costs, the option of reducing the borehole diameter, the possibility of parallel execution of various work steps and, finally, optimization of speed in conventional tunnelling.
Sprayed concrete lining – Improving safety through design
Authors: Kumpfmüller Sebastian , Feiersinger Andreas , Doulkas George
Published: December 2019

In‐depth contractor engagement during the concept and detailed design phases of the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade project led to an optimised tunnel design with significant improvements in risk management. Regular, coordinated meetings between the design and construction teams led to innovative construction solutions utilised in eliminating risks where possible and where not possible, controlling them through best practice. This paper outlines the lessons learnt from other tunnelling projects in London and presents how the risks related with SCL works have been dealt with in the tunnels design for the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade project.
Entwässerung von Schlämmen aus der Produktion mineralischer Zuschlagstoffe
Authors: Geißler Hendrik , Lassnig Herbert
Published: December 2019

In order to implement construction projects responsibly and at the same time efficiently, intelligent, multi‐project material flow management is becoming ever more important. At the Brenner Base Tunnel, material excavated from the tunnel and geogenic fill was processed for use as concrete aggregates. One part of this processing was the separation of the finest grains by washing the material. This however produced a considerable quantity of sludge, which was to be dewatered immediately after the washing. The article describes the sludge dewatering in geotextile tubes. In addition to the application example from the construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel, the findings from this project have also been applied to optimise dewatering systems in the original application area of cleaning up waterways. Finally there is a brief outlook of current research results regarding the use of the dewatering system for used bentonite suspensions in specialised civil engineering.
Brenner Basistunnel – Vortrieb im unmittelbaren Nahbereich von Bestandsbauwerken im Baulos Tulfes–Pfons
Authors: Mössmer Stefan , Sulzbacher Gerhard , Jedlitschka Gernot , Holzleitner Wolfgang
Published: December 2019

This report deals with tunnelling over and under existing tunnels with unreinforced concrete linings and tunnelling under an existing tunnel only supported with shotcrete. The uppermost task was to avoid damage to the existing tunnel and this could be fulfilled through carefully staged advance steps, technically correct construction by the contractor and a dense observation network. The experience tunnelling over an existing tunnel supported only with shotcrete shows that despite slight deformation, cracks and spalling occurred to the shotcrete support layer of the tunnel beneath. This damage did impair the serviceability of the support layer although the structural safety of the tunnel was never in danger. The impairment of the serviceability was temporary and could be remedied by installing overhead protection. In the long term, repair measures were necessary to the support layer in zones with poor geological conditions.
Disclosing progress in cancer survival with less delay
Authors: Jansen Lina , Schröder Chloé C. , Emrich Katharina , Holleczek Bernd , Pritzkuleit Ron , Brenner Hermann
Published: December 2019

Cancer registration plays a key role in monitoring the burden of cancer. However, cancer registry (CR) data are usually made available with substantial delay to ensure best possible completeness of case ascertainment. Here, we investigate empirically with routinely available data whether such a delay is mandatory for survival analyses or whether data can be used earlier to provide more up‐to‐date survival estimates. We compared distributions of prognostic factors and period relative survival estimates for three population‐based CRs in Germany (Schleswig‐Holstein (SH), Rhineland‐Palatinate (RP), Saarland (SA)) computed on datasets extracted one (DY+1) to 5 years after the year of diagnosis (DY+5; reference). Analyses were conducted for seven cancer sites and various survival analyses scenarios. The proportion of patients registered in the datasets at a given time varied strongly across registries with 57% (SH), 2% (RP) and 26% (SA) registered in DY+1 and >93% in all registries in DY+3. Five‐year survival estimates for the most recent three‐year period were comparable to estimates from the reference dataset already in DY+1 (mean absolute deviations = 0.2–0.6% units). Deviations >1% units were only observed for pancreatic and lung cancer in RP and leukemia in SA (all ≤1.5% units). For estimates of 1‐year survival based on the most recent 1‐year period only, slightly longer delays were required, but reasonable estimates were still obtained after 1–2 years, depending on the CR and cancer site. Thus, progress in cancer survival could be disclosed in a more timely manner than commonly practiced despite delays in completeness of registration.