bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method to estimate the longshore sediment transport at ebb‐tidal deltas based on their volumetric growth: Application to the Guadiana (Spain–Portugal border)
Authors: Garel Erwan , López‐Ruiz Alejandro , Ferreira Óscar
Published: June 2019

Current techniques assessing longshore sediment transport rates have large uncertainties, pleading for the development of alternative and complementary approaches. The present study proposes a method to estimate the decadal average rate of longshore transport at modern ebb‐tidal deltas based on a sediment budget analysis of the outer shoal growth. This transport is obtained as the balance of the other contributions to the shoal with the total sediment input rate obtained from an inverse application of the inlet reservoir model. The method is applied to the Guadiana ebb‐tidal delta, yielding an average longshore sediment transport rate (~85 000 m3 year−1) in good agreement with expectations for the region. It is exemplified that this decadal averaged rate can be used to improve longshore sediment transport expressions in order to study its variability over shorter time scales. At the Guadiana, the yearly longshore sediment transport from the improved formula ranges from ~25 000 m3 (westward) to ~245 000 m3 (eastward) and is related to the North Atlantic Oscillation index. Overall, the proposed method constitutes an alternative tool to constrain the average longshore sediment transport rate over decades in the vicinity of tidal inlets. It is applicable to ebb‐tidal deltas where the outer shoal growth (from an early to a mature stage) is well documented by bathymetric maps, and where the main transport pathways towards the outer shoal can be specified. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eignung und Auswahl von Vortriebsverfahren für Druckstollen von Hochdruck‐Wasserkraftanlagen
Authors: Gerstner Reinhold , Vigl Alois , Jäger Manfred , Wilfinger Nicole
Published: June 2019

In the construction of high‐pressure hydropower plants, the headrace is often the decisive cost component and determines the economic feasibility of the plant. For this reason, the selection and dimensioning of the most suitable tunnelling method is of fundamental importance. This starts with the determination of a suitable layout followed by a reliable geological prediction and covers the geotechnical interpretation and identification of geotechnical requirements. This is followed by the most accurate forecast of the performance of different excavation systems and risk assessments for each estimate. Finally, the development and comparison of different construction process scenarios is required to determine the most practical and safest combination of the most suitable excavation methods. Subsequently, these individual steps are explained and a comparison is drawn with experience gained in construction practice in the implementation of numerous headraces of high‐pressure hydropower plants.
The longitudinal association of multimorbidity on loneliness and network size: Findings from a population‐based study
Authors: Kristensen Kaja , König Hans‐Helmut , Hajek André
Published: June 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the onset of multimorbidity with loneliness and social network size longitudinally.

Methods

Longitudinal data was used from the German Ageing Survey, a representative sample of adults aged 40 and over, residing in private households. The presence of two or more illnesses indicated multimorbidity. A 6‐item version of the validated De Jong Gierveld Loneliness scale was used to assess perceived loneliness. The network size of respondents was represented by counts of important people in regular contact. Fixed‐effects regressions adjusted for time‐varying socio‐demographic, life style, and health‐related variables were used.

Results

The regression analysis yielded, when controlling for possible confounders, that the onset of multimorbidity led to increased loneliness (β = .06, p < .001). However, the results revealed as well that the onset of multimorbidity was associated with an increased network size (β = .29, p < .001).

Conclusion

Results demonstrate a complex relationship of the variables examined. Efforts to target multimorbidity, eg, to postpone or prevent it, could be helpful to decrease loneliness.
Development in the interpretation of ambiguous referents in 3‐ and 5‐year‐olds
Authors: Murakami Taro , Hashiya Kazuhide
Published: June 2019

In verbal communication, a receiver often needs to resolve referential ambiguity. This study set two experimental conditions to separate the possibility of local correspondence based on the persisting strategy of reference assignment from that of more flexible reference skills. A total of 139 three‐year‐old and five‐year‐old children engaged in referencing names and colours in response to ambiguous implicit questions. The double‐referent condition involved a reference assignment task, which alternated explicit questions and implicit questions. In the single‐referent condition, implicit questions appeared at different positions within a series of interactions. The results demonstrated no difference between the conditions, indicating that the difficulty of disambiguation was not due to local correspondences such as “this”‐referent mappings in a particular context. This suggests that the study's procedure appropriately probed inferential competence to enable retrospective disambiguation, thus providing a potential tool for assessing various aspects of pragmatic interpretation.

Highlights

The main research question is whether the experience of "this"‐referent mappings affects to interpret the subsequent ambiguous referent.

A total of 139 three‐ and five‐year‐old children were engaged in the reference assignment task. The results demonstrated that the tendency of disambiguation was not due to local correspondence such as "this"‐referent mappings in a particular context.

The procedure used in the study appropriately reflected inferential competence that enables retrospective disambiguation.
Targeting ferroptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma cells
Authors: Dächert Jasmin , Ehrenfeld Vanessa , Habermann Karoline , Dolgikh Nadezda , Fulda Simone
Published: June 2019

Recent data suggest that rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells might be vulnerable to oxidative stress‐induced cell death. Here, we show that RMS are susceptible to cell death induced by Erastin, an inhibitor of the glutamate/cystine antiporter xc− that can increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via glutathione (GSH) depletion. Prior to cell death, Erastin caused GSH depletion, ROS production and lipid peroxidation. Importantly, pharmacological inhibitors of lipid peroxidation (i.e., Ferrostatin‐1, Liproxstatin‐1), ROS scavengers (i.e., α‐Tocopherol, GSH) and the iron chelator Deferoxamine inhibited ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation and cell death, consistent with ferroptosis. Interestingly, the broad‐spectrum protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Bisindolylmaleimide I as well as the PKCα‐ and β‐selective inhibitor Gö6976 significantly reduced Erastin‐induced cell death. Similarly, genetic knockdown of PKCα significantly protected RMS cells from Erastin‐induced cell death. Furthermore, the broad‐spectrum nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐oxidase (NOX) inhibitor Diphenyleneiodonium and the selective NOX1/4 isoform inhibitor GKT137831 significantly decreased Erastin‐stimulated ROS, lipid ROS and cell death. These data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis in RMS, contributing to the development of new redox‐based treatment strategies.
An adaptive framework for saliency detection
Authors: Jia Ning , Liu Xianhui , Zhao Weidong , Zhang Haotian , Zhuo Keqiang
Published: June 2019

At present, people are inclined to use one saliency detection method to cover all the pixels in an image. However, every method has its own limitations. A single method may not yield a good performance at all image scenes. In this article, we propose a new adaptive framework to detect salient objects. For each pixel in an image, it adaptively selects an appropriate method according to the pixel context relationship. In our framework, an image is characterized by a set of binary maps, which are generated by randomly thresholding the image's initial saliency map. And then, we utilize the surroundedness cue, which are obtained by a series of operations on the binary maps, to classify all the pixels in an image. Furthermore, based on the classes, we choose methods to detect salient objects. Extensive experimental results on three benchmark datasets demonstrate that our method performs favorable against 11 state‐of‐the‐art methods.
A dual functional bone‐defect‐filling material with sequential antibacterial and osteoinductive properties for infected bone defect repair
Authors: Wang Dongyun , Liu Yi , Liu Yuelian , Yan Liang , Zaat Sebastian A.J. , Wismeijer Daniel , Pathak Janak L. , Wu Gang
Published: June 2019

Infected bone defect healing is hindered by infection and compromised bone regenerative capacity. In this study, we designed a dual functional bone‐defect‐filling material with a sequential release system, that is, a burst release of a potent antibacterial agent, hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC), followed by a controlled release of osteoinductive bone morphogenic protein (BMP2) to repair the infected bone defect. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of HACC against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 40 μg/mL. HACC at 40 μg/mL did not affect preosteoblast proliferation and did not influence the BMP2‐induced alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin expression, and matrix mineralization. in vitro release profile revealed burst release of HACC followed by a slow release of BMP2. in vivo bone formation was observed only in the BMP2‐containing groups. HACC did not influence of biomimetic calcium phosphate (BioCaP) resorption and BMP2‐induced bone formation. In conclusion, the optimized HACC/BMP2‐incorporated BioCaP complex showed strong antibacterial effect and robustly enhanced osteoinduction both in vitro and in vivo.
Man of Steel Syndrome: Silicone and Mineral Oil Injections With Associated Hypercalcemia, Hypophosphatemia, and Proximal Muscle Weakness
Authors: Shirvani Arash , Palermo Nadine E , Holick Michael F
Published: June 2019

Silicone/mineral oil‐induced granulomas have been described as an inflammatory granulomatous response when silicone/mineral oil is injected for cosmetic purposes. These sclerosing granulomas can lead to hypercalcemia. Here we present a 33‐year‐old man with hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, progressively worsening fatigue, severe proximal muscle weakness, and depression. He had an athletic build with increased muscle bulk and several areas of indurated, nontender, firm, well‐circumscribed lesions in the subcutaneous tissue of his anterior pectoralis, triceps, and biceps bilaterally because of injecting himself with silicone/mineral oil‐based product into his muscles. Sclerosing granulomas were diagnosed on the MRI. He had extremely low or undetectable serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and persistently elevated serum levels of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] and calcium. He developed hypophosphatemia associated with elevated levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF‐23) and severe proximal muscle weakness. Treatment with systemic steroids, furosemide, calcitonin, ketoconazole, and denosumab resulted in a significant decrease in his serum calcium, but with minimal impact on his hypophosphatemia and fatigue.Correcting his severe vitamin D deficiency with small doses of vitamin D and raising his blood level of 25(OH)D from undetectable to 10 ng/mL without significantly affecting his serum calcium or phosphate was effective in reversing his severe proximal muscle weakness, permitting him to lift his head and to be free of his wheelchair. Although measurement of the 1,25(OH)2D level is not mandatory in all cases of hypercalcemia, it is indicated in a patient who has low serum PTH levels. Clinicians need to be aware that vitamin D deficiency can cause severe proximal muscle weakness such that the patient is unable to lift his head from his chest or ambulate. This may lead to a psychiatric disorder misdiagnosis. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Parathyroid Hormone Shifts Cell Fate of a Leptin Receptor-Marked Stromal Population from Adipogenic to Osteoblastic Lineage
Authors: Yang Mengyu , Arai Atsushi , Udagawa Nobuyuki , Zhao Lijuan , Nishida Daisuke , Murakami Kohei , Hiraga Toru , Takao-Kawabata Ryoko , Matsuo Koichi , Komori Toshihisa , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Takahashi Naoyuki , Isogai Yukihiro , Ishizuya Toshinori , Yamaguchi Akira , Mizoguchi Toshihide
Published: June 2019

Intermittent parathyroid hormone (iPTH) treatment induces bone anabolic effects that result in the recovery of osteoporotic bone loss. Human PTH is usually given to osteoporotic patients because it induces osteoblastogenesis. However, the mechanism by which PTH stimulates the expansion of stromal cell populations and their maturation toward the osteoblastic cell lineage has not be elucidated. Mouse genetic lineage tracing revealed that iPTH treatment induced osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells (MSPCs), which carried the leptin receptor (LepR)-Cre. Although these findings suggested that part of the PTH-induced bone anabolic action is exerted because of osteoblastic commitment of MSPCs, little is known about the in vivo mechanistic details of these processes. Here, we showed that LepR+MSPCs differentiated into type I collagen (Col1)+ mature osteoblasts in response to iPTH treatment. Along with osteoblastogenesis, the number of Col1+ mature osteoblasts increased around the bone surface, although most of them were characterized as quiescent cells. However, the number of LepR-Cre-marked lineage cells in a proliferative state also increased in the vicinity of bone tissue after iPTH treatment. The expression levels of SP7/osterix (Osx) and Col1, which are markers for osteoblasts, were also increased in the LepR+MSPCs population in response to iPTH treatment. In contrast, the expression levels of Cebpb, Pparg, and Zfp467, which are adipocyte markers, decreased in this population. Consistent with these results, iPTH treatment inhibited 5-fluorouracil- or ovariectomy (OVX)-induced LepR+MSPC-derived adipogenesis in BM and increased LepR+MSPC-derived osteoblasts, even under the adipocyte-induced conditions. Treatment of OVX rats with iPTH significantly affected the osteoporotic bone tissue and expansion of the BM adipose tissue. These results indicated that iPTH treatment induced transient proliferation of the LepR+MSPCs and skewed their lineage differentiation from adipocytes toward osteoblasts, resulting in an expanded, quiescent, and mature osteoblast population. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Expression of a Degradation-Resistant β-Catenin Mutant in Osteocytes Protects the Skeleton From Mechanodeprivation-Induced Bone Wasting
Authors: Bullock Whitney A , Hoggatt April M , Horan Daniel J , Lewis Karl J , Yokota Hiroki , Hann Steven , Warman Matthew L , Sebastian Aimy , Loots Gabriela G , Pavalko Fredrick M , Robling Alexander G
Published: June 2019

Mechanical stimulation is a key regulator of bone mass, maintenance, and turnover. Wnt signaling is a key regulator of mechanotransduction in bone, but the role of β-catenin—an intracellular signaling node in the canonical Wnt pathway—in disuse mechanotransduction is not defined. Using the β-catenin exon 3 flox (constitutively active [CA]) mouse model, in conjunction with a tamoxifen-inducible, osteocyte-selective Cre driver, we evaluated the effects of degradation-resistant β-catenin on bone properties during disuse. We hypothesized that if β-catenin plays an important role in Wnt-mediated osteoprotection, then artificial stabilization of β-catenin in osteocytes would protect the limbs from disuse-induced bone wasting. Two disuse models were tested: tail suspension, which models fluid shift, and botulinum-toxin (botox)-induced muscle paralysis, which models loss of muscle force. Tail suspension was associated with a significant loss of tibial bone mass and density, reduced architectural properties, and decreased bone formation indices in uninduced (control) mice, as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), micro-computed tomography (µCT), and histomorphometry. Activation of the βcatCA allele in tail-suspended mice resulted in little to no change in those properties; ie, these mice were protected from bone loss. Similar protective effects were observed among botox-treated mice when the βcatCA was activated. RNAseq analysis of altered gene regulation in tail-suspended mice yielded 35 genes, including Wnt11, Gli1, Nell1, Gdf5, and Pgf, which were significantly differentially regulated between tail-suspended β-catenin stabilized mice and tail-suspended nonstabilized mice. Our findings indicate that selectively targeting/blocking of β-catenin degradation in bone cells could have therapeutic implications in mechanically induced bone disease. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Silencing interleukin 1α underlies a novel inhibitory role of miR‐181c‐5p in alleviating low‐grade inflammation of rats with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Ji Li‐Jiang , Li Fang , Zhao Ping , Weng Li‐Ping , Wei Jun  , Yan Jing , Liu Li‐Na
Published: June 2019

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of unknown etiology. Studies have found a close relation between IBS and microRNAs (miRNAs), but the study concerning the relationship between IBS and miR‐181c‐5p in IBS is still blank. Thus, this study aims to explore the role of miR‐181c‐5p in IBS via interleukin 1α (IL1A). Initially, microarray analysis was used to retrieve the genes related to IBS and to predict miRNAs regulating IL1A gene. IBS model was then established with abdominal withdraw reflection (AWR) and Bristol stool grading in mice measured. Afterwards, the functional role of miR‐181c‐5p in IBS was determined using the ectopic expression, depletion and reporter assay experiments, as well as miR‐181c‐5p and IL1A expression detected. Subsequently, expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), and IL‐6 were detected to further determine the effects of miR‐181c‐5p and IL1A on inflammation in IBS. miR‐181c‐5p and IL1A might be involved in IBS. miR‐181c‐5p was found to be decreased while IL1A was increased in IBS rats. In addition, miR‐181c‐5p could target and inhibit expression of IL1A, and IBS mice exhibited elevated AWR and Bristol stool grading, namely 6 to 7 points (70.4 [38 of 54]). Moreover, with the overexpression of miR‐181c‐5p or silencing of IL1A, the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐2, and IL‐6 was decreased. Collectively, this study suggested that overexpressed miR‐181c‐5p could silence IL1A, thus inhibiting low‐grade inflammation in IBS rats. miR‐181c‐5p/IL1A is expected to serve as a novel target for the treatment of IBS.
Synergistic enhancement of apoptosis by coralyne and paclitaxel in combination on MDA‐MB‐231 a triple‐negative breast cancer cell line
Authors: Kumari Seema , Mohan Murali G. , Shailender G. , Badana Anil Kumar , Malla Rama Rao
Published: June 2019

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most outrageous subtype of breast cancer. Emphasizing the urge of new approach in cancer therapy, combinational drug therapy may be proven as an effective strategy. In our previous study, we reported that coralyne (COR) with paclitaxel (PTX) efficiently decreases the proliferation of MDA‐MB‐231 compared with MCF‐7 cell line. Thus, we studied the effect of COR and PTX in combination on apoptosis of MDA‐MB‐231 cell line. In silico results demonstrated that COR intercalates DNA at a minor groove. In vitro approaches revealed that in combination (COR and PTX) increases the efficacy of apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cell line by a significant increase in G1/S phase arrest, DNA fragmentation, and change in mitochondria membrane potential. The expression of ATM and ATR a serine/threonine‐protein kinase, ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3‐related protein were depleted with an increase in time from 24 to 48 hours in concurrent with increased levels of γH2AX indicating that DNA damage routes cells to enter apoptosis. This was confirmed by high levels of caspase‐3 and cytochrome c. Also, the decrease in the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 confirmed the antimetastatic efficacy of COR + PTX. The present study indicates that the synergistic effect of COR and PTX can enhance apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cell line and may be proven as a potential anticancer therapy against TNBC.
Quercetin modifies 5′CpG promoter methylation and reactivates various tumor suppressor genes by modulating epigenetic marks in human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Kedhari Sundaram Madhumitha , Hussain Arif , Haque Shafiul , Raina Ritu , Afroze Nazia
Published: June 2019

The central role of epigenomic alterations in carcinogenesis has been widely acknowledged, particularly the impact of DNA methylation on gene expression across all stages of carcinogenesis is considered vital for both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Dietary phytochemicals hold great promise as safe anticancer agents and effective epigenetic modulators. This study was designed to investigate the potential of a phytochemical, quercetin as a modulator of the epigenetic pathways for anticancer strategies. Biochemical activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone methyltransferases (HMTs), and global genomic DNA methylation was quantitated by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay based assay in quercetin‐treated HeLa cells. Molecular docking studies were performed to predict the interaction of quercetin with DNMTs and HDACs. Quantitative methylation array was used to assess quercetin‐mediated alterations in the promoter methylation of selected tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Quercetin induced modulation of chromatin modifiers including DNMTs, HDACs, histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and HMTs, and TSGs were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR). It was found that quercetin modulates the expression of various chromatin modifiers and decreases the activity of DNMTs, HDACs, and HMTs in a dose‐dependent manner. Molecular docking results suggest that quercetin could function as a competitive inhibitor by interacting with residues in the catalytic cavity of several DNMTs and HDACs. Quercetin downregulated global DNA methylation levels in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The tested TSGs showed steep dose‐dependent decline in promoter methylation with the restoration of their expression. Our study provides an understanding of the quercetin's mechanism of action and will aid in its development as a candidate for epigenetic‐based anticancer therapy.
Vitamin D downregulates key genes of diabetes complications in cardiomyocyte
Authors: Derakhshanian Hoda , Djazayery Abolghassem , Javanbakht Mohammad Hassan , Eshraghian Mohammad Reza , Mirshafiey Abbas , Jahanabadi Samane , Ghadbeigi Sajad , Zarei Mahnaz , Alvandi Ehsan , Djalali Mahmoud
Published: June 2019

Objective

Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be associated with the incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and worsening of diabetes complications. This study was designed to investigate the effect of vitamin D treatment on the expression of five key genes involved in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Twenty‐four male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. The first group served as control and the other two groups received an intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to develop diabetes. Then groups were treated for 4 weeks either with placebo or vitamin D (two injections of 20,000 IU/kg). Serum levels of glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), as well as the gene expression of AGE cellular receptor (RAGE), glyoxalase, aldose reductase, O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT), and glutamine‐fructose‐6‐phosphate aminotransferase (GFAT) and nuclear factor‐kB (NF‐kB) activity of nuclear extracts were assessed at the end of experiment.

Results

Increment in serum cholecalciferol could improve hyperglycaemia and hypoinsulinemia in diabetic rats. In addition, a significant reduction was observed in RAGE, OGT, and GFAT gene expression and NF‐kB activity in cardiac myocytes.

Conclusions

Vitamin D might contribute in reducing diabetic cardiomyopathy not only by improving blood glucose and insulin levels but also via downregulating AGE and hexosamine pathways and decreasing NF‐kB activity in heart tissue.
Three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography for evaluating myocardial motion in patients with cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Zhang Hua , Qiu Shaodong , Chen Fei , Zhu Zhimin
Published: June 2019

Because of better awareness and understanding of its pathophysiology, the cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is more often diagnosed and better managed. The echocardiographic evaluation of CRS now benefits from three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D‐STE), which allows multidimensional and real‐time evaluation of regional myocardial and overall cardiac function, and helps assessing the degree of myocardial damage. This article describes the application of 3D‐STE in evaluating the myocardial motion in patients with CRS.
Preparation of Dolutegravir Intermediate Diastereomer
Authors: Wang Xianheng , Chen Song , Zhao Changkuo , Long Liangye , Wang Yuhe
Published: June 2019

A convenient method was developed to prepare the diastereomer of dolutegravir tricyclic intermediate in the catalysis of EDCI/DMAP in up to 87% yield. Different solvents, temperature, and times were optimized. The synthesized diastereomer 6′ could be used as a standard for the industrial manufacture requirement of dolutegravir active pharmaceutical ingredient.
Rethinking research partnerships: Evidence and the politics of participation in research partnerships for international development
Authors: Fransman Jude , Newman Kate
Published: June 2019

This article responds to the drive for research partnerships between academics and practitioners, arguing that while potential benefits are clear, these are frequently not actualized resulting in partnerships that are ineffectual or worse, exacerbate damaging or inequitable assumptions and practices. In order to understand/improve partnerships, a systematic analysis of the interrelationship between what counts as evidence and dynamics of participation is proposed. Drawing on data from a seminar series and iterative analysis of seven case studies of partnerships between Higher Education Institutions and International Non‐Governmental Organisations, the article concludes by suggesting substantial shifts in the theory and practice of partnerships. © 2019 The Authors Journal of International Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Cognitive health care system and its application in pill‐rolling assessment
Authors: Shah Syed Aziz , Yang Xiaodong , Abbasi Qammer H.
Published: June 2019

Directional antennas have been extensively used in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for various applications. This work presents the application of a four‐beam patch antenna as a sensor node to assess the pill‐rolling effect in Parkinson disease. The four‐beam patch is small in size, highly directive, and can suppress the multipath fading encountered in indoor settings that adversely affects the measurements. The pill‐rolling effect refers to tremors in the hands, particularly in the forefinger and the thumb, which the patient involuntary rubs together. The core idea is to develop a low‐cost framework that effectively evaluates the particular movement disorder to assist doctors or clinicians in carrying out an objective assessment using the S‐band sensing technique leveraging small wireless devices operating at 2.4 GHz. The proposed framework uses the perturbations in amplitude and phase information to efficiently identify tremors and nontremors experienced in the fingers. The unique imprint induced by each body motion is used to determine the particular body motion disorder. The performance of the framework is evaluated using the support vector machine algorithm. The results indicate that the framework provides high classification accuracy (higher than 90%).
Low Muscularity as Assessed by Abdominal Computed Tomography on Intensive Care Unit Admission Is Associated With Mortality in a Critically Ill Asian Population
Authors: Ng Ching Choe , Lee Zheng‐Yii , Chan Wai Yee , Jamaluddin Mohamad Fadhil , Tan Lin Jun , Sitaram Premela Naidu , Ruslan Shairil Rahayu , Hasan M. Shahnaz
Published: June 2019

Background

Low muscularity (LM) is associated with high mortality in the Caucasian critically ill population. Muscularity can be accurately measured by the skeletal muscle index (SMI; cm2/m2) generated by computed tomography (CT). This study aimed to establish the overall and sex‐specific cutoff values that predict hospital mortality in an Asian critically ill population.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective, observational study included patients aged ≥18 years with an abdominal CT conducted within 72 hours of admission to the intensive care unit. SMI generated from CT images at the level of the mid‐third lumbar vertebra were extracted from the medical records. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was generated to determine the SMI cutoff values for hospital mortality. Association between LM (defined by SMI cutoff value) and hospital mortality was further evaluated by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In a sample of 228 patients, the overall SMI cutoff value (cm2/m2) for hospital mortality was 42.0 (AUC: 0.637; sensitivity: 66.7%, specificity: 56.8%), whereas it was 46.5 in males and 35.3 in females. More males than females had LM (51.4% vs 37.5%), and >40% of overweight/obese patients had LM. Patients with LM were older and had a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization. After adjusting for known confounders, LM independently predicted hospital mortality in the overall sample (adjusted odds ratio: 2.42; 95% CI 1.16–5.03; P = 0.003) and in both sexes.

Conclusion

This study established a set of SMI cutoff values that predict hospital mortality. LM is independently associated with hospital mortality.
Molecular structure of humus acids in soils
Authors: Bezuglova Olga
Published: June 2019

The molecular structure of humus acids remains one of the most challenging issues in the soil science. The focus of the current research lies in defining the molecular and supramolecular structure of soil humus acids. This paper provides a brief review of the current understanding of the problem and shares findings of the elemental and X‐ray structural analysis of humic and fulvic acids extracted from Chernozems and Chestnut soils in the Rostov region. This region occupies a large area of the South‐European Russia. Humic acids in the studied soils have reduced carbon content compared to average parameters for these soil types. The supramolecular organization of humic acids in three‐dimensional space contains two to four layers of condensed aromatic systems supplemented by a network of chain fragments of different regularity and length. Parameters of this structure vary for soils of different genesis and genetic horizons. However, interplanar distances are fixed in the range of 0.349 to 0.371 nm. Thickness of the carbon network band increases with the benzoidicity level of humic acids. The obtained results confirm the specific matrix structure of humic acid molecules. Considering currently available scarce data these findings are valuable and unique. Our findings are consistent with the general hypothesis about the supramolecular nature of humic substances.
Rare and endangered soils in the Taihang Mountain region, North China
Authors: Fu Tonggang , Han Lipu , Gao Hui , Liang Hongzhu , Liu Jintong
Published: June 2019

Loss of pedodiversity is a worsening land degradation issue worldwide. Knowledge of rare and endangered soils is critical for the protection of pedodiversity. However, such knowledge remains limited, especially for mountain regions with intensive human disturbance. In this paper, rare and endangered soils were identified using the Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD), and their spatial distributions were determined for Taihang Mountain region, North China. Furthermore, the effects of natural (elevation, precipitation, temperature, slope gradient, soil parent, and vegetation) and human (farming and population density) factors on rare and endangered soils were analyzed. The results showed that based on the second‐level HWSD classification, a total of 94 soil types were identified in Taihang Mountain region, 36 of which were rare and 7 endangered soils. It implied that there was the need to protect soil resources in this region. Cluster analysis showed that Dystric Podzoluvisols and Mollic Gleysols were the most endangered soils in terms of both area and distribution, suggesting that these soil types needed to be protected. Most of the rare and endangered soils were distributed in the northern of Taihang Mountain, indicating that the northern part needed more attention. Correlation analysis showed that the effect of human factors on rare and endangered soils was more important than that of natural factors, confirming that human activities were largely responsible for the occurrence of rare and endangered soils. Such results provided not only further understanding of pedodiversity but also useful information for protection of soil resources and control of land degradation.
A Very Personal View of Molecular Organogels. Examples Showing the Conceptual Links with Structurally Simple Gelators
Authors: Weiss Richard G.
Published: June 2019

Results from studies of some structurally simple molecular gelators developed at Georgetown and the properties of their organogels, formed by cooling their sol phases, in a variety of liquids are presented. Dynamic and structural aspects of the gels at different distance and time scales are discussed. Results from oscillatory rheology have been employed to assess some of the dynamic properties, including their thixotropy.
Synthesis and Properties of Polyurethane Hydrogel Based on β‐Cyclodextrin Partial Nitrates and Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Rodin Maksim , Romanova Lyudmila , Lapshina Maria , Terent'ev Alexei , Tarasov Alexander
Published: June 2019

A hydrogel based on β‐cyclodextrin partial nitrate and oligo(ethylene glycols) of various molecular mass were synthesized by urethane formation reaction with hexamethylene diisocyanate. The influence of molecular mass of poly(ethylene glycol) and partial cyclodextrin content on mechanical and physico‐chemical properties of polyurethane hydrogel and its ability to swell in water was investigated. Additionally, cytotoxicity of partial cyclodextrin nitrates was studied.
Thermoreversible Gelation of a Vinylidene Fluoride‐Based Copolymer in Methyl Ethyl Ketone: Dynamics and Structure
Authors: Link Jessica , Sanseau Olivier , Tauban Mathieu , Colbeau‐Justin Frédéric , Lorthioir Cédric , Sotta Paul
Published: June 2019

Thermoreversible poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF‐co‐HFP)) gels are formed in an aliphatic ketone − methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) − at high concentrations (above 11 wt%). This gelation phenomenon is first investigated in terms of gelation kinetics which is found to depend strongly on both copolymer concentration and temperature. Melting temperatures Tm of P(VDF‐co‐HFP)‐based gels prepared at different concentrations, in MEK are measured by DSC. Combination of 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Small‐Angle X‐ray Scattering (SAXS), and Wide‐Angle X‐ray Scattering (WAXS) on undried/nonlyophilized gels is used to probe both the gelation mechanisms and the structure of these systems. 19F NMR experiments allow studying selectively the fluorinated copolymer. The occurrence of a polymer network‐like structure with rigid zones acting as cross‐links has been highlighted. Such a behavior is only observed in the gel state: no polymer network or rigid zones exist when the polymer–solvent system is in the liquid state. Moreover, the fraction of rigid zones as well as the fraction of elastically active chain portions increases with the copolymer concentration. The nature, of the rigid zones present within the gels are investigated by X‐ray diffraction. Rigid regions are found to display a crystalline order.
Selective Recovery of Metal Ion by Using Hydrogel With Different Inner pH
Authors: Gotoh Takehiko , Sano Masahide , Nakai Satoshi
Published: June 2019

New metal ion recovery method with hydrogels as a reaction and separation media has been investigated. Hydrogels based on copolymers of 2‐(Dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, N‐3‐(Dimethylamino)propyl acrylamide, and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide are prepared. Diethyleneglycol dimethacrylate is used as a crosslinker. The hydrogel with tertiary amino group exhibited high pH value inside of them when they swelled in water because the tertiary amino group was protonated by water and produced hydroxide ion was retained in the hydrogel. When the hydrogel is immersed in the metal ion aqueous solution, the metal ion diffused into the hydrogels to produce metal hydroxide in the hydrogel. The metal hydroxide within hydrogel is easily separated from the solution. The recovery amount of the metal in the hydrogel is increased with the concentration of the metal ions in the solution. The pH value of the hydrogel could be controlled by the concentration monomers at the preparation. The selective recovery of a certain metal ion from the mixed metal ion solution is attained by controlling the pH value of the hydrogel. The results obtained here suggest the possibilities of the novel metal ion recovery method replacing the coagulation and/or adsorption methods.
Influence of Network Chain Structure on Mechanics of Glassy Polymer Networks
Authors: Sirk Timothy W.
Published: June 2019

We study the higher‐order cycle structures and topological structure‐property relations of thermosets using coarse‐grained molecular simulations, graph optimization, and graph generation concepts. The topological properties of networks are controlled using a modified Watts‐Strogatz graph‐generation model, which allows the corresponding physical properties to be studied with simulations. The degree of disorder in the polymer network is systematically varied to assess the differences in uniaxial stress response, and in the nature of bond scission of fully cured glassy networks. We show that the architecture of the network strongly affects the onset of bond breaking and ultimate stress, but leaves the modulus and yield point unchanged.
A novel mutation in the GARS gene in a Malian family with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Yalcouyé Abdoulaye , Diallo Seybou H. , Coulibaly Thomas , Cissé Lassana , Diallo Salimata , Samassékou Oumar , Diarra Salimata , Coulibaly Dramane , Keita Mohamed , Guinto Cheick O. , Fischbeck Kenneth , Landouré Guida ,   The H3Africa Consortium
Published: June 2019

Background

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease is a very heterogeneous neurological condition with more than 90 reported genetic entities. It is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy; however, cases are rarely reported in sub‐Saharan Africa. In addition, only few families, mostly of Caucasian ancestry, have been reported to have Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 2D (CMT2D) mutations. To date no case of CMT2D was reported in Africa. We present here a consanguineous family with CMT phenotype in which a novel mutation in the GARS (glycyl‐tRNA synthetase) gene was identified.

Methods

Patients were examined thoroughly and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed. DNA from the proband was used for CMT gene panel testing (including 50 genes, PMP22 duplication and mtDNA). Putative mutations were verified in all available family members to check for segregation.

Results

Two individuals, a male and a female, were found to be affected. Symptoms started in their teenage years with muscle weakness and atrophy in hands. Later, distal involvement of the lower limbs was noticed. Patients complained of minor sensory impairment. NCS showed no response in the upper as well as the lower limbs. Genetic testing surprisingly identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation c.794C>A (p.Ser265Tyr) in the GARS gene associated with CMT2D. This variant segregated with the disease in the family and was also seen in the mother who presented no symptoms.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a genetically confirmed CMT2D case in Africa, expanding its genetic epidemiology. Increasing access to genetic testing may reveal more novel CMT variants or genes in the African population that could be relevant to other populations and further our understanding of their mechanism.
A comprehensive immune repertoire study for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Fu Yingyun , Li Bo , Li Yazhen , Wang Minlian , Yue Yongjian , Xu Lan , Li Shulin , Huang Qijun , Liu Song , Dai Yong
Published: June 2019

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and has replaced HIV as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent.

Methods

Here, we applied high throughput sequencing to study the immune repertoire of nine pulmonary tuberculosis patients and nine healthy control samples.

Results

Tuberculosis patients and healthy controls displayed significantly different high express clones and distinguishable sharing of CDR3 sequences. The TRBV and TRBJ gene usage showed higher expression clones in patients than in controls and we also found specific high express TRBV and TRBJ gene clones in different groups. In addition, six highly expressed TRBV/TRBJ combinations were detected in the CD4 group, 21 in the CD8 group and 32 in the tissue group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we studied the patients with tuberculosis as well as healthy control individuals in order to understand the characteristics of immune repertoire. Sharing of CDR3 sequences and differential expression of genes was found among the patients with tuberculosis which could be used for the development of potential vaccine and targets treatment.
Parasitism of Rainbow Trout in Hatchery Raceways by Chestnut Lampreys
Authors: Salinger Jeremiah M , Johnson Ronald L
Published: June 2019

Other than anecdotal evidence, parasitism of trout by lampreys in hatcheries has not been characterized. This study investigated the frequency of parasitism on Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss by presumptive Chestnut Lampreys Ichthyomyzon castaneus in the raceways of Norfork National Fish Hatchery (northern Arkansas) from January to April 2013. Although no Chestnut Lampreys were collected, 82 wounded trout were identified from 23 of the 54 raceways sampled, with frequencies of parasitism being greatest during April. We also examined attachment site selection; 95% of attachments were dorsal, and most were in the mid-section of the host fish. Data indicating preference for a dorsal attachment site selection are consistent with observations generated in most studies of Chestnut Lampreys. Although not significant in terms of trout lost to parasitism, efforts should be maintained to minimize lamprey invasion into hatcheries, as the zoonotic transfer of pathogens has been documented in other lampreys.
Influence of different isoflurane anesthesia protocols on murine cerebral hemodynamics measured with pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Munting Leon P. , Derieppe Marc P.P. , Suidgeest Ernst , Denis de Senneville Baudouin , Wells Jack A. , van der Weerd Louise
Published: June 2019

Arterial spin labeling (ASL)‐MRI can noninvasively map cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), potential biomarkers of cognitive impairment and dementia. Mouse models of disease are frequently used in translational MRI studies, which are commonly performed under anesthesia. Understanding the influence of the specific anesthesia protocol used on the measured parameters is important for accurate interpretation of hemodynamic studies with mice. Isoflurane is a frequently used anesthetic with vasodilative properties. Here, the influence of three distinct isoflurane protocols was studied with pseudo‐continuous ASL in two different mouse strains. The first protocol was a free‐breathing set‐up with medium concentrations, the second a free‐breathing set‐up with low induction and maintenance concentrations, and the third a set‐up with medium concentrations and mechanical ventilation. A protocol with the vasoconstrictive anesthetic medetomidine was used as a comparison. As expected, medium isoflurane anesthesia resulted in significantly higher CBF and lower CVR values than medetomidine (median whole‐brain CBF of 157.7 vs 84.4 mL/100 g/min and CVR of 0.54 vs 51.7% in C57BL/6 J mice). The other two isoflurane protocols lowered the CBF and increased the CVR values compared with medium isoflurane anesthesia, without obvious differences between them (median whole‐brain CBF of 138.9 vs 131.7 mL/100 g/min and CVR of 10.0 vs 9.6%, in C57BL/6 J mice). Furthermore, CVR was shown to be dependent on baseline CBF, regardless of the anesthesia protocol used.
Phosphorus‐free boron nitride/cerium oxide hybrid: A synergistic flame retardant and smoke suppressant for thermally resistant cyanate ester resin
Authors: Feng Yuhui , Yuan Li , Liang Guozheng , Gu Aijuan
Published: June 2019

Establishing a phosphorus‐free strategy to fabricate high‐performance thermosetting resins owning outstanding thermal resistance, good flame retardancy, and smoke suppression is important for sustainable development. Herein, a unique phosphorus‐free hybrid (BN@CeO2) was synthesized through chemically grafting cerium oxide (CeO2) on surface of exfoliated boron nitride (BN) nanosheet with the aids of γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and polydopamine coating, which was then embedded into bisphenol A cyanate ester (BCy) resin to fabricate new BN@CeO2/BCy composites with high thermal resistance. Compared with BCy resin, the BN@CeO2/BCy composite with 4 wt% BN@CeO2 not only has delayed initial ignition time by 23 seconds but also severally shows 58.1%, 23.1%, and 44.4% lower smoke produce rate, total heat release, and peak heat release rate. The study on mechanism behind outstanding flame retardancy reveals that the improved heat resistance and flame retardancy of BN@CeO2/BCy composite are attributed to multiply effects induced by BN@CeO2 and its interaction with BCy resin; specifically, these effects come from BN (physical barrier) and CeO2 (free radical trapping effect and catalytic char layer formation) as well as those from the synergistic effect of BN and CeO2. These excellent comprehensive properties of BN@CeO2/BCy composites demonstrate that BN@CeO2 is an environment‐friendly and synergistic modifier for developing heat‐resisting thermosetting resins with outstanding flame retardancy and smoke suppression.