bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Government Administration and the Development of Oba Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Fagbohunka Adejompo
Published: February 2019

The recognition and importance of local government in the development process is prompted by the imperative to tackle local socio-economic problems and to manage grassroots development, especially through provision of basic infrastructure. The paper therefore, underscores the impacts of local government administration on the development of oba Akoko, Akoko South west Local government, Ondo state, Nigeria. The first stage in the collection of primary data is the reconnaissance survey of the study area where nine quarters in Oba Akoko region was identified, namely;  Odooro, Obaju, Owaodo, Irefun, Ekusi, Ode arinkansin, Ibeware, Odokele, Oketere. Fifteen questionnaires were administered in each of the nine quarters through random sampling method, making a total of one hundred and thirty five. Oral interview was also conducted at the local government to elicit vital information on the developmental activities and the challenges among others. The paper reveals inadequate performance of the local government in the area of transportation, infrastructural development and the employment creation. The study further found out that the local government impacts on the local economy and housing were positive. Also, the contribution of the local government concerning combating of crimes was insignificant. The paper reveals that there is poor performance of the local government towards the developmental programmes; also, the local government has not done well in the development activities and assistance to farmers and the artisans were inadequate. The factors hindering the successful implementation of the developmental programmes in Oba Akoko, includes corruption on the one hand and undue interference of the state government concerning local government affairs on the other hand. The paper however recommends among others that; local government allocation should be increased by the federal government, undue interference from governments at the state and federal level should be minimized, while corruption should be discouraged.
External Quality Assessment: Microscopy Diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum for a Better Management of Malaria in the Regional Health Center in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Sylvain Beourou , Karim Tuo , Offianan A. Toure , Claude F. A. N’dhouba , Hubert N’goran , Issiaka Bassinka , Louis Penali , Mireille Dosso , Allico J. Djaman
Published: February 2019

Context: In Côte d'Ivoire, malaria is transmitted throughout the year with an increased rate during the rainy season. This pathology is endemic on the whole territory with seasonal variations. The major vector is Anopheles gambiae. The external microbiology quality assessment programs organized by both Institut Pasteur of Côte d'Ivoire (IPCI) and PEPFAR, malaria microscopy was randomly carried out in 1/3 of the country regional health center laboratories.  Laboratory technicians play a key role in malaria control programs because care services such as the disease monitoring depend on their diagnosis and technical skills.

Aim: The aim of this evaluation was to control the quality of the microscopic diagnosis and the performance of on-duty technicians for the management of feverish patients and efforts to strengthen laboratory services.

Méthodology: Six (6) RHC (Regional Health Center) laboratories were involved in the evaluation. Anonymity code was assigned to each of the participating laboratories.

There were many discrepancies in External Quality Assessment (EQA) results on the field not with standing the parasitemia, low or high.

Results: Only 30% of correct answers were recorded for P. falciparum identification. For P. ovale, we found a failure rate of 100% for laboratories.

Conclusion: Parasitemia was approximate and many confusions were observed regarding the different stages of parasites.
Effect of Temperature Regimes on Morphological Development of Selected Canola (Brassica napus) Genotypes
Authors: Nwogha J. S. , Agenbag G. A. , Obidiegwu J. E. , Amadi C. O.
Published: February 2019

Seven canola genotypes selected from early and mid-maturing groups of canola genotypes presently planted in the Western Cape canola production area were grown in 3 litre plastic bags filled with a mixture of sand and compost at ratio of 1:1 and irrigated with fully balanced nutrient solution at EC=2.0 in two glasshouses at night/day temperature regimes of 10/15˚C and 15/20˚C. Plant heights were measured at 14 days interval from 28 to 84 days after planting (DAP). Plants were sampled for leaf area (LA) and above ground dry mass (DM) at budding, flowering and seed physiological maturity stages. Plant growth rates (PGR) from planting to budding, from budding to flowering and from flowering to physiological maturity growth stages were calculated. Relative growth rates (RGR) and net assimilation rates (NAR) from budding to flowering and from flowering to physiological maturity stages were also calculated. Days after planting, GDD and PTU at budding, flowering and physiological maturity were correlated with leaf area, dry mass, number of pods plant-1   and pod dry mass plant-1 at budding, flowering and physiological maturity stages to determine whether there were relationships between the variables. The study showed that by increasing night/day temperature from 10/15˚C to 15/20˚C plant height, number of leaves plant-1 at budding stage, leaf area at budding , plant growth rate (PGR) from planting to budding stage and relative growth rate (RGR) from budding to flowering stage were increased. However, PGR from budding to physiological maturity, RGR from flowering to physiological maturity, net assimilation rate (NAR) from budding to flowering stage, leaf area at flowering and physiological maturity stages, as well as  number of flower stems, number of pods  plant-1, above ground total dry mass at flowering and physiological maturity  stages were  decreased. Pod dry mass at physiological maturity decreased by 22.24% to 40.35% for different genotypes which clearly demonstrated the variations in sensitivity of canola genotypes to increasing night/day temperatures and also indicates that canola crop can be genetically improved for heat tolerance.
The Development of Creative Industry Strategies as a Tourist Attraction in Banten Province, Indonesia
Authors: Indrajaya Titus , Cahyandito Martha Fani , Wiweka Kadek , Adnyana Putu Pramania
Published: February 2019

Creative industry has a big influence on the development of tourism destination. Developing a creative industry which is the part of the tourism industry is an assertion in the present. The synergy between the creative economy and the tourism sector is a potential economic development model to be developed in Indonesia, including the Province of Banten. Banten has the potential of tourism commodities such as wicker, a local wealth of Batik Banten, and Weaving Baduy. Banten Province also has 34 centers of small and medium industries including snack center, footwear, metal, bricks, and tile scattered in Serang, Pandeglang, and Lebak. The purpose of this study is to understand the main actor and driving factor of the development of creative industry, to construct the strategy of creative industry development in Banten Province, and to analyze the potential of creative industry development as a tourist attraction in Banten Province. The research method of the study is a literature review with descriptive and explorative approaches. This research found that to develop the creative economy as a driver of the tourism sector requires connectivity, by creating creative product outlets in strategic locations and close to tourist spots. These outlets can be counter or craft centers that can be packaged in tour packages.
Fuzzy adaptive optimal control for nonlinear switched systems with actuator hysteresis
Authors: Sui Shuai , Tong Shaocheng , Chen C. L. Philip , Sun Kangkang
Published: February 2019

This article considers the issue of fuzzy adaptive dynamic programming control of nonlinear switched systems with arbitrary switchings and unknown uncertain functions and actuator hysteresis nonlinearities. The whole control approach is made of switching feedforward controller and optimal switching feedback controller. To get over the hardness of arbitrary switching structure and the issue of “explosion of complexity”, the common Lyapunov function theory and dynamic surface control method are utilized in the recursive design technique. By using fuzzy logic systems to model unknown inner dynamics and unknown cost functions, a novel fuzzy adaptive optimal switching control strategy is developed. Meanwhile, uniformly ultimately boundedness of all weights in the controlled systems are proved by the proposed control method, and the tracking performance is guaranteed in an optimal manner. Subsequently, a numerical simulation study is used to test the effectiveness of the presented control strategy.
Decentralized adaptive multi‐dimensional Taylor network tracking control for a class of large‐scale stochastic nonlinear systems
Authors: Yan Hong‐Sen , Han Yu‐Qun
Published: February 2019

This paper investigates the problem of adaptive multi‐dimensional Taylor network (MTN) decentralized tracking control for large‐scale stochastic nonlinear systems. Minimizing the influence of randomness and complex nonlinearity, which increases computational complexity, and improving the controller's real‐time performance for the stochastic nonlinear system are of great significance. With combining adaptive backstepping with dynamic surface control, a decentralized adaptive MTN tracking control approach is developed. In the controller design, MTNs are used to approximate nonlinearities, the backstepping technique is employed to construct the decentralized adaptive MTN controller, and the dynamic surface control technique is adopted to avoid the “explosion of computational complexity” in the backstepping design. It is proven that all the signals in the closed‐loop system remain bounded in probability, and the tracking errors converge to a small residual set around the origin in the sense of a mean quartic value. As the MTN contains only addition and multiplication, the proposed control method is more simplified and of good real‐time performance, compared with the existing control methods for large‐scale stochastic nonlinear systems. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design approach, and simulation results demonstrate that the method presented in this paper has good real‐time performance and control quality, and the dynamic performance of the closed‐loop system is satisfactory.
Differential effects of employment grade on the association between long working hours and problem drinking
Authors: Cheng Wan‐Ju , Pien Li‐Chung , Cheng Yawen
Published: February 2019

Objective

To examine the association between working hours and problem drinking in employees from different employment grades.

Methods

We used data from a national survey of randomly sampled Taiwanese workers. A total score of 2 or more on the Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye‐Opener (CAGE) questionnaire was used to identify problem drinkers. Weekly working hours were categorized into five groups: <40, 40, 41‐48, 49‐59, and ≥60. Employees were classified into three employment grades: managers and professionals, skilled workers, and low‐skilled workers. The associations between working hours and problem drinking in employees from different employment grades were examined by logistic regression models.

Results

In skilled workers, problem drinking was associated with <40 and 41‐48 working hours, but not with >48 working hours. In low‐skilled workers, problem drinking was most strongly associated with 49‐59 working hours.

Conclusion

The association between working hours and problem drinking was not linear and differed with employment grades.
Integrated Valorization of Desalination Brine through NaOH Recovery: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Kumar Amit , Phillips Katherine R. , Cai Janny , Schröder Uwe , Lienhard John H.
Published: February 2019

The rising use of seawater desalination for fresh water production is driving a parallel rise in the discharge of high‐salinity brine into the ocean. Better utilization of this brine would have a positive impact on the energy use, cost, and environmental footprint of desalination. Furthermore, intermittent renewable energy can easily power the brine utilization and, for reverse osmosis technology, the entire desalination plant. One pathway toward these goals is to convert the otherwise discharged brine into useful chemicals; waste could be transformed into sodium hydroxide or caustic soda (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). In this Minireview, we discuss opportunities and challenges for integrated valorization of desalination brine through NaOH and HCl recovery.
Chemische Synthesen und chemische Biologie von Carboxylpolyether‐Ionophoren: Aktuelle Entwicklungen
Authors: Liu Han , Lin Shaoquan , Jacobsen Kristian M. , Poulsen Thomas B.
Published: February 2019

Ein zentrales Ziel der chemischen Biologie ist die Entwicklung von molekularen Sonden, die grundlegende Untersuchungen zellulärer Systeme ermöglichen. In der Hierarchie bioaktiver Moleküle nehmen die sogenannten Ionophore eine unspektakuläre Position ein, wobei typische Charakterisierungen “unspezifisch” und “toxisch” sind. Tatsächlich führt die bloße Möglichkeit, dass ein Kandidatenmolekül “Ionophoraktivität” besitzt, dazu, dass es aus weiteren Studien entfernt wird; Ionophore sind, aus einer chemobiologischen Perspektive betrachtet, “molekulare Gesetzlose”. Im Widerspruch zu diesem insgesamt schlechten Ruf der Ionophore verdankt die synthetische Chemie einige ihrer erstaunlichsten Erfolge den Untersuchungen von Ionophor‐Naturstoffen, insbesondere den Carboxylpolyethern, die für ihre komplizierten molekularen Strukturen bekannt sind. Diese Verbindunge waren jahrzehntelang akademische Spielwiesen, um neue Synthesemethoden zu testen und retrosynthetische Taktiken zu perfektionieren. Hier betrachten wir die aufregendsten jüngsten Fortschritte bei der Synthese von Carboxylpolyether‐Ionophoren (CPI) und diskutieren darüber hinaus das aufkeimende Feld der chemischen Biologie von CPIs.
Two‐Phase System Utilizing Hydrophobic Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Photocatalytic Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Isaka Yusuke , Kawase Yudai , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: February 2019

Much effort has been devoted to photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an alternative to fossil fuels. From an economic point of view, reductive synthesis of H2O2 from O2 coupled with the oxidative synthesis of value‐added products is particularly interesting. We herein report application of MIL‐125‐NH2, a photoactive metal–organic framework (MOF), to a benzylalcohol/water two‐phase system that realized photocatalytic production and spontaneous separation of H2O2 and benzaldehyde. Hydrophobization of the MOF enabled its separation from the aqueous phase. This resulted in enhanced photocatalytic efficiency and enabled application of various aqueous solutions including extremely low pH solution which is favorable for H2O2 production but fatal to MOF structure. In addition, a highly concentrated H2O2 solution was obtained by simply reducing the volume of the aqueous phase.
Long‐Distance Rate Acceleration by Bulk Gold
Authors: Schlimm Alexander , Löw Roland , Rusch Talina , Röhricht Fynn , Strunskus Thomas , Tellkamp Tobias , Sönnichsen Frank , Manthe Uwe , Magnussen Olaf , Tuczek Felix , Herges Rainer
Published: February 2019

We report on a very unusual case of surface catalysis involving azobenzenes in contact with a Au(111) surface. A rate acceleration of the cis–trans isomerization on gold up to a factor of 1300 compared to solution is observed. By using carefully designed molecular frameworks, the electronic coupling to the surface can be systematically tuned. The isomerization kinetics of molecules with very weak coupling to the metal is similar to that found in solution. For their counterparts with strong coupling, the relaxation rate is shown to depend on the spin‐density distribution in the triplet states of the molecules. This suggests that an intersystem crossing is involved in the relaxation process. Aside from their impact on catalytic processes, these effects could be used to trigger reactions over long distances.
Multivariable extension of global finite‐time HOSM based differentiator for output‐feedback unit vector and smooth binary control
Authors: Oliveira Tiago Roux , Rodrigues Victor Hugo Pereira , Battistel Andrei , Fridman Leonid
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we propose a unit vector control law by output feedback to solve the problem of global exact output tracking for a class of multivariable uncertain plants with nonlinear disturbances. In order to face the nonuniform arbitrary relative degree obstacle, we extend our earlier estimation scheme based on global finite‐time differentiators using dynamic gains to a multivariable architecture. A diagonally stable condition over the system high‐frequency gain (HFG) matrix has to be assumed. Preserving the simplicity of its mono variable framework, variable gain super‐twisting algorithm (STA) is employed to obtain the robust and exact multivariable differentiator. Moreover, state‐norm observers for the unmeasured state variables are constructed to upper bound the disturbances as well as to update the differentiator gains, being both state dependent. Uniform global exponential stability and ultimate exact tracking are proved. As an alternative to chattering alleviation, we appeal to the Emelyanov's concept of binary control in order to obtain a continuous control signal replacing the unit vector function in the controller by a high‐gain gradient adaptive law with parameter projection. As shown in the existing literature for mono variable systems, the proposed multiparameter binary‐adaptive formulation tends to the unit vector control as the adaptation gain increases to infinity, also smoothing the transition from adaptive to sliding mode control. A numerical example is portrayed to illustrate the potentialities of the developed multivariable techniques.
Enhanced CHO Clone Screening: Application of Targeted Locus Amplification and Next‐Generation Sequencing Technologies for Cell Line Development
Authors: Aeschlimann Samuel H. , Graf Christian , Mayilo Dmytro , Lindecker Hélène , Urda Lorena , Kappes Nora , Burr Alicia Leone , Simonis Marieke , Splinter Erik , van Min Max , Laux Holger
Published: February 2019

Early analytical clone screening is important during Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line development of biotherapeutic proteins to select a clonally derived cell line with most favorable stability and product quality. Sensitive sequence confirmation methods using mass spectrometry have limitations in throughput and turnaround time. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies emerged as alternatives for CHO clone analytics. We report an efficient NGS workflow applying the targeted locus amplification (TLA) strategy for genomic screening of antibody expressing CHO clones. In contrast to previously reported RNA sequencing approaches, TLA allows for targeted sequencing of genomic integrated transgenic DNA without prior locus information, robust detection of single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) and transgenic rearrangements. During clone selection, TLA/NGS revealed CHO clones with high‐level SNVs within the antibody gene and we report in another case the utility of TLA/NGS to identify rearrangements at transgenic DNA level. We also determined detection limits for SNVs calling and the potential to identify clone contaminations by TLA/NGS. TLA/NGS also allows to identify genetically identical clones. In summary, we demonstrate that TLA/NGS is a robust screening method useful for routine clone analytics during cell line development with the potential to process up to 24 CHO clones in less than 7 workdays.
Vitamins in cell culture media: Stability and stabilization strategies
Authors: Schnellbaecher Alisa , Binder Dennis , Bellmaine Stephanie , Zimmer Aline
Published: February 2019

Nowadays, chemically defined cell culture media (CCM) have replaced serum‐ and hydrolysate‐based media that rely on complex ingredients, such as yeast extracts or peptones. Benefits include a significantly lower lot‐to‐lot variability, more efficient manufacturing by reduction to essential components, and the ability to exclude components that may negatively influence growth, viability, or productivity. Even though current chemically defined CCMs provide an excellent basis for various mammalian biotechnological processes, vitamin instabilities are known to be a key factor contributing to the variabilities still present in liquid CCM as well as to short storage times. In this review, the chemical degradation pathways and products for the most relevant vitamins for CCM will be discussed, with a focus on the effects of light, oxygen, heat, and other CCM compounds. Different approaches to stabilize vitamins in solution, such as replacement with analogs, encapsulation, or the addition of stabilizing compounds will also be reviewed. While these vitamins and vitamin stabilization approaches are presented here as particular for CCM, the application of these concepts can also be considered relevant for pharmaceutical, medical, and food supplement purposes. More precise knowledge regarding vitamin instabilities will contribute to stabilize future formulations and thus decrease residual lot‐to‐lot variability.
Optical Characteristics of Micro‐sized Biological Aerosol Particles
Authors: Koh Young‐Jin , Jeong Young‐Su , Chong Eugene
Published: February 2019

In this work, an ultraviolet C (UVC)‐light emitting diode (LED)‐based technology for hazardous biological particle detection was developed by analyzing the specific scattering and fluorescence signal characteristics of various particles generated by a 275 nm UVC excitation light source. An experimental apparatus based on laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF), comprising LED and PMT, was used. Experimental results for each type of particle studied showed that the ratio of scattering and fluorescence was 22–89% for micro‐sized clustered biological aerosol particles and 12% for non‐biological particles. It was confirmed that the presence of micro‐sized biological and non‐biological aerosol particles can be determined based on their fluorescence characteristics in the UV region. Hence, this study demonstrates the feasibility of hazardous biological particle detection in the UV region by using a LED‐based technology, which is both inexpensive and highly efficient.
Genetically Encoded Libraries of Constrained Peptides
Authors: Bosma Tjibbe , Rink Rick , Moosmeier Markus A. , Moll Gert N.
Published: February 2019

Many therapeutic peptides can still be improved with respect to target specificity, target affinity, resistance to peptidases/proteases, physical stability, and capacity to pass through membranes required for oral delivery. Several modifications can improve the peptides’ properties, in particular those that impose (a) conformational constraint(s). Screening of constrained peptides and the identification of hits is greatly facilitated by the generation of genetically encoded libraries. Recent breakthrough bacterial, phage, and yeast display screening systems of ribosomally synthesized post‐translationally constrained peptides, particularly those of lanthipeptides, are earning special attention. Here we provide an overview of display systems for constrained, genetically encoded peptides and indicate prospects of constrained peptide‐displaying phage and bacterial systems as such in vivo.
Facile Synthesis of α‐exo‐Methylene Ketones from α,α‐Disubstituted Allyl Alcohols by Electrochemical Oxidative Migration
Authors: Yamamoto Kosuke , Kikuchi Naoto , Hamamizu Tohru , Yoshimatsu Hirofumi , Kuriyama Masami , Demizu Yosuke , Onomura Osamu
Published: February 2019

Oxidative migration of α,α‐disubstituted allyl alcohols to α‐exo‐methylene ketones was accomplished through an electrochemical method by using CaX2 or MgX2 (X=Cl, Br) as a halogen mediator. Cyclic and acyclic α,α‐disubstituted allyl alcohols were successfully employed in the present reaction, affording the corresponding migration products in good‐to‐excellent yields. α‐exo‐Methylene ketones bearing an aliphatic group on the α position of the carbonyl group were obtained by using a two‐step procedure, that is, electrochemical oxidative migration followed by base‐mediated dehydrohalogenation in a one‐pot manner.
CoI‐Catalyzed Barbier Reactions of Aromatic Halides with Aromatic Aldehydes and Imines
Authors: Presset Marc , Paul Jérôme , Cherif Ghania Nait , Ratnam Nisanthan , Laloi Nicolas , Léonel Eric , Gosmini Corinne , Le Gall Erwan
Published: February 2019

The reductive Barbier coupling of aromatic halides and electrophiles has been achieved using a CoBr2/1,10‐phenanthroline catalytic system and over stoichiometric amounts of zinc. The reaction displayed a broad scope of substrates, including (hetero)aryl chlorides as pro‐nucleophiles and aldehydes or imines as electrophiles, leading to diarylmethanols and diarylmethylamines in moderate to excellent yields, respectively.
Synthesis of carbon materials with different morphologies by solvothermal method with premixing
Authors: Shi Qin , Dong Kun , Zhang Liangliang , Luo Yong , Chu Guangwen , Zou Haikui , Sun Baochang
Published: February 2019

This work presents a study on the synthesis of nanostructure carbon materials by the solvothermal method. Carbon materials with different morphologies, including chain‐like solid carbon particles, hollow carbon nanospheres, and carbon nanoribbons were obtained by adjusting operating conditions. The prepared carbon nanospheres with amorphous structures include amorphous chain‐like solid carbon particles with an average particle size of 118 nm and a length range of 300–600 nm, hollow carbon nanospheres with an average diameter of ∼533 nm, and carbon nanoribbons with an average width of ∼56 nm and a length of 1000–2000 nm. In addition, a possible growth mechanism of nanostructure carbon materials prepared by the solvothermal method was discussed. The research gives a simple route to obtain carbon materials with different morphologies.
Emerging misunderstood presentations of cardiovascular disease in young women
Authors: Bullock‐Palmer Renee P. , Shaw Leslee J. , Gulati Martha
Published: February 2019

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for females in the United States accounting for over 412 000 female deaths in 2016. CVD mortality in young women <55 years old remains significantly high and greater than that in men.

Hypothesis

There is a void with regards to awareness of CVD in women. Many traditional CVD risk estimate tools fail to identify the “at risk” female and is true for the young female patient. There needs to be a shift in focus from looking for the vulnerable plaque to looking for the “at risk” patient.

Methods

This review outlines the emerging misunderstood presentations of CVD in young women which include certain categories of myocardial infarction (MI) with non‐obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), as well as the more stable myocardial ischemia with non‐obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) category focusing on mental stress‐induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI).

Results

The prevalence of MINOCA in patients presenting with MI is greater in women. In younger women with CVD, SCAD is an emerging misunderstood presentation in this group of patients with type 2 SCAD being the most common form. MSIMI, a form of INOCA, is more common in women with CVD.

Conclusions

There are emerging misunderstood factors that are prevalent in young women, such as SCAD and MSIMI. It is important to recognize their presentations in young women to prevent misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis as well as mismanagement of these patients to improve their clinical outcomes.
Recent Advances in the Development of Molecular Catalyst‐Based Anodes for Water Oxidation toward Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Zahran Zaki N. , Tsubonouchi Yuta , Mohamed Eman A. , Yagi Masayuki
Published: February 2019

Catalytic water oxidation represents a bottleneck for developing artificial photosynthetic systems that store solar energy as renewable fuels. A variety of molecular water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) have been reported over the last two decades. In view of their applications in artificial photosynthesis devices, it is essential to immobilize molecular catalysts onto the surfaces of conducting/semiconducting supports for fabricating efficient and stable water oxidation anodes/photoanodes. Molecular WOC‐based anodes are essential for developing photovoltaic artificial photosynthesis devices and, moreover, the performance of molecular WOC on anodes will provide important insight into designing extended molecular WOC‐based photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. This Review concerns recent progress in the development of molecular WOC‐based anodes over the last two decades and looks at the prospects for using such anodes in artificial photosynthesis.
Statistical analysis on secular records of igneous geochemistry: Implication for the early Archean plate tectonics
Authors: Liu He , Sun Wei‐dong , Deng Jianghong
Published: February 2019

In recent years, application of statistical analysis to a sufficiently large geochemical database has become more and more popular to reveal the onset and evolution of plate tectonics as a consequence of the development of computer science and storage technology. Here, we introduce a robust statistical method to process a filtered geochemical dataset including predominantly continental basaltic rocks through Earth's history. The results show that the average Sr concentrations gradually increased from 3.8 to 0 Ga, indicating a progressively growing depth of magma source as a result of secular cooling of the mantle. However, the average La/Yb and Sm/Yb ratios only started to increase at ca. 3.0 Ga. Considering the La–Yb and Sm–Yb fractionations are commonly attributed to the residual garnet crystallization, we interpreted that the geotherm of the magma source of continental basaltic rocks before 3.0 Ga might be higher than the stability limit of garnet. As such, there were little or no garnets in the residue during partial melting of the upwelling asthenospheric mantle or mantle plumes before 3.0 Ga, which also implied a higher continental geotherm during that time. Such a high geotherm could not support the formation of contemporaneous high‐pressure or medium‐pressure TTGs (tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite) by vertical tectonic models associated with upwelling mantle heating or delaminated lower crust melting in the early Archean. We therefore conclude that the plate tectonics had occurred by ca. 3.8 Ga in a hot subduction style and contributed to the formations of high‐ and medium‐pressure TTGs subsequently.
Astroglial Cx30 sustains neuronal population bursts independently of gap‐junction mediated biochemical coupling
Authors: Pannasch Ulrike , Dossi Elena , Ezan Pascal , Rouach Nathalie
Published: February 2019

Astroglial networks mediated by gap junction channels contribute to neurotransmission and promote neuronal coordination. Connexin 30, one of the two main astroglial gap junction forming protein, alters at the behavioral level the reactivity of mice to novel environment and at the synaptic level excitatory transmission. However, the role and function of Cx30 at the neuronal network level remain unclear. We thus investigated whether Cx30 regulates neuronal population bursts and associated convulsive behavior. We found in vivo that Cx30 is upregulated by kainate‐induced seizures and that it regulates in turn the severity of associated behavioral seizures. Using electrophysiology ex vivo, we report that Cx30 regulates aberrant network activity via control of astroglial glutamate clearance independently of gap‐junction mediated biochemical coupling. Altogether, our results indicate that astroglial Cx30 is an important player in orchestrating neuronal network activity.
Metformin promotes survivin degradation through AMPK/PKA/GSK‐3β‐axis in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Luo Zhuang , Chen Wei , Wu Wenjuan , Luo Wei , Zhu Tingting , Guo Gang , Zhang Liyan , Wang Chu , Li Min , Shi Shaoqing
Published: February 2019

Metformin, a first‐line antidiabetic drug, has been reported with anticancer activities in many types of cancer. However, its molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. As a member of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, survivin plays an important role in the regulation of cell death. In the present study, we investigated the role of survivin in metformin‐induced anticancer activity in non–small cell lung cancer in vitro. Metformin mainly induced apoptotic cell death in A549 and H460 cell lines. It remarkably suppressed the expression of survivin, decreased the stability of this protein, then promoted its proteasomal degradation. Moreover, metformin greatly suppressed protein kinase A (PKA) activity and induced its downstream glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) activation. PKA activators, both 8‐Br‐cAMP and forskolin, significantly increased the expression of survivin. Consistently both GSK‐3β inhibitor LiCl and siRNA restored the expression of survivin in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, metformin induced adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Suppression of the activity of AMPK with Compound C reversed the degradation of survivin induced by metformin, and meanwhile, restored the activity of PKA and GSK‐3β. These results suggest that metformin kills lung cancer cells through AMPK/PKA/GSK‐3β‐axis–mediated survivin degradation, providing novel insights into the anticancer effects of metformin.
miR‐148a‐3p regulates proliferation and apoptosis of bovine muscle cells by targeting KLF6
Authors: Song Chengchuang , Yang Jiameng , Jiang Rui , Yang Zhaoxin , Li Hui , Huang Yongzhen , Lan Xianyong , Lei Chuzhao , Ma Yun , Qi Xinglei , Chen Hong
Published: February 2019

Skeletal muscle development is regulated by a series of regulatory factors, and also including noncoding RNA, especially microRNAs (miRNAs). Recently, miR‐148a has been found to be involved in murine C2C12 differentiation by targeting ROCK1. However, the function of miR‐148a‐3p for the proliferation and apoptosis of bovine muscle cells has not been determined. In this study, we found that miR‐148a‐3p was highly expressed in fetal bovine skeletal muscle and exhibited a decreasing trend in muscle cells during its growth phase. Functional studies indicated that gain of miR‐148a‐3p inhibited the proliferation of bovine muscle cells and promoted apoptosis. Conversely, interference with miR‐148a‐3p inhibitor promoted muscle cell proliferation and inhibited its apoptosis. Mechanistically, KLF6 was confirmed as a new potential target gene of miR‐148a‐3p by TargetScan software prediction and the dual‐luciferase assay verification. Additionally, after a gain or loss of KLF6, the function of KLF6 for muscle cell proliferation and apoptosis was opposite to that of miR‐148a‐3p. Collectively, these findings proposed a novel avenue whereby miR‐148a‐3p impeded bovine myoblast cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis through the posttranscriptional downregulation of KLF6.
Tumor‐derived exosomes: Implication in angiogenesis and antiangiogenesis cancer therapy
Authors: Aslan Cynthia , Maralbashi Sepideh , Salari Farhad , Kahroba Houman , Sigaroodi Faraz , Kazemi Tohid , Kharaziha Pedram
Published: February 2019

Tumor cells utilize different strategies to communicate with neighboring tissues for facilitating tumor progression and invasion, one of these strategies has been shown to be the release of exosomes. Exosomes are small nanovesicles secreted by all kind of cells in the body, especially cancer cells, and mediate cell to cell communications. Exosomes play an important role in cancer invasiveness by harboring various cargoes that could accelerate angiogenesis. Here first, we will present an overview of exosomes, their biology, and their function in the body. Then, we will focus on exosomes derived from tumor cells as tumor angiogenesis mediators with a particular emphasis on the underlying mechanisms in various cancer origins. Also, exosomes derived from stem cells and tumor‐associated macrophages will be discussed in this regard. Finally, we will discuss the novel therapeutic strategies of exosomes as drug delivery vehicles against angiogenesis.
Vitexin suppresses RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis and prevents lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced osteolysis
Authors: Jiang Jiawei , Jia Yewei , Lu Xuanyuan , Zhang Tan , Zhao Kangxian , Fu Ziyuan , Pang Cong , Qian Yu
Published: February 2019

Osteolytic diseases are characterized by an increase in the number and/or activity of bone‐resorbing osteoclasts. Identification of natural compounds that can suppress osteoclast formation and function is crucial for the prevention and treatment of osteolytic diseases. Vitexin, a naturally‐derived flavonoid extracted from various medicinal plant species, demonstrates a broad range of pharmacological properties including anticancer and anti‐inflammatory effects. Here in this study, we showed that vitexin exerts antiosteoclastogenic effects by directly inhibiting receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption in vitro and protected against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory osteolysis in vivo. Vitexin suppressed the early activation of ERK and p38 MAPK pathways in response to RANKL thereby attenuating the downstream induction of c‐Fos and NFATc1, and abrogating the expression of osteoclast marker genes. Collectively, these results provide evidence for the therapeutic application of vitexin in the treatment of osteoclast‐mediated bone lytic diseases.
FOXE1 supports the tumor promotion of Gli2 on papillary thyroid carcinoma by the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Ma Jiancang , Huang Xin , Li Zongyu , Shen Yawei , Lai Jingyue , Su Qinghua , Zhao Jun , Xu Jinkai
Published: February 2019

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common malignancy in thyroid tissue. However, the molecular mechanism of PTC tumor progression remains unknown. The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is thought to play a key role during PTC development. Here we investigate the effects of glioma‐associated oncogene protein‐2 (Gli2), an important transcription factor of the Hh‐signaling pathway, on PTC. Gli2 and forkhead box E1 (FOXE1) protein levels were upregulated in tissues of PTC patients and PTC cell lines. Using the PTC cell line TPC‐1, we show that Gli2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduces cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; whereas overexpression of FOXE1 produces the opposite effects. Moreover, Gli2 siRNA inhibited the expression of genes implicated in the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and that FOXE1 overexpression produces the opposite effects. Thus, it was indicated that Gli2 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TPC‐1 cells by activating Wnt/β‐catenin and FOXE1 is involved in this process. Xenograft models of PTC were also constructed, the results showed that Gli2 siRNA reduced the rate of tumor growth, FOXE1 levels, and the expression of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway but FOXE1 overexpression reversed that effects. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Gli2 promotes the growth of PTC tumors and TPC‐1 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway via FOXE1.
Susceptibility‐weighted imaging in malignant melanoma brain metastasis
Authors: Schwarz Daniel , Niederle Thomas , Münch Philipp , Hielscher Thomas , Hassel Jessica C. , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Platten Michael , Winkler Frank , Wick Wolfgang , Heiland Sabine , Delorme Stefan , Bendszus Martin , Bäumer Philipp , Breckwoldt Michael O.
Published: February 2019

Background

The value of cerebral susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) in malignant melanoma (MM) patients remains controversial and the effect of melanin on SWI is not well understood.

Purpose

To systematically analyze the spectrum of intracerebral findings in MM brain metastases (BM) on SWI and to determine the diagnostic value of SWI.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population/Subjects

In all, 100 patients with melanoma BM (69 having received radiotherapy [RT] and 31 RT‐naïve) and a control group of 100 melanoma patients without BM were included. For detailed analysis of signal characteristics, 175 metastases were studied.

Field Strength/Sequence

Gradient echo SWI sequence at 1.5, 3.0, and 9.4 T.

Assessment

Signal characteristics from melanotic and amelanotic BMs on SWI with a focus on blooming artifacts were analyzed, as well as the presence and longitudinal dynamics of isolated SWI blooming artifacts in patients with and without BM.

Statistical Tests

Chi‐squared and Student's t‐test were used for contingency table measures and group data of signal and clinical characteristics, respectively.

Results

Melanotic and amelanotic metastases did not show significant differences of SWI blooming artifacts (38% vs. 43%, P = 0.61). Most metastases without an initial SWI artifact developed a signal dropout during follow‐up (80%; 65/81). Isolated SWI artifacts were detected more frequently in patients with BM (20 vs. 9, P = 0.03), of which the majority were found in patients who had received RT (17 vs. 3, P = 0.08). None of these isolated SWI blooming artifacts turned into overt metastases over time (median follow‐up: 8.5 months). Similar findings persisted as remnants of successfully treated metastases (88%; 7/8).

Data Conclusion

We conclude that SWI provides little additional diagnostic benefit over standard T1‐weighted imaging, as melanin content alone does not cause diagnostically relevant SWI blooming. Signal transition of SWI may rather indicate secondary phenomena like microbleeding and/or metal scavenging. Our results suggest that isolated SWI artifacts do not constitute vital tumor tissue but represent unspecific microbleedings, RT‐related parenchymal changes or posttherapeutic remnants of former metastatic lesions.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1251–1259.
Non‐redundant expression of the two katG genes in Vibrio parahaemolyticus V110
Authors: Yang Ye , Zhou Lingli , Luo Xuesong
Published: February 2019

Vibrio parahaemolyticus V110 is a marine origin pathogen infecting shrimp. Its resistance to oxidative stress is important for its survival in the complex marine ecosystems. vpa0768 (katG1) and vpa0453 (katG2) were previously found to contribute to the resistance against H2O2 and isopropylbenzene. Our data showed that purified KatG2 and KatG1 possessed similar activity for hydrolyzing H2O2 at 37 °C. The transcription of katG genes was induced by H2O2, cumene, and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). The fold change of katG2 transcripts induced by isopropylbenzene was significantly higher than that of katG1. oxyR and rpoS are well‐known regulatory genes which control the anti‐oxidative and general stress response pathways, respectively. Deletion of rpoS resulted pathways, respectively. Deletion of rpoS resulted in abolishing the induction of katGs by the peroxides, and oxyR deletion only weakened the expression of the two genes. These results indicate that the two katGs encoding active enzymes are both inducible, but differ in their inducer preference. RpoS and oxyR are required for the full expression of katGs, but other unknown sensing regulators could be involved in the oxidative stress response besides OxyR.
In vitro injection of osteoporotic cadaveric femurs with a triphasic calcium‐based implant confers immediate biomechanical integrity
Authors: Stroncek John D. , Shaul Jonathan L. , Favell Dominique , Hill Ronald S. , Huber Bryan M. , Howe James G. , Bouxsein Mary L.
Published: February 2019

Current pharmaceutical therapies can reduce hip fractures by up to 50%, but compliance to treatment is low and therapies take up to 18 months to reduce risk. Thus, alternative or complementary approaches to reduce the risk of hip fracture are needed. The AGN1 local osteo‐enhancement procedure (LOEP) is one such alternative approach, as it is designed to locally replace bone lost due to osteoporosis and provide immediate biomechanical benefit. This in vitro study evaluated the initial biomechanical impact of this treatment on human cadaveric femurs. We obtained 45 pairs of cadaveric femurs from women aged 77.8 ± 8.8 years. One femur of each pair was treated, while the contralateral femur served as an untreated control. Treatment included debridement, irrigation/suction, and injection of a triphasic calcium‐based implant (AGN1). Mechanical testing of the femora was performed in a sideways fall configuration 24 h after treatment. Of the 45 pairs, 4 had normal, 16 osteopenic, and 25 osteoporotic BMD T‐scores. Altogether, treatment increased failure load on average by 20.5% (p < 0.0001). In the subset of osteoporotic femurs, treatment increased failure load by 26% and work to failure by 45% (p < 0.01 for both). Treatment did not significantly affect stiffness in any group. These findings provide evidence that local delivery of the triphasic calcium‐based implant in the proximal femur is technically feasible and provides immediate biomechanical benefit. Our results provide strong rationale for additional studies investigating the utility of this approach for reducing the risk of hip fracture. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society.
How should a principal reward and support agents when firm performance is characterized by success or failure?
Authors: Schmid Christian , Gerchak Yigal
Published: February 2019

Principal‐agent models with multiple agents typically assume that the principal wishes to maximize the sum of the agents' achievements (net of the rewards paid to them). But in many settings, like R&D, all that the principal “needs” is that at least one agent will be “successful.” We identify settings where the principal actually wants agents to refrain from exerting high effort in order to save expected compensation. We show that the number of agents can decrease in the project's value for the principal. We also consider sequential efforts and investigate settings where the principal can provide support to agents.
High performance LPF with negligible group delay using circular resonator and transfer function analysis
Authors: Rahmatinezhad Seyedeh Mitra , Makki Seyed Vahab Al‐Din , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad Hadi
Published: February 2019

Using circular and rectangular resonators, a new design of a compact microstrip lowpass filter (LPF) with negligible losses is proposed and fabricated. The proposed LPF has a 3 dB cut‐off frequency at 1.375 GHz with an adjusting range of 14.5%; moreover, the suggested configuration leads to a competitive roll‐off rate of 189 dB/ GHz and a negligible group delay of 0.47 ns. Attenuator cells have capability to produce numerous transmission zeros (TZs) at high frequencies; consequently, an ultra‐wide stopband (14 fc) with high suppression level (25 dB) is successfully obtained. Furthermore, the LPF has a small size of 0.067λg × 0.134λg (λg is the guided wavelength at 1.375 GHz). The transfer function is also calculated to adjust the location of the main TZs and the cut‐off frequency. Finally, an acceptable similarity between the simulated results and the tested ones verifies the simulation results.