bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoramento e controle de larvas de Culicidae em criadouros artificiais na área da Usina Hidrelétrica de Dona Francisca, Agudo, Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Sokolowicz Carolina Coelho , Peres Luciane Ayres , Santos Sandro
Published: July 2018

The aim of this work was to monitory and control of the immature mosquitoes around Dona Francisca Hydroelectric (DFH), Agudo, RS. There was a great concern to avoid the introducing of human diseases vectors in this place. Six areas were selected for sampling larva: The hotel swimming pool, the clubhouse near Jacui river, the station of water treatment, the administration square, workers lodgings and tyre fixing places. The collections were taken at three months intervals, during the building period of DFH (June/2000 to February/2001). Lectures were provided for about three thousand people in schools near DFH. No important epidemic species was found, only Aedes fluviatilis and other species of genus Culex, Limatus, and Orthopodomyia. The numbers of artificial breeding places and captured immature mosquitoes decreased throughout the study. There was not significant correlation between the number of mosquitoes captured and the environment factors (temperature, precipitation, and air relative humidity) probably due to the control and decreasing in artificial breeding places.
Meşrutiyet Döneminde Asker-Vatandaş Yetiştirme Anlayışı Çerçevesinde Paramiliter Gençlik Örgütleri / Paramilitary Youth Organizations within the Framework of Training Citizen-Militia Conception in the Second Constitutional Period
Authors: Çelebi Nurhayat , Asan Hatice Tezer , Asan Engin
Published: July 2018

Abstract

In this study, the struggle against paramilitary organizations and associations founded during the Second Constitutional period when the conception of nation-state and the concept of citizen-militia gained momentum in European states has been scrutinized. The research is a qualitative study based on a document analysis. After the traumas of wars in the Ottoman Empire, which entered the process of rapidly losing the lands spreading over three continents, the education mentality has been re-examined within the framework of citizenship conception. In addition to these inquiries and innovations, which began especially in the military area, they also manifested themselves with educational programs and schools centered on military regimes. This paradigm shift, which accelerated especially with the 18th century, soldier-son themed citizen perception and the current dominant patriarchal moral shave had reflections on education mentality and practice of social structure organized by the state and they turned into bringing up sons as warriors, power-owners and citizens ready to sacrifice for their motherland.

Öz

Bu çalışmada, Ulus-devlet anlayışının ivme kazandığı Avrupa devletlerinde vatandaş-asker anlayışı ve uygulamasının ön plana geçtiği II. Meşrutiyet yıllarında açılan paramiliter örgüt ve derneklere ilişkin çabalar mercek altına alınmıştır. Araştırma doküman incelemesine dayalı nitel bir çalışmadır. Üç kıtaya yayılan topraklarını hızla kaybetme sürecine giren Osmanlı İmparatorluğu’nda yaşanan savaş travmalarından sonra vatandaş kavramı çerçevesinde eğitim anlayışı yeniden gözen geçirilmiştir. Özellikle askeri alanda başlayan bu sorgulamalar ve yenilik arayışlarının yanı sıra, yine askeri düzenlemeleri merkeze alan eğitim programları ve okulları ile kendini açıkça belli etmiştir.  Özellikle 18. Yüzyılla birlikte hız kazanan bu paradigma değişimi, asker-evlat ana temalı vatandaş algısı ile halihazırda baskın ataerkil değerler, sosyal yapının bu kez devlet eliyle organize edilen eğitim anlayışı ve uygulamalarına yansımış; “savaşçı, erk sahibi, vatana kendini feda etmeye hazır” –özellikle erkek- evlatların yetiştirilmesine dönüşmüştür.
Tarihi Çevrede Morfolojik Analiz; Kaleiçi, Denizli Örneği / Morphological Analysis in Historical Environment A Case Study for Kaleiçi, Denizli
Authors: Özcan Koray , Başdere Şeçil Şengül
Published: July 2018

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present proposals relating to the conservation-development and regeneration strategies for Denizli–Kaleiçi as a historical environment which is functioned traditional trading and handicraft center. Within this context, it is proposed priority planning sites and themes in Denizli–Kaleiçi by examining the changes in spatial characteristics and functional identity in the historical process. These proposals are defined on a methodological framework called as morphological analysis depending on the cataloging of analytic maps by getting data from historical written and visual sources with a detailed survey. As result, it is considered that this study contributes to planning–designing and implementation studies focused on sustainable conservation–development pursuits according to the different academic and scientific point view and also methodological frame in the context of priority planning sites and themes depending on strategic spatial planning approach.

Öz

Bu araştırma, Denizli kentinin mekânsal ve işlevsel açıdan ilk kuruluş yeri olarak geleneksel ticaret–zanaat alanı işlevindeki Kaleiçi tarihsel kentsel alanını konu edinmektedir. Araştırmanın amacı: Denizli–Kaleiçi tarihsel kentsel alanının tarihsel gelişim sürecinde mekânsal karakteristik ve işlevsel kimlik değişiminin irdelenerek, geleceğe yönelik koruma, geliştirme ve yenileme stratejileri için öncelikli müdahale konu ve alanlarına yönelik öneriler geliştirilmesidir. Bu öneriler; Denizli–Kaleiçi tarihsel kentsel alanını, yazılı ve görsel kaynaklar ile yerinde tespit–gözlem–fotoğraflama çalışmaları eşliğinde edinilen bilgi birikiminin, analitik haritalara aktarılması yoluyla morfolojik açıdan analiz edilmesine dayanan yöntem kurgusu eşliğinde ele alınmıştır. Araştırmanın, Denizli–Kaleiçi tarihsel kentsel alanındaki kültürel miras değerlerinden oluşan sosyo–mekânsal ve ekonomik altyapının gelecek kuşaklara aktarılarak, sürdürülebilir kılınmasına yönelik planlama–tasarım ve uygulama düzeyindeki koruma–geliştirme çabalarına “öncelikle müdahale konu ve alanların tespiti” bağlamında akademik–bilimsel araştırma altyapısı ve yöntem olarak farklı bir bakış açısı sunacağı düşünülmektedir.
Genetic analysis of water loss of excised leaves associated with drought tolerance in wheat
Authors: Czyczyło-Mysza Ilona Mieczysława , Marcińska Izabela , Skrzypek Edyta , Bocianowski Jan , Dziurka Kinga , Rančić Dragana , Radošević Radenko , Pekić-Quarrie Sofija , Dodig Dejan , Quarrie Stephen Alexander
Published: July 2018

Background

Wheat is widely affected by drought. Low excised-leaf water loss (ELWL) has frequently been associated with improved grain yield under drought. This study dissected the genetic control of ELWL in wheat, associated physiological, morphological and anatomical leaf traits, and compared these with yield QTLs.

Methods

Ninety-four hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) doubled haploids, mapped with over 700 markers, were tested for three years for ELWL from detached leaf 4 of glasshouse-grown plants. In one experiment, stomata per unit area and leaf thickness parameters from leaf cross-sections were measured. QTLs were identified using QTLCartographer.

Results

ELWL was significantly negatively correlated with leaf length, width, area and thickness. Major QTLs for ELWL during 0–3 h and 3–6 h were coincident across trials on 3A, 3B, 4B, 5B, 5D, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7D and frequently coincident (inversely) with leaf size QTLs. Yield in other trials was sometimes associated with ELWL and leaf size phenotypically and genotypically, but more frequently under non-droughted than droughted conditions. QTL coincidence showed only ELWL to be associated with drought/control yield ratio.

Discussion

Our results demonstrated that measures of ELWL and leaf size were equally effective predictors of yield, and both were more useful for selecting under favourable than stressed conditions.
Transient ischemia facilitates neuronal chloride accumulation and severity of seizures
Authors: Blauwblomme Thomas , Dzhala Volodymyr , Staley Kevin
Published: July 2018

Objective

Preceding oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) and ongoing seizures have both been reported to increase neuronal chloride concentration ([Cl−]i), which may contribute to anticonvulsant failure by reversing the direction of chloride currents at inhibitory GABAA synapses.

Methods

The effects of OGD on [Cl−]i, seizure activity, and anticonvulsant efficacy were studied in a chronically epileptic in vitro preparation.

Results

Seizures initially increased during OGD, followed by suppression. On reperfusion, seizure frequency and [Cl−]i progressively increased, and phenobarbital efficacy was reduced. Bumetanide (10 μmol/L) and furosemide (1 mmol/L) prevented or reduced the OGD induced [Cl−]i increase. Phenobarbital efficacy was enhanced by bumetanide (10 μmol/L). Furosemide (1 mmol/L) suppressed recurrent seizures.

Interpretation

[Cl−]i increases after OGD and is associated with worsened seizure activity, reduced efficacy of GABAergic anticonvulsants, and amelioration by antagonists of secondary chloride transport.
24.1% External Quantum Efficiency of Flexible Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes by Light Extraction of Silver Nanowire Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Ding Ke , Fang Yunsheng , Dong Shaohua , Chen Hongting , Luo Beibei , Jiang Kui , Gu Honggang , Fan Lianwei , Liu Shiyuan , Hu Bin , Wang Lei
Published: July 2018

Flexible quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (FQLEDs) always suffer poor performance, and current efforts towards performance improvement need complicated procedures but still ending with limited progress. An extremely efficient and simply structured FQLED is demonstrated profited from the substantially enhanced light outcoupling efficiency by employing solution‐processed flexible silver nanowires (AgNWs) transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs). As is uncovered by rigorous simulations, AgNWs TCEs extract enormous light trapped in the substrate mode and waveguide mode compared with indium tin oxide (ITO) TCEs, which greatly agrees with the experimental measurements in this work. As an ultimate achievement, the FQLED shows the record‐breaking maximum external quantum efficiency of 24.1% and current efficiency of 19.5 cd A−1, giving a ≈4.4 and 3 times efficiency improvement compared to the rigid QLED with glass/ITO, respectively. This study not only demonstrates the prominent role of network‐based TCEs for efficient ITO‐free FQLEDs, but also shows a lot of room for further performance improvement of flexible light‐emitting devices with the guideline of light extraction by solution‐processed electrodes.
Ordered Porous Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Matrix with Atomically Dispersed Cobalt Sites as an Efficient Catalyst for Dehydrogenation and Transfer Hydrogenation of N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Han Yunhu , Wang Ziyun , Xu Ruirui , Zhang Wei , Chen Wenxing , Zheng Lirong , Zhang Jian , Luo Jun , Wu Konglin , Zhu Youqi , Chen Chen , Peng Qing , Liu Qiang , Hu P. , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: July 2018

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have been explored widely as potential substitutes for homogeneous catalysts. Isolated cobalt single‐atom sites were stabilized on an ordered porous nitrogen‐doped carbon matrix (ISAS‐Co/OPNC). ISAS‐Co/OPNC is a highly efficient catalyst for acceptorless dehydrogenation of N‐heterocycles to release H2. ISAS‐Co/OPNC also exhibits excellent catalytic activity for the reverse transfer hydrogenation (or hydrogenation) of N‐heterocycles to store H2, using formic acid or external hydrogen as a hydrogen source. The catalytic performance of ISAS‐Co/OPNC in both reactions surpasses previously reported homogeneous and heterogeneous precious‐metal catalysts. The reaction mechanisms are systematically investigated using first‐principles calculations and it is suggested that the Eley–Rideal mechanism is dominant.
Preventive effects of N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine against imidacloprid intoxication on Bombyx mori larvae
Authors: Gao Hui‐Ju , Sun Yong‐Liang , Song Gui‐Zhen , Su Bin , Zhang Meng‐Meng , Ren Chun‐Jiu , Wang Yan‐Wen
Published: July 2018

Imidacloprid, a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, is toxic to silkworm (Bombyx mori). To explore whether N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) has an effect on preventing silkworm (B. mori) from toxification caused by imidacloprid, we fed the fifth‐instar larvae with mulberry leaves dipped in 200 mg/L NAC solution before exposing in imidacloprid, and investigated the silkworm growth, survival rate, feed efficiency, cocoon quality, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in midgut. The results showed that addition of NAC could significantly increase body weight, survival rate, and feed efficiency of imidacloprid poisoned silkworm larvae (P < 0.05), as well as cocoon mass, cocoon shell mass, and the ratio of cocoon shell (P < 0.05). Furthermore, it could significantly promote the activities of the antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxide in the midgut of fifth‐instar larvae under imidacloprid exposure at the late stage of treatment. In addition, it also could downregulate the malondialdehyde content. The results of our findings proved that the added NAC may have some beneficial effects on protection or restoration of antioxidant balance in imidacloprid exposed larvae.
Ryanodine‐ and CaMKII‐dependent release of endogenous CGRP induces an increase in acetylcholine quantal size in neuromuscular junctions of mice
Authors: Gaydukov Alexander E. , Balezina Olga P.
Published: July 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism responsible for an increase in miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) amplitude, induced by ryanodine as an agonist of ryanodine receptors in mouse motor nerve terminals.

Methods

Using intracellular microelectrode recordings of MEPPs and evoked endplate potentials (EPPs), the changes in spontaneous and evoked acetylcholine release in motor synapses of mouse diaphragm neuromuscular preparations were studied.

Results

Ryanodine (0.1 μM) increased both the amplitudes of MEPPs and EPPs to a similar extent (up to 130% compared to control). The ryanodine effect was prevented by blockage of receptors of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) by a truncated peptide CGRP8‐37. Endogenous CGRP is stored in large dense‐core vesicles in motor nerve terminals and may be released as a co‐transmitter. The ryanodine‐induced increase in MEPPs amplitude may be fully prevented by inhibition of vesicular acetylcholine transporter by vesamicol or by blocking the activity of protein kinase A with H‐89, suggesting that endogenous CGRP is released in response to the activation of ryanodine receptors. Activation of CGRP receptors can, in turn, upregulate the loading of acetylcholine into synaptic vesicles, which will increase the quantal size. This new feature of endogenous CGRP activity looks similar to recently described action of exogenous CGRP in motor synapses of mice. The ryanodine effect was prevented by inhibitors of Ca/Calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) KN‐62 or KN‐93. Inhibition of CaMKII did not prevent the increase in MEPPs amplitude, which was caused by exogenous CGRP.

Conclusions

We propose that the activity of presynaptic CaMKII is necessary for the ryanodine‐stimulated release of endogenous CGRP from motor nerve terminals, but CaMKII does not participate in signaling downstream the activation of CGRP‐receptors followed by quantal size increase.
Architecture, remodeling, and functions of the septin cytoskeleton
Authors: Marquardt Joseph , Chen Xi , Bi Erfei
Published: July 2018

The septin family of proteins has fascinated cell biologists for decades due to the elaborate architecture they adopt in different eukaryotic cells. Whether they exist as rings, collars, or gauzes in different cell types and at different times in the cell cycle illustrates a complex series of regulation in structure. While the organization of different septin structures at the cortex of different cell types during the cell cycle has been described to various degrees, the exact structure and regulation at the filament level are still largely unknown. Recent advances in fluorescent and electron microscopy, as well as work in septin biochemistry, have allowed new insights into the aspects of septin architecture, remodeling, and function in many cell types. This mini‐review highlights many of the recent findings with an emphasis on the budding yeast model.
Efficient Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Endothelial Cells
Authors: Gu Mingxia
Published: July 2018

Endothelial cells (ECs) line the interior surface of blood and lymphatic vessels, and play a key role in a variety of physiological or pathological processes such as thrombosis, inflammation, or vascular wall remodeling. Human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs)‐derived ECs provide a new opportunity for vascular regeneration and serve as a model to study the mechanism and to screen for novel therapies. We use developmental cues in a monolayer differentiation approach to efficiently generate mesoderm cells from iPSCs via small‐molecule activation of WNT signaling in chemically defined medium for 4 days, and subsequent EC specification using vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor for another 4 days. After 8 days of differentiation, mature ECs are further purified using magnetic‐activated cell sorting for the EC surface marker CD144. These ECs exhibit molecular and cellular characteristics consistent with native ECs, such as expression of specific surface markers, formation of tube‐like structures and acetylated low‐density lipoprotein uptake. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Neural Mechanisms of High‐Level Vision
Authors: Hegdé Jay
Published: July 2018

The last three decades have seen major strides in our understanding of neural mechanisms of high‐level vision, or visual cognition of the world around us. Vision has also served as a model system for the study of brain function. Several broad insights, as yet incomplete, have recently emerged. First, visual perception is best understood not as an end unto itself, but as a sensory process that subserves the animal's behavioral goal at hand. Visual perception is likely to be simply a side effect that reflects the readout of visual information processing that leads to behavior. Second, the brain is essentially a probabilistic computational system that produces behaviors by collectively evaluating, not necessarily consciously or always optimally, the available information about the outside world received from the senses, the behavioral goals, prior knowledge about the world, and possible risks and benefits of a given behavior. Vision plays a prominent role in the overall functioning of the brain providing the lion's share of information about the outside world. Third, the visual system does not function in isolation, but rather interacts actively and reciprocally with other brain systems, including other sensory faculties. Finally, various regions of the visual system process information not in a strict hierarchical manner, but as parts of various dynamic brain‐wide networks, collectively referred to as the “connectome.” Thus, a full understanding of vision will ultimately entail understanding, in granular, quantitative detail, various aspects of dynamic brain networks that use visual sensory information to produce behavior under real‐world conditions. © 2017 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol8:903‐953, 2018.
Kinesthetic Senses
Authors: Proske Uwe , Gandevia Simon C.
Published: July 2018

The kinesthetic senses are the senses of position and movement of the body, senses we are aware of only on introspection. A method used to study kinesthesia is muscle vibration, which engages afferents of muscle spindles to trigger illusions of movement and changed position. When vibrating elbow flexors, it generates sensations of forearm extension, when vibrating extensors, sensations of forearm flexion. Vibrating the elbow joint produces no illusion. Vibrating flexors and extensors together at the same frequency also produces no illusion, because what is perceived is the signal difference between antagonist muscles of each arm and between arms. The size of the illusion depends on how the muscle has been conditioned beforehand, due to a property of muscle called thixotropy. When measuring the illusion, blindfolded subjects may carry out a matching or pointing task. In pointing, signals from muscle spindles are less important than in matching. Afferent signals from kinesthetic receptors project to areas of somatosensory cortex to generate sensations of detection and location. This is referred to the body model, which provides information about size and shape of body parts. Kinesthesia, together with vision and touch, is associated with the sense of body ownership. All three can combine or each, on its own, can generate ownership. Related is the sense of agency, the sense of being responsible for one's own actions. In recent times, much progress has been made using neuroimaging techniques to identify the various areas of the brain likely to be responsible for generating these sensations. © 2017 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol8:1157‐1183, 2018.
Natriuretic Peptides and Normal Body Fluid Regulation
Authors: Bie Peter
Published: July 2018

Natriuretic peptides are structurally related, functionally diverse hormones. Circulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are delivered predominantly by the heart. Two C‐type natriuretic peptides (CNPs) are paracrine messengers, notably in bone, brain, and vessels. Natriuretic peptides act by binding to the extracellular domains of three receptors, NPR‐A, NPR‐B, and NPR‐C of which the first two are guanylate cyclases. NPR‐C is coupled to inhibitory proteins. Atrial wall stress is the major regulator of ANP secretion; however, atrial pressure changes plasma ANP only modestly and transiently, and the relation between plasma ANP and atrial wall tension (or extracellular volume or sodium intake) is weak. Absence and overexpression of ANP‐related genes are associated with modest blood pressure changes. ANP augments vascular permeability and reduces vascular contractility, renin and aldosterone secretion, sympathetic nerve activity, and renal tubular sodium transport. Within the physiological range of plasma ANP, the responses to step‐up changes are unimpressive; in man, the systemic physiological effects include diminution of renin secretion, aldosterone secretion, and cardiac preload. For BNP, the available evidence does not show that cardiac release to the blood is related to sodium homeostasis or body fluid control. CNPs are not circulating hormones, but primarily paracrine messengers important to ossification, nervous system development, and endothelial function. Normally, natriuretic peptides are not powerful natriuretic/diuretic hormones; common conclusions are not consistently supported by hard data. ANP may provide fine‐tuning of reno‐cardiovascular relationships, but seems, together with BNP, primarily involved in the regulation of cardiac performance and remodeling. © 2017 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol8:1211‐1249, 2018.
Rhizosphere interactions between copper oxide nanoparticles and wheat root exudates in a sand matrix: Influences on copper bioavailability and uptake
Authors: McManus Paul , Hortin Joshua , Anderson Anne J. , Jacobson Astrid R. , Britt David W. , Stewart Joseph , McLean Joan E.
Published: July 2018

The impact of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) on crop production is dependent on the biogeochemistry of Cu in the rooting zone of the plant. The present study addressed the metabolites in wheat root exudates that increased dissolution of CuONPs and whether solubility correlated with Cu uptake into the plant. Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Dolores) was grown for 10 d with 0 to 300 mg Cu/kg as CuONPs in sand, a matrix deficient in Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu for optimum plant growth. Increased NP doses enhanced root exudation, including the Cu-complexing phytosiderophore, 2′-deoxymugineic acid (DMA), and corresponded to greater dissolution of the CuONPs. Toxicity, observed as reduced root elongation, was attributable to a combination of CuONPs and dissolved Cu complexes. Geochemical modeling predicted that the majority of the solution phase Cu was complexed with citrate at low dosing or DMA at higher dosing. Altered biogeochemistry within the rhizosphere correlated with bio-responses via exudate type, quantity, and metal uptake. Exposure of wheat to CuONPs led to dose-dependent decreases in Fe, Ca, Mg, Mn, and K in roots and shoots. The present study is relevant to growth of a commercially important crop, wheat, in the presence of CuONPs as a fertilizer, fungicide, or pollutant. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2619–2632. © 2018 SETAC
A cost‐effective curvature calculation approach for interfacial flows on unstructured meshes
Authors: Patel Jitendra Kumar , Natarajan Ganesh
Published: July 2018

We present a simple and cost‐effective curvature calculation approach for simulations of interfacial flows on structured and unstructured grids. The interface is defined using volume fractions, and the interface curvature is obtained as a function of the gradients of volume fractions. The gradient computation is based on a recently proposed gradient recovery method that mimicks the least squares approach without the need to solve a system of equations and is quite easy to implement on arbitrary polygonal meshes. The resulting interface curvature is used in a continuum surface force formulation within the framework of a well‐balanced finite‐volume algorithm to simulate multiphase flows dominated by surface tension. We show that the proposed curvature calculation is at least as accurate as some of the existing approaches on unstructured meshes while being straightforward to implement on any mesh topology. Numerical investigations also show that spurious currents in stationary problems that are dependent on the curvature calculation methodology are also acceptably low using the proposed approach. Studies on capillary waves and rising bubbles in viscous flows lend credence to the ability of the proposed method as an inexpensive, robust, and reasonably accurate approach for curvature calculation and numerical simulation of multiphase flows.
Correlation risk and international portfolio choice
Authors: Branger Nicole , Muck Matthias , Weisheit Stefan
Published: July 2018

Variance‐covariance risk of the exchange rate is highly relevant for international investors. This paper addresses optimal asset allocation with stochastic variances and covariances in a Wishart Affine Stochastic Correlation (WASC) model in incomplete and complete markets. We show that the (hedging) demand for exchange rate variance‐covariance risk can differ significantly between international investors. Local correlations with the exchange rate can affect the utilities of international investors differently while the impact of correlations between stocks can be symmetric. Depending on the current local exchange rate correlations domestic investors can benefit more or less than foreign investors from international trading.
Metal‐free cross‐dehydrogenative coupling approach for C‐H bond functionalization of 2‐phenyl pyridine derivatives in water
Authors: Surendra Babu Gogu Venkata , Sai Prathima Parvathaneni , Perumgani Pullaiah C. , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Venkateshwar Rao Tumula , Mohan Rao Mandapati
Published: July 2018

We have developed a simple K2S2O8‐mediated C‐H bond functionalization of 2‐phenyl pyridines (C‐2 position) with ethers involving C(sp2)‐C(sp3) cross‐dehydrogenative coupling. The reaction does not require metal catalysts nor visible light and operates under mild conditions. Furthermore, the protocol is easily scalable and extendable to a wide range of pyridine derivatives.
Association of Hepatic Steatosis With Subclinical Atherosclerosis: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kapuria Devika , Takyar Varun K. , Etzion Ohad , Surana Pallavi , O'Keefe James H. , Koh Christopher
Published: July 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming common in the United States and throughout the world and can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. There is a strong association between coronary artery disease and NAFLD due to common risk factors, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. Subclinical atherosclerosis, defined as coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic patients, has been shown to have a higher incidence in patients with NAFLD. We performed a meta‐analysis to examine the association of NAFLD with subclinical atherosclerosis measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. Data were extracted from 12 studies selected using a predefined search strategy. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography scans. The rate of coronary artery calcification was analyzed using random effects models, and publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression test. A total of 42,410 subjects were assessed, including 16,883 patients with NAFLD. Mean CAC score was significantly higher in subjects with NAFLD compared to those without NAFLD (odds ratio with random effects model, 1.64; 95% confidence inteval, 1.42‐1.89). This association remained significant through subgroup analyses for studies with >1,000 subjects and a higher CAC score cutoff of >100. Higher aspartate aminotransferase levels were also associated with increased subclinical atherosclerosis (mean difference 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.19‐2.34). Conclusion: There is an increased prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with NAFLD, where subclinical atherosclerosis is defined using a “real world” clinical biomarker, namely the CAC score. Prospective studies are needed to establish a causative link between NAFLD and coronary artery disease. (Hepatology Communications 2018; 00:000‐000)
A bacterial genotoxin causes virus reactivation and genomic instability in Epstein–Barr virus infected epithelial cells pointing to a role of co‐infection in viral oncogenesis
Authors: Frisan Teresa , Nagy Noemi , Chioureas Dimitrios , Terol Marie , Grasso Francesca , Masucci Maria G.
Published: July 2018

We have addressed the role of bacterial co‐infection in viral oncogenesis using as model Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), a human herpesvirus that causes lymphoid malignancies and epithelial cancers. Infection of EBV carrying epithelial cells with the common oral pathogenic Gram‐negative bacterium Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) triggered reactivation of the productive virus cycle. Using isogenic Aa strains that differ in the production of the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) and purified catalytically active or inactive toxin, we found that the CDT acts via induction of DNA double strand breaks and activation of the Ataxia Telangectasia Mutated (ATM) kinase. Exposure of EBV‐negative epithelial cells to the virus in the presence of sub‐lethal doses of CDT was accompanied by the accumulation of latently infected cells exhibiting multiple signs of genomic instability. These findings illustrate a scenario where co‐infection with certain bacterial species may favor the establishment of a microenvironment conducive to the EBV‐induced malignant transformation of epithelial cells.
Solid State and Aggregation Induced Emissive Chromophores by Multi‐component Syntheses
Authors: Merkt Franziska K. , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: July 2018

The formation of chromophores by multi‐component reactions is a synthetically favorable and highly practical chromogenic concept for exploring functional and structural space of solid state and aggregation induced emission (AIE). The underlying reactivity is enabled by alkynoyl intermediates, which are generated in a catalytic fashion and, thereby, open very mild entries to many consecutive one‐pot formations of luminophores. This account summarizes the multi‐component synthetic concept and presents very recent investigations on solid state and aggregation induced emissive systems.
Mechanical behavior of metastatic vertebrae are influenced by tissue architecture, mineral content, and organic feature alterations
Authors: Burke Mikhail , Akens Margarete , Kiss Alex , Willett Thomas , Whyne Cari
Published: July 2018

Diminished vertebral mechanical behavior with metastatic involvement is typically attributed to modified architecture and trabecular bone content. Previous work has identified organic and mineral phase bone quality changes in the presence of metastases, yet limited work exists on the potential influence of such tissue level modifications on vertebral mechanical characteristics. This work seeks to determine correlations between features of bone (structural and tissue level) and mechanical behavior in metastatically involved vertebral bone. It is hypothesized that tissue level properties (mineral and organic) will improve these correlations beyond architectural properties and BMD alone. Twenty‐four female athymic rats were inoculated with HeLa or Ace‐1 cancer cells lines producing osteolytic (N = 8) or mixed (osteolytic/osteoblastic, N = 7) metastases, respectively. Twenty‐one days post‐inoculation L1‐L3 pathologic vertebral motion segments were excised and μCT imaged. 3D morphometric parameters and axial rigidity of the L2 vertebrae were quantified. Sequential loading and μCT imaging measured progression of failure, stiffness and peak force. Relationships between mechanical testing (whole bone and tissue‐level) and tissue‐level material property modifications with metastatic involvement were evaluated utilizing linear regression models. Osteolytic involvement reduced vertebral trabecular bone volume, structure, CT‐derived axial rigidity, stiffness and failure force compared to healthy controls (N = 9). Mixed metastases demonstrated similar trends. Previously assessed collagen cross‐linking and proline‐based residues were correlated to mechanical behavior and improved the predictive ability of the regression models. Similarly, collagen organization improved predictive regression models for metastatic bone hardness. This work highlights the importance of both bone content/architecture and organic tissue‐level features in characterizing metastatic vertebral mechanics. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3013–3022, 2018.
Pitting corrosion of aluminum alloys in anhydrous ethanol
Authors: Calabrese Luigi , Bruzzaniti Paolo , Proverbio Edoardo
Published: July 2018

Mechanism of pitting corrosion of different Al alloys in anhydrous ethanol have been evidenced and discussed. Corrosion tests were carried out in an autoclave placed in a temperature controlled oil bath. It was observed that aluminum alloy characteristics greatly influence pitting activation and propagation mechanisms and morphologies. Better electrochemical stability was observed for AA6082 alloys. Instead intense corrosion phenomena were observed on AA5754 and AA5083 samples. Based on experimental results, a schemed model of the degradation stages of aluminum alloys surface during dry corrosion was proposed.
Study on corrosion behavior of as‐extruded AZ80 magnesium alloy sheet in wet hydrogen sulfide atmosphere
Authors: Zhou Mingyang , Ren Lingbao , Zhang Yuwenxi , Su Xinxin , Quan Gaofeng
Published: July 2018

In this work, the corrosion behavior, including corrosion morphology, corrosion rate, corrosion residual strength, and fracture characteristics, of as‐extruded AZ80 magnesium alloy sheets in a wet hydrogen sulfide atmosphere was investigated by macro‐observation, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and tensile testing. The results revealed that the corrosion rate gradually decreased with a longer exposure time. The corrosion process included corrosion pits that initiated on the surface, expanded and became deeper by layer denudation, and then coalesce and connected together. XRD patterns showed that the corrosion products were mainly composed of magnesium hydrate and magnesium sulfate dihydrate. The concentration of stress and the high crack sensitivity at the bottom of the corrosion pits were the main reasons for the drop in corrosion residual strength and ductility at the early stage of the corrosion process. However, with increasing exposure time, both the residual strength and ductility decreased very slowly and even reached a stable state. In addition, variations in the corrosion residual strength and ductility could be described by an exponential decay function throughout the corrosion test.
Acid‐Hydrolyzed Gliadins Worsen Food Allergies through Early Sensitization
Authors: Castan Laure , Villemin Clélia , Claude Mathilde , Aubert Philippe , Durand Tony , Neunlist Michel , Brossard Chantal , Magnan Antoine , Bodinier Marie , Bouchaud Grégory
Published: July 2018

Scope

Food allergies result from a complex immune response involving both innate and adaptive immune cells. Major proteins of wheat flour, gliadins, appear to be important allergens, and their characteristics can influence the allergic response. This study investigates the immune reaction when developing a food allergy to gliadins in native, deamidated, or hydrolyzed forms.

Methods

The immune response after one or two intraperitoneal sensitizations and after oral challenge with each gliadin form is analyzed.

Results

Results demonstrate that deamidated gliadins induce a stronger allergic reaction compared to native gliadins. Moreover, deamidation induces an earlier increase in intestinal permeability associated with more pronounced Th2 and Th17 polarizations together with an influx of antigen‐presenting cells, especially cDC2.

Conclusion

Altogether, Results indicate that industrial processes such as deamidation or hydrolysis influences food allergenicity through immune modulation and helps us to develop tools to determine how these processes can influence this reaction and encourage or decrease allergic reactions.
Joint inversion of cross‐borehole P‐waves, horizontally and vertically polarized S‐waves: tomographic data for hydro‐geophysical site characterization
Authors: von Ketelhodt Julius K. , Fechner Thomas , Manzi Musa S.D. , Durrheim Raymond J.
Published: July 2018

P‐wave, as well as horizontally and vertically polarized S‐wave, tomographic data were collected between two borehole pairs. This enabled the joint‐inversion of the three datasets. By employing structural constraints, the S‐wave traveltimes were coupled to the more accurate P‐wave traveltimes during the inversion. Thereby, the traveltime and anisotropic artefacts, initially observed in the individually inverted S‐wave tomograms, were significantly reduced and the correlation with the borehole logs improved, while the resolution of the jointly inverted P‐wave tomogram was only marginally affected. The joint inversion proves successful in determining the S‐wave velocity distribution more accurately than individual inversions. In addition, the jointly inverted tomograms were used to detect aquifer heterogeneities, caused by differences in clay content, and to distinguish areas of relatively high effective pressure. Comparison of the jointly inverted S‐wave tomograms suggests the effect of S‐wave anisotropy, which showed substantial velocity differences of approximately −10% to +10%. The anisotropy may have been caused by the presence of water‐filled pores, micro‐cracks and preferred mineral alignment (mainly clay) in the media.
Consider the Value of a Plunger Valve
Authors: Weiss Bert
Published: July 2018

When I first arrived at the city of Hayward, Calif., in November 2013, Robert (Bob) Gerena, my supervisor, told me about the city's potable water distribution system. I had just become the city's Utilities & Environmental Services Division's operations and maintenance manager.
Philadelphia Water Department to Revamp Wastewater Laboratories
Authors: Consolvo John , McTigue Nancy , Crandall Stacie
Published: July 2018

The Philadelphia Water Department recently evaluated laboratory facility improvements and upgrades at its three wastewater plants to enhance current and future services.
Minimize Metal and Concrete Damage in Water and Wastewater Applications
Authors: Nixon Randy
Published: July 2018

Understanding the most common mechanisms that degrade concrete and metals in water and wastewater applications is the first step in preventing and controlling corrosion damage.
Keep Trouble Out and Let Help in With Access Control
Authors:   AWWA Staff
Published: July 2018

When an emergency occurs at a water facility, emergency rescue personnel must have unhindered access to respond to the situation. Medics must be able to provide first aid to injured people, and law enforcement personnel must have the ability to engage a threat to prevent a security breach or a dangerous situation.
Nanoporous Ag Films Prepared by Cluster‐Source Sputtering as Substrates for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Yun Sungho , Lee Junyeop , Yang Jaemoon , Lee Dongin , Kim Bonghwan , Cho Chanseob
Published: July 2018

By mounting a cluster source on a conventional sputtering system, a new sputtering system is devised for the deposition of nanoporous metal thin films at room temperature. First, the diameter of the nozzle is fixed while the pressure inside the cluster source is kept at several hundreds of mTorr. By adjusting the length of the cluster source, nanoporous films of different thickness can be formed at room temperature. The Raman response characteristics according to the process conditions are then analyzed, and the applicability of the sputtered thin film as a substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is examined. The results show that the Raman intensity increases with increasing film thickness and reaches a saturated value at a thickness of 2 µm. Therefore, the proposed system takes advantage of an existing sputtering process, and it is possible to form a nanoporous metal film with thickness of several micrometers or more that can be used as a Raman substrate.
Effect of heteroscedasticity between treatment groups on mixed‐effects models for repeated measures
Authors: Gosho Masahiko , Maruo Kazushi
Published: July 2018

Mixed‐effects models for repeated measures (MMRM) analyses using the Kenward‐Roger method for adjusting standard errors and degrees of freedom in an “unstructured” (UN) covariance structure are increasingly becoming common in primary analyses for group comparisons in longitudinal clinical trials. We evaluate the performance of an MMRM‐UN analysis using the Kenward‐Roger method when the variance of outcome between treatment groups is unequal. In addition, we provide alternative approaches for valid inferences in the MMRM analysis framework. Two simulations are conducted in cases with (1) unequal variance but equal correlation between the treatment groups and (2) unequal variance and unequal correlation between the groups. Our results in the first simulation indicate that MMRM‐UN analysis using the Kenward‐Roger method based on a common covariance matrix for the groups yields notably poor coverage probability (CP) with confidence intervals for the treatment effect when both the variance and the sample size between the groups are disparate. In addition, even when the randomization ratio is 1:1, the CP will fall seriously below the nominal confidence level if a treatment group with a large dropout proportion has a larger variance. Mixed‐effects models for repeated measures analysis with the Mancl and DeRouen covariance estimator shows relatively better performance than the traditional MMRM‐UN analysis method. In the second simulation, the traditional MMRM‐UN analysis leads to bias of the treatment effect and yields notably poor CP. Mixed‐effects models for repeated measures analysis fitting separate UN covariance structures for each group provides an unbiased estimate of the treatment effect and an acceptable CP. We do not recommend MMRM‐UN analysis using the Kenward‐Roger method based on a common covariance matrix for treatment groups, although it is frequently seen in applications, when heteroscedasticity between the groups is apparent in incomplete longitudinal data.
DOSY NMR and Normal Pulse Voltammetry for the Expeditious Determination of Number of Electrons Exchanged in Redox Events
Authors: Donadt Trevor B. , Lilio Alyssia M. , Stinson Taylor A. , Lama Bimala , Luca Oana R.
Published: July 2018

Electroanalytical methods have become central tools for the development of molecular redox chemistry in the context of energy sciences and synthetic methods. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is a routine diagnostic method for the measurement of the equilibrium potential of a redox couple. When electrochemical processes are reversible, CV may be used to determine the number of electrons involved in the redox transition. However, on the timescale of the measurement, redox couples can appear distorted due to short lifetimes of ion radicals or coupled chemical processes. In these cases, the number of electrons involved in a redox process is unclear when following the most commonly available methods. With the advent of a renaissance in electrochemistry‐based synthetic methods, we report a method based on combination of techniques: Normal Pulse Voltammetry (NPV) and a routine NMR experiment: Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY) to enable the determination of the number of electrons, n for a redox transition of such a couple. These two measurements provide an expeditious way to determine n using commonly available equipment.
Smart Bandage for Monitoring and Treatment of Chronic Wounds
Authors: Mostafalu Pooria , Tamayol Ali , Rahimi Rahim , Ochoa Manuel , Khalilpour Akbar , Kiaee Gita , Yazdi Iman K. , Bagherifard Sara , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Ziaie Babak , Sonkusale Sameer R. , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: July 2018

Chronic wounds are a major health concern and they affect the lives of more than 25 million people in the United States. They are susceptible to infection and are the leading cause of nontraumatic limb amputations worldwide. The wound environment is dynamic, but their healing rate can be enhanced by administration of therapies at the right time. This approach requires real‐time monitoring of the wound environment with on‐demand drug delivery in a closed‐loop manner. In this paper, a smart and automated flexible wound dressing with temperature and pH sensors integrated onto flexible bandages that monitor wound status in real‐time to address this unmet medical need is presented. Moreover, a stimuli‐responsive drug releasing system comprising of a hydrogel loaded with thermo‐responsive drug carriers and an electronically controlled flexible heater is also integrated into the wound dressing to release the drugs on‐demand. The dressing is equipped with a microcontroller to process the data measured by the sensors and to program the drug release protocol for individualized treatment. This flexible smart wound dressing has the potential to significantly impact the treatment of chronic wounds.
Facile Fabrication of SnO2 Nanorod Arrays Films as Electron Transporting Layer for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lv Yinhua , Wang Peng , Cai Bing , Ma Qingshan , Zheng Xiaojia , Wu Yihui , Jiang Qike , Liu Jingyue (Jimmy) , Zhang Wen‐Hua
Published: July 2018

As the vital competent in high performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the inorganic metal oxide electron transporting materials (ETMs) with tailored architectures are responsible for extracting and transporting photogenerated electrons and preventing the recombination effectively. Here, a facile hydrothermal method is demonstrated for the growth of highly crystalline and uniform 1D SnO2 nanorod arrays (SR) with excellent optical property, which are further successfully exploited as ETMs in PSCs. Both length and diameter of 1D SR are tuned carefully by optimizing the hydrothermal process. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 16.7% can be obtained for PSCs based on these SR. Furthermore, a graded heterojunction (GHJ) configuration was built by intercalating a TiO2 thin interlayer to improve the band alignment between perovskite and SR, which pushes the PCE to 18.7% with better ambient stability. This work demonstrates that the SR can act as a promising candidate for ETM in PSCs, and provides a workable stategy to improve the performance of PSCs.