bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water in Rechargeable Multivalent‐Ion Batteries: An Electrochemical Pandora's Box
Authors: Manalastas William , Kumar Sonal , Verma Vivek , Zhang Liping , Yuan Du , Srinivasan Madhavi
Published: November 2018

Multivalent‐ion batteries built on water‐based electrolytes represent energy storage at suitable price points, competitive performance, and enhanced safety. However, to comply with modern energy‐density requirements, the battery must be reversible within an operating voltage window greater than 1.23 V or the electrochemical stability limits of free water. Taking advantage of its powerful solvation and catalytic activities, adding water to electrolyte preparations can unlock a wider gamut of liquid mixtures compared with strictly nonaqueous systems. However, a point‐by‐point sweep of all potential formulations is arduous and ineffective without some form of systematic rationalization. The present Review consolidates recent progress, pitfalls, limits, and insights critical to expediting aqueous electrolyte designs to boost multivalent‐ion battery outputs.
Use of Ce to Reinforce the Interface of Ni‐Rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries under High Operating Voltage
Authors: Wu Feng , Li Qing , Chen Lai , Lu Yun , Su Yuefeng , Bao Liying , Chen Renjie , Chen Shi
Published: November 2018

Nickel‐rich cathode materials are among the most promising cathode materials for high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries. However, their structural and thermodynamic stability, cycle and rate performances still need to be further improved. In this study, the rare earth element Ce is employed to reinforce the interface of Ni‐rich cathode materials both internally and externally. High‐valence Ce4+ can easily cause the oxidization of Ni2+ to Ni3+ when doped into the material owing to its strong oxidation performance, thus reducing Li+/Ni2+ mixing. In addition, the inert Ce3+ ions in transition metal slabs with strong Ce−O bonds can maintain the layered structure at high delithiation state. Furthermore, when the calcination temperature during synthesis is above 500 °C, a CeO2 coating layer will form, which can protect the electrode from erosion by the electrolyte and alleviate the increasing resistance during cycling. The modified Ni‐rich materials fabricated with an erosion‐resistant CeO2 layer outside and stronger Ce−O bonds inside with reduced Li+/Ni2+ mixing exhibit excellent electrochemical properties, especially at high operating voltages, for example, the 50th capacity retention at 0.2 C within 2.75–4.5 V is improved from 89.8 % to 99.2 % after the modification.
Throughput optimization using simultaneous sensing and transmission in energy harvesting cognitive radio networks
Authors: Moradi Alieh , Farrokhi Hamid , Ghazizade Reza
Published: November 2018

A three‐dimensional continuous‐time Markov model is proposed for an energy harvesting cognitive radio system, where each secondary user (SU) harvests energy from the ambient environment and attempts to transmit data packets on spectrum holes in an infinite queuing buffer. Unlike most previous works, the SU can perform spectrum sensing, data transmission, and energy harvesting simultaneously. We determine active probability of the SU transmitter, where the average energy consumption for both spectrum sensing and data transmission should not exceed the amount of harvested energy. Then, we formulate achievable throughput of secondary network as a convex optimization problem under average transmit and interference energy constraints. The optimal pair of controlled energy harvesting rate and data packet rate is derived for proposed model. Results indicate that no trade‐off is available among harvesting, sensing/receiving, and transmitting. The SU capability for self‐interference cancelation affects the maximum throughput. We develop this work under hybrid channels including overlay and underlay cases and propose a hybrid solution to achieve the maximum throughput. Simulation results verify that our proposed strategy outperforms the efficiency of the secondary network compared to the previous works.
Amelanotic primary vaginal melanoma: A case report with cyto‐histological correlations
Authors: Boggio Francesca , Lopez Gianluca , Del Gobbo Alessandro , Scarfone Giovanna , Marchini Maurizio , Cribiù Fulvia Milena
Published: November 2018

Vaginal mucosa represents a rare site for primary melanoma. These neoplasms more commonly occur in the postmenopausal period, usually presenting with vaginal discharge, bleeding, or palpable mass. We report a case of an 89‐year‐old woman presenting with vaginal bleeding and a non‐pigmented lesion in the lower third of the vagina at the gynaecological examination. A PAP smear and tissue incisional biopsy were concurrently performed. The cytological sample showed a subpopulation of non‐cohesive, atypical epithelioid cells suggestive for malignancy. The histological examination showed the same morphological characteristics in the neoplastic population widely underlying the vaginal epithelium, with scattered intraepithelial nests and single elements. In both samples, there was no evidence of melanin pigment within the malignant cells. Immunohistochemical analysis performed on the tissue biopsy demonstrated a strong and diffuse positivity for melanocytic markers (HMB‐45, S‐100, Melan‐A), confirming the diagnosis of primary amelanotic vaginal melanoma.
Cytomorphology of ciliated foregut cyst of the pancreas
Authors: Huang Huiya , Solanki Malvika H , Giorgadze Tamara
Published: November 2018

Ciliated foregut cysts are benign congenital lesions that are commonly found in the mediastinum but are rare in the retroperitoneum. So far only very few cases of ciliated foregut cyst found in the pancreas have been reported, and less with cytologic findings described. We report a case of ciliated foregut cyst in pancreas in an asymptomatic patient diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology. We also discuss the cytology features that would help with the diagnosis, and the differential diagnosis that should be considered.
Longitudinal associations between conflict monitoring and emergent academic skills: An event‐related potentials study
Authors: Isbell Elif , Calkins Susan D. , Cole Veronica T. , Swingler Margaret M. , Leerkes Esther M.
Published: November 2018

Identifying the links between specific cognitive functions and emergent academic skills can help determine pathways to support both early academic performance and later academic achievement. Here, we investigated the longitudinal associations between a key aspect of cognitive control, conflict monitoring, and emergent academic skills from preschool through first grade, in a large sample of socioeconomically diverse children (N = 261). We recorded event‐related potentials (ERPs) during a Go/No‐Go task. The neural index of conflict monitoring, ΔN2, was defined as larger N2 mean amplitudes for No‐Go versus Go trials. ΔN2 was observed over the right hemisphere across time points and showed developmental stability. Cross‐lagged panel models revealed prospective links from ΔN2 to later math performance, but not reading performance. Specifically, larger ΔN2 at preschool predicted higher kindergarten math performance, and larger ΔN2 at kindergarten predicted higher first‐grade math performance, above and beyond the behavioral performance in the Go/No‐Go task. Early academic skills did not predict later ΔN2. These findings provided electrophysiological evidence for the contribution of conflict monitoring abilities to emergent math skills. In addition, our findings suggested that neural indices of cognitive control can provide additional information in predicting emergent math skills, above and beyond behavioral task performance.
Obesity and eating disorders: Articles from the International Journal of Eating Disorders 2017–2018
Authors: Marcus Marsha D.
Published: November 2018

Objective

This virtual issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders (IJED) is presented in conjunction with The Obesity Society (TOS) to coincide with Obesity Week held in Nashville, TN November 11‐15, 2018.

Methods

We present selected articles published in IJED in 2017‐2018 that are relevant to scholars who focus on obesity, eating disorders (EDs), or both areas of inquiry.

Discussion

We hope to promote discussion and collaboration between the obesity and ED fields, and stimulate additional work, including submissions to IJED.
Construction of Novel CdS/SnNb2O6 Heterojunctions with Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation Activity Under Visible Light
Authors: Wu Wen , Xuan Yawen , Jin Yu , Liang Ximeng , Meng Suci , Chen Min
Published: November 2018

‐Accelerating the photo‐induced charge carrier transfer and improving charge utilization are critical for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts. In this work, we successfully constructed CdS/SnNb2O6 heterojunction photocatalysts by a facile hydrothermal method. The obtained CdS/SnNb2O6 heterojunction exhibited better photocatalytic performance than pristine CdS and SnNb2O6, and the photocatalytic activity of the optimal ratio sample (40 % CdS) was 3.2 and 28.5 times as high as that of the pristine CdS and SnNb2O6, respectively. On the basis of the PL spectra, transient photocurrent response, trapping experiments of the active species, and ESR results, the possible charge carrier transfer and photocatalytic mechanisms of the CdS/SnNb2O6 heterojunction photocatalyst have been illustrated. We demonstrated that the combination of CdS and SnNb2O6 can greatly boost the photo‐generated charge carrier separation and therefore enhance the photocatalytic activity. Our work opens up a new insight for development of semiconductor photocatalysts with high efficiency.
Electrochemical Sensing Platforms for HER2‐ECD Breast Cancer Biomarker Detection
Authors: Freitas Maria , Nouws Henri P. A. , Delerue‐Matos Cristina
Published: November 2018

Screening and early diagnosis are crucial to increase the success of cancer patients’ treatments and improve the survival rate. To contribute to this success, distinct electrochemical immunosensing platforms were developed for the analysis of the ExtraCellular Domain of the Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2‐ECD) through sandwich assays on nanomaterial‐modified screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs). The most promising platforms showed to be SPCEs modified with (i) gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and (ii) multiwalled carbon nanotubes combined with AuNPs. The antibody‐antigen interaction was detected using a secondary antibody labelled with alkaline phosphatase and 3‐indoxyl phosphate and silver ions as the enzymatic substrate. The electrochemical signal of the enzymatically generated metallic silver was recorded by linear sweep voltammetry. Under the optimized conditions, linear calibration plots were obtained between 7.5 and 50 ng/mL and the total assay time was 2 h 20 min, achieving LODs of 0.16 ng/mL (SPCE‐MWCNT/AuNP) and 8.5 ng/mL (SPCE‐AuNP), which are well below the established cut‐off value of 15 ng/mL for this cancer biomarker.
Electrochemical Investigation of Glucose on a Highly Sensitive Nickel‐Copper Modified Pencil Graphite Electrode
Authors: Nacef Mouna , Chelaghmia Mohamed Lyamine , Affoune Abed Mohamed , Pontié Maxime
Published: November 2018

Novel nickel‐copper modified pencil graphite electrode (Ni−Cu/PGE) was fabricated and used as non‐enzymatic sensor for glucose determination. Ni and copper were electrodeposited on PGE using cyclic voltammetry. Morphology and composition of the modified PGE electrode were characterized by field‐emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Electrochemical oxidation of glucose was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry as well as by amperometry. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the Ni−Cu/PGE exhibits a high sensitivity of 2951 μA mM−1 cm−2, and a low detection limit of 0.99 μM which are, respectively, three times higher and twice lower than that on Ni/PGE prepared in the same conditions. Moreover, Ni−Cu/PGE exhibits a wider linear range from 1 to 10000 μM with a rapid response time within 2 s. Moreover, Ni−Cu/PGE showed a remarkable stability. The electrode was successfully applied for determination of glucose concentration in human blood without significant interference from potential endogenic interferents. The good applicability of the elaborated sensor made Ni−Cu/PGE promising for the development of effective and inexpensive non‐enzymatic glucose sensor.
Advantages of Amperometric Readout Mode of Ion‐selective Electrodes under Potentiostatic Conditions
Authors: Jaworska Ewa , Pawłowski Paweł , Michalska Agata , Maksymiuk Krzysztof
Published: November 2018

Amperometric responses of all‐solid‐state ion‐selective electrodes, recorded under potentiostatic conditions, were studied on example of potassium‐selective sensors with polypyrrole solid contact, at potential corresponding to reduction of the solid contact material and accompanying transfer of potassium ions across the membrane. Selective and stable in time linear dependences of current vs. logarithm of analyte concentration were recorded, resulting from high membrane resistance and changing membrane potential. The influence of experimental parameters as applied potential or thickness of the membrane was discussed. Advantages of the amperometric mode compared to potentiometric one relate to possibility of tailoring analytical parameters (sensitivity, magnitude of the signal) as well as over one order of magnitude decrease of the detection limit. The latter effect is achieved due to externally forced incorporation of potassium ions from the solution to the membrane, compensating their spontaneous release to the sample solution. A method of experimental setup simplification was proposed, with application of two‐electrode system, which can be used in the absence of external polarization source. The required driving force for the current flow was assured by spontaneous oxidation process occurring at the second electrode, coupled with reduction of the solid contact material of the ion‐selective electrode. In this case also stable in time calibration plots can be recorded.
A 3,5‐DistyrylBODIPY Dye Functionalized with Boronic Acid Groups for Direct Electrochemical Glucose Sensing
Authors: Ndebele Nobuhle , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: November 2018

The synthesis and characterization of a novel BODIPY dye functionalized with bis‐boronic acid groups to enable direct glucose sensing through selective recognition of carbohydrates is reported. Styrylation with boronic acid groups at the 3,5‐positions of the BODIPY core results in an extension of the π‐conjugation system of the dye and in a red‐shift of the main absorption band from 500 to 637 nm. The functionalized BODIPY dye was adsorbed on a glassy carbon electrode using the drop and dry method. Modified and bare electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and scanning electrochemical microscopy, while glucose detection was carried out by using differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The detection limit was determined to be 1.42 μM. The dye was found to be selective and sensitive towards glucose, since likely interferences have only minor effects on the glucose detection.
Molecular Imprinted Based Quartz Crystal Microbalance Nanosensors for Mercury Detection
Authors: Hüseynli Sabina , Çimen Duygu , Bereli Nilay , Denizli Adil
Published: November 2018

Mercury(II) ions are emerging as a result of more human activity, especially coal‐fired power plants, industrial processes, waste incineration plants, and mining. The mercury found in different forms after spreading around diffuses the nature of other living things. Although the damage to health is not yet clear, it is obvious that it is the cause of many diseases. This work detects the problem of mercury(II) ions, one of the active pollutants in wastewater. For this purpose, it is possible to detect the smallest amount of mercury(II) ions by means of the mercury(II) ions suppressed quartz crystal microbalance nanosensor developed. Zinc(II) and cadmium(II) ions are chosen as competitor elements. Developed nanosensor technology is known as the ideal method in the laboratory environment to detect mercury(II) ions from wastewater because of its low cost and precise result orientation. The range of linearity and the limit of detection are measured as 0.25 × 10−9–50 × 10−9 m. The detection limit is found to be 0.21 × 10−9 m. The mercury(II) ions imprinted nanosensors prepared according to the obtained experimental findings show high selectivity and sensitivity to detect mercury(II) ions from wastewater.
Complex mid‐crustal flow within a growing granite–migmatite dome: An example from the Variscan belt illustrated by the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility and fabric modelling
Authors: Žák Jiří , Verner Kryštof , Ježek Josef , Trubač Jakub
Published: November 2018

This study describes anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of migmatites associated with crustally derived granites of the Pelhřimov core complex, Bohemian Massif. In combination with numerical modelling, we use this case example to discuss some of the general complexities related to interpreting flow patterns of anatectic lower and middle crust from magnetic fabric during growth of metamorphic domes. Magnetic lineations, reflecting tiling or zone axis of magnetically oblate grains, commonly tend to develop along the principal stretching direction. Our fabric modelling, however, shows that a lineation may also develop at a high angle to the overall flow (tectonic transport) direction as a relict of a pre‐existing fabric or due to a component of core complex axis‐parallel stretching and may be maintained for a significant period of time. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the finite magnetic fabric orientation is largely independent on the initial migmatite fabric intensity (formed before dome growth) but is rather a function of (a) shear strain, causing magnetic foliation and lineation to rotate towards the shear plane, and (b) magnitude of dome growth, causing their external rotation. Similarly, the degree of anisotropy P is also a function of accumulated shear strain and increases over time. These findings suggest that low fabric intensities may point to rapidly cooling, less sheared domains that are more likely to preserve early formed fabrics. In dome limbs undergoing protracted simple shear, low and high degrees of oblateness (as expressed by the shape parameter T) may discriminate between domains with weak and strong initial fabrics and may thus be used to map out domains with different strain histories and perhaps also with different melt proportions and rheological behaviour within metamorphic domes.
Petrogenesis and mineralization of the Huangshandong mafic–ultramafic intrusion in eastern Tianshan, NW China
Authors: He Yun‐peng , Sun Jing‐gui , Wang Zhong‐yu
Published: November 2018

The Huangshandong deposit, located in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is the largest Ni–Cu sulfide deposit in the eastern Tianshan and Beishan regions of China. The deposit is hosted in a postorogenic intrusion that comprises diorite, gabbrodiorite, bojite, olivine gabbro, gabbronorite, troctolite, and lherzolite. Here, we report the Permian zircon U–Pb crystallization ages of 278.5 ± 2.1 Ma, 278.1 ± 1.9 Ma, and 279.6 ± 1.9 Ma for the olivine gabbro, bojite, and gabbrodiorite, respectively, as well as geological, petrological, and geochemical data for the various lithofacies of the deposit. As a result of the edge cooling effect, the intrusion cooled rapidly from the outside inwards as follows: crystallizing diorite → gabbrodiorite → gabbro → lherzolite → gabbronorite. In addition, further tectonic activity resulted in the injection of a more primitive magma in place, which crystallized the lherzolite in the bottom and middle transitional zones of the intrusion. The crystallization sequence of the intrusion is generally as follows: olivine → orthopyroxene + labradorite → clinopyroxene + labradorite → amphibole + andesine. At the beginning of mineral crystallization, the metalliferous magma was segregated due to sulfide immiscibility and separated by gravity. With gabbronorite crystallization, the immiscible liquid sank to the base of the magma chamber and crystallized as Cu‐ and Ni‐rich sulfides. Tholeiitic and calc‐alkaline rocks are characterized by relative enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements and depletion in high‐field‐strength elements, and values of Th/Ta (2.25–5.94), (Nb/La)N (1.88–4.39), and Th/Nb (0.29–0.82) indicate that the mantle source was composed of a dehydrated subducted plate or mantle wedge. In addition, values of Nb/U (2.64–10.68) and Ce/Pb (1.33–3.53) suggest that the magma was contaminated by the continental crust during its ascent along pre‐existing structures in the Carboniferous strata.
Some remarks on the nature of mantle metasomatism beneath western Anatolian–Aegean region: Contrasting isotopic signatures recorded in the Miocene lavas from the Söke Basin
Authors: Aldanmaz Ercan , Altunkaynak Şafak , Güçtekin Aykut
Published: November 2018

The presence of a subduction signature with variable isotopic patterns in the melt products of mantle origin within the Aegean–Anatolian domain reflects the differential effects of slab‐derived material on the chemical composition of the supraslab mantle region. Here, we use Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions and major and trace element abundances to evaluate the characteristics of the source components and possible roles of fluid/melt metasomatism in the genesis of the Middle to Late Miocene mafic–intermediate lavas from the Söke Basin in western Anatolia. This volcanic suite comprises a number of individual lava flows in which the dominant rock types are potassium‐rich basaltic andesites and andesites with trace element relative abundances indicative of melt derivation from subduction‐modified sources. These samples have significantly heterogeneous Sr and Nd isotopic ratios, with 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd values ranging from 0.70475 to 0.70927 and from 0.51218 to 0.51270, respectively; they also yield a range of Pb isotope ratios, with 206Pb/204Pb = 18.963–19.344, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.672–15.733, and 208Pb/204Pb = 39.096–39.264. Remarkably large variations in isotopic ratios with relatively limited changes in major elements suggest the involvement of heterogeneously enriched sources with diverse isotopic signatures. The modelling of trace element and isotopic data indicates that parts of the lithospheric mantle in this region are isotopically enriched, with geochemical signatures that reflect the interaction of variably depleted mantle peridotites with melts from subducted sediments of continental crustal origin, while other parts host phlogopite‐rich metasomatic components with signatures of devolatilization reactions from ancient subduction events that led to the preferential loss of Pb and Rb to create metasomatic domains with high U/Pb and low Rb/Sr values that ultimately generated highly radiogenic 206Pb/204Pb and relatively unradiogenic 87Sr/86Sr values. The observed isotopic diversity in relatively short‐time‐ and length‐scales may be interpreted to have resulted largely from the variable extent of melt contributions from a number of discrete lithological domains with contrasting long‐term isotopic evolution and is consistent with the view that the continental lithosphere in this region comprises a number of disparate lithospheric fragments with different petrogenetic histories.
Footprints of an elusive mid‐14th century earthquake in the central Himalaya: Consilience of evidence from Nepal and India
Authors: Rajendran C. P. , Sanwal Jaishri , John Biju , Anandasabari K. , Rajendran Kusala , Kumar Pankaj , Jaiswal Manoj , Chopra Sundeep
Published: November 2018

The timing and size of the last great earthquake in the central Himalaya continues to excite scientific controversy, despite a decade of palaeoseismological investigations. The studies along the frontal thrust in the Indian part of the central Himalaya disclose a faulting event between 14th and 15th century, and a dominant view presupposes the 1505 CE earthquake as the likely source. Here we evaluate the database along with independent inputs to determine the timing of the last faulting event on the frontal thrust of the central Himalaya. From the historical perspective, the Nepalese archives make a direct reference to a significant earthquake in 1344 CE, and the Indian sources hint at a restoration phase for the mid‐14th century monuments in the northern plains and coeval destruction to the ancient temples in the central Himalaya. Aside from the constraints generated from the earthquake proxies including liquefaction features and deformed stalagmites, the previous and currently acquired geological data from multiple trenches across the frontal thrust show that the last faulting event occurred between 13th and 14th centuries—the time interval coinciding with the 1344 CE earthquake. The episodic valley fills debris flow depositions identified in the Pokhara Valley in the east‐central Nepal provide additional constraints for the 1344 CE earthquake along with two previous ones in 1255 and 1100 CE. The consilience of multiple pieces of evidence from India and Nepal in combination with the new data inputs from two trench locales implicates the 1344 CE as the last of the medieval sequence of earthquakes. With a rupture length of ~600 km of the central Indian Himalaya and an average slip of 15 m, this earthquake is consistent with moment magnitude of Mw≥8.5. An earthquake of similar size is overdue in this part of the Himalaya, considering the long elapsed time of ≤700 years.
Seawater 87Sr/86Sr values recorded by reef carbonates from the Xisha Islands (South China Sea) since the Neogene and its response to the uplift of Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Bi Dongjie , Zhang Daojun , Zhai Shikui , Liu Xinyu , Xiu Chun , Liu Xiaofeng , Jiang Longjie , Zhang Aibin
Published: November 2018

Reef carbonates represent a practical option for continuous sampling in seawater 87Sr/86Sr values studies. A study of Sr isotopes is carried out for reef carbonates from the well “Xike‐1”, Shi Island, Xisha Islands, with the purpose of reconstructing the changing process of seawater 87Sr/86Sr values since the Neogene in the South China Sea (SCS). The results provide insights into the impact of paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental factors on the seawater 87Sr/86Sr values in the SCS. Our study indicates that the 87Sr/86Sr values in reef carbonates have increased since the Neogene. Those variation process can be divided into three stages, which are the fluctuant rising stage (Early Miocene to Middle Miocene), the steady rising stage (Middle Miocene to Late Miocene), and the fluctuating stage (Pliocene to Quaternary), respectively. The change of terrigenous influx is the main factor controlling seawater 87Sr/86Sr values in the SCS. The 87Sr/86Sr values in reef carbonates are slightly higher than that in the coeval seawater, which reflects a semiclosed environment of the SCS relative to the open ocean. The variations of seawater 87Sr/86Sr values and terrigenous influx in the SCS have no obvious correspondence with the changes of seawater δ18O values recorded by the benthonic foraminiferal skeletons in the drilling core of ODP site 1148. Thus, paleoclimatic factor is unlikely to be the dominant factor for the changes of terrigenous influx in the study area. However, there is a good correspondence between the variation rates of the 87Sr/86Sr values, the accumulation rates of terrigenous materials, and the uplifting rates of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. This indicates that the changes of terrigenous influx should be caused by enhancement of erosion, weathering, or transportation linked to the tectonic activities. The uplift of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and the variations of uplifting rates should be the main factor controlling the variations of the terrigenous influx in the SCS, which would further influence the seawater 87Sr/86Sr values.
Increased mortality and hospital readmission risk in patients with dementia and a history of cardiovascular disease: Results from a nationwide registry linkage study
Authors: van de Vorst Irene E. , Vaartjes Ilonca , Bots Michiel L. , Koek Huiberdina L.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate the impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on mortality and readmission risk in patients with dementia.

Methods

Prospective hospital‐based cohort of 59 194 patients with dementia admitted to hospital or visiting a day‐clinic between 2000 and 2010. Patients were divided in those with and without a history of CVD (ie, previous admission for CVD; coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, or other CVD). Absolute mortality risks (ARs), median survival times, and hazard ratios (adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidity) were calculated.

Results

Three‐year ARs and HRs were higher, and survival times were shorter among patients visiting a day‐clinic with a history of CVD than in those without. The differences were less pronounced for inpatients. Readmission risk was further increased in the presence of CVD in both day clinic and inpatients.

Conclusion

Clinicians need to be more aware of worse prognosis of the population with CVD and dementia.
Identifying the timing and duration of collecting patient priorities in an orthopedic clinic
Authors: Jurewicz Katherina A. , Hobbs Mary A. , Neyens David M. , Childers Ashley K. , Cozad Melanie J. , Brooks John M.
Published: November 2018

The patient‐centered care model supports patients actively engaging in their care. Typically this involves collecting patient‐reported outcomes and priorities that may not be part of the routine practice. There is a research gap related to whether there is time available within the routine orthopedic medical practice to collect patient‐centered data for immediate use without delaying the overall clinical processes or influencing patient clinical experiences. A time study was conducted to quantify the current patient processes at an orthopedic clinic, and a statistical simulation model was used to evaluate potential changes in patients’ clinical process if a patient‐centered survey were to be implemented. The proportion of simulated patients who would experience delays due to the survey, the durations of their delays, and the average duration of the patient process delay were recorded at each step in the clinical process. The results are presented in terms of the relationship between the time devoted to collecting data and the impact on the patient experience for various survey durations at various process points. This study demonstrates an approach to evaluate how introducing a patient priorities survey (for collecting both patient‐reported outcomes and priorities), which could be used in the same patient visit, might impact the clinical process and introduce process delays.
The effects of different periods of co‐administration of oral and long‐acting injectable aripiprazole: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Hatano Masakazu , Kamei Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Ippei , Tozawa Kaori , Makino Shinya , Hanya Manako , Yamada Shigeki , Iwata Nakao
Published: November 2018

Objective

Long‐acting injectable (LAI) aripiprazole is recommended to be combined with oral aripiprazole for 2 weeks after its introduction. However, we often experience patients who require more than 2 weeks of combined use. Therefore, differences in combination periods need to be examined.

Methods

This was a case–control study. We surveyed prescription profiles for oral aripiprazole administration in conjunction with LAI aripiprazole introduction and assessed the clinical course during a 12‐week follow‐up period.

Results

Among 121 patients, 58 (47.9%) were administered both oral and LAI aripiprazole for more than 2 weeks. Although there was no significant difference in treatment failure (defined as psychiatric hospitalization or discontinuation of LAI aripiprazole from any cause) between the two groups, the group that was administered oral aripiprazole for more than 2 weeks received less additional benzodiazepines compared with that of the 2 weeks group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.055; 95% confidence interval [0.0060, 0.50]; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our data support a flexible co‐administration period for oral and LAI aripiprazole in consideration of the pharmacokinetics, but further studies are needed.
Opening Advanced Laboratories to School Students: Our Model for Structuring Round‐Trip Activities from School to University and Back
Authors: Goldstein Keith L. , Seri Noa , Viale Giovanna , Grazioli Cinzia , Pirovano Livia , Ofrath Noa
Published: November 2018

Collaboration with universities may assist secondary schools faced with challenges of promoting state‐of‐the‐art chemistry and biosciences education. This paper outlines university‐based programs in Israel (Belmonte) and Italy (CusMiBio) that enhance learning experiences by allowing classes of pupils to interact with academics and perform hands‐on experiments in advanced scientific laboratories. These programs facilitate a symbiotic relationship between secondary schools and the university. This paper outlines a conceptual model for university‐based science interventions. We describe the programs at Belmonte and CusMiBio, and explain how each program implements group activities for hybrid science laboratories that aim to enhance learning. Teacher training is also described, along with activities essential for establishing a round‐trip experience‐ whereby learning activities continue to have an impact after completion of these special trips to the university laboratory.
Metal‐Organic Cages for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Zhu Cheng‐Yi , Pan Mei , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: November 2018

Metal‐organic cages (MOCs) have uniquely discrete structures, inner cavities and non‐covalent encapsulating capabilities for guests. Recently, MOCs have emerged as potential candidates with multimode biomedical functions. In this review, the application of MOCs in biomedical fields is surveyed from four aspects: anticancer activities, drug carriers, sensing agents, and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Glucagon attenuates lipid accumulation in cow hepatocytes through AMPK signaling pathway activation
Authors: Li Yu , Ding Hongyan , Dong Jihong , Ur Rahman Sajid , Feng Shibin , Wang Xichun , Wu Jinjie , Wang Zhe , Liu Guowen , Li Xiaobing , Li Xinwei
Published: November 2018

The ketotic cows displayed hepatic lipid metabolic disorder and high blood concentration of glucagon. Importantly, adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway plays an important role in the hepatic lipid homeostasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of glucagon on AMPK pathway and its underlying mechanism on lipid metabolism in cow hepatocytes. Cow hepatocytes were cultured and treated with glucagon and AMPK inhibitor (BML‐275). The results showed that glucagon significantly promoted the expression of glucagon receptor and increased the phosphorylation level and activity of AMPKα. Activated AMPKα increased the expression level and transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α, which further increased the expression of fatty acid oxidation genes and lipid oxidation. Furthermore, activated AMPKα inhibited the expression level and transcriptional activity of sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c and carbohydrate response element binding protein, which decreased the expression of lipogenic genes, thereby decreasing lipid synthesis. In addition, glucagon also increased the expression of very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly to export intracellular triglycerides (TG). Consequently, the content of intracellular TG was significantly decreased in cow hepatocytes. These results indicate that glucagon activates the AMPK signaling pathway to increase lipid oxidation and VLDL assembly and decrease lipid synthesis in cow hepatocytes, thereby reducing liver fat accumulation.
Altered plasma proteins released from platelets and endothelial cells are associated with human patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Hou Hai‐Tao , Xi‐Zhang  , Wang Jun , Liu Li‐Xin , Zhang Jian‐Feng , Yang Qin , He Guo‐Wei
Published: November 2018

Patent ductus arteriosus is the third most common congenital heart disease and resulted from the persistence of ductal patency after birth. Ductus arteriosus closure involves functional and structural remodeling, controlled by many factors. The changes in plasma protein levels associated with PDA closure are not known. Here we for the first time demonstrate six key differential plasma proteins in human patent ductus arteriosus patients using proteomic technology and present a model to illustrate the constriction and closure of ductus arteriosus. Differentially expressed proteins were analyzed by using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification and validated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in new samples. The proteomic data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the data set identifier PXD008568. We found 74 upregulated and 98 downregulated proteins in the plasma of patients with PDA. Five decreased proteins (platelet factor 4, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, collagen, and mannose binding lectin‐associated serine protease‐2) and one increased protein (fibronectin) may increase the risk of patent ductus arteriosus. Those proteins are closely related to platelet activation and coagulation cascades, complement mannan‐binding‐lectin, and other systemic signaling pathways. Our findings for the first time indicate that the differential proteins involved in different pathways may play key roles in the nonclosure of the ductus arteriosus in humans and may be developed as biomarkers for diagnosis. All those findings may be served as the basis of understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of patent ductus arteriosus.
miR‐142‐3p as tumor suppressor miRNA in the regulation of tumorigenicity, invasion and migration of human breast cancer by targeting Bach‐1 expression
Authors: Mansoori Behzad , Mohammadi Ali , Ghasabi Mehri , Shirjang Solmaz , Dehghan Razeieh , Montazeri Vahid , Holmskov Uffe , Kazemi Tohid , Duijf Pascal , Gjerstorff Morten , Baradaran Behzad
Published: November 2018

Background

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, and despite improved treatments, it remains a major challenge. However, improved mechanistic insight may lead to novel therapeutic strategies. miR‐142‐3p belongs to the miR‐142 family and is involved in pathogenesis and metastasis of various types of malignancies by targeting several important messenger RNAs (mRNAs) including Bach‐1. This is especially true for breast cancer, where Bach‐1 is involved in the metastatic spread by deregulation of metastasis‐associated genes.

Methods

In this study, we collected 24 breast cancer tissues with 24 adjusted normal tissues to measure the expression levels of miR‐142‐3p and Bach‐1 mRNA using quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and IHC. miR‐142‐3p targeting of Bach‐1 expression in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐468 breast cancer cells was evaluated using bioinformatics, qRT‐PCR and western blot analyses. The cellular proliferation, invasion, and migration were assessed by MTT, transwell matrigel and wound healing assay and the EMT‐associated proteins C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR‐4), matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) were analyzed by western blot analysis. Also, the expression levels of tumor suppressors including miR‐330, miR‐145, and miR‐34a were estimated by qRT‐PCR.

Results

Analysis of paired specimens of primary malignant and normal tissues showed that miR‐142‐3p was downregulated, while Bach‐1 mRNA and protein both were overexpressed in the breast cancer tumors. This inverse relationship was confirmed by cell line experiments demonstrating that miR‐142‐3p expression reduced Bach‐1 mRNA levels. Furthermore, replacement of miR‐142‐3p could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration in breast cancer potentially by targeting of Bach‐1 mRNA and subsequent inhibition of CXCR4, MMP9, and VEGFR protein expressions. In addition, induction of miR‐142‐3p could upregulate tumor suppressor miRNAs, including miR‐330, miR‐145, and miR34a.

Conclusion

For the first time, our results revealed that miR‐142‐3p could target Bach‐1in breast cancer cells leading to the reduction of EMT‐related proteins and reduced cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. The results also demonstrated that miR‐142‐3p could regulate important tumor suppressor miRNAs in breast cancer cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that miR‐142‐3p could be a good candidate for the targeted therapy of breast cancer, especially for the invasive type.
Association between microRNAs expression and signaling pathways of inflammatory markers in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Shafabakhsh Rana , Aghadavod Esmat , Mobini Moein , Heidari‐Soureshjani Reza , Asemi Zatollah
Published: November 2018

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the common and serious microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, as hyperglycemia has metabolic effects on the retina. Hyperglycemia induces increased oxidative stress, which stimulates inflammation pathways and promotes vascular dysfunction of the retina that leads to increased capillary permeability and vascular leakage. One of the main factors involving diabetic retinopathy is the inflammation signaling pathways. In contemporary times, microRNAs (miRNAs) are identified as functional biomarkers for early detection and treatment of numerous diseases specifically diabetic retinopathy. MiRNAs can modulate gene expression through regulation of transcriptional and posttranscriptional of target genes. With that, miRNAs can regulate almost every cellular and developmental process, including the regulation of instinct immune responses and inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of miRNAs in inflammation pathways and the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Isolation and culture of vascular smooth muscle cells from rat placenta
Authors: He Chunyu , Wang Meili , Yan Zi , Zhang Suli , Liu Huirong
Published: November 2018

We developed a new separation method for isolating placental vascular smooth muscle cells (PVSMCs) from a rat in this study. Our method used the magnetic force between a magnet and ferrous ferric oxide (Fe3O
4) to make the separation and extraction processes easier and more efficient. From the first to sixth generation, the cells isolated using this protocol were identified as smooth muscle cells (SMCs) by their immunoreactivity to the SMC markers and by the “hill and valley” morphology. PVSMCs were exposed to angiotensin II (1 μmol/L) and resulted in sharply increased intracellular Ca
2+ concentration. Furthermore, activation of protein kinase C (PKC) increased concomitantly with a decrease in calponin expression. These results indicate that the isolated cells had biological activity. Our method of isolating PVSMCs from rat leads to isolation of cultured cells with activity and high purity. The approach will be useful in research studies on placental vascular diseases.
Synergistic anticancer action of quercetin and curcumin against triple‐negative breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Kundur Sai , Prayag Amrita , Selvakumar Priyanga , Nguyen Hung , McKee Lloyd , Cruz Clairissa , Srinivasan Asha , Shoyele Sunday , Lakshmikuttyamma Ashakumary
Published: November 2018

Women with the breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1) mutation and loss of BRCA1 expression are reported to have an increased risk of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). Targeting BRCA1 modulation might offer a therapeutic option to treat TNBC patients. Our studies detected that BRCA1 is poorly expressed in TNBC cell lines and highly expressed in ER+ breast cancer cell lines. To modulate BRCA1 expression, we tested two different dietary components to find out if any would induce tumor suppressor genes. We detected that quercetin and curcumin dose‐dependently enhanced the BRCA1 expression. Further, a synergistic action of quercetin and curcumin was observed in modulating the BRCA1 level and in inhibiting the cell survival and migration of TNBC cell lines. Quercetin and curcumin appeared to induce BRCA1 promoter histone acetylation. Furthermore, BRCA1 knockdown induced cell survival and cell migration in ER
+ cells were significantly decreased by the combined treatment of quercetin and curcumin. Our present study concluded that the combination treatment of quercetin and curcumin acts synergistically to induce anticancer activity against TNBC cells by modulating tumor suppressor genes.
Cardiovascular complications and related risk factors underlying opium consumption
Authors: Ebdali Reyhaneh T. , Tabaee Seyyedeh Samaneh , Tabaei Samira
Published: November 2018

Opium is considered as the second most abused addictive compound in worldwide. It seems that one of the causes for common consumption of opium in many countries is a traditional belief, even among medical personnel, through which opium might have advantageous influences on cardiovascular events and be beneficial in controlling hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. According to several investigations, it is thought that opium not only has no beneficial effects on cardiovascular events, but it might have deleterious influences on these settings. As a result, people need to be trained with regard to the adverse effects of opium on cardiovascular events. In this review, we try to go through the understanding of the effects of opium cardiovascular disorders and related complications such as blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid circumstances, and finally atherosclerosis.
The effects of Nutlin‐3 on morphology, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis in rat primary mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Bajelan Babak , Zaki‐Dizaji Majid , Darabi Shahram , Rajaei Farzad
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Nutlin‐3 is a powerful antagonist of murine double minute 2/p53 interaction demonstrating promising therapeutic anticancer activity, which has not been clinically approved yet. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an important part of the bone marrow niche and support regeneration and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells after exposure to myelotoxic anticancer agents; however, the effect of Nutlin‐3 compounds on MSCs themselves remains to be elucidated.

Materials and Methods

Rat‐derived bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BMSCs) were cultured and treated with different concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM) and times (24, 48, and 72 hr) of Nutlin‐3. The microculture tetrazolium test, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and propidium iodide and annexin‐V assays, and quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the effects of Nutlin‐3 on the cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis in BMSCs.

Results

The viability of BMSCs in the treated cells with concentrations of 100 μM at 24 hr, 50 and 100 μM at 48 hr, and in all concentrations at 72 hr was significantly (p < 0.05) low. The apoptotic index showed that the TUNEL‐positive BMSCs were significantly higher in concentrations of 25 and 50 μM in comparison to control group (
p < 0.05) and augmented in a dose‐dependent manner. Annexin‐V‐PI staining showed after 72 hr of incubation, there was a slight dose‐dependent increase in total apoptotic cells at 10 and 25 μM of Nutlin‐3, but a massive significant increase at 50 μM.

Conclusion

Here, we show that rat BMSCs are relatively resistant to Nutlin‐3; however, further in vivo data with long‐term exposure may help to corroborate our findings.