bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
α‐Lipoic acid alleviates ferroptosis in the MPP+‐induced PC12 cells via activating the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Liu Lin , Yang Songqi , Wang Heng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a typical neurodegenerative disease. α‐Lipoic acid (α‐LA) can reduce the incidence of neuropathy. The present study explored the role and mechanism of α‐LA in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+)‐induced cell model of PD. The PD model was induced via treating PC12 cells with MPP+ at different concentrations. MPP+ and α‐LA effects on PC12 cells were assessed from cell viability and ferroptosis. Cell viability was detected using the cell counting kit‐8 assay. Malondialdehyde (MDA), 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE), iron, reactive xygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, and ferroptosis‐related protein SLC7A11 and GPx4 expressions were used for ferroptosis evaluation. p‐PI3K, p‐Akt, and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein levels were detected. The PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway inhibitors were applied to verify the role of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in α‐LA protection against MPP+‐induced decreased cell viability and ferroptosis. MPP+‐reduced cell viability and induced ferroptosis as presented by increased MDA, 4‐HNE, iron, and ROS concentrations, and reduced levels of GSH and ferroptosis marker proteins (SLC7A11 and GPx4). α‐LA attenuated MPP+‐induced cell viability decline and ferroptosis. The PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway was activated after α‐LA treatment. Inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway weakened the protection of α‐LA against MPP+ treatment. We highlighted that α‐LA alleviated MPP+‐induced cell viability decrease and ferroptosis in PC12 cells via activating the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway.
Iridium(III) Sensitisers and Energy Upconversion: The Influence of Ligand Structure upon TTA‐UC Performance
Authors: Elgar Christopher E. , Otaif Haleema Y. , Zhang Xue , Zhao Jianzhang , Horton Peter N. , Coles Simon J. , Beames Joseph M. , Pope Simon J. A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSix substituted ligands based upon 2‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)quinoline‐4‐carboxylate and 2‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)quinoline‐4‐carboxylate have been synthesised in two steps from a range of commercially available isatin derivatives. These species are shown to be effective cyclometallating ligands for IrIII, yielding complexes of the form [Ir(C^N)2(bipy)]PF6 (where C^N=cyclometallating ligand; bipy=2,2′‐bipyridine). X‐ray crystallographic studies on three examples demonstrate that the complexes adopt a distorted octahedral geometry wherein a cis‐C,C and trans‐N,N coordination mode is observed. Intraligand torsional distortions are evident in all cases. The IrIII complexes display photoluminescence in the red part of the visible region (668–693 nm), which is modestly tuneable through the ligand structure. The triplet lifetimes of the complexes are clearly influenced by the precise structure of the ligand in each case. Supporting computational (DFT) studies suggest that the differences in observed triplet lifetime are likely due to differing admixtures of ligand‐centred versus MLCT character instilled by the facets of the ligand structure. Triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA‐UC) measurements demonstrate that the complexes based upon the 1‐naphthyl derived ligands are viable photosensitisers with upconversion quantum efficiencies of 1.6–6.7 %.
Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Tazarotene Clindamycin Cream: A Single‐Dose, 3‐Period Crossover Study
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Xing‐fei , Yang Guo‐ping , Huang Jie , Yang Xiao‐yan , Ye Ling , Guo Can , Yang Shuang , Wang Xiao‐min 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe current study compared the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the new compound pharmaceutical preparation tazarotene clindamycin cream, and 2 single pharmaceutical preparations, tazarotene cream and clindamycin phosphate gel. Twelve healthy volunteers were enrolled in this single‐center, single‐blind, 3‐treatment, 3‐period crossover, single‐dose randomized study. An 800‐cm2 area on volunteers’ backs was evenly smeared with 1.6 g of the test preparation to form a film. Blood samples were collected at predetermined time points for pharmacokinetic analysis. Safety and tolerability were assessed via skin reaction evaluation and clinical laboratory tests. The incidences of skin reactions were 18.2% for tazarotene clindamycin cream, 25.0% for tazarotene cream, and 18.2% for clindamycin phosphate gel. There were no significant differences in safety or tolerability among the 3 groups. Erythema, desquamation, and pruritus occurred in 7 volunteers, but no burning or tingling occurred. All adverse events were mild and resolved spontaneously, and there were no severe adverse events. The respective maximum plasma concentrations of tazarotenic acid after local administration of tazarotene clindamycin cream and tazarotene cream were 11 ± 5 pg/mL and 18 ± 12 pg/mL, and the areas under the curve within 72 hours were 444 ± 341 pg · h/mL and 692 ± 462 pg · h/mL.
Breeding gain from exploitation of regional adaptation: An alfalfa case study
Authors: Annicchiarico Paolo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractExploiting genotype × environment interaction (GEI) by specific selection for well‐defined subregions could contribute to more productive and sustainable cropping systems. This case study aimed to verify this hypothesis by assessing actual genetic gains from phenotypic and genotypic selection for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) biomass yield in two subregions of northern Italy with contrasting GEI pattern (subregion A, featuring sandy‐loam soil and no summer drought as a result of irrigation; subregion C, featuring silty‐clay soil and summer drought resulting from rainfed cropping). Selection and test environments were mainly represented by four managed environments created by the factorial combination of the relevant soil types and drought stress levels. Genotypic selection depended on yield responses of 90 half‐sib families in the environment representing each subregion (specific adaptation) or across these environments (wide adaptation); phenotypic selection for wide or specific adaptation was stratified for single plants in different environments. Half‐sib family data indicated modest genetic correlation between subregions (rg = 0.56). Biomass yield data of six selections and six cultivars or landraces providing their genetic base revealed at least twofold greater yield gains for specific adaptation over wide adaptation for phenotypic or genotypic selection, with a minimum within‐subregion advantage of 43%. On average, genotypic selections displayed over 10‐fold greater yield progress than phenotypic selections. Adaptation strategies had negligible impact on seed yield and leaf‐to‐stem ratio of the selections. Experiment data from seven agricultural environments highlighted the importance of breeding for specific adaptation to achieve yield progress over locally top‐performing commercial varieties. Circumstances that support a specific‐adaptation strategy were discussed.
Design strategy of electrode patterns based on finite element analysis in microfluidic device for Trans‐Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) measurement
Authors: Miyazaki Takashi , Hirai Yoshikazu , Kamei Ken‐ichiro , Tsuchiya Toshiyuki , Tabata Osamu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTrans‐epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) is a widely used non‐invasive and label‐free measurement to evaluate the barrier function of mono‐layered cells in real‐time. However, TEER values depend on distribution of electric current densities generated by a combination of shapes and arrangements of plane electrodes for performing TEER, but until now, there is no systematical analysis of their effects on TEER values, causing less reproducibility. Here, we report a new strategy to design the shapes and arrangements of electrodes to perform TEER in a microfluidic device. To investigate the effects of the electrodes design on TEER values, we analyze the distribution of electric current densities using finite element method and evaluate their uniformity of sensitivity. Our strategy allowed designing several electrode patterns of electrodes combinations, capable of simultaneous cell observation with a microscope and TEER measurements.
Parametric sensitivity analysis on the cold start process of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
Authors: Niu Huipeng , Ji Changwei , Wang Shuofeng , Wang Du , Bai Yongyi , Liang Chen 
Published: November 2020

SummarySubzero start‐up of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the most challenging tasks to be solved before commercialization. During the subzero start‐up process, water generated in the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode side of PEMFC is susceptible to freeze，which makes active sites covered by the ice and gases failed to reach the surface of the catalyst layer (CL), leading to a substantial decay and even ending up with a failure of the start‐up. Given that many factors affect the cold start process, the relative contribution of the essential factors on the cold start process is independently analyzed using first‐order finite‐difference sensitivity analysis from −20°C to −30°C. The effect of essential parameters on the cold start process is quantified. The investigated parameters include the ratio of bipolar plate (BP) thickness to that of the CL (RBP/CL), the starting voltage (Vini), stoichiometry ratios, inlet gas temperature (Tin), the porosity of the CL (εCL), initial membrane water content (λini), membrane thickness (θmem), the volume fraction of ionomer (ωCL) in CLs, and the heat capacity of the BP (ρcpBP). Results show that the cold start process is most sensitive to RBP/CL and λini. Significant improvement of cold start performance can be achieved by appropriately adjusting RBP/CL, λini, Tin, and εCL. Appropriately increasing the Vini also can be a method to improve cold start performance, especially for the cold start from −30°C. Besides, optimized ωCL in CLs, proper θmem, and lower ρcpBP can contribute to better performance, especially for the cold start from −20°C.
Breaking the mold: Retention strategies for generations X and Y in a prototypical accounting firm
Authors: Nelson Sandra , Duxbury Linda 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe success of Canadian accounting firms depends on their ability to adapt their long‐standing HR structures and HRD practices to meet the expectations of today's workforce. Generational identity theory and theory explaining employee expectations informed our analysis of a multi‐method (interviews and appreciate inquiry workshops) case study which employed an action research approach. Data were collected from 36 Gen X and Y knowledge workers who were part of the firm's talent pool to determine how closely the work and career expectations of today's (i.e., Generation X and Generation Y) accountants align to the prototypical HR structures and practices of professional partnership (P2) accounting firms. Three main contributions arise out of our qualitative analysis. First, it contributes to generational identity theory by providing a comparison between Generation X and Y in terms of their career and work expectations. Second, it demonstrates why firms with traditional practices and structures may be having difficulty retaining talent in today's labor market. Third, it provides evidence as to why prototypical accounting firms need to change and suggestions on how they can change their HR practices and HRD strategies to enhance retention and better meet the expectations of today's workforce.
Spatial and temporal distributions of stable isotopes in precipitation over Thailand
Authors: Laonamsai Jeerapong , Ichiyanagi Kimpei , Kamdee Kiattipong , Putthividhya Aksara , Tanoue Masahiro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSpatial and temporal variations of the isotopic composition of precipitation over Thailand were investigated. The local meteoric water line for Thailand deviates slightly from the global meteoric water line, with lower slopes (7.62 ± 0.07, 7.59 ± 0.08) and intercepts (6.42 ± 0.39, 6.22 ± 0.42) using ordinary and precipitation weighted methods. Differences in spatial and temporal δ18O distributions between the tropical monsoon and tropical savanna climate zones were found due to differing moisture source contributions and seasonal precipitation patterns. The temporal data reveals that the northeast monsoon rains originate from isotopically‐enriched local moisture with isotope values of −9.36 to −0.09‰ (mean − 3.73 ± 0.42‰), whereas the southwest monsoon clouds had a more significant rainout effect from Rayleigh distillation, with isotope values of −9.56 to −1.78‰ (mean − 5.40 ± 0.38‰). The precipitation amount at each site was negatively correlated with δ18O (−0.24 to −3.20‰ per 100 mm, R2 = 0.1–0.9). Furthermore, δ18O was negatively correlated with geography (latitude, altitude) for the southwest monsoon periods, as expected based on other observed correlations. However, an inverse correlation was seen in the northeast monsoon due to differing moisture transportation as part of the continental effect. The correlation coefficient (R) was higher in the southwest monsoon (−0.84 for latitude effect, −0.64 for altitude effect) than the northeast monsoon (0.67 for latitude effect, 0.35 for altitude effect). The spatial pattern of isotopic composition reflects the southwest monsoon more clearly than the northeast monsoon, but the two monsoons also have a cancelling impact on orographic patterns. An agreement of the δ18O and deuterium excess (d‐excess) was a negative correlation and found to reflect precipitation sources and re‐evaporation processes. The d‐excess was slightly higher for the northeast monsoon, bringing moisture from the Pacific Ocean and travelling across the continent before reaching the observed stations. By contrast, the d‐excess was relatively lower for the Indian Ocean's moisture in the southwest monsoon.
Target shareholder gains, peer firm values, and merger and acquisition announcements
Authors: Lee Sangwon 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAn average M&A announcement increases the target's peer firm stock prices. While it is documented that an increased takeover likelihood increases the peer firm values, it is also possible that an increase in the expected shareholder gains, conditional on receiving an acquisition offer, affects the valuation of peer firms. In this paper, I document that peer firm abnormal returns during the announcement period are positively affected by the target firm announcement return and offer premium, which reflect target shareholder gains from the announced deal. Moreover, I find that target announcement returns are lower, on average, when the offer premium is lower than those of recent transactions in the industry. This paper highlights that investors reflect not only the increased takeover likelihood but also the revised expectations on the gains from a potential takeover bid in the valuation of peer firms.
Selenium ameliorates aflatoxin B1‐induced uterine injury in female mice and necrosis of human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Li Yanying , Huang Ping , Gao Fangyuan , Xiao Xiyun , Li Lingling 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to observe the effects of Selenium (Se) on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)‐induced uterine injury in female mice and necrosis of human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells (HEMECs). Fifty female mice were randomly divided into control group; AFB1 group; Se group (0.2 mg/kg each day); AFB1 + Se group; and positive control group. After continuous treatment for 30 days, uterine tissues were harvested, which were used for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Necrosis‐related proteins including RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL were examined in uterine tissues using western blot and immunohistochemistry. HEMECs were treated with different concentrations of AFB1 or Se, which were used for selecting the optimal concentrations. RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL expression was detected in HEMECs exposed to AFB1 and/or Se via western blot and immunofluorescence. H&E staining results showed that AFB1 induced uterine injury of female male, which was ameliorated by Se treatment. According to western blot and immunohistochemistry, RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL expression was distinctly increased in uterine tissues of AFB1‐treated mice, which was decreased by Se treatment. Cell viability of HEMECs was gradually lowered as the concentrations of AFB1and Se increased. A 10‐μM AFB1 exposure significantly increased RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL expression in HEMECs, which was improved following co‐treatment with 5‐μM Se. Thus, our findings revealed that Se may ameliorate AFB1‐induced uterine injury in female mice and necrosis of HEMECs.
Exploring the discursive construction of ethics in an introductory engineering course
Authors: Lönngren Johanna 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundEngineering education must prepare students to assume professional and ethical responsibility for the societal impacts of technology, but most engineering students do not receive adequate ethics teaching. In fact, engineering education has been described as characterized by a “culture of disengagement” in which ethical and societal concerns are constructed as different from and less important than purely technical concerns.Purpose/HypothesisThis study explores how a culture of disengagement is discursively constructed and perpetuated in engineering education by analyzing the discursive construction of ethics and ethical reflection in an introductory engineering course in Sweden.Design/MethodThe study is based on extensive ethnographic data in the form of field notes, lecture recordings, interview data, and course documents. The data are analyzed using a discourse analytic approach rooted in discourse theory.ResultsThe results illustrate five processes through which ethics and ethical reflection are articulated as not the responsibility of the specific field of engineering, irrelevant for the profession, of low quality and status, and not very important for the engineering degree.ConclusionsThe results contribute to understanding how a culture of disengagement may be perpetuated in engineering education. The results also point toward pedagogical tools and strategies that instructors and program managers can use to construct ethics and ethical reflection as an advanced skill that is an important and integral part of engineering and engineering education—and thus better prepare future engineers to become responsible professionals.
Phosphorus release from intact soil monoliths of manure‐amended fields under simulated snowmelt flooding
Authors: Concepcion Angela , Kumaragamage Darshani , Akinremi Wole , Dharmakeerthi Saman , Goltz Doug , Indraratne Srimathie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAnaerobic conditions developed in soils with flooding can enhance the release of soil P to overlying water, but little information is available for soils with a long history of manure application. We examined the P release from manure‐amended soils under simulated snowmelt flooding. Intact monoliths from manured (solid swine manure [SSM] or liquid swine manure [LSM]) and unamended (control) field plots were collected from Carman, Manitoba. Monoliths were frozen for 7 d, thawed, flooded, and incubated at 4 ± 1 °C. Redox potential, pH, and concentrations of dissolved reactive P (DRP), Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn in pore water and floodwater were determined weekly up to 56 d after flooding (DAF) and at 84 DAF. Redox potential decreased with DAF with a greater and more rapid decrease in SSM (from ∼300 to <0 mV by 84 DAF) compared with LSM and control (∼100 mV by 84 DAF). Pore water and floodwater DRP concentrations were significantly greater in manured treatments than in the control at all DAFs and in SSM than in LSM for most DAF. Whereas floodwater DRP concentrations remained relatively stable in the control treatment, concentrations in manured treatments increased substantially from the onset of flooding to 35–42 DAF (threefold to fourfold increase) and remained relatively stable thereafter. Significantly greater P release from SSM‐ than from LSM‐treated monoliths was due to greater input of P and the higher organic matter content in SSM‐treated soils. These favored the rapid development of anaerobic conditions that further induced P release.
Tocilizumab administration is associated with the reduction in biomarkers of coronavirus disease 2019 infection
Authors: Ivan Hariyanto Timotius , Kurniawan Andree 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has caused a significant impact on all aspects of life, with the number of death cases still increasing. Therefore, identification of potential treatment for reducing the severity of the disease is important. Currently, the data regarding the effectiveness of tocilizumab as treatment agents for COVID‐19 infection is still conflicting. This study aims to give clear evidence regarding the potential benefit of tocilizumab in reducing the biomarkers of COVID‐19 infection. We systematically searched the PubMed Central database using specific keywords related to our aims until July 24th, 2020. All articles published on COVID‐19 and tocilizumab were retrieved. A total of 9 studies with a total of 577 patients were included in our analysis. Our meta‐analysis showed that tocilizumab treatment is associated with reduction of C‐reactive protein (mean difference [MD]: −106.69 mg/L [95% confidence interval [CI]: −146.90, −66.49 mg/L], p < .00001; I2 = 98%, random‐effect modeling), d‐dimer (MD: −3.06 mg/L [95% CI: −5.81, −0.31 mg/L], p = .03; I2 = 98%, random‐effect modeling), Ferritin (MD: −532.80 ng/ml [95% CI: −810.93, −254.67 ng/ml], p = .0002; I2 = 25%, random‐effect modeling), procalcitonin (MD: −0.67 ng/ml [95% CI: −1.13, −0.22 ng/ml], p = .004; I2 = 92%, random‐effect modeling], and increment in the levels of lymphocyte count (MD: 0.36 × 103/μl [95% CI: 0.18, 0.54 × 103/μl], p < .0001; I2 = 88%, random‐effect modeling). Administration of tocilizumab is effective in reducing the biomarkers of the COVID‐19 infection.
Event chronology analysis of the historical development of tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Costa Márcia D.D. , Cançado Luiz Gustavo , Jorio Ado 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this history review, the development of tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is analyzed from the perspective of scientific instrumentation development. TERS is a powerful and label‐free tool for nanocharacterization, still mainly an academic tool, built from the achievements in Raman spectroscopy, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, near‐field optics, and plasmonics. We identified three turning points in TERS history so far, based on two approaches to categorize TERS publications. Evidences from our analyses indicate that developments have been made in the scientific understanding of the technique itself, on the technology for its implementation, and on the application of TERS in other fields. Although, in total, more papers have focused on the technological development, application‐oriented works became the most important type of publication in the last years. This development has participation from different actors, but it has been performed mainly by the academic community, alone or in association with national laboratories.