bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seismic evaluation of two‐elevation ceiling system by shake table tests
Authors: Qi Liangjie , Kurata Masahiro , Ikeda Yoshiki , Kunitomo Keiichiro , Takaoka Masashi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPast earthquakes highlighted the vulnerability of the suspended ceiling, especially in earthquake‐prone countries like Japan; the post‐earthquake reconnaissance showed that damage to ceiling systems led to immeasurable economic loss and disturbance of the timely rescue of casualty. The existing studies have mostly focused on the seismic performance of regular square and leveled ceilings, whereas the inevitable requirements to accommodate air ducts, nonstructural piping, and electrical equipment resulted in a two‐elevation ceiling system. This paper reports a series of full‐scale shake table tests on a typical two‐elevation ceiling system, which includes electrical equipment, piping system, and commonly used suspended ceiling structure. Experimental observations showed that the two‐elevation ceiling system performed well under earthquake excitation. No fallen panels or overall system collapse occurred during shaking. This paper discusses the effects of a temporary‐positioning‐bracing bar (TPBB) between two ceiling elevations and peripheral constraints by surrounding wall on the acceleration and displacement response and torsional behavior in the ceiling system. Then, a simplified analytical model was established and verified with the experimental response of different ceiling configurations. The test results indicated that a sufficiently strong TPBB is essential to reduce the relative displacement between two ceiling elevations, and it ensures the integrity of two ceiling elevations in the ceiling system. In conclusion, the TPBB shall remain in the ceiling system after the construction stage.
Could N‐acetylcysteine improve the safety of clozapine?
Authors: Chrétien Basile , Fedrizzi Sophie , Lelong‐Boulouard Véronique , Sassier Marion , Alexandre Joachim , Dolladille Charles 
Published: November 2020

AbstractClozapine is an atypical antipsychotic indicated in patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia which remains underused due to safety issues. Mechanisms behind these adverse effects are complex and not fully understood. They may involve immune‐related mechanisms, direct toxic effects and oxidative stress. Clozapine‐induced oxidative stress might indeed notably be involved in the onset of neutropenia, agranulocytosis, myocarditis, sialorrhea, and metabolic alterations. Therefore, the association of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), an easily accessible, low‐cost and well tolerated antioxidant drug could be of interest in clozapine‐treated patients to improve clozapine safety. Furthermore, according to recent studies NAC could help to improve schizophrenia symptoms. We believe that the use of NAC in the context of clozapine prescribing merits further study, as it could improve clozapine safety which may lead to a wider use and ultimately improve the healthcare of thousands of patients. NAC could also secondarily show positive knock‐on effects for the patients by improving clinical symptoms of schizophrenia in synergy with clozapine, and by reducing substance abuse and thus by improving the patient's overall condition. However, given the rarity of clozapine‐induced severe adverse effects, only a large volume of data (e.g., National adverse events monitoring) could assess the benefits of NAC on clozapine safety.
Linking hydrological variations at local scales to regional climate teleconnection patterns
Authors: Rasouli Kabir , Scharold Karis , Mahmood Taufique H. , Glenn Nancy F. , Marks Danny 
Published: November 2020

AbstractClimate patterns over preceding years affect seasonal water and moisture conditions. The linkage between regional climate and local hydrology is challenging due to scale differences, both spatially and temporally. In this study, variance, correlation, and singular spectrum analyses were conducted to identify multiple hydroclimatic phases during which climate teleconnection patterns were related to hydrology of a small headwater basin in Idaho, USA. Combined field observations and simulations from a physically based hydrological model were used for this purpose. Results showed statistically significant relations between climate teleconnection patterns and hydrological fluxes in the basin, and climate indices explained up to 58% of hydrological variations. Antarctic Oscillation (AAO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and Pacific North America (PNA) patterns affected mountain hydrology, in that order, by decreasing annual runoff and rain on snow (ROS) runoff by 43% and 26% during a positive phase of NAO and 25% and 9% during a positive phase of PNA. AAO showed a significant association with the rainfall‐to‐precipitation ratio and explained 49% of its interannual variation. The runoff response was affected by the phase of climate variability indices and the legacy of past atmospheric conditions. Specifically, a switch in the phase of the teleconnection patterns of NAO and PNA caused a transition from wet to dry conditions in the basin. Positive AAO showed no relation with peak snow water equivalent and ROS runoff in the same year, but AAO in the preceding year explained 24 and 25% (p < 0.05) of their variations, suggesting that the past atmospheric patterns are equally important as the present conditions in affecting local hydrology. Areas sheltered from the wind and acted as a source for snow transport showed the lowest (40% below normal) ROS runoff generation, which was associated with positive NAO that explained 33% (p < 0.01) of its variation. The findings of this research highlighted the importance of hydroclimatic phases and multiple year variations that must be considered in hydrological forecasts, climate projections, and water resources planning.
Determinants of the renminbi anchor effect: From the perspective of the belt and road initiative
Authors: Cai Wanlin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe scope of this study is to empirically test the renminbi's (RMB) anchor effect. Since the proposal of the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative, the RMB is shown to have made more remarkable progress as an anchor currency in B&R countries compared to non‐B&R countries. The ordered logit model is then used to examine the determinants of the RMB anchor effect. The results show that the probability of the RMB being an anchor currency increases with the higher the trade integration, the higher the investment dependence, the better the RMB infrastructure and the closer the policy cooperation. The results also provide evidence on how to further strengthen the RMB anchor effect and promote the RMB internationalization in the long run. On the basis of strengthening its policy cooperation with B&R countries, China should use its sustainable growth of trade and investment to provide the impetus for RMB internationalization. Furthermore, it should optimize the layout of the RMB offshore market, increase the openness of the financial market, and strengthen currency cooperation among central banks to provide guarantees for RMB internationalization.
Cadmium exposure induces endothelial dysfunction via disturbing lipid metabolism in human microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Liang Hao , Yue Rongchuan , Zhou Chao , Liu Mengyu , Yu Xi , Lu Shengzhong , Zeng Jing , Yu Zhengping , Zhou Zhou , Hu Houxiang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is an occupational and environmental heavy metal pollutant derived from many sources that is linked to endothelial homeostasis. The endothelium is an important site of Cd deposition, while increasing evidence has revealed there is a close relationship between endothelial dysfunction and abnormal lipid metabolism. However, the effects of the alterations in lipid metabolism on endothelial cells (ECs) after Cd exposure still remain unclear. In our study, human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC‐1) were exposed to 40‐μM Cd for 6, 12, or 24 h or 10‐, 20‐, or 40‐μM Cd for 24 h, respectively. The Cd exposure accelerated the decomposition of triglyceride (TG) and resulted in the accumulation of free fatty acids (FFAs). These changes stimulated cytotoxicity, impaired fatty acid oxidation (FAO), induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, altered the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and decreased the ATP content, which eventually led to endothelial dysfunction and cell death. In summary, exposure to cadmium caused endothelial dysfunction by disrupting lipid metabolism in HMEC‐1. These changes were mainly due to FFA accumulation and FAO inhibition, which further induced ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, our results provide novel insight into understanding the alterations of lipid metabolism induced by Cd exposure in ECs.
Near‐infrared double‐illumination optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Li Mingsheng , Shi Jiawei , Yiu Canice Chun‐Yin , Li Can , Wong Kenneth Kin‐Yip , Wang Lidai 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLabel‐free chemical bond imaging is of great importance in biology and medicine. Photoacoustic imaging at the third near‐infrared windows (1600‐1870 nm, near‐infrared‐III) provides a stable molecular vibrational imaging tool for lipid‐rich tissue owing to the first overtone transition of the CH bond at 1.7 μm. However, lacking high‐energy pulsed laser sources at 1.7 μm and the strong water absorption significantly limit the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the lipid imaging, especially for thin lipid tissues. To circumvent this barrier, we develop near‐infrared‐III double‐illumination optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy (DIOR‐PAM) for improving the sensitivity of label‐free lipid imaging. Using the same laser, DIOR‐PAM can enhance the sensitivity by nearly 100%, which we prove in the Monte Carlo simulation. We experimentally demonstrated 50% ~ 100% sensitivity enhancements on nonbiological and biological lipid‐rich samples.
Positively charged liposomes consisting of the KTTKS pentapeptide conjugated with rhodamine increase rhodamine toxicity in E. coli and zebrafish embryo
Authors: Hsieh Kai‐Hsuan , Hsu Chih‐Ying , Hung I‐Ju , Yeh Chih‐Ling , Chen Yau‐Hung , Cheng Chien‐Chung 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLiposomes composed of cell‐penetrating peptide derivatives increased transport across the cell membrane. Conjugating rhodamine to a cell‐penetrating peptide increased the toxicity of rhodamine in E. coli and zebrafish embryos. A similar total protein inhibition pattern with different intensities, indicating that the interaction pathways of the rho‐KTTKS‐CONH2 monomer and liposomes were the same. It suggests that the rho‐KTTKS‐CONH2 liposomes showed higher toxicity because better transport across the cell membrane increased the effective concentration inside cells. The staining of zebrafish embryos using rho‐KTTKS‐CONH2 liposomes showed a longer retention time, suggesting that it can penetrate deeper tissues or organs in zebrafish.
Model‐Informed Dose Optimization in Pregnancy
Authors: Chaphekar Nupur , Caritis Steve , Venkataramanan Raman 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPregnancy is associated with several physiological changes that can alter the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of drugs. These may require dosing changes in pregnant women to achieve drug exposures comparable to the nonpregnant population. There is, however, limited information available on the PK and pharmacodynamics of drugs used during pregnancy. Practical difficulties in performing PK studies and potential liability issues are often the reasons for the availability of limited information. Over the past several years, there has been a rapid development in the application of various modeling strategies such as population PK and physiologically based PK modeling to provide guidance on drug dosing in this special patient population. Population PK models rely on measured PK data, whereas physiologically based PK models integrate physiological, preclinical, and clinical data to quantify changes in PK of drugs in various patient populations. These modeling strategies offer a promising approach to identify the drugs with PK changes during pregnancy and guide dose adjustment in pregnant women. This review focuses on PBPK modeling to guide drug therpay in pregnancy.
Applications of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Rivaroxaban—Renal and Hepatic Impairment and Drug‐Drug Interaction Potential
Authors: Willmann Stefan , Coboeken Katrin , Kapsa Stefanie , Thelen Kirstin , Mundhenke Markus , Fischer Kerstin , Hügl Burkhard , Mück Wolfgang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban is used in several thromboembolic disorders. Rivaroxaban is eliminated via both metabolic degradation and renal elimination as unchanged drug. Therefore, renal and hepatic impairment may reduce rivaroxaban clearance, and medications inhibiting these clearance pathways could lead to drug‐drug interactions. This physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) study investigated the pharmacokinetic behavior of rivaroxaban in clinical situations where drug clearance is impaired. A PBPK model was developed using mass balance and bioavailability data from adults and qualified using clinically observed data. Renal and hepatic impairment were simulated by adjusting disease‐specific parameters, and concomitant drug use was simulated by varying enzyme activity in virtual populations (n = 1000) and compared with pharmacokinetic predictions in virtual healthy populations and clinical observations. Rivaroxaban doses of 10 mg or 20 mg were used. Mild to moderate renal impairment had a minor effect on area under the concentration‐time curve and maximum plasma concentration of rivaroxaban, whereas severe renal impairment caused a more pronounced increase in these parameters vs normal renal function. Area under the concentration‐time curve and maximum plasma concentration increased with severity of hepatic impairment. These effects were smaller in the simulations compared with clinical observations. AUC and Cmax increased with the strength of cytochrome P450 3A4 and P‐glycoprotein inhibitors in simulations and clinical observations. This PBPK model can be useful for estimating the effects of impaired drug clearance on rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics. Identifying other factors that affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban could facilitate the development of models that approximate real‐world pharmacokinetics more accurately.
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy‐based evaluation of the membrane protein composition of the organohalide‐respiring Sulfurospirillum multivorans
Authors: Cialla‐May Dana , Gadkari Jennifer , Winterfeld Andreea , Hübner Uwe , Weber Karina , Diekert Gabriele , Schubert Torsten , Goris Tobias , Popp Jürgen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBacteria often employ different respiratory chains that comprise membrane proteins equipped with various cofactors. Monitoring the protein inventory that is present in the cells under a given cultivation condition is often difficult and time‐consuming. One example of a metabolically versatile bacterium is the microaerophilic organohalide‐respiring Sulfurospirillum multivorans. Here, we used surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to quickly identify the cofactors involved in the respiration of S. multivorans. We cultured the organism with either tetrachloroethene (perchloroethylene, PCE), fumarate, nitrate, or oxygen as electron acceptors. Because the corresponding terminal reductases of the four different respiratory chains harbor different cofactors, specific fingerprint signals in SERS were expected. Silver nanostructures fabricated by means of electron beam lithography were coated with the membrane fractions extracted from the four S. multivorans cultivations, and SERS spectra were recorded. In the case of S. multivorans cultivated with PCE, the recorded SERS spectra were dominated by Raman peaks specific for Vitamin B12. This is attributed to the high abundance of the PCE reductive dehalogenase (PceA), the key enzyme in PCE respiration. After cultivation with oxygen, fumarate, or nitrate, no Raman spectral features of B12 were found.
Analysis of scarlet elf cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea) carotenoids in vivo by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Dzhagan Volodymyr , Dzhagan Veronika , Hreshchuk Oleksandr , Taran Natalia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRaman spectroscopy, an established optical method of remote diagnostics of pigments and dyes, is applied here for the first time to the cup fungus Scarlet elf cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea or Plectania coccinea or Peziza coccinea) from the order Pezizales (Ascomycota). As‐collected fungi samples are investigated, not subject to any treatment. The dominant vibrational features in the acquired in vivo spectrum, around 1000, 1150, and 1500 cm−1, respectively, clearly indicate it is dominated by carotenoid(s). Contrary to most previous Raman studies of carotenoids, including few studies of fungi, which focused on the latter three strongest fundamental vibrations, we have resolved and analyzed in detail 30 vibrational bands, including rarely studied wavenumber range above 2000 cm−1. We discuss in detail the inferred from our spectral analysis carotenoid species in comparison with those previously reported for Sarcoscypha coccinea by other methods. In particular, we suggest two characteristic ring vibrations, at 1131 and 1283 cm−1, to be used as a measure of the ratio of astaxanthin and plectaniaxanthin to β‐carotene and lycopene in this and similar fungi. In addition, we report the fluorescence spectrum of this fungal species, present as background in the Raman spectrum at visible excitation. The results obtained in this work will facilitate subsequent more quantitative studies of carotenoid composition in other kinds of fungi and other microorganisms using Raman spectroscopy in combination with other techniques.
Oil‐in‐water Pickering emulsion stabilization with oppositely charged polysaccharide particles: chitin nanocrystals/fucoidan complexes
Authors: Liu Zhao , Hu Miao , Zhang Shuang , Jiang Lianzhou , Xie Fengying , Li Yang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDChitin nanocrystals (ChN) are insoluble particles that can be used as stabilizers for Pickering emulsions. Their unique cationic properties and antibacterial activity have generated considerable interest among researchers. However, ChN have remained largely underexplored. Furthermore, the droplets of the emulsions stabilized by ChN are as large as 10–100 μm, and their physical stability requires further improvement. Some studies have shown that the spontaneous reaction of oppositely charged particles can effectively stabilize the emulsions. Positively charged ChN and negatively charged fucoidan (F) were therefore compounded to stabilize Pickering emulsions, and the stability of these emulsions was analyzed qualitatively.RESULTSThe results showed that the composite particles comprising two polysaccharides in a mass ratio of 1:1 and at a pH of 2 (ChN1‐F1‐pH 2) possessed the lowest sulfate content (20.1%) and almost zero potential (−3 mV), indicating a high degree of neutralization of the positively charged amino group in ChN and the negatively charged sulfate group in F. Meanwhile, ChN1‐F1‐pH 2 displayed a dense network structure that improved the dispersibility and wettability (contact angle = 9.3°). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed that ChN and F were effectively combined through electrostatic interaction or neutralization to produce a polyelectrolyte complex. Furthermore, the particle size of the Pickering emulsion stabilized by ChN‐F was significantly reduced, and the maximum size did not exceed 10 μm; the physical and storage stability also improved. The ChN1‐F1‐pH 2 emulsion presented excellent storage stability; in particular, the emulsions stabilized by ChN1‐F1‐pH 5 and ChN1‐F1‐pH 6 exhibited excellent flocculation stabilities.CONCLUSIONThe size of the emulsion droplets stabilized by the oppositely charged polysaccharide particles (ChN‐F complexes) reduced significantly. Furthermore, by changing the mass ratio and pH, the microstructure and binding degree of the complexes can be adjusted, thereby promoting their adsorption on the oil–water interface and improving the stability of the Pickering emulsion. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Textural and structural properties of a κ‐carrageenan–konjac gum mixed gel: effects of κ‐carrageenan concentration, mixing ratio, sucrose and Ca2+ concentrations and its application in milk pudding
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhou Dengyun , Guo Qi , Liu Caiyun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDMixtures of carrageenan and konjac gum are useful for specific applications in gel‐based foods. Focusing on the changes of textural and structural properties, the effects of κ‐carrageenan and konjac ratio and sucrose and Ca2+ concentrations on mixed gels were studied in this research. Furthermore, application of κ‐carrageenan–konjac gum mixed gel to milk puddings was investigated.RESULTSThere was a better synergistic effect when the ratio of κ‐carrageenan and konjac was 7:3. The mixed gel containing 10 g kg−1 κ‐carrageenan–konjac gum was characterized by higher hardness, chewiness, adhesiveness and resilience and denser network structure. Besides, the addition of 5–10 wt% sucrose or 0.02 wt% Ca2+ could enhance the hardness, chewiness and adhesiveness of the mixed gel, as well as affording a denser network structure. For milk pudding, moderate hardness, chewiness and resilience could be obtained by adding 1.5 g kg−1 κ‐carrageenan–konjac gum mixture.CONCLUSIONSThis research provides useful information for the formation of κ‐carrageenan–konjac gum gel and its application in milk pudding. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Restoring soil carbon and chemical properties through silvopastoral adoption in the Colombian Amazon region
Authors: Olaya‐Montes Andres , Llanos‐Cabrera Maria P. , Cherubin Maurício R. , Herrera‐Valencia Wilmer , Ortiz‐Morea Fausto A. , Silva‐Olaya Adriana M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSilvopastoral systems (SPS) have been widely implemented in the Colombian Amazon region to improve pastures involving a greater diversity of species, soil tillage, fertilization, and higher stocking rate, which can induce changes in soil properties and functions. This study aimed to evaluate soil chemical properties and carbon sequestration changes due to the transition from traditional pastures to silvopastoral systems. The study was conducted in the Colombian Amazon region, specifically in La Montañita and El Doncello Counties, in Caquetá, the second most important hotspot of deforestation in the entire Amazon basin. In each study site, we established a chronosequence consisting of three areas following the typical land‐use change at the region: (i) native vegetation, (ii) traditional pasture, and (iii) silvopastoral system. We found that agricultural practices involving liming and tillage, performed under the silvopastoral management, contributed to reducing soil active acidity and exchangeable acidity with soil pH increasing from 3.8 to 4.3 and H++Al3+ decreasing from 5.8 to 2.3 cmolc kg−1. These alterations favored increases in Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents mainly, increasing the base saturation from 17% in traditional pastures to 55% under silvopastoral systems. The synergic effect of the mix of grasses and trees under silvopastoral management improved soil micronutrient contents and modified soil C stocks in 20–30 cm layer. A rate of soil C accretion of 0.26 Mg ha−1 yr−1 for the 0–30 cm detected in silvopastoral systems suggests that its implementation could be a promising tool for C sequestration in tropical regions, capable of restoring soil functioning of degraded areas.