bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental assessment on LPG fire extinguishing properties of three chemical powders before and after milling action
Authors: Ibrahim Haidar , Patruni Jagannadha R. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe extinguishing performance of three dry chemical powders (DCPs) was investigated through a lab‐scale suppression system for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fire. The magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and commercial ABC − MAP powders are used to prepare two groups of samples: raw samples and milled samples. The effect of milling action on the properties of DCPs, such as the bulk density, microstructure, particle size, thermal decomposition, and the extinguishing performance, is analyzed. The density test revealed that the bulk density increased after milling, and the Mg(OH)2 had a lower density than the other powders. The microstructure analysis showed that the milled powders had a smaller particle size and more regular shapes than raw powders. The thermal analysis demonstrated that the powder decomposition process was somewhat similar with a slight difference in initial decomposition temperature and degradation rate. The fire tests proved that the extinguishing efficacy greatly improved after the samples were milled. Moreover, the experiments indicated that the milled Mg(OH)2 was superior in fire extinguishing to the other samples with shorter extinction time and less agent quantity consumed. Based on the results, it can be inferred that the milling action has a significant influence in enhancing the extinguishing mechanisms' efficiency of DCPs.
Nonserologic test for COVID‐19: How to manage?
Authors: Torretta Sara , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Cristofaro Valentina , Ettori Jacopo , Solimeno Lorenzo , Battilocchi Ludovica , D'Onghia Alessandra , Pignataro Lorenzo , Capaccio Pasquale 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Coranavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is currently based on real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) performed on either nasopharyngeal (NPS) or oropharyngeal (OPS) swabs; saliva specimen collection can be used, too. Diagnostic accuracy of these procedures is suboptimal, and some procedural mistakes may account for it.Methods and resultsThe video shows how to properly collect secretions from the upper airways for nonserologic diagnosis of COVID‐19 by nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), oropharyngeal swab (OPS), and deep saliva collection after throat‐cleaning maneuver, all performed under videoendoscopic view by a trained ENT examiner.ConclusionsWe recommend to perform NPS after elevation of the tip of the nose in order to reduce the risk of contamination from the nasal vestible, and to let it flow over the floor of the nasal cavity in parallel to the hard palate in order to reach the nasopharynx. Then the tip of the swab should be left in place for few seconds, and then rotated in order to achieve the largest absorption of nasopharyngeal secretions. Regards OPS, gentle anterior tongue depression should be used to avoid swab contamination from the oral cavity during collection of secretions from the posterior pharyngeal wall. These procedural tricks would enhance diagnostic reliability.
Geostatistical features of streambed vertical hydraulic conductivities in Frenchman Creek Watershed in Western Nebraska
Authors: Abimbola Olufemi P. , Mittelstet Aaron R. , Gilmore Troy E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study evaluated the spatial variability of streambed vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv) in different stream morphologies in the Frenchman Creek Watershed, Western Nebraska, using different variogram models. Streambed Kv values were determined in situ using permeameter tests at 10 sites in Frenchman, Stinking Water and Spring Creeks during the dry season at baseflow conditions. Measurements were taken both in straight and meandering stream channels during a 5 day period at similar flow conditions. Each test site comprised of at least three transects and each transect comprised of at least three Kv measurements. Linear, Gaussian, exponential and spherical variogram models were used with Kriging gridding method for the 10 sites. As a goodness‐of‐fit statistic for the variogram models, cross‐validation results showed differences in the median absolute deviation and the standard deviation of the cross‐validation residuals. Results show that using the geometric means of the 10 sites for gridding performs better than using either all the Kv values from the 93 permeameter tests or 10 Kv values from the middle transects and centre permeameters. Incorporating both the spatial variability and the uncertainty involved in the measurement at a reach segment can yield more accurate grid results that can be useful in calibrating Kv at watershed or sub‐watershed scales in distributed hydrological models.
Sediment Transport Assessment for Rio Gualaxo Do Norte After the Fundão Dam Failure
Authors: Estigoni Marcus V , Nelson Andrew D , Dufficy Annie , Torrealba Sebastian Fernando , de Lima Guilherme 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The debris flood created by the 5 November 2015 failure of the Fundão dam in Brazil injected a large amount of fine sediment in the Gualaxo do Norte River system. Although coarse and sand-sized sediment injections in rivers have been studied in relative detail, little is known about river response to overloading of mud-sized sediments (consisting of clay and silt). This paper presents an assessment of suspended sediment transport occurring in and along the Gualaxo do Norte River after the Fundão dam failure to contribute to the general understanding of how rivers recover following large inputs of mud-sized sediments (consisting of clay and silt). The average total sediment removal estimated based on the last 2 rainy periods is 54 466 tonnes, ranging from 37 385 to 71 546 tonnes according to the uncertainty analysis. The sediment transport analysis suggests that the Gualaxo do Norte River is returning to its pre-event morphological character in terms of sediment transport. However, the morphologic recovery of the system has been constrained in recent years by decreased stream power, the result of moderate wet seasons and limited large flood events. We anticipate that future larger flood events will transport most of the remaining available in-channel tailings, speeding up the physical morphologic recovery of the Gualaxo do Norte River, which is a key component of improving water quality and eventually the river ecology. Although the proposed approach for the sediment budget is simplified and has limitations and uncertainties, it provides a scientific basis to explain the natural fluvial processes that have been occurring in the river system. The approach used for the sediment budget presented in this paper could be applied to similar cases with limited data. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:572–582. © 2020 SETAC
Pericyte dysfunction due to Shb gene deficiency increases B16F10 melanoma lung metastasis
Authors: He Qi , Li Xiujuan , He Liqun , Li Yousheng , Betsholtz Christer , Welsh Michael 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntravasation, vascular dissemination and metastasis of malignant tumor cells require their passage through the vascular wall which is commonly composed of pericytes and endothelial cells. We currently decided to investigate the relative contribution of these cell types to B16F10 melanoma metastasis in mice using an experimental model of host Shb gene (Src homology 2 domain‐containing protein B) inactivation. Conditional inactivation of Shb in endothelial cells using Cdh5‐CreERt2 resulted in decreased tumor growth, reduced vascular leakage, increased hypoxia and no effect on pericyte coverage and lung metastasis. RNAseq of tumor endothelial cells from these mice revealed changes in cellular components such as adherens junctions and focal adhesions by gene ontology analysis that were in line with the observed effects on leakage and junction morphology. Conditional inactivation of Shb in pericytes using Pdgfrb‐CreERt2 resulted in decreased pericyte coverage of small tumor vessels with lumen, increased leakage, aberrant platelet‐derived growth factor receptor B (PDGFRB) signaling and a higher frequency of lung metastasis without concomitant effects on tumor growth or oxygenation. Flow cytometry failed to reveal immune cell alterations that could explain the metastatic phenotype in this genetic model of Shb deficiency. It is concluded that proper pericyte function plays a significant role in suppressing B16F10 lung metastasis.
Association between meat and saturated fatty acid intake and lung cancer risk: The Japan Public Health Center‐based prospective study
Authors: Cai Honglin , Sobue Tomotaka , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Ishihara Junko , Sawada Norie , Iwasaki Motoki , Shimazu Taichi , Tsugane Shoichiro 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRed meat or saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake has been reported to increase lung cancer (LC) risk in several western countries. However, in Asia, studies on the relationship between meat and SFA intake with LC incidence are still relatively insufficient, and their conclusions are inconsistent. We investigated the association of meat and SFA intake with LC incidence in a population‐based prospective cohort study in Japan. Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for LC risk according to meat intake and SFA intake. A total of 73 187 participants (32 934 men and 40 253 women) aged 45 to 74 years participated in our study. During the follow‐up period of 1 151 839 person‐years (median, 16.0 year) from 1995 to 2013 for Cohort I and from 1998 to 2013 for Cohort II, 1315 (901 men and 414 women) newly diagnosed cases of LC were identified. In men, we found an adverse association between total red meat intake (HR and 95% CI: 1.25 [1.02‐1.53]; Ptrend = .008) and LC risk. Additionally, borderline statistically significant elevated risks of LC were seen with high intake of unprocessed red meat and processed red meat. However, no positive association between total red meat intake and LC risk was observed in women. In contrast, poultry and fish intake were not associated with LC risk in either men or women. We concluded that a high total intake of total red meat was associated with moderately elevated LC risk in men.
IUBMB focused meeting: 10thconference Inhibitors of Protein Kinases. Kinase inhibitors in target biology and disease (IPK2019)
Authors: Poznanski Jaroslaw , Fabbro Doriano 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe 10th jubilee conference (IPK2019) took place on September 15–19, 2019 in Warsaw, on the Ochota campus as the IUBMB Focused Meeting entitled “Inhibitors of Protein Kinases. Kinase inhibitors in target biology and disease”.
Epigenetic changes of osteoblasts in response to titanium surface characteristics
Authors: Ichioka Yuki , Asa'ad Farah , Malekzadeh Behnosh Öhrnell , Westerlund Anna , Larsson Lena 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the influence of titanium surface characteristics on epigenetic mechanisms and DNA damage/repair pathways. Osteoblast‐like cells (MG63) were incubated on glass, smooth titanium, and minimally rough titanium discs, respectively, for 0, 1, 6, and 24 hr. The presence of double‐stranded DNA damage (γH2AX), DNA repair (Chk2), and epigenetic markers (AcH3 & DNMT1) were investigated using immunofluorescence. There were no Chk2‐positive cells on the minimally rough titanium surfaces at all‐time points, in comparison to glass and smooth titanium. Total γH2AX‐positive cells on minimally rough titanium gradually decreased as incubation time increased, on the contrary to smooth titanium. Minimally rough titanium surfaces induced cytoplasmic staining of DNMT1 up to 99% at 24 hr. For epigenetic markers related to the DNA damage/repair pathway, minimally rough titanium surfaces showed the lower percentage of AcH3‐positive cells compared to glass and smooth titanium surface. The findings in the current study show that titanium surface characteristics indeed influence DNA damage and the DNA repair pathway, including epigenetic factors.
Enhanced nerve cell proliferation and differentiation on electrically conductive scaffolds embedded with graphene and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Sun Yuan , Liu Xifeng , George Matthew N. , Park Sungjo , Gaihre Bipin , Terzic Andre , Lu Lichun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractConduits that promote nerve regeneration are currently of great medical concern, particularly when gaps exist between nerve endings. To address this issue, our laboratory previously developed a nerve conduit from biodegradable poly(caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF) that supports peripheral nerve regeneration. The present study improves upon this work by further developing an electrically conductive, positively charged PCLF scaffold through the incorporation of graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MTAC) (PCLF–Graphene–CNT–MTAC) using ultraviolet (UV) induced photocrosslinking. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to assess the incorporation of CNTs and graphene into PCLF–Graphene–CNT–MTAC scaffolds, which displayed enhanced surface roughness and reduced electrochemical impedance when compared to neat PCLF. Scaffolds with these surface modifications also showed improved growth and differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma 12 cells in vitro, with enhanced cell growth, neurite extension, and cellular migration. Furthermore, an increased number of neurite protrusions were observed when the conduit was electrically stimulated. These results show that the electrically conductive PCLF–Graphene–CNT–MTAC nerve scaffolds presented here support the cellular behaviors that are critical for nerve regeneration, ultimately making this material an attractive candidate for regenerative medicine applications.
Layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly polyelectrolytes loaded with cyclic adenosine monophosphate enhances the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhao Irene ShuPing , Yu Ollie YiRu , Li QuanLi , Mei May Lei , Zhang ChengFei , Chu Chun Hung 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger involved in the dental regeneration. However, efficient long‐lasting delivery of cAMP that is sufficient to mimic the in vivo microenvironment remains a major challenge. Here, cAMP was loaded in stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) using layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly with gelatin and alginate polyelectrolytes (LBL‐cAMP‐SCAPs). LBL‐cAMP‐SCAPs expressed cAMP and increased the phosphorylation level of cAMP‐response element‐binding protein (CREB) which were evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blotting (WB). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated that a sustained release of cAMP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were present up to 14 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) found LBL‐coated SCAPs exhibited a spheroid‐like morphology. CCK8 and live/dead staining showed that LBL treatment had no significant effect on cell proliferation and viability. LBL‐cAMP‐SCAPs enhanced mineralized nodule formation and up‐regulated the mRNA levels of the osteogenesis‐related genes, as well as related transcription factor‐2 protein level which were revealed by Alizarin red staining, RT‐PCR and WB, respectively. In conclusion, LBL self‐assembly loaded with cAMP promoted the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of SCAPs, thereby providing a potential strategy for bioactive molecular delivery in dental regeneration.
Metabolism, Excretion, and Pharmacokinetics of Lorlatinib (PF‐06463922) and Evaluation of the Impact of Radiolabel Position and Other Factors on Comparability of Data Across 2 ADME Studies
Authors: Stypinski Daria , Fostvedt Luke , Lam Justine L. , Vaz Alfin , Johnson Theodore R. , Boerma Jan S. , Pithavala Yazdi K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWhile an initial clinical absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) study (Study 1; N = 6) with 100 mg/100 µCi [14C]lorlatinib, radiolabeled on the carbonyl carbon, confirmed that the primary metabolic pathways for lorlatinib are oxidation (N‐demethylation, N‐oxidation) and N‐glucuronidation, it also revealed an unanticipated, intramolecular cleavage metabolic pathway of lorlatinib, yielding a major circulating benzoic acid metabolite (M8), and an unlabeled pyrido‐pyrazole substructure. Concerns regarding the fate of unknown metabolites associated with this intramolecular cleavage pathway led to conduct of a second ADME study (Study 2; N = 6) of identical design but with the radiolabel positioned on the pyrazole ring. Results were similar with respect to the overall mass balance, lorlatinib plasma exposures, and metabolic profiles in excreta for the metabolites that retained the radiolabel in both studies. Differences were observed in plasma total radioactivity exposures (2‐fold area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity difference) and relative ratios of the percentage of dose recovered in urine vs feces (48% vs 41% in Study 1; 28% vs 64% in Study 2). In addition, an approximately 3‐fold difference in the mean molar exposure ratio of M8 to lorlatinib was observed for values derived from metabolic profiling data relative to those derived from specific bioanalytical methods (0.5 vs 1.4 for Studies 1 and 2, respectively). These interstudy differences were attributed to a combination of factors, including alteration of radiolabel position, orthogonal analytical methodologies, and intersubject variability, and illustrate that results from clinical ADME studies are not unambiguous and should be interpreted within the context of the specific study design considerations.
Nucleotide sugar profiles throughout development in wildtype and galt knockout zebrafish
Authors: Haskovic Minela , Coelho Ana I. , Lindhout Martijn , Zijlstra Fokje , Veizaj Raisa , Vos Rein , Vanoevelen Jo M. , Bierau Jörgen , Lefeber Dirk J. , Rubio‐Gozalbo M. Estela 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNucleotide sugars (NS) are fundamental molecules in life and play a key role in glycosylation reactions and signal conduction. Several pathways are involved in the synthesis of NS. The Leloir pathway, the main pathway for galactose metabolism, is crucial for production of uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glucose and UDP‐galactose. The most common metabolic disease affecting this pathway is galactose‐1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) deficiency, that despite a lifelong galactose‐restricted diet, often results in chronically debilitating complications. Alterations in the levels of UDP‐sugars leading to galactosylation abnormalities have been hypothesized as a key pathogenic factor. However, UDP‐sugar levels measured in patient cell lines have shown contradictory results. Other NS that might be affected, differences throughout development, as well as tissue specific profiles have not been investigated. Using recently established UHPLC‐MS/MS technology, we studied the complete NS profiles in wildtype and galt knockout zebrafish (Danio rerio). Analyses of UDP‐hexoses, UDP‐hexosamines, CMP‐sialic acids, GDP‐fucose, UDP‐glucuronic acid, UDP‐xylose, CDP‐ribitol, and ADP‐ribose profiles at four developmental stages and in tissues (brain and gonads) in wildtype zebrafish revealed variation in NS levels throughout development and differences between examined tissues. More specifically, we found higher levels of CMP‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid, GDP‐fucose, UDP‐glucuronic acid, and UDP‐xylose in brain and of CMP‐N‐glycolylneuraminic acid in gonads. Analysis of the same NS profiles in galt knockout zebrafish revealed no significant differences from wildtype. Our findings in galt knockout zebrafish, even when challenged with galactose, do not support a role for abnormalities in UDP‐glucose or UDP‐galactose as a key pathogenic factor in GALT deficiency, under the tested conditions.
A first Holocene leaf wax isotope‐based paleoclimate record from the semi‐humid to semi‐arid south‐eastern Caucasian lowlands
Authors: Bliedtner Marcel , Zech Roland , Zech Jana , Schäfer Imke , von Suchodoletz Hans 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTThe Holocene paleoclimate of the Caucasus region is rather complex and not yet well understood: while existing studies are mainly based on pollen records from high‐altitude and humid lowland regions, no records are available from the semi‐humid to semi‐arid south‐eastern Caucasian lowlands. Therefore, this study investigated compound‐specific δ2H and δ13C isotopes of leaf wax biomarkers from Holocene floodplain soils in eastern Georgia. Our results show that the leaf wax δ2H signal from the paleosols mostly reflects changes in the moisture source and its isotopic composition. Depleted δ2H values before ~8 cal ka bp change towards enriched values after ~5 cal ka bp and become again depleted after ~1.6 cal ka bp. This trend could be caused by Holocene changes of the isotopic compositions of the Black and eastern Mediterranean Sea, and/or by varying contribution of both moisture sources linked with the North Atlantic Oscillation. The leaf wax δ13C signal from the paleosols directly indicates varying local water availability and drought stress. Depleted δ13C values before ~8 and after ~5 cal ka bp indicate wetter local conditions with higher water availability, whereas more enriched values during the middle Holocene (~8 until at least 5 cal ka bp) indicate drier conditions with increased drought stress.
Semaglutide 2.4 mg for the Treatment of Obesity: Key Elements of the STEP Trials 1 to 5
Authors: Kushner Robert F. , Calanna Salvatore , Davies Melanie , Dicker Dror , Garvey W. Timothy , Goldman Bryan , Lingvay Ildiko , Thomsen Mette , Wadden Thomas A. , Wharton Sean , Wilding John P.H. , Rubino Domenica 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveThe obesity epidemic is a public health concern, warranting further research into pharmacological treatments for weight management (WM) as an adjunct to lifestyle interventions. The Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity (STEP) program aims to investigate the effect of semaglutide versus placebo on weight loss, safety, and tolerability in adults with obesity or overweight.MethodsAcross five phase 3 trials (NCT03548935, WM; NCT03552757, WM in type 2 diabetes; NCT03611582, WM with intensive behavioral therapy; NCT03548987, sustained WM; and NCT03693430, long‐term WM), ~5,000 participants are being randomly assigned to receive semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly subcutaneously versus placebo. Results will be available in 2020/2021. For all trials, the primary end point is change from baseline to end of treatment in body weight.ResultsParticipants have a mean age of 46.2 to 55.3 years, are mostly female (mean: 74.1%‐81.0%), and have a mean BMI of 35.7 to 38.5 kg/m2 and a mean waist circumference of 113.0 to 115.7 cm.ConclusionsThe STEP program evaluates the efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg subcutaneously once weekly in a broad population. The trials will provide insights on WM in people with obesity with and without type 2 diabetes and on long‐term follow‐up.
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