bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen‐Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots: A Versatile Platform for Integrated Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Tetsuka Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOver the past 10 years, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have grown into a highly innovative optical material in various research fields, including electronics, photonics, biotechnologies, etc. With the increasing implementation of GQDs in these fields, GQDs with tunable optical properties will emerge that could be especially suitable for applications in the field of integrated photonics. Herein, a short summary of the recent state of our research on the development of nitrogen‐functionalized GQDs with tunable optical properties and their integration into photodetectors is given.
Groundwater characterization in major industrial and residential locations of Lagos metropolis
Authors: Popoola Lekan Taofeek 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study investigated the quality of groundwater collected from two industrial and residential locations, each within the Lagos metropolis. Prescribed standard procedures of the American Public Health Association (APHA) were used to measure the physicochemical parameters of each of the groundwater samples, which include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids (TDS), biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand; the anions chloride (Cl−), nitrate (NO3−), sulfate (SO4−), and phosphate (PO4−); and heavy metals copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr). Based on the laboratory analysis, the physicochemical parameters that were measured were within the permissible ranges specified by the World Health Organization and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), except for pH, TDS, EC, Pb, Mn, and Fe for groundwater samples from the industrial locations and for pH, Pb, Mn, and Fe for residential locations. The elevated concentrations of TDS and EC reported for groundwater samples from industrial locations were attributed to the heavy discharge of effluents from nearby industrial treatment plants as well as the dissolution of ionic heavy metals from industrial activities involving the use of heavy machines. Statistical analysis using Pearson's correlation revealed the physicochemical parameters to be moderately and strongly correlated with one another at eitherp< .05 or < .01. In conclusion, groundwater samples from residential locations are more suitable for drinking than those from industrial locations.
Identifying and ranking environmental aspects of a dry port in Foz do Iguaçu city, Paraná‐Brazil
Authors: Mata‐Lima Herlander , Galuzzi Silva Marina Carrato , Emilien Maria , Silveira Ana Paula , Sacht Helenice Maria , Vettorazzi Egon , Morgado‐Dias Fernando 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis work aims to present and describe the process of identifying and ranking environmental aspects of a dry port in Brazil. The general approach includes a literature review on the importance of managing the environmental aspects and impacts in dry ports, followed by a description of the holistic procedures entailed in inventorying the port's activities linked to environmental aspects, the Leopold matrix, and the expert knowledge regarding the local context (e.g., compliance with the law, regional adaptation to climate change strategy, and stakeholder concerns) necessary to perform the ranking. The results showed that emissions to the air, noise, and resource consumption are among the most significant environmental aspects of the dry port.
The impact of p53 on aristolochic acid I-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA damage in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Sborchia Mateja , De Prez Eric G. , Antoine Marie-Hélène , Bienfait Lucie , Indra Radek , Valbuena Gabriel , Phillips David H. , Nortier Joëlle L. , Stiborová Marie , Keun Hector C. , Arlt Volker M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractExposure to aristolochic acid (AA) is associated with human nephropathy and urothelial cancer. The tumour suppressorTP53is a critical gene in carcinogenesis and frequently mutated in AA-induced urothelial tumours. We investigated the impact of p53 on AAI-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA damage in vivo by treatingTrp53(+/+),Trp53(+/−) andTrp53(−/−) mice with 3.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) AAI daily for 2 or 6 days. Renal histopathology showed a gradient of intensity in proximal tubular injury fromTrp53(+/+) toTrp53(−/−) mice, especially after 6 days. The observed renal injury was supported by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomic measurements, where a consistentTrp53genotype-dependent trend was observed for urinary metabolites that indicate aminoaciduria (i.e. alanine), lactic aciduria (i.e. lactate) and glycosuria (i.e. glucose). However,Trp53genotype had no impact on AAI-DNA adduct levels, as measured by32P-postlabelling, in either target (kidney and bladder) or non-target (liver) tissues, indicating that the underlying mechanisms of p53-related AAI-induced nephrotoxicity cannot be explained by differences in AAI genotoxicity. Performing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) on kidney tissues showed metabolic pathways affected by AAI treatment, but againTrp53status did not clearly impact on such metabolic profiles. We also cultured primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived fromTrp53(+/+),Trp53(+/−) andTrp53(−/−) mice and exposed them to AAI in vitro (50 µM for up to 48 h). We found thatTrp53genotype impacted on the expression of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (Nqo1), a key enzyme involved in AAI bioactivation. Nqo1 induction was highest inTrp53(+/+) MEFs and lowest inTrp53(−/−) MEFs; and it correlated with AAI-DNA adduct formation, with lowest adduct levels being observed in AAI-exposedTrp53(−/−) MEFs. Overall, our results clearly demonstrate that p53 status impacts on AAI-induced renal injury, but the underlying mechanism(s) involved remain to be further explored. Despite the impact of p53 on AAI bioactivation and DNA damage in vitro, such effects were not observed in vivo.
Applying continuous functional traits to large brown macroalgae: variation across tidal emersion and wave exposure gradients
Authors: Cappelatti Laura , Mauffrey Alizée R. L. , Griffin John N. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Ecologists use a functional trait-based approach to seek a general understanding of organism—environment interactions, but, among primary producers, the empirical basis rests on vascular plants. We hypothesised that with increasing intertidal elevation, traits of large brown macroalgae would reflect a resource acquisition vs. conservation (stress tolerance) trade-off at species and community levels. Across the elevation gradient at four UK sites of varying wave exposure, we: (1) screened species’ relevant morphological traits, using principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality; and (2) up-scaled species’ traits using community weighted trait means (CWMs). The first principal component (PC1) strongly related to specific thallus area and thallus dry matter content, representing an acquisition–conservation trade-off. Although species generally shifted to the conservative end of this axis as elevation increased, mid-shore Ascophyllum nodosum sat at the extreme conservative end. PC2 related to holdfast ratio, thickness and length, with A. nodosum scoring higher than other mid-shore species. CWMs of PC1 decreased with elevation at two sites indicating a shift from ‘fast’ to ‘slow’ ecosystem functioning, but this relationship was disrupted by A. nodosum at the sheltered site, and by the up-shore extent of Laminaria digitata at the most exposed site. The anomalous traits of A. nodosum reflect its unique competitive strategy (slow, persistent growth) in the relatively stressful mid-shore. Seaweed functional traits show promise in linking species’ identities to their strategies and ecosystem contributions. However, because resource conservation traits can be related to competitive as well as stress-tolerance strategies, predicting seaweed trait responses to environmental stress gradients is challenging.
Evidence synthesis based on non-randomised studies—a critical review of studies leading to conclusions on fall risk properties of loop diuretics/beta-blockers
Authors: Wallerstedt Susanna M. , Hoffmann Mikael 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose
To describe methodological and reporting issues in non-randomised comparative drug safety studies pooled in meta-analyses, with focus on confounding by indication.

Methods
All studies included in statistically significant meta-analyses in a recent publication investigating fall risk properties of cardiovascular drugs were reviewed. Study characteristics were extracted and assessed.

Results
Nine studies, including between 498 and 321,995 individuals, contributed data to the significant meta-analyses in which loop diuretics and beta-blockers were associated with falls, five published in 2015. Five individual studies reported a statistically significant association. In the five cohort studies, characteristics of exposed vs unexposed individuals were either not reported (n = 3) or differed substantially regarding morbidity (n = 2). Drug treatment was determined at baseline, and data on falls were collected for up to 2 years thereafter. Out of the four case-control studies, the cases and controls in only one study were matched for morbidity. Morbidity characteristics of fallers compared with non-fallers were either not reported (n = 2) or they differed (n = 1) or were reported according to the matched-for diseases (n = 1). Confounding by indication was explicitly discussed in two studies. None of the abstract conclusions considered causality issues or the possibility of confounding by indication.

Conclusions
Confounding by indication is a major issue in non-randomised comparative drug safety studies, a problem which may be concealed in meta-analyses. To enhance such research, compared groups need to be balanced regarding relevant factors including morbidities and characteristics adequately reported. Confounding by indication needs to be explicitly discussed and highlighted in the abstract conclusion.
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve During Thyroidectomy with Adhesive Skin Electrodes
Authors: Lee Hyoung Shin , Oh Jungho , Kim Sung Won , Jeong Yeong Wook , Wu Che‐Wei , Chiang Feng‐Yu , Lee Kang Dae 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlternative methods to overcome limitations of electromyogram (EMG) tube applied for intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroidectomy have been introduced. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of adhesive skin electrodes for IONM of RLN in patients who underwent thyroidectomy.
MethodsA total of 39 nerves at risk were prospectively enrolled in this study. Twenty‐five patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, 3 patients with follicular neoplasm, and 2 patients with Graves’ disease underwent thyroidectomy. All patients were intubated with EMG tube, and two disposable pre‐gelled surface electrodes were attached to skin at both upper margins of thyroid cartilage. We followed the standard procedure of IONM, and the latency (msec) and amplitude (μV) of each signal were recorded prospectively.ResultsIntraoperative neuromonitoring using skin adhesive electrodes was successful in all nerves at risk. Amplitudes of the signals in IONM were significantly lower compared to those from EMG tube at each step of IONM, while no significant difference was identified in latency between two methods. Four nerves at risk (10.3%) showed loss of signal (<100 μV) during the steps of IONM from EMG tube, while all nerves at risk from adhesive skin electrodes showed acceptable biphasic EMG signal.ConclusionWe verified the usefulness of adhesive skin electrodes for IONM of RLN during thyroidectomy. Although lower amplitude remains the major limitation of this technique, adhesive skin electrodes may be considered an alternative method for IONM during thyroidectomy.
Two- and three-dimensional elastic networks with rigid junctions: modeling within the theory of micropolar shells and solids
Authors: Eremeyev Victor A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFor two- and three-dimensional elastic structures made of families of flexible elastic fibers undergoing finite deformations, we propose homogenized models within the micropolar elasticity. Here we restrict ourselves to networks with rigid connections between fibers. In other words, we assume that the fibers keep their orthogonality during deformation. Starting from a fiber as the basic structured element modeled by the Cosserat curve beam model, we get 2D and 3D semi-discrete models. These models consist of systems of ordinary differential equations describing the statics of a collection of fibers with certain geometrical constraints. Using a specific homogenization technique, we introduce two- and three-dimensional equivalent continuum models which correspond to the six-parameter shell model and the micropolar continuum, respectively. We call two models equivalent if their approximations coincide with each other up to certain accuracy. The two- and three-dimensional constitutive equations of the networks are derived and discussed within the micropolar continua theory.
Long-term oncological results after transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal carcinoma
Authors: Hol Jeroen C. , van Oostendorp Stefan E. , Tuynman Jurriaan B. , Sietses Colin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for mid and low rectal cancer has been shown to improve short-term outcomes, mostly due to lower conversion rates and with improved quality of the specimen. However, robust long-term oncological data supporting the encouraging clinical and pathological outcomes are lacking.

Methods
All consecutive patients undergoing TaTME with curative intent for mid or low rectal cancer in two referral centers in The Netherlands between January 2012 and April 2016 with a complete and minimum follow-up of 36 months were included. The primary outcome was local recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes were disease-free survival, overall survival and development of metastasis.

Results
There were 159 consecutive patients. Their mean age was 66.9 (10.2) years and 66.7% of all patients were men. Pathological analysis showed a complete mesorectum in 139 patients (87.4%), nearly complete in 16 (10.1%) and an incomplete mesorectum in 4 (2.5%). There was involvement of the CRM (< 1 mm) in one patient (0.6%) and no patients had involvement of the distal margin (< 5 mm). Final postoperative staging after neoadjuvant therapy was stage 0 in 11 patients (6.9%), stage I in 73 (45.9%), stage II in 31 (19.5%), stage III in 37 (23.3%) and stage IV in 7 (4.4%). The 3-year local recurrence rate was 2.0% and the 5-year local recurrence rate was 4.0%. Median time to local recurrence was 19.2 months. Distant metastases were found in 22 (13.8%) patients and were diagnosed after a median of 6.9 months (range 1.1–50.4) months. Disease-free survival was 92% at 3 years and 81% at 5 years. Overall survival was 83.6% at 3 years and 77.3% at 5 years.

Conclusions
The long-term follow-up of the current cohort confirms the oncological safety and feasibility of TaTME in two high volume referral centers for rectal carcinoma. However, further robust and audited data must confirm current findings before widespread implementation of TaTME.
Identification of a novel locus, BPH38(t), conferring resistance to brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stal.) using early backcross population in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Balachiranjeevi C. H. , Prahalada G. D. , Mahender A. , Jamaloddin Md. , Sevilla M. A. L. , Marfori-Nazarea C. M. , Vinarao R. , Sushanto U. , Baehaki S. E. , Li Z. K. , Ali J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRice is the most important staple food crop, and it feeds more than half of the world population. Brown planthopper (BPH) is a major insect pest of rice that causes 20–80% yield loss through direct and indirect damage. The identification and use of BPH resistance genes can efficiently manage BPH. A molecular marker-based genetic analysis of BPH resistance was carried out using 101 BC1F5mapping population derived from a cross between a BPH-resistantindicavariety Khazar and an elite BPH-susceptible line Huang–Huan–Zhan. The genetic analysis indicated the existence of Mendelian segregation for BPH resistance. A total of 702 high-quality polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, genotypic data, and precisely estimated BPH scores were used for molecular mapping, which resulted in the identification of theBPH38(t) locus on the long arm of chromosome 1 between SNP markers 693,369 and id 10,112,165 of 496.2 kb in size with LOD of 20.53 and phenotypic variation explained of 35.91%. A total of 71 candidate genes were predicted in the detected locus. Among these candidate genes,LOC_Os01g37260was found to belong to the FBXL class of F-box protein possessing the LRR domain, which is reported to be involved in biotic stress resistance. Furthermore, background analysis and phenotypic selection resulted in the identification of introgression lines (ILs) possessing at least 90% recurrent parent genome recovery and showing superior performance for several agro-morphological traits. The BPH resistance locus and ILs identified in the present study will be useful in marker-assisted BPH resistance breeding programs.
Particles Do Not Conspire
Authors: Shahvisi Arianne 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to debunk the assertion that miraculous “conspiracies” between fundamental particles are required to bring about the projectibility of special science generalisations. Albert and Loewer have proposed a theory of lawhood which supplements the Best System of fundamental laws with a statistical postulate over the initial conditions of the universe, thereby rendering special science generalisations highly probable, and dispelling the conspiracy. However, concerns have been raised about its ability to confer typicality upon special science generalisations in the way that is required. In this paper I defend their account against these charges, arguing that they derive from a misunderstanding of the typicality claim. I suggest a way out of the impasse via a naturalised approach which focusses on the genealogy of subsystems and encourages conceptual demonstrations of typicality for special science generalisations. I argue for an account of special science laws that acknowledges the way in which the special sciences reduce to the fundamental physics, thereby dissolving the conspiracy, yet respects the methodological and explanatory autonomy of special science generalisations.
Job assignment in large-scale service systems with affinity relations
Authors: Cardinaels Ellen , Borst Sem C. , van Leeuwaarden Johan S. H. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
We consider load balancing in service systems with affinity relations between jobs and servers. Specifically, an arriving job can be assigned to a fast, primary server from a particular selection associated with this job or to a secondary server to be processed at a slower rate. Such job–server affinity relations can model network topologies based on geographical proximity, or data locality in cloud scenarios. We introduce load balancing schemes that assign jobs to primary servers if available, and otherwise to secondary servers. A novel coupling construction is developed to obtain stability conditions and performance bounds. We also conduct a fluid limit analysis for symmetric model instances, which reveals a delicate interplay between the model parameters and load balancing performance.
Recognition motifs rather than phylogenetic origin influence the ability of targeting peptides to import nuclear-encoded recombinant proteins into rice mitochondria
Authors: Baysal Can , Pérez-González Ana , Eseverri Álvaro , Jiang Xi , Medina Vicente , Caro Elena , Rubio Luis , Christou Paul , Zhu Changfu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Mitochondria fulfil essential functions in respiration and metabolism as well as regulating stress responses and apoptosis. Most native mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes and are imported into mitochondria via one of several receptors that recognize N-terminal signal peptides. The targeting of recombinant proteins to mitochondria therefore requires the presence of an appropriate N-terminal peptide, but little is known about mitochondrial import in monocotyledonous plants such as rice (Oryza sativa). To gain insight into this phenomenon, we targeted nuclear-encoded enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) to rice mitochondria using six mitochondrial pre-sequences with diverse phylogenetic origins, and investigated their effectiveness by immunoblot analysis as well as confocal and electron microscopy. We found that the ATPA and COX4 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), SU9 (Neurospora crassa), pFA (Arabidopsis thaliana) and OsSCSb (Oryza sativa) peptides successfully directed most of the eGFP to the mitochondria, whereas the MTS2 peptide (Nicotiana plumbaginifolia) showed little or no evidence of targeting ability even though it is a native plant sequence. Our data therefore indicate that the presence of particular recognition motifs may be required for mitochondrial targeting, whereas the phylogenetic origin of the pre-sequences probably does not play a key role in the success of mitochondrial targeting in dedifferentiated rice callus and plants.
Improvement of the Ti-6Al-4V Alloy’s Tribological Properties and Electrochemical Corrosion Resistance by Nanocomposite TiN/PEEK708 Coatings
Authors: Moskalewicz Tomasz , Warcaba Maciej , Zimowski Sławomir , Łukaszczyk Alicja 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In this work, polyetheretherketone-based TiN/PEEK708 nanocomposite coatings on oxygen hardened Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy substrates were fabricated by using cathodic electrophoretic deposition and post-heat treatment. The microstructure of coatings was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. The scratch resistance, tribological properties, and electrochemical corrosion resistance were also studied. The results show that homogeneous TiN/PEEK708 coatings may be deposited from ethanol-based suspensions containing cationic chitosan polyelectrolyte, which provides electrosteric stabilization of the suspension. Heat treatment densified the coatings and changed the PEEK structure from amorphous to semi-crystalline. The coatings were characterized by very good scratch resistance, with no cohesive and adhesive cracks being observed up to the load of 30 N. They reduced the coefficient of friction from 0.70 for the baseline alloy and 0.65 for the oxygen hardened alloy to 0.30. They also significantly increased the wear resistance of the alloy during dry sliding contact with an alumina ball. The wear rate of the coated oxygen hardened alloy was about 70 and 650 times lower in comparison with the oxygen hardened and baseline alloy, respectively. The corrosion studies demonstrated that the baseline and oxygen hardened alloy have comparable corrosion resistance. The TiN/PEEK708 coating enhanced the electrochemical corrosion resistance of the alloy in the NaCl aqueous solution.