bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employment status at time of first hospitalization for heart failure is associated with a higher risk of death and rehospitalization for heart failure
Authors: Rørth Rasmus , Fosbøl Emil L. , Mogensen Ulrik M. , Kragholm Kristian , Numé Anna‐karin , Gislason Gunnar H. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Petrie Mark C. , McMurray John J.V. , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Kristensen Søren L.
Published: November 2017

Aims

Employment status at time of first heart failure (HF) hospitalization may be an indicator of both self‐perceived and objective health status. In this study, we examined the association between employment status and the risk of all‐cause mortality and recurrent HF hospitalization in a nationwide cohort of patients with HF.

Methods and results

We identified all patients of working age (18–60 years) with a first HF hospitalization in the period 1997–2015 in Denmark, categorized according to whether or not they were part of the workforce at time of the index admission. The primary outcome was death from any cause and the secondary outcome was readmission for HF. Cumulative incidence curves, binomial regression and Cox regression models were used to assess outcomes. Of 25 571 patients with a first hospitalization for HF, 15 428 (60%) were part of the workforce at baseline. Patients in the workforce were significantly younger (53 vs. 55 years) more likely to be male (75% vs 64%) and less likely to have diabetes (13% vs 22%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (5% vs 10%) (all P < 0.0001). Not being part of the workforce was associated with a significantly higher risk of death [hazard ratio (HR) 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50–1.68] and rehospitalization for HF (HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.05–1.14), in analyses adjusted for age, sex, co‐morbidities, education level, calendar time, and duration of first HF hospitalization.

Conclusion

Not being part of the workforce at time of first HF hospitalization was independently associated with increased mortality and recurrent HF hospitalization.
An integrative translational approach to study heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a position paper from the Working Group on Myocardial Function of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Lourenço Andre P. , Leite‐Moreira Adelino F. , Balligand Jean‐Luc , Bauersachs Johann , Dawson Dana , de Boer Rudolf A. , de Windt Leon J. , Falcão‐Pires Inês , Fontes‐Carvalho Ricardo , Franz Stefan , Giacca Mauro , Hilfiker‐Kleiner Denise , Hirsch Emilio , Maack Christoph , Mayr Manuel , Pieske Burkert , Thum Thomas , Tocchetti Carlo G. , Brutsaert Dirk L. , Heymans Stephane
Published: November 2017

As heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) rises to epidemic proportions, major steps in patient management and therapeutic development are badly needed. With the current position paper we seek to update our view on HFpEF as a highly complex systemic syndrome, from risk factors and mechanisms to long‐term clinical manifestations. We will revise recent advances in animal model development, experimental set‐ups and basic and translational science approaches to HFpEF research, highlighting their drawbacks and advantages. Directions are provided for proper model selection as well as for integrative functional evaluation from the in vivo setting to in vitro cell function testing. Additionally, we address new research challenges that require integration of higher‐order inter‐organ and inter‐cell communication to achieve a full systems biology perspective of HFpEF.
Energy and, exergy analysis of a CCHP‐ORC system based on MGT – ORC and absorption chiller
Authors: Lei Huan , Yang Jinfu , Tang Changliang , Han Dongjiang
Published: November 2017

A CCHP‐ORC system consisting of a MGT, an ORC and an absorption refrigeration chiller was proposed in this study. A verified simulation model based on specific mass, energy conservation and exergy destruction was built. Thermodynamic analysis was applied to the system. A parametric study was carried out to investigate the impacts of the ORC's evaporating temperature and, turbine efficiency, and the ARC's generating temperature on the system's performance. Six different organic working fluids (R141b, Toluene, D4, n‐Octane, n‐Heptane and MM) were selected in this study, and their impact on the system's performance was also analyzed. The results showed that the CCHP‐ORC system's primary energy efficiency and exergy efficiency could reach a maximum of 76.89% and 54.95% respectively, with toluene as the organic working fluid. The MGT accounted for a large part of exergy destruction in both the CCHP‐ORC and reference system. Compared to the reference system, the total exergy destruction of the CCHP‐ORC system decreased, for all six organic working fluids. The main exergy reduction occurred in the GEN, ABS and DHW. A T‐Q diagram method was conducted to analyse the heat transfer process in the CCHP‐ORC and reference system. The results showed that the CCHP‐ORC system can significantly reduce the mean heat transfer temperature difference in the heat transfer process, which helps to decrease the exergy destruction in GEN, and improves the system's exergy efficiency. Hence, it is beneficial for the system's efficiency and exergy destruction to introduce ORC as a middle cycle into the CCHP system. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1513–1522, 2018
Investigation of Spiral Flow‐Field Design on the Performance of a PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Ibrahimoglu B. , Yilmazoglu M. Z. , Celenk S.
Published: November 2017

Polymer exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising energy converters due to their unique features with an application potential for many sectors. The performance of PEM fuel cells depends on a number of factors, one of which is suitable flow‐field design. In this study, the effect of spiral flow‐field design is investigated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The model consists of the transport phenomena in a fuel cell. Electrochemical reactions, mass, heat, energy, species transport, and potential fields equations are solved by ANSYS‐FLUENT. The polarization and power density curve, temperature, pressure, and distributions of the gases inside the flow‐fields were obtained. The results were compared with the reference geometry. Although the spiral flow‐field has considerable ohmic losses, the velocity and pressure distributions of the gases are found to be uniform. Furthermore, it is shown that the spiral flow‐field reduces the pressure drop per unit length of the flow‐field. When compared to other flow‐field designs, the spiral flow‐field is found to be quite efficient by means of auxiliary power consumption.
High mobility group protein B1 controls liver cancer initiation through yes‐associated protein ‐dependent aerobic glycolysis
Authors: Chen Ruochan , Zhu Shan , Fan Xue‐Gong , Wang Haichao , Lotze Michael T. , Zeh Herbert J. , Billiar Timothy R. , Kang Rui , Tang Daolin
Published: November 2017

Emerging studies have suggested that the Hippo pathway is involved in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the key regulator of the Hippo pathway in liver tumor metabolic reprogramming remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a chromosomal protein, plays a role in the regulation of the Hippo pathway during liver tumorigenesis. Cre/loxP recombination‐mediated HMGB1 depletion in hepatocytes blocks diethylnitrosamine‐induced liver cancer initiation in mice, whereas short hairpin RNA‐mediated gene silencing of HMGB1 inhibits HCC cell proliferation. Mechanistically, the binding of HMGB1 to GA‐binding protein alpha promotes the expression of yes‐associated protein (YAP), a major downstream effector of the Hippo pathway that contributes to liver tumorigenesis by inducing hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α)‐dependent aerobic glycolysis. Like wild‐type YAP‐complementary DNA, YAP‐5SA‐S94A can restore HIF1α DNA binding activity, glycolysis‐associated gene expression, and HIF1α–YAP complex formation in YAP‐knockdown HCC cell lines. In contrast, verteporfin, a reagent targeting the interface between YAP and TEA domain transcription factor, has the ability to block YAP–HIF1α complex formation. Notably, genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of the HMGB1–YAP–HIF1α pathway confers protection against excessive glycolysis and tumor growth in mice. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that HMGB1 plays a novel role in modulating the YAP‐dependent HIF1α pathway and shed light on the development of metabolism‐targeting therapeutics for HCC chemoprevention. (Hepatology 2018;67:1823‐1841)
International survey of practices used in the diagnosis and management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders
Authors: Cal Margarida , Ayres‐de‐Campos Diogo , Jauniaux Eric
Published: November 2017

Objective

To identify geographic differences in diagnostic and treatment practices during the perinatal management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders.

Methods

An online survey was conducted from May 1 to August 1, 2017. The 18‐item questionnaire was emailed to all members of the expert panel for the 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics consensus guidelines on PAS (n=34), as well as international experts who had contributed to the content of these guidelines (n=16).

Results

Questionnaires were returned by 36 of the 50 experts (72% response rate). Most respondents were from Europe (n=22; 61%) or Asia (n=9; 25%). Despite large disparity in the number of patients with PAS disorders managed surgically or conservatively (range from 0 to >1000) and the different techniques used by the respondents, the screening and diagnostic methods used were similar, with transvaginal imaging used by 31 (86%) experts, and both ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging used by 22 (61%). In all, 22 (61%) experts indicated a preference for radical surgery, with primary cesarean hysterectomy leaving the placenta in situ reported as the most frequent approach (n=20; 55%).

Conclusion

Wide variation found in global PAS practices indicated a need for standardized data and an evidence‐based approach to the diagnosis and management of PAS disorders.
Spectrally encoded coherence tomography and reflectometry: Simultaneous en face and cross‐sectional imaging at 2 gigapixels per second
Authors: El‐Haddad Mohamed T. , Bozic Ivan , Tao Yuankai K.
Published: November 2017

Non‐invasive biological imaging is crucial for understanding in vivo structure and function. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy are two of the most widely used optical modalities for exogenous contrast‐free, high‐resolution, three‐dimensional imaging in non‐fluorescent scattering tissues. However, sample motion remains a critical barrier to raster‐scanned acquisition and reconstruction of wide‐field anatomically accurate volumetric datasets. We introduce spectrally encoded coherence tomography and reflectometry (SECTR), a high‐speed, multimodality system for simultaneous OCT and spectrally encoded reflectance (SER) imaging. SECTR utilizes a robust system design consisting of shared optical relays, scanning mirrors, swept laser and digitizer to achieve the fastest reported in vivo multimodal imaging rate of 2 gigapixels per second. Our optical design and acquisition scheme enable spatiotemporally co‐registered acquisition of OCT cross‐sections simultaneously with en face SER images for multivolumetric mosaicking. Complementary axial and lateral translation and rotation are extracted from OCT and SER data, respectively, for full volumetric estimation of sample motion with micron spatial and millisecond temporal resolution.
Role of the combination of FA and parameters as a new diagnostic method in therapeutic evaluation of parkinson's disease
Authors: Fang Yuan , Zheng Tao , Liu Lanxiang , Gao Dawei , Shi Qinglei , Dong Yanchao , Du Dan
Published: November 2017

Background

Simple diffusion delivery (SDD) has attained good effects with only tiny amounts of drugs. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and relaxation time
that indicate the integrity of fiber tracts and iron concentration within brain tissue were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SDD.

Purpose

To evaluate therapeutic effect of SDD in the Parkinson's disease (PD) rat model with FA and
parameters.

Study Type

Prospective case–control animal study.

Population

Thirty‐two male Sprague Dawley rats (eight normal, eight PD, eight SDD, and eight subcutaneous injection rats).

Field Strength/Sequence

Single‐shot spin echo echo‐planar imaging and fast low‐angle shot T2WI sequences at 3.0T.

Assessment

Parameters of FA and
on the treated side of the substantia nigra were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SDD in a PD rat model.

Statistical Tests

The effects of time on FA and
values were analyzed by repeated measurement tests. A one‐way analysis of variance was conducted, followed by individual comparisons of the mean FA and
values at different timepoints.

Results

The FA values on the treated side of the substantia nigra in the SDD treatment group and subcutaneous injection treatment group were significantly higher at week 1 and lower at week 6 than that of the PD control group (SDD vs. PD, week 1, adjusted P = 0.012; subcutaneous vs. PD, week 1, adjusted P < 0.001; SDD vs. PD, week 6, adjusted P = 0.004; subcutaneous vs. PD, week 6, adjusted P = 0.024). The
parameter in the SDD treatment group and subcutaneous injection treatment group was significantly higher than that in the PD control group at week 6 (SDD vs. PD, adjusted P = 0.032; subcutaneous vs. PD, adjusted P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

The combination of FA and
parameters can potentially serve as a new effective evaluation method of the therapeutic effect of SDD.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.
Exploitation of microRNAs by Japanese Encephalitis virus in human microglial cells
Authors: Rastogi Meghana , Srivastava Neha , Singh Sunit K.
Published: November 2017

JEV infection in CNS leads to the JE neuroinflammation. Children and old age individual have been reported to be more prone to JEV infection. MicroRNAs are endogenous, small non‐coding RNAs, which regulate the gene expression. These are ∼22 nucleotide long, conserved RNA sequence that binds at the 3′UTR of a target mRNA and regulate the post‐transcriptional gene expression. The role of microRNAs has been reported in several diseases like cancer, viral infection, neuro‐degeneration, diabetes etc. In the present study, the human microglial cells were infected with JEV (JaOArS982). The control and infected samples were subject to microarray profiling for microRNA expression. The microarray profile yielded differentially expressed microRNAs from JEV infected samples. The microRNA gene targets, gene ontology, annotations, and pathways were identified through various bioinformatics tools. Additionally, the pathways were mostly found common to “ubiquitin mediated proteolysis,” “cytokine signaling,” “maintenance of barrier function/cell junctions,” JAK/STAT pathway” “Toll‐like receptor signaling,” “Wnt‐signaling,” “adhesion molecules,” “apoptosis,” “endocytosis,” “vesicle mediated transport” etc.
Absence or mislocalization of DNAH5 is a characteristic marker for motile ciliary abnormality in nasal polyps
Authors: Qiu Qianhui , Peng Yang , Zhu Zhenchao , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Chi , Ong Hsiao Hui , Tan Kai Sen , Hong Haiyu , Yan Yan , Huang Haoqi , Liu Jing , Li Xianqing , Nam H. N. , Dung N. T. N. , Shi Li , Yang Qintai , Bingle Colin D. , Wang De‐Yun
Published: November 2017

Objective

Motile cilia impairment is a common condition in patients with chronically inflamed airways, such as is seen in nasal polyps (NPs). The mechanism underlying this pathogenic condition is complex and not fully understood.

Methods

We investigated the presence and localization of dynein axonemal heavy chain 5 (DNAH5) in motile cilia using immunofluorescence staining in paraffin‐embedded nasal biopsies from NPs (n = 120) and inferior turbinate mucosa (n = 35) of healthy controls. We also performed single‐cell staining on cytospin samples (NP = 5, control = 5). Three patterns of DNAH5 localization are defined, including pattern A (presence throughout the axoneme), pattern B (undetectable in the distal part of the axoneme), and pattern C (completely missing throughout the entire axoneme). We developed a semiquantitative scoring system for which 0 = (pattern A > 70%); 1 = (patterns A + B > 70%); and 2 = (pattern C ≥ 30%) in each high‐power field (5 fields per sample).

Results

Based on our DNAH5 scoring system, the median (1st and 3rd quartile) score was 0.3 (0.2 and 0.4) for samples from controls, and 1.1 (0.6 and 1.6) for samples from NPs in paraffin specimens (P < 0.001). The DNAH5 score had a significant positive relationship with the Lund‐Mackay computed tomography score (r = 0.329, P = 0.005) and was higher in patients with eosinophilic NPs (P = 0.006). For cytospin samples, the mean percentage of patterns A, B, and C were 74%, 14%, and 12% in controls, and 48%, 20%, and 32% in NPs, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the absence or mislocalization of DNAH5 from motile cilia is a common and potentially important pathological phenomenon in chronically inflamed airway epithelium.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E97–E104, 2018
Transferrin as a predictor of survival in cirrhosis
Authors: Viveiros André , Finkenstedt Armin , Schaefer Benedikt , Mandorfer Mattias , Scheiner Bernhard , Lehner Konrad , Tobiasch Moritz , Reiberger Thomas , Tilg Herbert , Edlinger Michael , Zoller Heinz
Published: November 2017

Patients with cirrhosis frequently present with high serum ferritin and low transferrin concentrations, reflecting impaired liver function and inflammation. Recent studies have shown that transferrin and its saturation with iron are Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease–independent predictors of mortality in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic utility of serum iron parameters in relation to markers of liver function and immune activation. Clinical, demographic, and biochemical data were retrospectively analyzed from a cohort of 1255 consecutive patients with cirrhosis (age ≥ 18 years) who presented from August 1, 2004 until December 31, 2014 at the University Hospital of Innsbruck. Patients with malignancies at diagnosis including hepatocellular carcinoma were excluded. Survival analysis was carried out by Cox regression by using baseline laboratory parameters, and findings were validated in an independent patient cohort. During a median follow‐up of 2.4 years, 193 deaths occurred and 254 patients underwent liver transplantation. In patients with transferrin < 180 mg/dL, 3‐month, 1‐year, and 5‐year transplant‐free survival estimates were significantly lower (91.7%, 79.0%, and 30.5%) when compared with the group of patients with transferrin ≥ 180 mg/dL (98.9%, 95.5%, and 68.0%, P < 0.001). Transferrin predicted transplant‐free survival independently of Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease–sodium (MELD‐Na) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in multivariate regression analysis including all patients. When patients with alcoholic or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were excluded, transferrin was in addition an albumin‐independent predictor of transplant‐free survival. In conclusion, the association of transferrin with transplant‐free survival is independent of MELD‐Na score and CRP. In patients without fatty liver disease, transferrin also predicts survival independently of albumin. Liver Transplantation 24 343–351 2018 AASLD.
Robust optimization in IMPT using quadratic objective functions to account for the minimum MU constraint
Authors: Shan Jie , An Yu , Bues Martin , Schild Steven E. , Liu Wei
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Currently, in clinical practice of intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT), the influence of the minimum monitor unit (MU) constraint is taken into account through postprocessing after the optimization is completed. This may degrade the plan quality and plan robustness. This study aims to mitigate the impact of the minimum MU constraint directly during the plan robust optimization.

Methods and materials

Cao et al. have demonstrated a two‐stage method to account for the minimum MU constraint using linear programming without the impact of uncertainties considered. In this study, we took the minimum MU constraint into consideration using quadratic optimization and simultaneously had the impact of uncertainties considered using robust optimization. We evaluated our method using seven cancer patients with different machine settings.

Result

The new method achieved better plan quality than the conventional method. The D95% of the clinical target volume (CTV) normalized to the prescription dose was (mean [min–max]): (99.4% [99.2%–99.6%]) vs. (99.2% [98.6%–99.6%]). Plan robustness derived from these two methods was comparable. For all seven patients, the CTV dose–volume histogram band gap (narrower band gap means more robust plans) at D95% normalized to the prescription dose was (mean [min–max]): (1.5% [0.5%–4.3%]) vs. (1.2% [0.6%–3.8%]).

Conclusion

Our new method of incorporating the minimum MU constraint directly into the plan robust optimization can produce machine‐deliverable plans with better tumor coverage while maintaining high‐plan robustness.
Forty‐Five Years of Pacific Island Studies: some reflections
Authors: Meleisea Malama , Schoeffel Penelope
Published: November 2017

Looking back on our own times, we have seen a rise and fall of interest in Pacific Island studies. Our careers, which have led us currently to the Centre for Samoa Studies at the National University of Samoa, retrospectively illustrate transformations in Pacific Studies over the past half century.
Aranda, Arrernte or Arrarnta? The Politics of Orthography and Identity on the Upper Finke River
Authors: Kenny Anna
Published: November 2017

The Aboriginal people of the Upper Finke River in central Australia have followed a literacy tradition for over 130 years. When the first Lutheran missionaries arrived, they immediately started to study the local Arandic language and were teaching reading and writing by 1879. Despite this long exposure to literacy and the Lutheran influence on it, the issue of the right orthography for this Arandic language variety is emotionally charged and politically very contested. In this post‐colonial context, orthography has become a sociocultural and symbolic, rather than a phonemic, matter.
Sorcery and Warfare in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Schwoerer Tobias
Published: November 2017

Sorcery and warfare are closely interrelated in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. In contrast to other areas of the Highlands, sorcery in large parts of the Eastern Highlands is considered to be an exclusively male domain, and violent retribution for deaths attributed to sorcery is primarily directed against other communities. Thus, sorcery accusations have the tendency to escalate to large‐scale inter‐group warfare, often causing additional casualties. Sorcery beliefs have undergone changes during the colonial and postcolonial era, with new forms of sorcery proliferating, and the zones of safety from sorcery shrinking, due to demographic and economic changes. Sorcery accusations were triggers for the resumption of warfare during the late 1970s and 1980s, and they remain pertinent to outbreaks of hostilities today. In fact, the majority of armed conflicts between 1975 and 2006 among a sample of Fore, Auyana, and Tairora communities in the Okapa and Obura‐Wonenara districts of the Eastern Highlands Province are connected to sorcery beliefs and sorcery accusations. These sorcery accusations are the result of uneven economic development and failure to deliver basic social services. When violence is threatened, local leaders try to mediate the hostility, but the state seems unable to offer alternatives for the peaceful settlement of conflicts.
Enhanced efficiency of ternary organic solar cells by doping a polymer material in P3HT:PC61BM
Authors: Wang Min , Li Jianfeng , Ma Xuying , Lv Jie , Zhang Caizhen , Xia Yangjun
Published: November 2017

Doping a low‐bandgap polymer material (PDTBDT‐DTNT) as a complementary electron donor in poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyricacid methyl ester (PC61BM) blend is experimented to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). The PCE of OSCs was increased from 3.19% to 3.75% by doping 10 wt% PDTBDT‐DTNT, which was 17.55% higher than that of the OSCs based on binary blend of P3HT:PC61BM (host cells). The short‐circuit current density (Jsc) was increased to 10.11 mA·cm−2 compared with the host cells. Although the PCE improvement could partly be attributed to more photon harvest for complementary absorption of 2 donors by doping appropriate PDTBDT‐DTNT, the promotion of charge separation and transport as well as the suppression of charge recombination due to a matrix of cascade energy levels is also important. And the better morphology of the active layer films is beneficial to the optimized performance of ternary devices.
Protein Profiling of Non‐model Plant Cuminum cyminum by Gel‐Based Proteomic Approach
Authors: Zaman Uzma , Urlaub Henning , Abbasi Atiya
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), a popular spice has been widely used in traditional medicine to cure various ailments. Despite the existence of scientific literature about its pharmacological properties, no successful proteome profiling has yet been attempted.

Objective

To optimise extraction of cumin proteins and analyse its profile by shotgun proteomics, using one‐dimensional electrophoresis coupled with nano‐ESI‐LC–MS/MS.

Methodology

As a first step, we have compared three extraction protocols for total proteins extraction from cumin. Extracted proteins were separated on one‐dimensional gel and analysed by state‐of‐the‐art linear ion trap (LTQ)‐Orbitrap Velose and Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer.

Results

Evaluation of extraction method revealed significant differences in protein yield and proteome composition between the three extracts. LC–MS/MS allowed identification of several proteins with functional significance in various biological processes.

Conclusion

This study provides identification of a large number of proteins and offers a molecular basis for future research on potential pharmacologically active cumin proteins. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐catalytic, solvent‐free synthesis of poly(tartronic‐co‐glycolic acid) as a versatile coating for different surfaces
Authors: Cîrcu Monica , Bunge Alexander , Vasilescu Corina , Porav Sebastian , Nan Alexandrina
Published: November 2017

The synthesis of poly(tartronic‐co‐glycolic acid) from tartronic acid is achieved by a simple thermal polycondensation method. This novel polyester was characterized by NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as well as by high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. It contains pendent carboxyl groups at the tartronic acid units which therefore render it a more hydrophilic and more versatile analogue of poly(glycolic acid) combining the known biodegradability with the functionality of the pendent carboxyl groups. Thus, it is of interest for application in the synthesis of drug‐carrying biodegradable matrices. The copolymer was further used for coating different surfaces of magnetic nanoparticles such as magnetite, silica, titanium dioxide and exploited as a platform for further functionalization. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Metabolic Signature of Microvesicles from Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Preterm and Term Infants
Authors: Bruschi Maurizio , Santucci Laura , Ravera Silvia , Bartolucci Martina , Petretto Andrea , Calzia Daniela , Ghiggeri Gian Marco , Ramenghi Luca A. , Candiano Giovanni , Panfoli Isabella
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Microvesicles (MVs), 200–1000 nm bodies budding from the cell plasma membrane, are a promising source of biomarkers. This study aimed at comparing the proteome of MVs collected by ultracentrifugation from cultured Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) from Human Umbilical Cord of Preterm newborns (<34‐weeks gestational age) in comparison to infants at Term (≥37 weeks). This discovery study was designed to establish the signature of prematurity.

Experimental design

Orbitrap MS, statistical, bioinformatics and biochemical analyses were employed.

Results

A total of 3253 proteins were identified, 78.3% matching among Preterm and Term. Principal component dimensional analyses showed that the two proteomes cluster separately. Cytoscape analysis showed that the top gene signatures cluster around inflammation and oxidative metabolism. Both Preterm and Term MVs consumed oxygen, and express ATP synthase and cytochrome oxidase, but only Preterm MVs synthesized ATP. The gene signature of Preterm condition mainly clusters around inflammation and metabolism.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

MVs from MSCs conduct aerobic metabolism similarly to exosomes from the same cells, with interesting differences related to their biogenesis and function. The clinical relevance of the study lays in the perspective to utilize MVs as promising sensor of the inflammatory and metabolic state of the preterm newborn, to help in preventing the complications of prematurity.
Biomechanical investigation of the modified Tardieu Scale in assessing knee extensor spasticity poststroke
Authors: Gholami Samaneh , Ansari Noureddin Nakhostin , Naghdi Soofia , Tabatabaei Azadeh , Jannat Davood , Senobari Maryam , Dadgoo Mahdi
Published: November 2017

Objective

The modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) is a clinical tool for the measurement of muscle spasticity. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the MTS and the slope of the work‐velocity curve as a biomechanical measure in assessing knee extensor muscle spasticity in patients with stroke.

Methods

Thirty patients with stroke (22 female, 8 male; mean age 55.4 ± 12.0 years) participated in this study. The knee extensor spasticity was assessed with the MTS. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to move the knee passively from full extension to 90° flexion at speeds of 60°/s, 120°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s to collect torque‐angle data. The slope of the work‐velocity curve was calculated using linear regression [J/(°/s)].

Results

The mean of R2‐R1 component of MTS was 19.73 (SD 29.85). The mean work significantly decreased as the speed increased (p < .001). The mean (SD) slope for the work‐velocity curve was −0.83 (SD 0.73, range −2.6–0.3). There was no significant relationship between the R2‐R1 and the slope of work‐velocity curve (r = 0.09, p = .62).

Conclusions

The lack of significant relationship between the MTS and the slope of work‐velocity curve may question the usefulness of the MTS as a valid measure of muscle spasticity after stroke.
Thin Film Solar Cell Based on ZnSnN2/SnO Heterojunction
Authors: Javaid Kashif , Yu Jingjing , Wu Weihua , Wang Jun , Zhang Hongliang , Gao Junhua , Zhuge Fei , Liang Lingyan , Cao Hongtao
Published: November 2017

In this article, we report the growth of zinc‐tin nitride (ZnSnN2) thin films as a potential absorber for photovoltaic applications by fabricating a heterojunction of n‐ZnSnN2/p‐SnO. The performance of the heterojunction has been monitored through selective deposition of top electrode with different materials (Ni/Au or Al). The electron‐transfer process from the ZnSnN2 layer to the cathode is facilitated by selecting metal electrode with relatively low work function, which also boosts up the electron injection or/and extraction. The diode exhibits a good J–V response in the dark with a rectification ratio of 3 × 103 at 1.0 V and an ideality factor of 4.2 in particular with Al as the top electrode. Under illumination, the heterostructure solar cell demonstrates a power conversion efficiency of ≈0.37% with an open circuit voltage of 0.25 V and a short circuit current density of 4.16 mA cm−2. The prime strategies, on how to improve solar cell efficiency concerning band offsets and band alignment engineering are also discussed.
A wave‐number frequency wavelet analysis of convectively coupled equatorial waves and the MJO over the Indian Ocean
Authors: Roundy Paul E.
Published: November 2017

Convectively coupled equatorial waves and the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) constitute the dominant coherent modes of planetary‐ to synoptic‐scale organized convection in the Tropics. This work presents a space–time wavelet analysis of outgoing long‐wave radiation (OLR) data globally at wave‐numbers 0–1 and isolated more closely about the Indian Ocean at higher wave numbers. The mean power spectrum shows broad similarity to Fourier power spectra in previous works after normalization by a red background. The seasonal cycle of the power spectrum is analysed, along with its association with the phases of an index of the MJO and background‐state zonal winds at a variety of pressure levels over the Indian Ocean. Results show substantial variability across the seasonal cycle and the MJO in the distribution of power above the background. Results also show that the spectral peaks associated with the MJO and Kelvin and equatorial Rossby waves lose 20–50% of their normal variance during periods of strong easterly wind in the upper troposphere over the Indian Ocean, while at the same time, fast westward‐moving waves increase between wave‐numbers 7 and 14 and periods of 2–6 days.
An overview: Rabbit hepatitis E virus (HEV) and rabbit providing an animal model for HEV study
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Lin , Wang Ling
Published: November 2017

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA virus and the causative agent of hepatitis E. The virus belongs to genus Orthohepevirus in the family Hepeviridae, which contains 4 major genotypes closely relating to humans. Genotypes 1 and 2 only infect humans whereas genotypes 3 and 4 HEV are harbored in a wide range of animal species worldwide and are zoonotic to humans. Recently, a novel animal strain of HEV has been isolated in farmed rabbits in China, and subsequently more strains were discovered in the rabbit populations in at least 7 other countries. Due to high sequence similarity to genotype 3 HEV, rabbit HEV (rHEV) has been assigned to genotype 3. Experimental study showed that rHEV could infect non‐human primate and human, which pose a direct threat to human. Further pathogenesis studies showed laboratory rabbits infected with rHEV and genotype 4 HEV could present similar signs of acute and chronic hepatitis E along with extra‐hepatic replication as observed in humans. High mortality and vertical transmission were reproduced in rHEV infected pregnant rabbits. Furthermore, rabbit model was also found suitable for evaluating HEV vaccine efficacy in order to manage zoonotic transmission. These data showed laboratory rabbits could serve as an alternative animal model for HEV study under the current circumstances that HEV propagation is limited in vitro. In general, this review aims at presenting comprehensive up‐to‐date information about rHEV strains and rabbit model for HEV studies.
Mesoporous Zirconium Oxophosphate: An Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of Cyclic Acetals and Cyclic Carbonates under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Islam Sk. Safikul , Bhanja Piyali , Ghosh Kajari , Molla Rostam Ali , Yasmin Nasima , Das Debasis , Islam Sk. Manirul
Published: November 2017

Mesoporous zirconium oxophosphate (MZrP‐1) composed of porous interconnected network and high specific surface area has been synthesized by using Pluronic P123 as template under evaporation‐induced self‐assembly (EISA) method. The prepared mesoporous material has been characterized by small‐angle powder X‐ray diffraction, UHR‐TEM (Ultra‐high Resolution‐Transmission Electron Microscopy) image analysis, and N2 adsorption‐desorption, FTIR (Fourier‐transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and FE‐SEM (Field Emission‐Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis. Mesoporous MZrP‐1 catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the synthesis of cyclic acetals from glycerol and cyclic carbonates from epoxide as starting under solvent‐free green conditions. High surface area and abundant acid sites present at the surface of the mesoporous zirconium oxophosphate is responsible for high catalytic activity. The catalyst can be reusable for several reaction cycles without any significant loss in its catalytic activity.
Controllable Synthesis of Organic Microcrystals with Tunable Emission Color and Morphology Based on Molecular Packing Mode
Authors: Li Zhi‐Zhou , Liao Liang‐Sheng , Wang Xue‐Dong
Published: November 2017

Organic microcrystals are of essential importance for high fluorescence efficiency, ordered molecular packing mode, minimized defects, and smooth shapes, which are extensively applied in organic optoelectronics. The molecular packing mode significantly influences the optical/electrical properties of organic microcrystals, which makes the controllable preparation of organic microcrystals with desired molecular packing mode extremely important. In the study, yellow‐emissive α phase organic microcrystals with rectangular morphology and green‐emissive β phase perylene microcrystals with rhombic morphology are separately prepared by simply controlling the solution concentration. The distinct molecular staking modes of the H/J‐aggregate are found in these two types of perylene microcrystals, which contribute to the different emission color, morphology, and radiative decay rate. What is more interesting, the α‐doped β phase and the β‐doped α phase organic microcrystals can also be fabricated by modulating the evaporation rate from 100 to 10 µL min−1. The findings can contribute to the future development of organic optoelectronics at the microscale.
Comparative modelling and verification of Pthreads and Dthreads
Authors: Fei Yuan , Zhu Huibiao , Wu Xi , Fang Huixing , Qin Shengchao
Published: November 2017

The POSIX threads (Pthreads) library is a thread API for C/C++ to control parallel threads and spawn concurrent process flows. Programming in Pthreads usually suffers from undesirable deadlock, data race, and race condition problems due to the potential nondeterministic execution behaviors between parallel threads. Dthreads, as another multithreading model that re‐implements Pthreads, was proposed by Liu et al for efficient deterministic multithreading. They found out that, under specific test cases, Dthreads can effectively prevent data races. However, no comparison test has been made with Pthreads.

To perform a formal comparison between Pthreads and Dthreads over deadlocks, data races, and race conditions, in this paper, we adopt CSP (communicating sequential processes) as a formal model for specifying part of API functions in Pthreads and Dthreads and illustrate the model construction using 4 classical example programs. By feeding the models into the model checker PAT (process analysis toolkit), we have verified that deadlocks and data races exist in Pthreads, but do not exist in Dthreads, for the considered programs. We have also found that neither of them can prevent race conditions. Our comparative modelling and verification of Pthreads and Dthreads show that though Dthreads cannot prevent all the deadlock situations, shown by verification results of another 2 example programs, Dthreads is better than Pthreads on eliminating data races and preventing deadlocks. Considering limited scalability of Dthreads, we have introduced a new programming model to support coarse granularity in bank transfer. Our modelling is also extended by covering the synchronization operations in Liu et al work.
Green Development of Biodegradable Films Based on Native Yam (Dioscoreaceae) Starch Mixtures
Authors: Hornung Polyanna S. , Ávila Suelen , Masisi Kabo , Malunga Lovemore N. , Lazzarotto Marcelo , Schnitzler Egon , Ribani Rosemary H. , Beta Trust
Published: November 2017

Mixtures of starch comprising starches from different botanical origins and species can improve the mechanical properties of films and coatings. Here, the aim is to develop a sustainable process of starch modification to obtain enhanced starch films through mixing three Dioscoreaceae starches and to study the films resultant mechanical (tensile strength and elongation at break), thermal (glass transition and melting temperature), and physicochemical (moisture, solubility, thickness, color, transparency, light transmission, water vapor permeability, crystallinity, and surface uniformity) properties. The films obtained after the mixing process show low moisture content and high transparency, high solubility desirable for biodegradability, and significantly different thickness. An improved light barrier is achieved and water vapor permeability barrier properties are obtained. Using differential scanning calorimetry, it is observed that the glass transition temperature of the films decreased. The starch mixture improves the mechanical characteristics of the films by 200% for tensile strength and 232% for elongation at break. After mixing, the films show increased crystallinity and no crack or pinholes in their surface. These findings demonstrate that the yam‐starch mixtures form strong and flexible films suitable for various industrial products through a simple green process.
Notch Signaling Controls Transdifferentiation of Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cells in Response to Lung Injury
Authors: Yao Erica , Lin Chuwen , Wu Qingzhe , Zhang Kuan , Song Hai , Chuang Pao-Tien
Published: November 2017

Production of an appropriate number of distinct cell types in precise locations during embryonic development is critical for proper tissue function. Homeostatic renewal or repair of damaged tissues in adults also requires cell expansion and transdifferentiation to replenish lost cells. However, the responses of diverse cell types to tissue injury are not fully elucidated. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms underlying transdifferentiation remain poorly understood. This knowledge is essential for harnessing the regenerative potential of individual cell types. This study investigated the fate of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) following lung damage to understand their plasticity and potential. PNECs are proposed to carry out diverse physiological functions in the lung and can also be the cells of origin of human small cell lung cancer. We found that Notch signaling is activated in proliferating PNECs in response to epithelial injury. Forced induction of high levels of Notch signaling in PNECs in conjunction with lung injury results in extensive proliferation and transdifferentiation of PNECs toward the fate of club cells, ciliated cells and goblet cells. Conversely, inactivating Notch signaling in PNECs abolishes their ability to switch cell fate following lung insult. We also established a connection between PNEC transdifferentiation and epigenetic modification mediated by the polycomb repressive complex 2 and inflammatory responses that involve the IL6-STAT3 pathway. These studies not only reveal a major pathway that controls PNEC fate change following lung injury but also provide tools to uncover the molecular basis of cell proliferation and fate determination in response to lung injury.
A survey of evaluation methods for personal route and destination prediction from mobility traces
Authors: Stegmann Roelant A. , Žliobaitė Indrė , Tolvanen Tuukka , Hollmén Jaakko , Read Jesse
Published: November 2017

Personal mobility data can nowadays be easily collected by personal mobile phones and used for analytical modeling. To assist in such an analysis, a variety of computational approaches have been developed. The goal is to extract mobility patterns in order to provide traveling assistance, information, recommendations or on‐demand services. While various computational techniques are being developed, research literature on destination and route prediction lacks consistency in evaluation methods for such approaches. This study presents a review and categorization of evaluation criteria and terminology used in assessing the performance of such methods. The review is complemented by experimental analysis of selected evaluation criteria, to highlight the nuances existing between the evaluation measures. The experimental study uses previously unpublished mobility data of 15 users collected over a period of 6 months in Helsinki metropolitan area in Finland. The article is primarily intended for researchers developing approaches for personalized mobility analysis, as well as a guideline for practitioners to select criteria when assessing and selecting between computational approaches. Our main recommendation is to consider user‐specific accuracy measures in addition to averaged aggregates, as well as to take into consideration that for many users accuracy does not saturate fast and the performance keeps evolving over time. Therefore, we recommend using time‐weighted measures. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2018, 8:e1237. doi: 10.1002/widm.1237

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Spatial and Temporal Data Mining

Application Areas > Society and Culture

Application Areas > Industry Specific Applications
Multiscale memory and bioelectric error correction in the cytoplasm–cytoskeleton‐membrane system
Authors: Fields Chris , Levin Michael
Published: November 2017

A fundamental aspect of life is the modification of anatomy, physiology, and behavior in the face of changing conditions. This is especially illustrated by the adaptive regulation of growth and form that underlies the ability of most organisms—from single cells to complex large metazoa—to develop, remodel, and regenerate to specific anatomical patterns. What is the relationship of the genome and other cellular components to the robust computations that underlie this remarkable pattern homeostasis? Here we examine the role of constraints defined at the cellular level, especially endogenous bioelectricity, in generating and propagating biological information. We review evidence that the genome is only one of several multi‐generational biological memories. Focusing on the cell membrane and cytoplasm, which is physically continuous across all of life in evolutionary timeframes, we characterize the environment as an interstitial space through which messages are passed via bioelectric and biochemical codes. We argue that biological memory is a fundamental phenomenon that cannot be understood at any one scale, and suggest that functional studies of information propagated in non‐genomic cellular structures will not only strongly impact evolutionary developmental biology, but will also have implications for regenerative medicine and synthetic bioengineering. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2018, 10:e1410. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1410

This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration

Physiology > Physiology of Model Organisms

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models
An Expedition on Alkali and Alkaline‐Earth Isocyanurate Hydrates: Structure Elucidation, Thermogravimetry, and Spectroscopy
Authors: Gross Peter , Höppe Henning A.
Published: November 2017

Several alkali and alkaline earth (iso)cyanurates were synthesized by simple aqueous acid‐base reactions and aqueous salt metathesis reactions, respectively, yielding nine new structure types. Single‐crystals could be grown and the crystal structures of Rb[H2C3N3O3]·H2O‐I, Rb[H2C3N3O3]·H2O‐II, Cs[H2C3N3O3]·0.5H2O, Sr[H2C3N3O3]2·4H2O, Ba3[H2C3N3O3]2[HC3N3O3]2·4H2O, Ca[HC3N3O3]·3.5H2O, Sr[HC3N3O3]·3H2O, Sr[HC3N3O3]·2H2O, and Sr2[C3N3O3]OH were elucidated by single‐crystal XRD. Rb3[H2C3N3O3]3[H3C3N3O3]·4H2O, Cs[H2C3N3O3]·0.5H2O, and Sr[HC3N3O3]·2H2O were synthesized as phase pure, crystalline powders and were further characterized by powder XRD, FT‐IR spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Sr[HC3N3O3]·2H2O was shown to be an air‐ and water‐resistant, cheap and easily obtained precursor for the phase‐pure synthesis of Sr3[C3N3O3]2, a promising SHG material, and Sr[NCN]. Moreover, an interesting dependence of the polymeric anion structure from its protonation degree was observed.