bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formative Value of an Active Learning Strategy: Technology Based Think-Pair-Share in an EFL Writing Classroom
Authors: Demirci Cavide , Duzenli Halil
Published: December 2017

Think-Pair-Share (TPS) activities in classrooms provide an opportunity for students to revise, practice and reproducepreviously learned knowledge. Teachers also benefit from this active learning strategy by exploiting new learningmaterials, saving time by minimizing presentations and using it as a formative assessment tool. This article exploreshow a teacher can employ the strategy to both promote active learning and conduct formative assessment in atime-efficient way. To do this, a TPS activity was designed on an online platform along with an assessment rubric forstudent products. In 60 minutes, students thought individually on the topic provided, discussed and collaborated ingroups and finally wrote down their paragraphs on the online tool. Each group shared paragraphs simultaneously.The teacher examined the paragraphs in terms of the predefined learning outcomes and determined the points to berevised. The students answered an open-ended online questionnaire a day later and the qualitative data were analyzedthrough a coding system. The assessment results successfully showed the learning points to be revisited and theresults of the questionnaire supported the assessments of the teacher. The majority of the students revealed that theywere satisfied and willing to do the activity again in the future.
Undergraduates’ Attitude Towards the Use of Social Media for Learning Purposes
Authors: Williams Cheta , Adesope Rebecca Yinka
Published: December 2017

The study investigated Undergraduates’ attitude towards the use of social media for learning purposes. It wasconducted at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Two objectives and two null hypotheses wasused to investigate the study. The population used were Undergraduate students from three faculties at the Universityof Port Harcourt. A sample of 300 students were randomly selected from three Faculties. Simple random stratifiedsampling techniques was used for the study and the instrument used to collect data was a structured questionnaireentitled Undergraduates’ attitude towards the use of social media for learning purposes (UATUSMLP) with 42 items.Mean score, ANOVA, Z-test and Scheffe’s model were the statistical tools for the study. The Instrument was givento experts in the field of educational technology to ensure its validity. Test retest was applied to ensure reliability ofthe instrument and a reliability coefficient of 0.84 was obtained. It was found that social media are used foreducational purposes in terms of quick growth in knowledge and information. It addition it was found thatundergraduates bound with close and prospective groups for change. It is recommended that Universities should beacquainted with students want and concern in the schools.
Financial Constraints and Firm Capital Structure in Kenya
Authors: Kirui Benard Kipyegon , Gor Seth Omondi
Published: December 2017

Empirical evidence suggests that capital structure varies across firms facing different levels of information asymmetry, however, this evidence contradict the prediction of pecking order hypothesis. Although debt capacity constraints offer some explanation for this discrepancy, it fails to explain the behavior of small high growth firms who do not issue debt even with no debt capacity constraints. Against this backdrop, this study investigated the effects of financial constraints on firm capital structure in Kenya. This was implemented by interacting a financial constraints dummy with the right-hand side variables of pecking order test equation to allow for any variation of capital structure across financial constraints regimes. The results show that constrained firms use less internal funds and have less cash than unconstrained firms. Pecking order theory was not supported. However, allowing financial constraints regimes in pecking order equation improved the fit of the model and produced results that are consistent with pecking order prediction. Financing behavior varies with financial constraints status. The wider the wedge between the cost of debt and the opportunity cost of internal funds, the higher the value transferred to debt-holders and the lower the debt utilization. To improve firm access to capital, policies should be geared towards reducing the wedge between the cost of external and internal funds.
Spreading Speed of Magnetopause Reconnection X‐Lines Using Ground‐Satellite Coordination
Authors: Zou Ying , Walsh Brian M. , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Ruohoniemi J. Michael , McWilliams Kathryn A. , Nishitani Nozomu
Published: December 2017

Conceptual and numerical models predict that magnetic reconnection starts at a localized region and then spreads out of the reconnection plane. At the Earth's magnetopause this spreading would occur primarily in local time along the boundary. Different simulations have found the spreading to occur at different speeds such as the Alfvén speed and speed of the current carriers. We use conjugate Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft and Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radar measurements to observationally determine the X‐line spreading speed at the magnetopause. THEMIS probes the reconnection parameters locally, and SuperDARN tracks the reconnection development remotely. Spreading speeds under different magnetopause boundary conditions are obtained and compared with model predictions. We find that while spreading under weak guide field could be explained by either the current carriers or the Alfvén waves, spreading under strong guide field is consistent only with the current carriers.
Tidal Response to Sea‐Level Rise in Different Types of Estuaries: The Importance of Length, Bathymetry, and Geometry
Authors: Du Jiabi , Shen Jian , Zhang Yinglong J. , Ye Fei , Liu Zhuo , Wang Zhengui , Wang Ya Ping , Yu Xin , Sisson Mac , Wang Harry V.
Published: December 2017

Tidal response to sea‐level rise (SLR) varies in different coastal systems. To provide a generic pattern of tidal response to SLR, a systematic investigation was conducted using numerical techniques applied to idealized and realistic estuaries, with model results cross‐checked by analytical solutions. Our results reveal that the response of tidal range to SLR is nonlinear, spatially heterogeneous, and highly affected by the length and bathymetry of an estuary and weakly affected by the estuary convergence with an exception of strong convergence. Contrary to the common assumption that SLR leads to a weakened bottom friction, resulting in increased tidal amplitude, we demonstrate that tidal range is likely to decrease in short estuaries and in estuaries with a narrow channel and large low‐lying shallow areas.
Coverage – Non‐Life Insurance
Authors: Taylor Greg
Published: December 2017

This article discusses the circumstances under which a claim will be paid by an insurance policy and some basic matters affecting the amount of claim payable. Various pieces of terminology are defined.
Complete Sufficient Statistics
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Aiyi
Published: December 2017

Sufficiency and completeness are two important concepts in statistical theory and practice. The former concerns data reduction without loss of information, while the latter concerns uniqueness of estimators of an estimable parameter function. This article provides a brief overview of the important concepts and their applications in statistical inference.
Double Hurdle Model
Authors: Jones Andrew M.
Published: December 2017

This article reviews the specification, estimation, and application of the double hurdle model. The double hurdle is an extension of the standard censored regression (Tobit) model for limited dependent variables that allows the process that generates zero (censored) observations to be different from that which generates positive (uncensored) observations. Extensions of the hurdle model to count data and to panel data are discussed. The model has been used widely in applied microeconomics and empirical studies and relevant software are cited.
Borreliaceae
Authors: Barbour Alan G.
Published: December 2017

Bor.rel.i.a.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.Borreliatype genus of the family; suff. ‐aceaeending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.Borreliaceae, the family ofBorrelia.

Spirochaetes / Spirochaetia / Spirochaetales / Borreliaceae

Cells are helical with regular or irregular coils, 0.2–0.3 µm in diameter and 10–40 µm in length. Cells do not have hooked ends. Motile. Inner and outer membrane with periplasmic flagella with 7–20 subterminal insertion points. Aniline‐stain‐positive. Microaerophilic. Most members of the family cultivable in complex media that includesN‐acetylglucosamine. Optimum growth between 33°C and 38°C. Diamino acid of peptidoglycan is ornithine. Lacks a lipopolysaccharide. Linear chromosome and plasmids with hairpin telomeres. The family currently accommodates the generaBorreliaandBorreliella. Members of the family are host‐associated organisms that are transmitted between vertebrate reservoirs by a hematophagous arthropod, in all but one case, a tick. Members include the agents of relapsing fever, Lyme disease, and avian spirochetosis.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 26–30.

Type genus:BorreliaSwellengrebel 1907, 562AL.
Light‐Responsive Biodegradable Nanorattles for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Li Chunxiao , Zhang Yifan , Li Zhiming , Mei Enci , Lin Jing , Li Fan , Chen Cunguo , Qing Xialing , Hou Liyue , Xiong Lingling , Hao Hui , Yang Yun , Huang Peng
Published: December 2017

Cancer nanotheranostics, integrating both diagnostic and therapeutic functions into nanoscale agents, are advanced solutions for cancer management. Herein, a light‐responsive biodegradable nanorattle‐based perfluoropentane‐(PFP)‐filled mesoporous‐silica‐film‐coated gold nanorod (GNR@SiO2‐PFP) is strategically designed and prepared for enhanced ultrasound (US)/photoacoustic (PA) dual‐modality imaging guided photothermal therapy of melanoma. The as‐prepared nanorattles are composed of a thin mesoporous silica film as the shell, which endows the nanoplatform with flexible morphology and excellent biodegradability, as well as large cavity for PFP filling. Upon 808 nm laser irradiation, the loaded PFP will undergo a liquid–gas phase transition due to the heat generation from GNRs, thus generating nanobubbles followed by the coalescence into microbubbles. The conversion of nanobubbles to microbubbles can improve the intratumoral permeation and retention in nonmicrovascular tissue, as well as enhance the tumor‐targeted US imaging signals. This nanotheranostic platform exhibits excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, distinct gas bubbling phenomenon, good US/PA imaging contrast, and remarkable photothermal efficiency. The results demonstrate that the GNR@SiO2‐PFP nanorattles hold great potential for cancer nanotheranostics.
A distinct immunophenotype identifies a subset of NPM1‐mutated AML with TET2 or IDH1/2 mutations and improved outcome
Authors: Mason Emily F. , Kuo Frank C. , Hasserjian Robert P. , Seegmiller Adam C. , Pozdnyakova Olga
Published: December 2017

Recent work has identified distinct molecular subgroups of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with implications for disease classification and prognosis. NPM1 is one of the most common recurrently mutated genes in AML. NPM1 mutations often co‐occur with FLT3‐ITDs and mutations in genes regulating DNA methylation, such as DNMT3A, TET2, and IDH1/2. It remains unclear whether these genetic alterations are associated with distinct immunophenotypic findings or affect prognosis. We identified 133 cases of NPM1‐mutated AML and correlated sequencing data with immunophenotypic and clinical findings. Of 84 cases (63%) that lacked monocytic differentiation (“myeloid AML”), 40 (48%) demonstrated an acute promyelocytic leukemia‐like (APL‐like) immunophenotype by flow cytometry, with absence of CD34 and HLA‐DR and strong myeloperoxidase expression, in the absence of a PML‐RARA translocation. Pathologic variants in TET2, IDH1, or IDH2 were identified in 39/40 APL‐like cases. This subset of NPM1‐mutated AML was associated with longer relapse‐free and overall survival, when compared with cases that were positive for CD34 and/or HLA‐DR. The combination of NPM1 and TET2 or IDH1/2 mutations along with an APL‐like immunophenotype identifies a distinct subtype of AML. Further studies addressing its biology and clinical significance may be especially relevant in the era of IDH inhibitors and recent work showing efficacy of ATRA therapy in NPM1 and IDH1‐mutated AML.
Elsahy–Waters syndrome is caused by biallelic mutations in CDH11
Authors: Harms Frederike L. , Nampoothiri Sheela , Anazi Shams , Yesodharan Dhanya , Alawi Malik , Kutsche Kerstin , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: December 2017

Elsahy–Waters syndrome (EWS), also known as branchial–skeletal–genital syndrome, is a distinct dysmorphology syndrome characterized by facial asymmetry, broad forehead, marked hypertelorism with proptosis, short and broad nose, midface hypoplasia, intellectual disability, and hypospadias. We have recently published a homozygous potential loss of function variant in CDH11 in a boy with a striking resemblance to EWS. More recently, another homozygous truncating variant in CDH11 was reported in two siblings with suspected EWS. Here, we describe in detail the clinical phenotype of the original CDH11‐related patient with EWS as well as a previously unreported EWS‐affected girl who was also found to have a novel homozygous truncating variant in CDH11, which confirms that EWS is caused by biallelic CDH11 loss of function mutations. Clinical features in the four CDH11 mutation‐positive individuals confirm the established core phenotype of EWS. Additionally, we identify upper eyelid coloboma as a new, though infrequent clinical feature. The pathomechanism underlying EWS remains unclear, although the limited phenotypic data on the Cdh11−/− mouse suggest that this is a potentially helpful model to explore the craniofacial and brain development in EWS‐affected individuals.
Nitrogen doped nano porous graphene as a sorbent for separation and preconcentration trace amounts of Pb, Cd and Cr by Ultrasonic assisted in‐syringe dispersive micro solid phase extraction
Authors: Lotfi Zahra , Zavvar Mousavi Hassan , Sajjadi S. Maryam
Published: December 2017

Nitrogen doped nano porous graphene was used as an efficient sorbent in solid‐phase extraction process for simultaneous separation and pre‐concentration of metal ions lead (II), cadmium(II), and chromium(III)) in biological samples. Ultrasonic assisted in‐syringe dispersive micro solid phase extraction coupled with micro sampling atomic absorption spectrometry was utilized for the determination of metal ions. Nitrogen doped nano porous graphene was synthesized as a nano sorbent by chemical vapour deposition method. Methane and aniline were used as carbon and nitrogen sources. The characterization of sorbent was performed by field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscope, fourier transform infrared, chemical element analysis and raman analysis. Effective parameters on the extraction efficiency such as pH, sorbent dosage, eluent volume and eluent concentration were optimized by central composite design and desirability function. Experimental results indicate that the optimal conditions for this extraction were pH = 6.4, 1.42 mg of sorbent, 100 μL of eluent, and 0.84 mol L‐1 of eluent concentration. The detection limits are as low as 1.5, 0.3 and 0.9 μg L‐1 for lead, cadmium, and chromium, respectively. The intra‐day precisions were 3.6, 4.38 and 2.94 and Inter‐day precision were 4.83, 5.26 and 4.52 for lead, cadmium, and chromium, respectively. Method performance was investigated by determination of mentioned heavy metals in complicated biological matrixes such as human plasma, urine and saliva samples with good recoveries.
Optimization of solid phase dispersive field‐assisted ultrasonication for the extraction of auramine O and crystal violet dyes using central composite design
Authors: Pourebrahim Faezeh , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Dashtian Kheibar , Kheirandish Shadi , Goudarzi Alireza
Published: December 2017

Simultaneous preconcentration and determination of auramine o (AO) and crystal violet (CV) dyes from aqueous solution was conducted by ultrasound assisted (dispersive) solid phase microextraction (UASPME) based on SnO2/SnS composite loaded activated carbon (SnO2/SnS‐NCs‐AC). The prepared of SnO2/SnS‐NCs‐AC was characterized by FESEM and XRD analysis. Main and interaction influences of operational parameters such as pH, sonication time, amounts of sorbent, and type of eluent on extraction efficiency were investigated by central composite design and optimized with desirability function approach (DFA). ANOVA was conducted and shows that optimized values were found at 15.33 min sonication time, 0.019 g SnO2/SnS‐NCs‐AC mass, pH 5.46 and among different solvents, dimethyl formamide was selected as an efficient eluent. Under this conditions recoverees percentage were obtained 82.85% and 86.70% for AO and CV, respectively. Based on F‐test under ANOVA all main effect and interaction effect of understudy parameters has the significant effect on the responses. At optimum conditions, limit of detection (0.0015 and 0.001 mg/l), limit of quantitation (0.4 and 0.4 mg/l), limit of linearity (9.0 and 9.0 mg/l), enrichment factor (33.48 and 83.71) and percent relative standard deviation (3.44 and 4.20) were found to be for auramine o and crystal violet dyes, respectively. Finally, the method was successfully applied for the preconcentration and determination of AO and CV in water samples and ER% of 89.0‐97.0 and 96.2–98.0% as acceptable range were found to be for AO and CV samples, respectively.
Visible light driven amide synthesis in water at room temperature from Thioacid and amine using CdS nanoparticles as heterogeneous Photocatalyst
Authors: Das Sudipto , Ray Shounak , Ghosh Abhisek Brata , Samanta Partha Kumar , Samanta Suvendu , Adhikary Bibhutosh , Biswas Papu
Published: December 2017

Highly efficient photocatalytic thioacid mediated amide synthesis at room temperature using CdS nanoparticles as photocatalyst was observed under a household 30 W CFL in water. The operationally mild reaction was tolerant to a number of functional group substitutions on amine and could be scaled up to gram. This heterogeneous photocatalyst was extremely stable and could easily be recovered by simple centrifugation for at least six recycling reactions without any significant loss of catalytic performance. The possible reaction mechanism for the photocatalytic thioacid mediated amide synthesis over the CdS semiconductor has also been proposed on the basis of experimental observations.
Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) hydrogels reinforced with graphene oxide: Remarkable improvement of water diffusion and mechanical properties
Authors: Sánchez‐Correa F. , Vidaurre‐Agut C. , Serrano‐Aroca Á. , Campillo‐Fernández A. J.
Published: December 2017

A series of hybrid hydrogels of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate), PHEA, and graphene oxide, GO, with GO content up to 2 wt % has been prepared by in situ polymerization. Because PHEA has been used as biomaterial in various applications, has a side chain with the hydroxyl functional group and its mechanical properties are poor, it is a good candidate for reinforcement with GO. Fourier transform (infrared) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, the thermal, mechanical, and water sorption properties of neat PHEA and PHEA/GO composites have been studied in order to elucidate the dispersion and interaction between both components. An increase in the water diffusion coefficient and dramatic changes in its mechanical properties are the most remarkable results. Thus, at a nanofiller load of 2 wt %, the novel materials present an increased diffusion coefficient higher than 380% and the elastic modulus is enhanced by more than 650% in dry state and by more than 100% in swollen state, both compared to neat PHEA. These results have been attributed to the excellent interaction between the matrix, PHEA, and the reinforcement, GO, and could open the door to new applications in the field of biomaterials with higher structural requisites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46158.
Preparation of active antibacterial biomaterials based on sparfloxacin, enrofloxacin, and lomefloxacin deposited on polyethylene
Authors: Ozaltin Kadir , Lehocky Marian , Humpolicek Petr , Vesela Daniela , Mozetic Miran , Novak Igor , Saha Petr
Published: December 2017

Bacterial contamination is one of the biggest drawbacks of implanted biomaterials, which may cause nosocomial infection. Avoiding bacterial adhesion onto the biomaterial surface by preparing active antibacterial biomaterials is an accurate solution. In this study, three of the fluoroquinolones: sparfloxacin, enrofloxacin, and lomefloxacin were selected due to their broad bactericidal effect and immobilized onto low‐density polyethylene surface at two different pH values (pH 3 and pH 6), after tailoring the surface by plasma treatment followed by grafting of polymer brush of N‐allylmethylamine. Surface wettability test and morphological investigations were carried out by water contact angle measurement and scanning electron microscopy analysis, respectively. Chemical characterizations were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectra and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity was checked against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains and results revealed that prepared surfaces were more effective against E. coli than S. aureus especially those prepared at pH 6. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46174.
In Situ Synthesis of 3D Flower‐Like Nanocrystalline Ni/C and its Effect on Hydrogen Storage Properties of LiAlH4
Authors: Zang Lei , Liu Song , Guo Huinan , Chang Xiaoya , Xu Xiangqian , Jiao Lifang , Yuan Huatang , Wang Yijing
Published: December 2017

Lithium alanate (LiAlH4) is of particular interest as one of the most promising candidates for solid‐state hydrogen storage. Unfortunately, high dehydrogenation temperatures and relatively slow kinetics limit its practical applications. Herein, 3D flower‐like nanocrystalline Ni/C, composed of highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles and interlaced carbon flakes, was synthesized in situ. The as‐synthesized nanocrystalline Ni/C significantly decreased the dehydrogenation temperature and dramatically improved the dehydrogenation kinetics of LiAlH4. It was found that the LiAlH4 sample with 10 wt % Ni/C (LiAlH4‐10 wt %Ni/C) began hydrogen desorption at approximately 48 °C, which is very close to ambient temperature. Approximately 6.3 wt % H2 was released from LiAlH4‐10 wt %Ni/C within 60 min at 140 °C, whereas pristine LiAlH4 only released 0.52 wt % H2 under identical conditions. More importantly, the dehydrogenated products can partially rehydrogenate at 300 °C under 4 MPa H2. The synergetic effect of the flower‐like carbon substrate and Ni active species contributes to the significantly reduced dehydrogenation temperatures and improved kinetics.
An Exosome‐Based Vaccine Platform Imparts Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Immunity Against Viral Antigens
Authors: Anticoli Simona , Manfredi Francesco , Chiozzini Chiara , Arenaccio Claudia , Olivetta Eleonora , Ferrantelli Flavia , Capocefalo Antonio , Falcone Emiliana , Ruggieri Anna , Federico Maurizio
Published: December 2017

Exosomes are 50–150 nm sized nanovesicles released by all eukaryotic cells. The authors very recently described a method to engineer exosomes in vivo with the E7 protein of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This technique consists in the intramuscular injection of a DNA vector expressing HPV‐E7 fused at the C‐terminus of an exosome‐anchoring protein, that is, Nefmut, the authors previously characterized for its high levels of incorporation in exosomes. In this configuration, the ≈11 kDa E7 protein elicited a both strong and effective antigen‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immunity. Attempting to establish whether this method could have general applicability, the authors expanded the immunogenicity studies toward an array of viral products of various origin and size including Ebola Virus VP24, VP40 and NP, Influenza Virus NP, Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever NP, West Nile Virus NS3, and Hepatitis C Virus NS3. All antigens appeared stable upon fusion with Nefmut, and are uploaded in exosomes at levels comparable to Nefmut. When injected in mice, DNA vectors expressing the diverse fusion products elicited a well detectable antigen‐specific CD8+ T cell response associating with a cytotoxic activity potent enough to kill peptide‐loaded and/or antigen‐expressing syngeneic cells. These data definitely proven both effectiveness and flexibility of this innovative CTL vaccine platform.
Stem cell education for medical students at Tongji University: Primary cell culture and directional differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Jin Caixia , Tian Haibin , Li Jiao , Jia Song , Li Siguang , Xu Guo‐Tong , Xu Lei , Lu Lixia
Published: December 2017

Stem cells are cells that can self‐renew and differentiate into a variety of cell types under certain conditions. Stem cells have great potential in regenerative medicine and cell therapy for the treatment of certain diseases. To deliver knowledge about this frontier in science and technology to medical undergraduate students, we designed an innovative practical experiment for freshmen in their second semester. The lab exercise focused on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) isolation, cell culture and differentiation, and it aimed to help students master the aseptic techniques for cell culture, the basic methods and procedures for the primary culture and passage of BMSCs, the basic procedure for the directional differentiation of BMSCs into adipocytes and their subsequent identification by oil‐red‐O staining. This lab exercise is a very meaningful and useful introduction to stem cell collection and manipulation and inspires medical students to deepen their understanding of translational medicine and regenerative medicine. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(2):151–154, 2018.
Small laccase from streptomyces coelicolor—an ideal model protein/enzyme for undergraduate laboratory experience
Authors: Cook Ryan , Hannon Drew , Southard Jonathan N. , Majumdar Sudipta
Published: December 2017

A one semester undergraduate biochemistry laboratory experience is described for an understanding of recombinant technology from gene cloning to protein characterization. An integrated experimental design includes three sequential modules: molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, and protein analysis and characterization. Students perform the tasks of cloning, expression, purification, analysis, and characterization of small laccase (SLAC) from Streptomyces coelicolor. SLAC is an extremely robust well‐characterized protein/enzyme, which serves as an ideal model for undergraduate teaching laboratories. Also, this goal‐oriented research‐like approach helps students to unite the concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology and appreciate the utility of the methods more effectively. A student assessment before and after the course demonstrated an overall increase in learning and enthusiasm on the topic of modern protein chemistry. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(2):172–181, 2018.
Nine‐month results of the BIOHELIX‐I clinical trial study: Evaluation of the PRO‐Kinetic Energy cobalt chromium bare‐metal stent system
Authors: Michael Tesfaldet T. , Richardt Gert , Lansky Alexandra , Carney Robert J. , Khan Muhammad Akram , Shehadeh Abbas , Zeymer Uwe , Gupta Saurabh
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the PRO‐Kinetic Energy (PKE) Cobalt Chromium Coronary Stent System (BIOTRONIK AG, Switzerland).

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention is a mainstay treatment for symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). While drug‐eluting stents constitute a majority of implants, bare‐metal stents (BMS) remain important for a subset of patients. Newer generation BMS offer advantages due to stent design improvements.

Methods

The BIOHELIX‐I study was a prospective, multicenter, non‐randomized, single arm clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the PKE bare metal stent. Thirty‐three study centers (US, Columbia, Europe) enrolled 329 patients for treatment of one target lesion (≤31 mm). Eligible patients received a PKE stent(s), at least one month of dual antiplatelet therapy and were followed for 36‐months. The primary endpoint was the 9‐month rate of target vessel failure (TVF) compared with a prespecified performance goal of 18.7% derived from prior BMS trials.

Results

The mean patient age was 69 years, 28.6% with diabetes. The mean lesion length was 13.7 ± 6.0 mm. The 9‐month TVF rate was 9.06% and met the primary endpoint (P < 0.001). The TVF component rates were 0.95% cardiac death, 1.58% myocardial infarction, and 7.26% ischemia‐driven target vessel revascularization (TVR). The ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization rate at 9‐months was 6.62%.

Conclusions

The 9‐month TVF rate of the PKE stent was comparable to other BMS and is a viable option for treating CAD. The low observed rate of ischemia‐driven TVR supports the safety and efficacy of the novel BMS design.
Photovoltaic Devices Prepared through a Trihydroxy Substitution Strategy on an Unsymmetrical Squaraine Dye
Authors: Wu Jianglin , Si Changfeng , Chen Yao , Yang Lin , Hu Bin , Chen Guo , Lu Zhiyun , Huang Yan
Published: December 2017

A series of unsymmetrical arene‐1,3‐squaraine (USQ) derivatives with two, three, or four hydroxy (−OH) substituents, namely, USQ‐2‐OH, USQ‐3‐OH, or USQ‐4‐OH, respectively, were designed and synthesized, and the effect of the number of hydroxy groups on the optoelectronic properties of USQs were investigated. Despite the three compounds having similar UV/Vis absorption and HOMO energy levels, solution‐processed bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) small‐molecule organic solar cells with USQ‐3‐OH as electron‐donor materials exhibit the highest power conversion efficiency of 6.07 %, which could be mainly attributed to the higher hole mobility and smaller phase separation. It is also noteworthy that the short‐circuit current (Jsc) of the USQ‐3‐OH‐based device is as high as 14.95 mA cm−2, which is the highest Jsc values reported for squaraine‐based BHJ solar cells to date. The results also indicate that more −OH substituents on squaraine dyes do not necessarily lead to better photovoltaic performance.
Enantiomeric separation of type I and type II pyrethroid insecticides with different chiral stationary phases by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Zhang Ping , Yu Qian , He Xiulong , Qian Kun , Xiao Wei , Xu Zhifeng , Li Tian , He Lin
Published: December 2017

The enantiomeric separation of type I (bifenthrin, BF) and type II (lambda‐cyhalothrin, LCT) pyrethroid insecticides on Lux Cellulose‐1, Lux Cellulose‐3, and Chiralpak IC chiral columns was investigated by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Methanol/water or acetonitrile/water was used as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The effects of chiral stationary phase, mobile phase composition, column temperature, and thermodynamic parameters on enantiomer separation were carefully studied. Bifenthrin got a partial separation on Lux Cellulose‐1 column and baseline separation on Lux Cellulose‐3 column, while LCT enantiomers could be completely separated on both Lux Cellulose‐1 and Lux Cellulose‐3 columns. Chiralpak IC provided no separation ability for both BF and LCT. Retention factor (k) and selectivity factor (α) decreased with the column temperature increasing from 10°C to 40°C for both BF and LCT enantiomers. Thermodynamic parameters including ∆H and ∆S were also calculated, and the maximum Rs were not always obtained at lowest temperature. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis methods for BF and LCT enantiomers in soil and water were also established. Such results provide a new approach for pyrethroid separation under reversed‐phase condition and contribute to environmental risk assessment of pyrethroids at enantiomer level.
The association of low muscle mass with soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE): The Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study (KSOS)
Authors: Kim Tae Nyun , Park Man Sik , Lee Eun Joo , Chung Hye Soo , Yoo Hye Jin , Kang Hyun Joo , Song Wook , Baik Sei Hyun , Choi Kyung Mook
Published: December 2017

Background

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are accumulated with aging in various tissues of humans. The soluble receptor for AGEs (sRAGE) exerts a protective role against the development of aging‐related chronic disorders by neutralizing the action of AGEs. We investigated the implication of sRAGE on low muscle mass in Asian men and women.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included a 390‐participant, nondiabetic subcohort recruited within the framework of the Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study, an ongoing prospective cohort study. Low muscle mass was defined based on the distribution of appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by body mass index, as proposed by the Foundation for the National Institutes Sarcopenia Project.

Results

Serum sRAGE levels were significantly lower in participants with low muscle mass than in participants without low muscle mass (0.76 [0.60‐1.00] ng/mL vs 0.87 [0.67‐1.15] ng/mL, P = .005). In age‐ and sex‐adjusted correlation analyses, appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by body mass index was associated with sRAGE (r = 0.109, P = .037). Furthermore, decreased circulating levels of sRAGE are independently associated with low muscle mass (odds ratio = 0.254, P = .002) after adjusting for confounding factors, including insulin resistance and inflammatory markers.

Conclusions

The present study shows that a low circulating level of sRAGE may be an independent risk factor for the presence of low muscle mass.
Simulated juvenile salmon growth and phenology respond to altered thermal regimes and stream network shape
Authors: Fullerton Aimee H. , Burke Brian J. , Lawler Joshua J. , Torgersen Christian E. , Ebersole Joseph L. , Leibowitz Scott G.
Published: December 2017

It is generally accepted that climate change will stress coldwater species such as Pacific salmon. However, it is unclear what aspect of altered thermal regimes (e.g., warmer winters, springs, summers, or increased variability) will have the greatest effect, and what role the spatial properties of river networks play. Thermally diverse habitats may afford protection from climate change by providing opportunities for aquatic organisms to find and use habitats with optimal conditions for growth. We hypothesized that climate‐altered thermal regimes will change growth and timing of life history events such as emergence or migration but that changes will be moderated in topologically complex stream networks where opportunities to thermoregulate are more readily available to mobile animals. Because climate change effects on populations are spatially variable and contingent upon physiological optima, assessments of risk must take a spatially explicit approach. We developed a spatially structured individual‐based model for Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in which movement decisions and growth were governed by water temperature and conspecific density. We evaluated growth and phenology (timing of egg emergence and smolting) under a variety of thermal regimes (each having a different minimum, rate of warming, maximum, and variability) and in three network shapes of increasing spatial complexity. Across networks, fish generally grew faster and were capable of smolting earlier in warmer scenarios where water temperatures experienced by fish were closer to optimal; however, growth decreased for some fish. We found that salmon size and smolt date responded more strongly to warmer springs and summers than to warmer winters or increased variability. Fish in the least complex network grew faster and were ready to smolt earlier than fish in the more spatially complex network shapes in the contemporary thermal regime; patterns were similar but less clear in warmer thermal regimes. Our results demonstrate that network topology may influence how fish respond to thermal landscapes, and this information will be useful for incorporating a spatiotemporal context into conservation decisions that promote long‐term viability of salmon in a changing climate.
Heterobimetallic and Heterotrimetallic Clusters Containing a Redox‐Active Metalloligand
Authors: Wojnar M. K. , Ziller Joseph W. , Heyduk Alan F.
Published: December 2017

A new multimetallic construct has been developed utilizing a redox‐active metalloligand. The molybdenum complex, Mo[SNS]2 {1; [SNS]H3 = bis(2‐mercapto‐p‐tolyl)amine}, has been shown to coordinate to Ni(dppe) {dppe = 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane} through two cis thiolate donors to generate heterobimetallic Mo[SNS]2Ni(dppe) (2) and heterotrimetallic Mo[SNS]2{Ni(dppe)}2 (3). X‐ray diffraction studies confirm the presence of formal metal–metal bonds between the molybdenum and nickel centers in the solid state; however, NMR spectroscopic studies show that intracluster interactions are dynamic in solution. The Mo[SNS]2 metalloligand engenders rich redox chemistry in 2 and 3, and in the latter case, electrochemical and spectroscopic data suggest that 3+ is a localized mixed‐valence complex, despite the metal–metal bonding network.
Molecular Structure and Crystal Packing of Monofluoromethoxyarenes
Authors: Hebeisen Paul , Weiss Urs , Alker André , Kuhn Bernd , Müller Klaus , Wang Fang , Surya Prakash G. K.
Published: December 2017

X‐ray crystal structures of monofluoromethoxy aryl compounds are presented for the first time. In fluoromethoxybenzene derivatives with at least one unsubstituted ortho‐position, the fluoromethoxy group adopts a twisted anisole conformation. The twist is most pronounced in derivatives with the least electron‐demanding phenyl unit. The observed structural features in the crystalline state are in good agreement with theoretical predictions for prototypical monofluoromethoxybenzene. In contrast, a 5‐fluoromethoxyindole derivative exhibits a conformation differing from that by theoretical predictions. Such a difference may be due to crystal packing, in which the fluorine atom is trapped in a hydrophobic pocket lined with aliphatic C–H bonds. The crystal structures of the simple α‐monofluorinated anisoles exhibit a variety of linear and cyclic interaction motifs for the monofluoromethoxy group. Similar motifs are also observed in the crystals of other monofluoromethyl‐containing compounds. In all these crystal structures the geometrical characteristics of mutual close contacts between monofluoromethoxy or between monofluoromethyl units are dependent on their surrounding environment in the crystal structure, an observation consistent with relatively weak interactions. A survey of all close C–F···H–C contacts in these crystals and in crystal structures of CH2F‐containing compounds from the CSD reveals little evidence for significant H‐bonding character in these interactions.
Process design, economic evaluation and life cycle assessment of jet fuel production from sugar cane residue
Authors: Michailos Stavros
Published: December 2017

With the aim of diversifying energy supplies and mitigating the environmental impacts of the aviation sector, production of renewable jet fuels has recently received substantial attention. To this direction, this study deals with the techno‐economic design and life cycle assessment (LCA) of biojet fuel (farnesane) production from bagasse. Bagasse is the solid residue of sugar industries and its utilization within the biorefinery concept can positively contribute to the sustainable production of fuels. To this end, the present research proposes the production of farnesane from bagasse rather than edible feedstocks (e.g. sugarcane). Mass and energy balances were executed in SuperPro Designer software. The resultant mass yield was equal to 0.121 kg (jet fuel)/kg (dry bagasse) and an energy efficiency of 26.5% can be realized. Economic analysis suggested a gate price of 2.78 $/L. Cradle to grave GHG emissions reductions comparative to fossil jet fuel can be approximately 47%. Overall, the current sustainability analysis explores potential economics and environmental benefits for the lignocellulosic sugars pathway to biojet fuel. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1227–1235, 2018
Optimization of operational parameters by Taguchi design for imidacloprid oxidation by microwave‐activated persulfate
Authors: Genç Nevim , Durna Elif
Published: December 2017

In this study, imidacloprid oxidation by microwave‐activated persulfate was investigated. Imidacloprid was exposed to microwave (MW) irradiation at different persulfate concentration, power level, contact time, and pH. Reaction between imidacloprid and sulfate radical followed the secondary order kinetic model. Taguchi's robust design approach was used to optimize the imidacloprid oxidation. Experimentation was planned as per Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array. The optimum levels of control factors for maximum imidacloprid oxidation were defined (power at 700 W, contact time at 6 min, persulfate concentration at 0.129 g/L (power density 5.42 W/g oxidant), pH at 6.5). The analysis of variance analysis shown that the the most effective control factor is power, its contribution is 69.2%. A confirmation experiment was conducted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the optimal combination. The observed value of S/N (ηobs = 38.8) ratio is compared with that of the predicted value (ηopt = 45.4). The prediction error, that is, ηopt ‐ ηobs = 6.6, is within the confidence interval (CI) value. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1632–1637, 2018
Development of new sensor systems for continuous bedload monitoring using a submerged load‐cell system (SLS)
Authors: Itoh Takahiro , Nagayama Takahiko , Utsunomiya Rei , Fujita Masaharu , Tsutsumi Daizo , Miyata Shusuke , Mizuyama Takahisa
Published: December 2017

It is important to evaluate bedload discharge and temporal changes of the bed surface, and bed deformation can be estimated during floods if the bedload discharge is properly evaluated in an arbitrary cross‐section. With the exception of grain size and its distribution within the bedload, bedload discharge has been measured using both direct and indirect methods. Bedload slot is a direct method but cannot be used to measure bedload during a flood because of volume limitations. Indirect methods require correlation between the signals and sediment volume measured using another method. In the present study, a small, automatically recording bedload sensor with an iron plate and a pair of load cells is developed in order to evaluate not only large particles but also sand particles as bedload. Bedload mass is calculated by integrating with respect to both the velocity of sediment particles and the averaged particle weight as measured by a pair of load cells, and, as an example, the velocity is estimated by the cross‐correlation function of weights measured by load cells. The applicability of the proposed sensor is discussed based on the results of flume tests in the laboratory (2014) and the observation flume of the Hodaka Sedimentation Observatory of Kyoto University in Japan (2015). The system was installed in the observation flume in November of 2012, and flume data were obtained using natural sediment particles. In particular, it was difficult to estimate the velocity of averaged bedload particles, and it was better to apply a cross‐correlation function in the laboratory tests. However, it appears that the previous estimation can estimate these velocities in the observation flume using a connecting tube and submerged load‐cell systems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic correlates of cognitive function in children with unilateral Sturge–Weber syndrome: Evidence for regional functional reorganization and crowding
Authors: Kim Jeong‐A , Jeong Jeong‐Won , Behen Michael E. , Pilli Vinod K. , Luat Aimee , Chugani Harry T. , Juhász Csaba
Published: December 2017

To evaluate metabolic changes in the ipsi‐ and contralateral hemisphere in children showing a cognitive profile consistent with early reorganization of cognitive function, we evaluated the regional glucose uptake, interhemispheric metabolic connectivity, and cognitive function in children with unilateral SWS. Interictal 2‐deoxy‐2[18F]fluoro‐D‐glucose (FDG)‐PET scans of 27 children with unilateral SWS and mild epilepsy and 27 age‐matched control (non‐SWS children with epilepsy and normal FDG‐PET) were compared using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Regional FDG‐PET abnormalities calculated as SPM(t) scores in the SWS group were correlated with cognitive function (IQ) in left‐ and right‐hemispheric subgroups. Interhemispheric metabolic connectivity between homotopic cortical regions was also calculated. Verbal IQ was substantially (≥10 points difference) higher than non‐verbal IQ in 61% of the right‐ and 71% of the left‐hemispheric SWS group. FDG SPM(t) scores in the affected hemisphere showed strong positive correlations with IQ in the left‐hemispheric, but not in right‐hemispheric SWS group in several frontal, parietal, and temporal cortical regions. Significant positive interhemispheric metabolic connectivity, present in controls, was diminished in the SWS group. In addition, the left‐hemispheric SWS group showed inverse metabolic interhemispheric correlations in specific parietal, temporal, and occipital regions. FDG SPM(t) scores in the same regions of the right (unaffected) hemisphere showed inverse correlations with IQ. These findings suggest that left‐hemispheric lesions in SWS often result in early reorganization of verbal functions while interfering with (“crowding”) their non‐verbal cognitive abilities. These cognitive changes are associated with specific metabolic abnormalities in the contralateral hemisphere not directly affected by SWS.
Prognostic value of tumor volume in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with primary surgery
Authors: Dejaco Daniel , Steinbichler Teresa , Schartinger Volker H. , Fischer Natalie , Anegg Maria , Dudas Jozsef , Posch Andrea , Widmann Gerlig , Riechelmann Herbert
Published: December 2017

Background

Tumor volume in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was mainly measured in nonsurgically treated patients. We analyzed the influence of tumor volume on complete response (CR), overall survival (OS), and clear surgical margins also in primarily surgically treated patients.

Methods

In contrast‐enhanced CTs, the tumor volumes of patients with incident HNSCC were measured.

Results

The tumor volumes of 259 patients were measured, of which 125 patients (48%) underwent primary surgery and 102 patients (84%) had clear margins. The tumor volume was not an independent factor for CR at the primary tumor site. Risk of death increased by 1.4% per mL of tumor volume (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8%‐2.0%; P < .001). The OS was better in patients treated with primary surgery, if the tumor volume was ≤12 mL (P < .001). Risk of involved margins increased by 4.5% per mL of tumor volume (95% CI 0.9%‐8.3%; P = .003). The predicted probability of clear margins was ≥80% in tumor volumes ≤ 16 mL.

Conclusion

The tumor volume had an impact on CR, OS, and clear margins. The tumor volume may also aid in selecting HNSCC treatment.