bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigens 1 and 2 as potential diagnostic marker for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma and inverted papilloma
Authors: Yasumatsu Ryuji , Nakano Takafumi , Sato Masanobu , Jiroumaru Rina , Hashimoto Kazuki , Kogo Ryunosuke , Wakasaki Takahiro , Nakashima Torahiko , Nakagawa Takashi
Published: October 2018

Background

Differentiating inverted papilloma from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is sometimes difficult. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of serum SCCA1 and SCCA2 in the management of patients with inverted papilloma or SCC.

Methods

Serum and tissue samples for the analysis of SCCA1, SCCA2, and SCC antigen were taken from 18 patients with sinonasal inverted papilloma and 23 cases with sinonasal SCC. The SCCA1, SCCA2, and SCC antigen levels were determined.

Results

The serum SCCA1 concentration was significantly higher in the inverted papilloma group than in the SCC group, whereas the serum SCCA2 level was significantly higher in the SCC group than in the inverted papilloma group.

Conclusion

Patients with sinonasal inverted papilloma predominantly express SCCA1 protein, whereas those with SCC predominantly express SCCA2. This suggests that combined measurements of both serum SCCA1 and SCCA2 concentrations can be very useful for distinguishing sinonasal inverted papilloma from SCC.
Response of low flows under climate warming in high‐altitude permafrost regions in western China
Authors: Wang Xiqiang , Chen Rensheng , Liu Guohua , Han Chuntan , Yang Yong , Song Yaoxuan , Liu Junfeng , Liu Zhangwen , Liu Xiaojiao , Guo Shuhai , Wang Lei , Zheng Qin
Published: October 2018

The increase in low flows (winter discharge and minimum monthly discharge), caused primarily by permafrost degradation, is common in high‐latitude permafrost regions, whereas the dynamics of low flows in high‐altitude permafrost regions remain largely unknown. Long‐term discharge data from 28 unregulated catchments in western China were analysed, and the findings showed that winter discharge/minimum monthly discharge significantly increased (p ≤ 0.1) in 82/82%, 55/64%, and 0/0% of the catchments in the higher‐latitude mountain permafrost regions (Tienshan Mountains), mid‐latitude mountain permafrost regions (Qilian Mountains), and mid‐ to low‐latitude plateau permafrost regions (the source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers), respectively. The differences in permafrost type and the distribution of permafrost and alpine cold desert (which is similar to tundra) were found to be the main causes for the different responses in the low flows. The rate of change of low flows (winter discharge and minimum monthly discharge) was negatively and linearly correlated with permafrost coverage when coverage was less than 40% of the catchment area, whereas the low flows changed only slightly when the permafrost coverage exceeded 40%. A significant thickening of the active layer increased the low flows in the lower permafrost‐covered catchments, which are dominated by warm permafrost. However, in the higher permafrost‐covered catchments with cold permafrost and a cold climate, only an increase in permafrost temperature (without a notable thickening of the active layer) occurred, resulting in non‐significant changes in low flows.
Evaluation of trends and predictability of short‐term droughts in three meteorological subdivisions of India using multivariate EMD‐based hybrid modelling
Authors: Adarsh Sankaran , Janga Reddy Manne
Published: October 2018

This paper presented trend analysis of droughts in Kerala, Telangana, and Orissa meteorological subdivisions in India and proposed a framework for drought prediction by employing the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD)‐based prediction models. The study used 3‐month standardized precipitation index (SPI3) for drought analysis. The trend analysis of SPI3 series for the period 1871–2012 using Mann–Kendall method showed statistically significant increasing trend in Kerala and Telangana subdivisions and a decreasing trend in Orissa subdivision. In addition, the non‐linear trend component extracted from EMD showed statistically significant changes in all the three subdivisions. Then, the study proposed a hybrid approach for prediction of short‐term droughts by coupling multivariate extension of EMD (MEMD) with stepwise linear regression (SLR) and genetic programming (GP) methods. First, the multivariate dataset comprising the SPI3 series of current and lagged time steps are decomposed using the MEMD. Then, SLR/GP models are developed to predict each subseries of SPI3 of desired time step considering the subseries of predictor variables at the corresponding timescales as inputs. The resulting models at different timescales are recombined to obtain the SPI3 values of the desired time step. The method is applied for prediction of short‐term droughts in the three subdivisions. The results obtained by the hybrid models are compared with that obtained by conventional prediction models using M5 Model Trees and GP. The rigorous performance evaluation based on multiple statistical criteria clearly exhibited the superiority of the hybrid approaches (i.e., prediction models with MEMD‐based decomposition over models without decomposition) for prediction of SPI3 in three subdivisions. Further, the study found that MEMD‐GP model performs marginally better than the MEMD‐SLR model due to its efficacy in modelling high frequency modes.
Differences in sensory responses among children with autism spectrum disorder and typical development: Links to joint attention and social competence
Authors: Dakopolos Andrew J. , Jahromi Laudan B.
Published: October 2018

The current study investigated relations among children's sensory responses, dyadic orienting, joint attention, and their subsequent social competence with peers. Participants were 38 children (18 children with autism spectrum disorder [ASD] and 20 developmentally matched children with typical development) between the ages of 2.75 and 6.5 years. Observational coding was conducted to assess children's joint attention and dyadic orienting in a structured social communication task. Children's sensory responses and social competence were measured with parent report. Group differences were observed in children's joint attention, sensory responses, multisensory dyadic orienting, and social competence, with the ASD group showing significantly greater social impairment and sensory responses compared with their typical peers. Atypical sensory responses were negatively associated with individual differences on social competence subscales. Interaction effects were observed between diagnostic group and sensory responses with diagnostic group moderating the relation between sensory responses and both joint attention and social competence abilities.

Highlights

We explored patterns of relations between sensory responses, social competence, and joint attention among preschoolers with high functioning autism and typical development.

Differential relations were found between sensory responses, social competence, and joint attention for children with autism compared with those with typical development.

Individuals with ASD may process sensory stimuli differently compared to individuals with TD.
Using spatial and temporal variability data to optimize sediment toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) study designs
Authors: Greenstein Darrin J , Parks Ashley N , Bay Steven M
Published: October 2018

Toxicity tests are an important aspect of sediment quality assessments, but knowledge of the cause of toxicity is needed to determine effective management actions. Toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) methods were developed to meet this need. While TIE method manuals provide information on the procedures, little information on study design is presented. The level of variability associated with performing TIEs and how to account for it is also not addressed. The goal of this study was to collect data on both the spatial and temporal variability associated with sediment TIEs by use of the amphipod Eohaustorius estuarius 10-day survival test and then apply that information to make recommendations for designing future TIE studies. Ten stations were sampled at Consolidated Slip in Los Angeles Harbor, California, with samples collected 2 months apart. In the first stage, TIEs were conducted on whole sediment and pore water from 3 of the most toxic stations. In the second stage, focused TIEs were conducted on whole sediment from all stations. Chemical analysis for metals and organic contaminants was also performed. With a weight of evidence approach, it was determined that pyrethroid pesticides were the likely cause of toxicity, with a lesser contribution from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results of the individual TIEs fell into 3 broad categories: TIEs in which treatments for organic chemicals and pyrethroids were effective; TIEs in which the treatment for pyrethroids was not effective but the treatment for organic contaminants was effective; and TIEs in which the treatment for pyrethroids was effective but the treatment for organic contaminants was not. This variability was used to calculate that at least 3 TIEs were necessary to make a confident assessment of the cause of toxicity. There was not substantial temporal variability in the TIE outcomes. Other recommendations are made regarding effective TIE study design. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:248–258. © 2018 SETAC
Conducting Polymer Nanostructures and their Derivatives for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Cheng Meng , Meng Yue‐Na , Wei Zhi‐Xiang
Published: October 2018

This review provides a brief summary of the recent research developments in the fabrication and application of conducting polymer nanostructures and their derivatives as electrodes for flexible supercapacitors (SCs). By controlling the nucleation and growth process of polymerization, conducting polymers (CPs) with different nanostructures can be prepared by employing chemical polymerization, electrochemical polymerization and photo‐induced polymerization. These CPs (such as polyaniline and polypyrrole) with special nanostructures possess high capacitance, superior rate capability ascribed to large electrochemical surface, and optimal ion diffusion path in the ordered nanostructures. The composites of nano‐structured conducting polymer and some conductive flexible substrates (such as carbon nanotube film and graphene film) are proved to be ideal electrode materials for high performance flexible SCs. Furthermore, high N‐containing CPs are very prospective for preparing N‐doped carbon materials used as flexible electrodes for flexible SCs. With respect to the extra pseudo‐capacitance induced by N atoms and superior stability derived from the conjugated graphitic structure of carbon materials, the obtained flexible SCs based on N‐doped carbon materials could achieve high capacitance, high rate performance, and superior cycling stability.
Molecular Recognition of Water‐soluble Pillar[n]arenes Towards Biomolecules and Drugs
Authors: Shu Xiaoyan , Xu Kaidi , Hou Dabin , Li Chunju
Published: October 2018

The exploration of molecular recognition of synthetic macrocycles in aqueous media is significantly important since most biological functions, activities and processes take place in water. Pillar[n]arenes (n=5–10) have been recognized as a new generation of macrocyclic arenes; much attention has been devoted to their host‐guest chemistry. This review summarizes the host‐guest properties of water‐soluble pillararenes towards biologically significant molecules and drugs. These water‐soluble pillararenes are classified into three major classes according to the electric charges of hydrophilic groups at their portals: anionic pillar[n]arenes (AP[n]s), cationic pillar[n]arenes (CP[n]s), and neutral pillar[n]arenes (NP[n]s). The host–guest affinities, binding modes, binding selectivity, stimuli‐responsiveness, as well as biomedical applications are comprehensively discussed.
Circuit breakers as market stability levers: A survey of research, praxis, and challenges
Authors: Sifat Imtiaz Mohammad , Mohamad Azhar
Published: October 2018

Circuit breaker, an automated regulatory instrument employed to deter panic, temper volatility, and prevent crashes, is controversial in financial markets. Proponents claim it provides a propitious time out when price levels are stressed and persuades traders to make rational trading decisions. Opponents demur its potency, dubbing it a barrier to laissez‐faire price discovery process. Since conceptualization in 1970s and practice from 1980s, researchers focused mostly on its ability to allay panic, interference in trading, volatility transmission, prospect of self‐fulfilling prophecy through gravitational pull towards itself, and delayed dissemination of information. Though financial economists are forked on circuit breakers' usefulness, they are a clear favourite among regulators, who downplay the reliability of anti‐circuit breaker findings citing, inter alia, suspect methodology, and lack of statistical power. In the backdrop of 2007–2008 Crisis and 2010 Flash Crash, the drumbeats for more regulatory intervention in markets grew louder. Hence, it is unlikely that intervening mechanism such as circuit breakers will ebb. But are circuit breakers worth it? This paper synthesizes three decades of theoretical and empirical works, underlines the limitations, issues, and methodological shortcomings undermining findings, attempts to explain regulatory rationale, and provides direction for future research in an increasingly complex market climate.
The implementation of safe abortion services in Ethiopia
Authors: Bridgman‐Packer David , Kidanemariam Saba
Published: October 2018

In 2005, a new criminal code was established to align Ethiopia's laws with its new Constitution. Following a period of intense activism and debate, abortion remained criminalized, but several significant exceptions were made, allowing for the expansion and integration of services within the public health system. The passage of the law and the establishment of technical guidelines each served as essential steps in determining the extent to which services were implemented. The integration of safe abortion services expanded the scope of practice for multiple cadres of healthcare providers, including emergency surgical officers, nurses, and health extension workers. The political will of the Ministry of Health, the research produced by the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the expertise of nongovernmental organizations were essential to the implementation of services.
Implementing safe abortion in Ghana: “We must tell our story and tell it well”
Authors: Chavkin Wendy , Baffoe Peter , Awoonor‐Williams Koku
Published: October 2018

In the first years of the new century, the Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service determined to reduce abortion‐associated morbidity and mortality by increasing access to safe care. This was accomplished by interpreting Ghana's restrictive law so that more women qualified for legal services; by framing this effort in public health terms; by bundling abortion together with contraception and postabortion care in a comprehensive package of services; and by training new cadres of health workers to provide manual vacuum aspiration and medical abortion. The Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service convened medical and midwifery societies, nongovernmental organizations, and bilateral agencies to implement this plan, while retaining the leadership role. However, because of provider shortages, aggravated by conscientious objection, and because many still do not understand when abortion can be legally provided, some women still resort to unsafe care. Nonetheless, Ghana provides an example of the critical role of political will in redressing harms from unsafe abortion.
SecinH3 Attenuates TDP‐43 p.Q331K‐Induced Neuronal Toxicity by Suppressing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Enhancing Autophagic Flux
Authors: Hu Wentao , Liu Xi , Wang Shang , Sun Guifang , Zhao Ran , Lu Hong
Published: October 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, adult‐onset, neurodegenerative disease. The transactivating response region DNA binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) p.Q331K mutation (TDP‐43 Q331K) has previously been identified in ALS as a disease‐causing mutation with neurotoxicity. SecinH3, a cytohesin inhibitor, has neuroprotective effects against mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) toxicity. However, whether SecinH3 protects against mutant TDP‐43 p.Q331K protein toxicity and its potential molecular mechanisms have not yet been investigated. To determine whether TDP‐43 Q331K induces neuronal toxicity, SH‐SY5Y, a human derived neuronal cell line were selected as an in vitro model of neuronal function. SH‐SY5Y cells were transiently transfected with TDP‐43 wild‐type or TDP‐43 Q331K. Remarkably, TDP‐43 Q331K induced neuronal damage via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐mediated apoptosis and the impairment of the autophagic flux. SecinH3 was demonstrated to successfully attenuate the TDP‐43 Q331K‐induced neuronal toxicity by suppressing ER stress‐mediated apoptosis and enhancing the autophagic flux. Taken together, our in vitro study provided evidence that SecinH3 exerts neuroprotective effects against TDP‐43 Q331K‐mediated neuronal toxicity and was able to elucidate its mode of action. SecinH3 could, therefore, be considered a promising candidate as a therapeutic agent of ALS. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):192–199, 2019
Assessing factors that influence young children's food preferences and choices
Authors: Zonneveld Kimberley L. M. , Neidert Pamela L. , Dozier Claudia L. , Gureghian Danielle L. , Bayles Makenzie W.
Published: October 2018

Researchers have identified an unbalanced diet as a key risk factor in the etiology of many chronic diseases (World Health Organization, ). Although researchers have found that numerous factors influence children's food choices, no assessment exists to identify these factors. In Experiment 1, we established preliminary empirical evidence of children's preferences for healthier and less‐healthy foods, and found that 16 of 21 children preferred less‐healthy foods to healthier foods. In Experiment 2, we established the utility of an analogue, competing parameters assessment designed to approximate children's food choices in the natural environment. We identified either quality or immediacy as the most influential parameters governing four of four childrens' food choices. We found that effort influenced the efficacy of these reinforcer parameters in a predictable manner for one of four children.
Implementation and early outcomes for a surgeon‐directed hepatic arterial infusion pump program for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Chakedis Jeffery , Beal Eliza W. , Sun Steven , Galo Jason , Chafitz Aaron , Davidson Gail , Reardon Joshua , Dillhoff Mary , Pawlik Timothy M. , Abdel‐Misih Sherif , Bloomston Mark , Schmidt Carl R.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) therapy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is beneficial in selected patients yet wide acceptance in the oncology community is lacking.

Methods

A surgeon‐led team implemented a HAIP program in 2012. Pumps were placed by laparotomy for CRLM and fluorodeoxyuridine was infused via HAIP every 28 days without systemic chemotherapy supervised by the operating surgeon.

Results

Sixty patients were treated with HAIP, either in the adjuvant setting after liver resection or ablation of CRLM in 26 (43%) patients or with the unresectable disease in 34 (57%). Perioperative complications occurred in 19 (32%) and pump‐specific complications in 14 (23%) that included intrahepatic biliary stricture in one (2%). Time to liver progression was a median 9.2 months (95% CI, 3.1‐15.3 months) in unresectable patients and liver recurrence was a median 24.7 months (2.5‐46.9 months) in the adjuvant group. Estimated 3‐year overall survival from the time of HAIP placement was 64% in the adjuvant group and 37% in the unresectable group. Sarcopenia was prevalent (48%) and was associated with a worse survival (HR 2.4, 95% CI, 1.1‐5.0).

Conclusion

A surgeon‐led HAIP program may achieve outcomes on par with those of experienced centers and foster strong relationships between surgical and medical oncologists.
Torque Teno Virus Is Associated With the State of Immune Suppression Early After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ruiz Pablo , Martínez‐Picola Marta , Santana Miguel , Muñoz Javier , Pérez‐del‐Pulgar Sofía , Koutsoudakis Giorgos , Sastre Lydia , Colmenero Jordi , Crespo Gonzalo , Navasa Miquel
Published: October 2018

The development of noninvasive biomarkers that reflect the state of immunosuppression (IS) remains an unmet need in liver transplantation (LT). Torque Teno virus (TTV) is a highly prevalent, nonpathogenic DNA virus whose plasma levels may be associated with the immune status of the host. The aim of this study was to assess the role of TTV as a biomarker of IS in LT recipients. TTV DNA in plasma was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction at different time points during the first year after transplant in a prospectively followed cohort of 63 de novo LT recipients, and any correlation between TTV DNA and biopsy‐proven acute cellular rejection (ACR) and opportunistic infections was then evaluated. In addition, TTV DNA was studied in 10 longterm LT recipients in monotherapy with tacrolimus, 10 tolerant recipients, and 10 healthy controls. TTV was detected in the plasma of all patients. Among the 63 LT recipients, 20 episodes of ACR were diagnosed, and there were 28 opportunistic infections, 26 of them being cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. TTV viremia was significantly lower during ACR (4.41 versus 5.95 log10 copies/mL; P = 0.002) and significantly higher during CMV infections (5.79 versus 6.59 log10 copies/mL; P = 0.009). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of TTV viral load for the diagnosis of moderate ACR was 0.869, with a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100%, respectively, for a cutoff point of 4.75 log10 copies/mL. There were no statistically significant differences in TTV DNA in either longterm or tolerant patients and healthy controls. In conclusion, plasma TTV DNA levels are associated with immune‐related events after LT and could constitute a potential biomarker of the state of IS during the first months after transplant.
Multiscale Modeling of Silk and Silk‐Based Biomaterials—A Review
Authors: López Barreiro Diego , Yeo Jingjie , Tarakanova Anna , Martin‐Martinez Francisco J. , Buehler Markus J.
Published: October 2018

Silk embodies outstanding material properties and biologically relevant functions achieved through a delicate hierarchical structure. It can be used to create high‐performance, multifunctional, and biocompatible materials through mild processes and careful rational material designs. To achieve this goal, computational modeling has proven to be a powerful platform to unravel the causes of the excellent mechanical properties of silk, to predict the properties of the biomaterials derived thereof, and to assist in devising new manufacturing strategies. Fine‐scale modeling has been done mainly through all‐atom and coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations, which offer a bottom‐up description of silk. In this work, a selection of relevant contributions of computational modeling is reviewed to understand the properties of natural silk, and to the design of silk‐based materials, especially combined with experimental methods. Future research directions are also pointed out, including approaches such as 3D printing and machine learning, that may enable a high throughput design and manufacturing of silk‐based biomaterials.
Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization: Billion Times More Active Catalysts and New Initiation Systems
Authors: Ribelli Thomas G. , Lorandi Francesca , Fantin Marco , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: October 2018

Approaching 25 years since its invention, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is established as a powerful technique to prepare precisely defined polymeric materials. This perspective focuses on the relation between structure and activity of ATRP catalysts, and the consequent choice of the initiating system, which are paramount aspects to well‐controlled polymerizations. The ATRP mechanism is discussed, including the effect of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters and side reactions affecting the catalyst. The coordination chemistry and activity of copper complexes used in ATRP are reviewed in chronological order, while emphasizing the structure–activity correlation. ATRP‐initiating systems are described, from normal ATRP to low ppm Cu systems. Most recent advancements regarding dispersed media and oxygen‐tolerant techniques are presented, as well as future opportunities that arise from progressively more active catalysts and deeper mechanistic understanding.
Levator Ani avulsion: The histological composition of this site. A cadaveric study
Authors: Da Silva Ana Sofia , Asfour Victoria , Digesu Giuseppe Alessandro , Cartwright Rufus , Fernando Ruwan , Khullar Vik
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The sonographic appearance of a levator muscle “avulsion” representing the literal detachment of the pubovisceral muscle (PVM) enthesis has been contested. The nature of the levator ani “avulsion” is still not fully understood. It is known, that the tensile strength of a tendon is dependent on collagen with increased synthesis of collagen occurring in tissue with increased mechanical load levels. This study aims to perform a quantitative histological evaluation of the PVM enthesis with or without the imaging finding of levator ani “avulsion” to determine if there is a difference in the proportion of muscle and collagen.

Method

Three‐dimensional translabial ultrasound for PVM “avulsion” was performed on cadavers using a GE Voluson I with a 5‐9 MHz electronic probe. Cadavers were meticulously dissected to identify the presence or absence of an anatomical avulsion. The PVM enthesis was excised for further histopathological processing and treated with three different colorations. Quantitative analysis using ImageJ software was conducted to compare tissue composition in samples with or without sonographic “avulsion.” All stages were performed by two separate investigators blinded to each other's results. The results were analyzed using SPSS v24, IBM.

Results

Twenty‐three PVM enthesis with histological staining were procured. Ultrasonographic “avulsions” were seen in 5/23 PVM enthesis. No anatomical avulsions were seen. There was no difference in the overall muscle or collagen content (Kruskal‐Wallis, P = 0.864). The mean organized skeletal muscle content was 23% in the sonographic “avulsion” group versus 62% in the no “avulsion” group (Kruskall‐Walis, P = 0.02). “Avulsions” were associated with a disorganized appearance at histology.

Conclusion

The tissue composition relating to the proportion of muscle and collagen was not significantly different in specimens with or without sonographic “avulsions.” However, morphological differences were observed in the organization of the muscle fibres, which requires further evaluation.
Long TE PRESS and STEAM for measuring the triglyceride glycerol CH2 protons at 3 T
Authors: Fairgrieve‐Park Logan , Fallone Clara J. , Yahya Atiyah
Published: October 2018

The glycerol methylene proton resonances (4–4.5 parts per million, ppm), which arise from the triglyceride backbone, are relevant to fat composition assessment and can be measured with proton MRS. The purpose of the presented work is to determine long TE (echo time) point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) and stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) values at 3 T to resolve the glycerol resonances from that of overlapping water. The response of the glycerol methylene protons of nine edible oils as a function of PRESS and STEAM TE (mixing time, TM = 20 ms) was investigated. In addition, high resolution NMR spectra of the oils were acquired at 16.5 T. Long TE values where J‐coupling losses were lowest were selected, namely a TE of 180 ms for PRESS (first echo time 17 ms) and a TE of 100 ms for STEAM (mixing time 20 ms). Oil olefinic (≈5.4 ppm) to glycerol ratios were calculated from the long TE spectra and correlated with 16.5 T ratios. The two techniques yielded olefinic/glycerol ratios that correlated with 16.5 T ratios (R2 = 0.79 for PRESS and 0.90 for STEAM). The efficacy of the sequences in resolving the glycerol resonance from that of water was verified in vivo on tibial bone marrow of four healthy volunteers. In addition, the potential for using the glycerol methylene signal normalized to the methyl signal (≈0.9 ppm) to assess changes in free fatty acid content was demonstrated by measuring differences in spectra acquired from a triglyceride peanut oil phantom and from a phantom composed of a mixture of peanut oil and free fatty acid oleic acid.
Regional metabolic differences in rat prefrontal cortex measured with in vivo 1H‐MRS correlate with regional histochemical differences
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zou Yijuan , Lei Hao
Published: October 2018

Many neurological/psychiatric disorders are associated with metabolic abnormalities in the brain observable with in vivo proton MRS (1H‐MRS). The underlying molecular/cellular mechanisms and functional correlations of such metabolic alterations, however, are yet to be understood fully. The rodent prefrontal cortex (PFC) is comprised of multiple sub‐regions with distinctive cytoarchitecture and functions, providing a good model system to study the correlations among cerebral metabolism, regional cytoarchitecture and connectivity. In this study, the metabolic profiles in two voxels containing mainly the medial PFC (mPFC) and posterior part of the cingulate cortex (pCG), respectively, were measured with single‐voxel in vivo 1H‐MRS in adult male rats. The levels of glutamine synthetase and glutamatergic synaptic proteins, including vesicular glutamate transporter 1, vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) and post‐synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), as well as the density of astrocytes, in these two regions were also compared semi‐quantitatively. It was shown that, relative to the pCG voxel, the mPFC voxel had significantly higher N‐acetyl aspartate, glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), Glx (Glu + Gln), myo‐inositol and taurine levels. The VGLUT2/PSD95 levels and astrocyte density were also higher in the mPFC voxel than in the pCG voxel. Taken together, these results indicated that regional metabolic variations in the PFC of the adult male rat may reflect regional differences in the density of astrocytes and glutamatergic terminals associated with subcortical projections. The study provided a link between the Glu concentration measured with localized in vivo 1H‐MRS and regional glutamatergic activities/connections in the rat PFC.
Intent‐based service management for heterogeneous software‐defined infrastructure domains
Authors: Davoli Gianluca , Cerroni Walter , Tomovic Slavica , Buratti Chiara , Contoli Chiara , Callegati Franco
Published: October 2018

One of the main challenges in delivering end‐to‐end service chains across multiple software‐defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) domains is to achieve unified management and orchestration functions. A very critical aspect is the definition of an open, vendor‐agnostic, and interoperable northbound interface (NBI) that should be as abstract as possible and decoupled from domain‐specific data and control plane technologies. In this paper, we propose a reference architecture and an intent‐based NBI for end‐to‐end service management across multiple technological domains. The general approach is tested in a heterogeneous OpenFlow/Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) SDN test bed, where the proposed solution is applied to a rather complex service provisioning scenario spanning three different technological domains: an IoT infrastructure deployment, a cloud‐based data collection, processing, and publishing platform, and a transport domain over a geographic network interconnecting the IoT domain and the data center hosting the cloud services.
Aging of OMMT/halogen‐antimony‐filled LGFPA6 composite: Effect on static and dynamic mechanical properties and fire behaviors
Authors: Zuo Xiaoling , Song Haishuo , Shao Huiju , Wei Tao , Guo Jianbing
Published: October 2018

The static and dynamic mechanical properties and fire behaviors for long‐glass‐fiber reinforced polyamide 6 composite filled with organo‐modified montmorillonite/brominated epoxy resins/antimony trioxide (OMMT/FR/LGFPA6) have been investigated by comparison with the formulation without OMMT (FR/LGFPA6), being dealt with accelerated aging condition. Relative to the unaged composites, both aged composites presented the improved static mechanical properties after 10‐day aging, the increased degree of cross‐linking in the amorphous region, and the increased LOI value as well as maintained the optimal UL‐94 rating. However, after a long‐time aging exposure, the aged FR/LGFPA6 composite was more flammable and its mechanical properties were more severely impacted by aging. Remarkably, substitution of a certain content of halogen‐antimony flame retardants with OMMT not only slowed down the rate of degradation but also weakened the flammability for FR/LGFPA6 composite over the whole period of aging. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2208–2218, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Does cue processing modulate inhibition of return in a detection task?
Authors: Zhou Bin , Yang Taoxi , Bao Yan
Published: October 2018

While the abrupt onset of a peripheral visual cue usually leads to speeded responses to following targets at the cued relative to other positions, responses are slowed if targets lag behind the cue by more than ~200 ms. This response delay is termedinhibition of return(IOR) and has been considered as a mechanism to orient behavior toward novel areas. IOR has been found in both detection and discrimination tasks with later onset in discrimination tasks, probably due to a higher processing demand. Here we examined whether the processing demand of cues can modulate IOR in the detection task. The task to the peripheral cues, either color or gap cues, was passive viewing in one session (single task) and discrimination in another session (dual task). The results showed that the time course of IOR was resistant to the cue processing, while the magnitude of IOR was increased when the processing load became larger in the dual task relative to the single task. These results indicate that IOR in target detection is both reflexive in that its temporal dynamics remain invariant, and flexible in that its magnitude is modulated by task requirement.
Inflation of type I error rates due to differential misclassification in EHR‐derived outcomes: Empirical illustration using breast cancer recurrence
Authors: Chen Yong , Wang Jianqiao , Chubak Jessica , Hubbard Rebecca A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Many outcomes derived from electronic health records (EHR) not only are imperfect but also may suffer from exposure‐dependent differential misclassification due to variability in the quality and availability of EHR data across exposure groups. The objective of this study was to quantify the inflation of type I error rates that can result from differential outcome misclassification.

Methods

We used data on gold‐standard and EHR‐derived second breast cancers in a cohort of women with a prior breast cancer diagnosis from 1993 to 2006 enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Washington. We simulated an exposure that was independent of the true outcome status. A surrogate outcome was then simulated with varying sensitivity and specificity according to exposure status. We estimated the type I error rate for a test of association relating this exposure to the surrogate outcome, while varying outcome sensitivity and specificity in exposed individuals.

Results

Type I error rates were substantially inflated above the nominal level (5%) for even modest departures from nondifferential misclassification. Holding sensitivity in exposed and unexposed groups at 85%, a difference in specificity of 10% between the exposed and unexposed (80% vs 90%) resulted in a 36% type I error rate. Type I error was inflated more by differential specificity than sensitivity.

Conclusions

Differential outcome misclassification may induce spurious findings. Researchers using EHR‐derived outcomes should use misclassification‐adjusted methods whenever possible or conduct sensitivity analyses to investigate the possibility of false‐positive findings, especially for exposures that may be related to the accuracy of outcome ascertainment.
Electrochemical Properties of Chemically Treated Polyvinylchloride‐Based Heterogeneous Cation‐Exchange Membrane
Authors: Khoiruddin K. , Ariono D. , Subagjo S. , Wenten I.G.
Published: October 2018

Chemical treatment is a facile method for improving electrochemical properties of a heterogeneous ion‐exchange membrane. In this work, polyvinylchloride (PVC)‐based heterogeneous cation‐exchange membrane is prepared by a dry–wet phase inversion process. The membrane is treated with a sulfuric acid solution in a room and a high temperature (80 °C). Effects of the treatment procedure and hydrophilic additive on membrane electrochemical properties are investigated. Chemically treated PVC and PVC/additive heterogeneous cation‐exchange membranes show a change in membrane electrochemical properties in terms of water uptake (Wu), conductivity, ion‐exchange capacity (IEC), and permselectivity (Ps). In general, Wu and conductivity increase after the chemical treatment. Significant improvement is observed when a high temperature is used. Meanwhile, the conductivity is more pronounced for PVC/additive membranes. The improvement may be associated with an increase in hydrophilicity. A significant increase in IEC is also observed for modified PVC/additive membrane. This may be associated with the removal or leaching of the additive during the treatment which in turn increases the portion of ion‐exchange resins in the membrane. Most of the modified membranes show a decrease in Ps. It may be due to a decrease in the effectiveness of Donnan effect indicated by Donnan equilibrium constant (K+). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E219–E226, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Transcriptomic analysis of sweet potato under dehydration stress identifies candidate genes for drought tolerance
Authors: Lau Kin H. , del Rosario Herrera María , Crisovan Emily , Wu Shan , Fei Zhangjun , Khan Muhammad Awais , Buell Carol Robin , Gemenet Dorcus C.
Published: October 2018

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) is an important subsistence crop in Sub‐Saharan Africa, yet as for many crops, yield can be severely impacted by drought stress. Understanding the genetic mechanisms that control drought tolerance can facilitate the development of drought‐tolerant sweet potato cultivars. Here, we report an expression profiling study using the US‐bred cultivar, Beauregard, and a Ugandan landrace, Tanzania, treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to simulate drought and sampled at 24 and 48 hr after stress. At each time‐point, between 4,000 to 6,000 genes in leaf tissue were differentially expressed in each cultivar. Approximately half of these differentially expressed genes were common between the two cultivars and were enriched for Gene Ontology terms associated with drought response. Three hundred orthologs of drought tolerance genes reported in model species were identified in the Ipomoea trifida reference genome, of which 122 were differentially expressed under at least one experimental condition, constituting a list of drought tolerance candidate genes. A subset of genes was differentially regulated between Beauregard and Tanzania, representing genotype‐specific responses to drought stress. The data analyzed and reported here provide a resource for geneticists and breeders toward identifying and utilizing drought tolerance genes in sweet potato.
Ultrafast phosphazene‐promoted controlled anionic polymerization of styrenic monomers
Authors: Ntetsikas Konstantinos , Polymeropoulos George , Zapsas George , Bilalis Panayiotis , Gnanou Yves , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: October 2018

The anionic polymerization of styrenic monomers with phosphazene bases as promoters, utilizing “seeding” technique in a nonpolar solvent and at room temperature was studied. In all experiments, the phosphazene base (t‐BuP4, t‐BuP2, and t‐BuP1) was added in an equimolar amount to the organolithium initiator after the formation of oligomers (2 min) by conventional anionic polymerization. When t‐BuP4 was used, the polymerization of styrene and 4‐methylstyrene was extremely fast (100 % conversion within 5 min) and the final homopolymers exhibited narrow molecular weight distribution and controlled molecular characteristics. Likewise, when weaker bases were employed, the polymerization was also controlled but showing slower reaction rate. To examine the “livingness” of this system, block copolymers were synthesized by sequential monomer addition. Further studies were conducted in order to extend this novel method to the anionic polymerization of dienes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 456–464
Spirocyclic bisphenoxides of Ge, Zr, and Sn as catalysts for ring‐expansion polymerizations of l‐ and meso‐lactide
Authors: Weidner Steffen M. , Kricheldorf Hans R.
Published: October 2018

Spirocyclic phenoxides of germanium, zirconium, and tin were prepared from 2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl and 2,2′‐dihydroxy‐1,1′‐binaphthyl. Ring‐expansion polymerizations of l‐lactide are mainly studied at 160 or 180 °C. The reactivity of the catalysts increases in the order: Zr < Ge < Sn. Regardless of catalyst, the weight‐average molecular weights (Mw) never exceed 50,000 g mol−1. The resulting poly(l‐lactide)s are optically pure and have a cyclic architecture. Decreasing temperature and time favor formation of even‐numbered cycles, and at 102° cyclics, almost free of odd‐numbered rings are obtained. Analogous polymerizations of meso‐lactide give similar results >120 °C, but different results at 100 or 80 °C. Surprisingly, bell‐shaped narrow molecular weight distributions are obtained <140 °C, resembling the pattern of living polymerizations found for alcohol‐initiated polymerizations. An unusual transesterification mechanism yielding narrow distributions of odd‐numbered cycles is discovered too. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2730–2738
Practical Colorimetry of 3‐Nitro‐1,2,4‐Triazol‐5‐One
Authors: Tennant Mat , Chew Siao Chien , Krämer Tobias , Mai Nathalie , McAteer Daniel , Pons Jean‐François
Published: October 2018

A field ready colorimetric method of quantifying the concentration of aqueous 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one (NTO), several orders of magnitude below its environmental toxicity level, has been developed. The test allows for the immediate evaluation of the level of contamination in aqueous solution without the need for analytical equipment such as high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The observed colours have been explained by the different NTO species present over the range of pH; these observations are supported by modelling and experimental results.
Development of golden hamster embryos effectively produced by injection of sperm heads sonicated in Tris‐HCl buffer with EGTA
Authors: Morishita Nami , Ochi Masanori , Horiuchi Toshitaka
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To investigate the effects of sperm treatment medium—TCM199 or EGTA in Tris‐HCl buffer (TBS + EGTA)―for sonication of frozen‐thawed hamster spermatozoa in terms of sperm chromosome integrity and development of hamster oocytes injected with the sperm heads (ICSI).

Methods

Frozen‐thawed hamster spermatozoa were separated into heads and tails by sonication in TCM199 or TBS + EGTA. Sperm heads were injected into mouse oocytes to assess hamster sperm chromosomes. We further compared the development of hamster ICSI embryos produced by injecting sonicated sperm heads in TCM199 vs TBS + EGTA.

Results

Sperm chromosome integrity was greater following sonication of frozen‐thawed hamster spermatozoa in TBS + EGTA than in TCM199 (89.7% vs 69.0%). Embryonic development was improved following hamster oocyte injection with sperm heads sonicated in TBS + EGTA compared to in TCM199 (8‐cell: 84.1% vs 65.4%; morula: 78.4% vs 43.2%; blastocyst: 42.0% vs 17.3%). Gene expression of zygotic genome activation in 2‐cell embryos was significantly higher with TBS + EGTA than with TCM199. We transferred 43 morulae/blastocysts from the TBS + EGTA group to foster mothers, and 4 (9.3%) developed into live offspring.

Conclusion

These results showed that the rapid injection of hamster sperm heads separated by sonication in TBS + EGTA effectively produced more ICSI embryos during a short time.
Structure‐Modulated Complexation of Actinides with Phosphonates: A Combined Experimental and Quantum Chemical Investigation
Authors: Chandrasekar Aditi , Rao C. V. S. Brahmmananda , Sundararajan Mahesh , Ghanty Tapan K. , Nagarajan Sivaraman
Published: October 2018

Phosphonates have shown promising specificity and remarkable extractability towards actinide elements. Among all the organophosphorous compounds, phosphonates have the dual advantage of simplicity in preparation coupled with the flexibility to tailor‐make their carbon chain structure. In the present work the relationship between structure and metal binding affinity of phosphonates has been examined both experimentally and quantum mechanically. Symmetrical Diisobutylisobutyl, Diisoamylisoamyl and unsymmetrical Diisoamylhexyl and Diisoamylbutyl branched phosphonates were synthesised and characterised by NMR and GC‐MS. These ligands were used to bind Th(IV), U(VI), Pu(IV) and Am(III) at the liquid‐liquid interface. The ligands also were examined for their physicochemical properties of density, viscosity, aqueous solubility and dielectric constant which are significantly affected by changes in the alkyl chain structure. A combination of physico‐chemical parameters, as well as the structure modulated chemical nature of the extractants, cause variations in the distribution ratios towards metal ions. These effects have been probed in detail using Th(IV), U(VI), Pu(IV) and Am(III) ion extractions and found to correlate with the carbon chain length of the organic groups on the phosphoryl centre. Further, density functional theory was employed to understand the electronic structure of the extractants and metal complexes. The computed complexation energies in the formation of metal‐ligand complexes compared well with the trends observed in the experiments. Both experiment and quantum chemistry emphasizes the importance of the carbon chain structure on the actinide binding ability of phosphonate ligands.
Heterogeneous Electrocatalysts for Efficient Water Oxidation Derived from Metal Phthalocyanine
Authors: Joya Khurram Saleem , Ul Ain Babar Noor , Gilani Syeda Robina , Yasmeen Farhat , Sarfaraz Muhammad , Ikram Sehrish , Colak Süleyman Gökhan , Ocakoglu Kasim , Ince Mine
Published: October 2018

Designing an efficient electrocatalytic system for water splitting with high stability using low‐cost materials and simple methods is highly demanded for application in chemical energy conversion. Here, we show active water oxidation catalysis using surface immobilized Co and Ni‐based heterogeneous electrocatalytic assemblages, by the conversion of molecular precursors into more efficient heterogeneous phase electrocatalysts. The inorganic nanostructured electrocatalysts are developed by simple low‐temperature surface spraying from homogeneous CoPc and NiPc solutions following short time heat treatment at 350°C and 500°C. On NiOx and CoOx based electrocatalysts (CoOx500@FTO, NiOx350@FTO) derived from CoPc and NiPc molecular precursors, oxygen evolution initiates at 1.54 V (vs. RHE) [η=310 mV] and 1.55 V (vs. RHE) [η=320 mV], respectively. The electrocatalysts also show good stability during repetitive potential scans under alkaline conditions. Each of catalyst under study produces remarkable current densities just at an overpotential of η=0.45 V during long‐term water electrolysis experiments conducted for 12 hours. It illustrates the high stability of as‐deposited catalyst under harsh oxidative conditions. This unique slant provides a simplistic way for transformation of molecular catalyst into nanoscale catalyst using a much lower amount of molecular precursor.