bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Histidine‐Containing Oligopeptides via Histidine‐Promoted Peptide Ligation
Authors: Huang Kai‐Jin , Huang Yi‐Chen , Lin Yuya A.
Published: January 2018

Histidine‐containing peptides are valuable therapeutic agents for a treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the synthesis of histidine‐containing peptides is not trivial due to the potential of imidazole sidechain of histidine to act as a nucleophile if unprotected. A peptide ligation method utilizing the imidazole sidechain of histidine has been developed. The key imidazolate intermediate that acts as an internal acyl transfer catalyst during ligation is generated by deprotonation. Transesterification with amino acids or peptides tethered with C‐terminal thioester followed by N→N acyl shifts led to the final ligated products. A range of histidine‐containing dipeptides could be synthesized in moderate to good yields via this method without protecting the imidazole sidechain. The protocol was further extended to tripeptide synthesis via a long‐range N→N acyl transfer, and tetrapeptide synthesis.
NPTX1 inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation through down‐regulating cyclin A2 and CDK2 expression
Authors: Peng Xiaofeng , Pan Kangming , Zhao Wenli , Zhang Jianzhu , Yuan Shicheng , Wen Xiang , Zhou Wenquan , Yu Zhijin
Published: January 2018

Colon cancer is the third most common malignancy and one of the leading causes of cancer‐associated mortality worldwide. Neuronal pentraxin 1 (NPTX1) is associated with tumor progression in some types of tumors. However, its expression and role in colon cancer has not been yet reported. Here we observed that NPTX1 was down‐regulated in colon cancer. Additionally, we explored the functional significance of NPTX1 in colon cancer. We found that over‐expression of NPTX1 inhibited colon cancer cell growth by performing MTT, colony formation, Edu corporation assays, and cell cycle analysis. In vivo mouse experiments also confirmed the anti‐proliferative role of NPTX1 in colon cancer. Further mechanistic study showed that over‐expression of NPTX1 inhibited the expression of cyclin A2 and CDK2 in colon cancer cells, thereby regulating the Rb‐E2F signaling. In summary, these findings reveal that NPTX1 suppress the colon cancer cell growth and might serve as a useful potential target for treatment of colon cancer.
Versatile Modes of Cooperative B−H Bond Activation Reactions in Ruthenium‐Carbene Complexes: Addition, Ring‐Opening and Insertion
Authors: Scharf Lennart T. , Weismann Julia , Feichtner Kai‐Stephan , Lindl Felix , Gessner Viktoria H.
Published: January 2018

Cooperative B−H bond activation reactions with thio‐ and iminophosphoryl tethered ruthenium‐carbene complexes are reported. The complexes show surprisingly different reactivities towards the commonly employed boranes CatBH, PinBH and BH3⋅LB as a result of different modes of metal–ligand cooperation. Although the iminophosphoryl system allows for selective 1,2‐addition of the B−H bond across the Ru=C double bond, the sulfur analogue only delivers the 1,2‐addition product for CatBH, whereas activation of BH3 and PinBH lead to further insertion reactions in one or more sides of the Ru‐C‐P‐S‐ring. The different reactivities can be explained by the differences in the electronics of the carbene complexes and the phosphoryl tether and by the Lewis acidities of the boranes. DFT calculations show that the mechanism of the reactions either proceeds by an addition across the Ru=C bond with different regioselectivities or across the Ru−S linkage.
Targeting the BCL2 Gene Promoter G‐Quadruplex with a New Class of Furopyridazinone‐Based Molecules
Authors: Amato Jussara , Pagano Alessia , Capasso Domenica , Di Gaetano Sonia , Giustiniano Mariateresa , Novellino Ettore , Randazzo Antonio , Pagano Bruno
Published: January 2018

Targeting of G‐quadruplex‐forming DNA in the BCL2 gene promoter to inhibit the expression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein is an attractive approach to cancer treatment. So far, efforts made in the discovery of molecules that are able to target the BCL2 G‐quadruplex have succeeded mainly in the identification of ligands with poor drug‐like properties. Here, a small series of furo[2,3‐d]pyridazin‐4(5H)‐one derivatives were evaluated as a new class of drug‐like G‐quadruplex‐targeting compounds. Biophysical studies showed that two derivatives could effectively bind to BCL2 G‐quadruplex with good selectivity. Moreover, one such ligand was found to appreciably inhibit BCL2 gene transcription, with a substantial decrease in protein expression levels, and also showed significant cytotoxicity toward the Jurkat human T‐lymphoblastoid cell line.
Maximizing the GPU resource usage by reordering concurrent kernels submission
Authors: Cruz Rommel A.Q. , Bentes Cristiana , Breder Bernardo , Vasconcellos Eduardo , Clua Esteban , de Carvalho Pablo M.C. , Drummond Lúcia M.A.
Published: January 2018

The increasing amount of resources available on current GPUs sparked new interest in the problem of sharing its resources by different kernels. While new generations of GPUs support concurrent kernel execution, their scheduling decisions are taken by the hardware at runtime. The hardware decisions, however, heavily depend on the order at which the kernels are submitted to execution. In this work, we propose a novel optimization approach to reorder the kernels invocation focusing on maximizing the resources utilization, improving the average turnaround time. We model the kernel assignments to the hardware resources as a series of knapsack problems and use a dynamic programming approach to solve them. We evaluate our method using kernels with different sizes and resource requirements. Our results show significant gains in the average turnaround time and system throughput compared to the kernels submission implemented in modern GPUs.
A Pdgf‐cCreERT2 knock‐in mouse model for tracing PDGF‐C cell lineages during development
Authors: Wu Xiaoli , Liu Wenjun , Ding Hao
Published: January 2018

PDGF‐C, a member of the platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) family, plays important roles in the development of craniofacial structures, the neural system, the vascular system, and tumors. PDGF‐C could also be required for the regulation of certain types of stem or progenitor cells as suggested by its expression in the regions where these cells are located. To further characterize the role of PDGF‐C in development, we generated a Pdgf‐cCreERT2 mouse strain, in which a tamoxifen‐inducible Cre (CreERT2) cDNA was specifically targeted into the Pdgf‐c genomic locus and controlled by the endogenous Pdgf‐c regulatory elements. We also showed that Cre activity in this mouse strain could be specifically induced by tamoxifen, which allowed the fate of PDGF‐C‐expressing cells to be traced at various stages of development. Using this model system, we demonstrated for the first time that PDGF‐C‐expressing cells could be multipotent, generating multiple cell lineages required for the formation of the cerebellum. Therefore, the Pdgf‐cCreERT2 mouse strain generated in this study will be a valuable transgenic tool for exploring the function of PDGF‐C in development and stem cell biology.
Economic evaluation of cognitive behavioral therapy and Internet‐based guided self‐help for binge‐eating disorder
Authors: König Hans‐Helmut , Bleibler Florian , Friederich Hans‐Christoph , Herpertz Stephan , Lam Tony , Mayr Andreas , Schmidt Frauke , Svaldi Jennifer , Zipfel Stephan , Brettschneider Christian , Hilbert Anja , de Zwaan Martina , Egger Nina
Published: January 2018

Objective

To determine the cost‐effectiveness of individual face‐to‐face cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) compared to therapist guided Internet‐based self‐help (GSH‐I) in overweight or obese adults with binge‐eating disorder (BED).

Method

Analysis was conducted alongside the multicenter randomized controlled INTERBED trial. CBT (n = 76) consisted of up to 20 individual therapy sessions over 4 months. GSH‐I (n = 71) consisted of 11 modules combining behavioral interventions, exercises including a self‐monitoring food diary, psychoeducation, and 2 face‐to‐face coaching sessions over 4 months. Assessments at baseline, after 4 months (post‐treatment), as well as 6 and 18 months after the end of treatment included health care utilization and sick leave days to calculate direct and indirect costs. Binge‐free days (BFD) were calculated as effect measure based on the German version of the Eating Disorder Examination. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was determined, and net benefit regressions, adjusted for comorbidities and baseline differences, were used to derive cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves.

Results

After controlling for baseline differences, CBT was associated with non‐significantly more costs (+€2,539) and BFDs (+40.1) compared with GSH‐I during the 22‐month observation period, resulting in an adjusted ICER of €63 per additional BFD. CBTs probability of being cost‐effective increased above 80% only if societal willingness to pay (WTP) was ≥€250 per BFD.

Discussion

We did not find clear evidence for one of the treatments being more cost‐effective. CBT tends to be more effective but also more costly. If the societal WTP for an additional BFD is low, then our results suggest that GSH‐I should rather be adopted.
Community‐level plant–soil feedbacks explain landscape distribution of native and non‐native plants
Authors: Kulmatiski Andrew
Published: January 2018

Plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) have gained attention for their potential role in explaining plant growth and invasion. While promising, most PSF research has measured plant monoculture growth on different soils in short‐term, greenhouse experiments. Here, five soil types were conditioned by growing one native species, three non‐native species, or a mixed plant community in different plots in a common‐garden experiment. After 4 years, plants were removed and one native and one non‐native plant community were planted into replicate plots of each soil type. After three additional years, the percentage cover of each of the three target species in each community was measured. These data were used to parameterize a plant community growth model. Model predictions were compared to native and non‐native abundance on the landscape. Native community cover was lowest on soil conditioned by the dominant non‐native, Centaurea diffusa, and non‐native community cover was lowest on soil cultivated by the dominant native, Pseudoroegneria spicata. Consistent with plant growth on the landscape, the plant growth model predicted that the positive PSFs observed in the common‐garden experiment would result in two distinct communities on the landscape: a native plant community on native soils and a non‐native plant community on non‐native soils. In contrast, when PSF effects were removed, the model predicted that non‐native plants would dominate all soils, which was not consistent with plant growth on the landscape. Results provide an example where PSF effects were large enough to change the rank‐order abundance of native and non‐native plant communities and to explain plant distributions on the landscape. The positive PSFs that contributed to this effect reflected the ability of the two dominant plant species to suppress each other's growth. Results suggest that plant dominance, at least in this system, reflects the ability of a species to suppress the growth of dominant competitors through soil‐mediated effects.
The effect of diuresis on extravascular lung water and pulmonary function in acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Chase Steven C. , Fermoyle Caitlin C. , Wheatley Courtney M. , Schaefer Jacob J. , Olson Lyle J. , Johnson Bruce D.
Published: January 2018

Aims

The effect of extravascular lung water (EVLW) and relationship to functional status as a result of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) are not well understood. We sought to quantify changes in clinical variables, EVLW, airway anatomy, spirometry, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide before and after treatment for ADHF.

Methods and results

Fifteen patients were recruited within 24 h of hospital admission. Spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, and surrogates of EVLW by computed tomography were measured and were then repeated within 24 h of discharge. From the computed tomography (CT) scan, surrogates of EVLW were calculated from the distribution of CT attenuation of the lung tissue. Airways were segmented using the VIDA Apollo software. Patients were hospitalized for 4.6 ± 2.1 days, had 10 ± 4.8 L of fluid removed (7.0 ± 4.2 L between study visits), and lost 7.1 ± 4.9 kg. Patients had significant clearance of fluid from the lungs (per cent change: mean, 4.2 ± 6.1%; skew, 17.5 ± 27.0%; kurtosis, 37.6 ± 56.7%; full‐width half‐maximum, 10.2 ± 13.5%). Static lung volumes and maximal flows improved significantly (per cent change: forced vital capacity, 14.5 ± 13.6%; forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 15.9 ± 14.0%; forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity, 27.2 ± 42.9%). The ratio of membrane conductance to capillary blood volume improved significantly (per cent change: alveolar–capillary membrane conductance/capillary blood volume, 23.4 ± 22.8%). Weight loss during hospitalization was significantly correlated with improved spirometry and diffusing capacity.

Conclusions

Extravascular lung water contributes to the pulmonary congestive syndrome in ADHF patients, and its clearance is an important component of the improvement in pulmonary function as a result of inpatient treatment.
Rational Design of a Metallocatalytic Cavitand for Regioselective Hydration of Specific Alkynes
Authors: Endo Naoki , Inoue Mami , Iwasawa Tetsuo
Published: January 2018

The synthesis of a functionalized supramolecular cavitand with inwardly oriented AuI and P=O moieties was explored, including its catalytic proclivity in the selective hydration of internal alkynes. The cavitand works as a supramolecular flask device: AuI coordinates to the triple bond, the P=O moiety connects with a H2O molecule, and the cavity favors folding of a single alkynyl side chain. Several tests of different substrate patterns indicated that the cavity was substrate specific, similar to enzymatic catalysis.
Rhamnolipid as new bio‐agent for cleaning of ultrafiltration membrane fouled by whey
Authors: Aghajani Mehdi , Rahimpour Ahmad , Amani Hossein , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: January 2018

In this work, rhamnolipid biosurfactant as an eco‐friendly and biodegradable cleaning agent was produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and was used to evaluate the chemical cleaning efficiency of whey fouled ultrafiltration membranes. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful synthesis of rhamnolipid. The produced rhamnolipid was compared to chemical cleaners including sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Tween 20. Ultrafiltration membranes used for fouling and cleaning analysis were prepared using phase inversion via immersion precipitation technique. For studying the fouling mechanisms, Hermia's model adapted to cross‐flow was used. From the fouling mechanism experiments, it was found that the complete blocking and cake formation were the dominant fouling mechanisms. The highest values of cleaning efficiency were achieved using rhamnolipid and NaOH as cleaning agents with the flux recovery of 100%, but with considering the low concentration of the rhamnolipid used in the cleaning solution compared to NaOH (0.3 versus 4 g/L for NaOH), its application is preferred.
Using activity schedules to promote varied application use in children with autism
Authors: Brodhead Matthew T. , Courtney William Timothy , Thaxton Jackie R.
Published: January 2018

We evaluated the effects of an activity schedule embedded within an iPad on varied play across applications. After establishing a pattern of repetitive gameplay, we taught three children with autism to follow the activity schedule using physical guidance. All participants increased their varied play to four applications per session and demonstrated independent and accurate activity schedule usage. The activity schedule was removed, and responding decreased to baseline levels, demonstrating the activity schedule's control over varied responding. The activity schedule was reintroduced and participant responding maintained when engaging with novel applications.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Blue‐Chip Benchmark
Authors: Oxner Karen M. , Oxner Thomas H.
Published: January 2018

Since accounting for defined benefit pension plans involves many estimates, having benchmark information is important to financial statement preparers, as well as to their auditors and actuaries. This article provides an overview of defined benefit pension plans for the 20 companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) who have such retirement plans for the 2016 reporting period. A brief description of pension accounting rules is provided, and then analysis of selected components of pension expense for these 20 companies is presented, including expected return on pension plan assets, actual return, and the pension discount rate. Actual returns are compared to expected returns for the most recent six‐year period to determine if expected returns are realistic. The discount rate is compared to projections of long‐term interest rates for reasonableness. Finally, the funded status of the defined benefit pension plans is examined and shows that all but three firms in the sample are underfunded. The possibility for interested parties to use these findings for benchmarking other pension plans are explored in the article. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do SST gradients drive the monthly climatological surface wind convergence over the tropical Atlantic?
Authors: Diakhaté Moussa , Lazar Alban , de Coëtlogon Gaëlle , Gaye Amadou T.
Published: January 2018

This article presents a climatological study of the tropical Atlantic surface wind convergence, one of the main drivers of the marine intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) precipitations, including coastal northeastern Brazilian and West African rainfalls. Climatological monthly mean surface wind convergence budget, as well as that of their month‐to‐month variations, is analysed over the 2000–2009 decade, using ocean–atmosphere reanalyses and satellite‐derived data sets. Sea surface temperature (SST) influence is particularly investigated via comparison of its Laplacian with that of sea level pressure. Results for monthly means reveal that the Lindzen‐Nigam paradigm does hold in regions of deep convection but only on their flanks. In deep convection regions, the budget analysis suggests the entrainment due to elevated heating by cumulus convection as the leading term. Elsewhere, over the ‘open ocean ITCZ’ meridional flanks, as well as over the ‘coastal one’ (Gulf of Guinea and northeastern Brazilian coasts), the pressure contribution is positive and largely dominated by its component below the boundary layer closely related to the SST. Horizontal advection is also found important over these areas, but with the pressure as the first‐order driver. Otherwise, month‐to‐month variations of ITCZ are controlled by the geostrophy within the pressure contribution tightly dominated by the free tropospheric component.
Online 1H‐MRS measurements of time‐varying lactate production in an animal model of glioma during administration of an anti‐tumoral drug
Authors: Crémillieux Yannick , Salvati Roberto , Dumont Ursule , Pinaud Noël , Bouchaud Véronique , Sanchez Stéphane , Glöggler Stefan , Wong Alan
Published: January 2018

The aims of this study were to implement a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) protocol for the online profiling of subnanomolar quantities of metabolites sampled from the extracellular fluid using implanted microdialysis and to apply this protocol in glioma‐bearing rats for the quantification of lactate concentration and the measurement of time‐varying lactate concentration during drug administration. MRS acquisitions on the brain microdialysate were performed using a home‐built, proton‐tuned, microsolenoid with an active volume of 2 μL. The microcoil was placed at the outlet of the microdialysis probe inside a preclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. C6‐bearing rats were implanted with microdialysis probes perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid solution and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibitor oxamate. Microcoil magnetic resonance spectra were continuously updated using a single‐pulse sequence. Localized in vivo spectra and high‐resolution spectra on the dialysate were also acquired. The limit of detection and limit of quantification per unit time of the lactate methyl peak were determined as 0.37 nmol/√min and 1.23 nmol/√min, respectively. Signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) of the lactate methyl peak above 120 were obtained from brain tumor microdialysate in an acquisition time of 4 min. On average, the lactate methyl peak amplitude measured in vivo using the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) microcoil was 193 ± 46% higher in tumor dialysate relative to healthy brain dialysate. A similar ratio was obtained from high‐resolution NMR spectra performed on the collected dialysate. Following oxamate addition in the perfusate, a monotonic decrease in the lactate peaks was observed in all animals with an average time constant of 4.6 min. In the absence of overlapping NMR peaks, robust profiling of extracellular lactate can be obtained online using a dedicated sensitive NMR microcoil. MRS measurements of the dynamic changes in lactate production induced by anti‐tumoral drugs can be assessed accurately with temporal resolutions on the order of minutes. The MRS protocol can be readily transferred to the clinical environment with the use of suitable clinical microdialysis probes.
Cerebellar activation during a motor task in conversion disorder with motor paralysis: A case report and fMRI study
Authors: Shimada Takamitsu , Ohi Kazutaka , Yasuyama Toshiki , Uehara Takashi , Kawasaki Yasuhiro
Published: January 2018

Background

Motor conversion disorders are characterized by movement symptoms without a neurological cause. A psychogenic etiology is presumed for these disorders, but little is known about their underlying neural mechanisms. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been utilized to understand the mechanisms associated with unexplained motor symptoms. Here, we used fMRI to investigate the cerebral response to motor stimulation in a patient with conversion disorder with motor paralysis to determine the underlying neural mechanisms of this disorder.

Methods

Brain activation induced by movements of the bilateral ankle joints (repeated plantar flexion and dorsiflexion) was recorded using fMRI in a patient with conversion disorder with unexplained motor paralysis. We acquired 2 types of imaging data: (i) data obtained while motor paralysis remained present and (ii) data obtained after motor paralysis had completely improved. We used a within‐subject fMRI block design to compare the patient's brain activities during the motor task and at rest.

Results

Cerebral motor areas were significantly activated during the motor task relative to at rest, both when motor paralysis remained present and when paralysis had improved (FWE‐corrected P < .05), although there was greater activation in motor areas when motor paralysis had improved than when motor paralysis remained. Notably, activation in the cerebellum posterior lobe during the motor task when motor paralysis remained (FWE‐corrected P < .05) disappeared after motor paralysis had completely improved.

Conclusions

The cerebellum is a region that is closely associated with voluntary motion. We suggest that complementary abnormal function in the cerebellum might be associated with the neural basis of conversion disorder with motor paralysis.
Mixed ductal‐lobular carcinomas: evidence for progression from ductal to lobular morphology
Authors: McCart Reed Amy E , Kutasovic Jamie R , Nones Katia , Saunus Jodi M , Da Silva Leonard , Newell Felicity , Kazakoff Stephen , Melville Lewis , Jayanthan Janani , Vargas Ana Cristina , Reid Lynne E , Beesley Jonathan , Chen Xiao Qing , Patch Anne-Marie , Clouston David , Porter Alan , Evans Elizabeth , Pearson John V , Chenevix‐Trench Georgia , Cummings Margaret C , Waddell Nicola , Lakhani Sunil R , Simpson Peter T
Published: January 2018

Mixed ductal–lobular carcinomas (MDLs) show both ductal and lobular morphology, and constitute an archetypal example of intratumoural morphological heterogeneity. The mechanisms underlying the coexistence of these different morphological entities are poorly understood, although theories include that these components either represent ‘collision’ of independent tumours or evolve from a common ancestor. We performed comprehensive clinicopathological analysis of a cohort of 82 MDLs, and found that: (1) MDLs more frequently coexist with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) than with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS); (2) the E‐cadherin–catenin complex was normal in the ductal component in 77.6% of tumours; and (3) in the lobular component, E‐cadherin was almost always aberrantly located in the cytoplasm, in contrast to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), where E‐cadherin is typically absent. Comparative genomic hybridization and multiregion whole exome sequencing of four representative cases revealed that all morphologically distinct components within an individual case were clonally related. The mutations identified varied between cases; those associated with a common clonal ancestry included BRCA2, TBX3, and TP53, whereas those associated with clonal divergence included CDH1 and ESR1. Together, these data support a model in which separate morphological components of MDLs arise from a common ancestor, and lobular morphology can arise via a ductal pathway of tumour progression. In MDLs that present with LCIS and DCIS, the clonal divergence probably occurs early, and is frequently associated with complete loss of E‐cadherin expression, as in ILC, whereas, in the majority of MDLs, which present with DCIS but not LCIS, direct clonal divergence from the ductal to the lobular phenotype occurs late in tumour evolution, and is associated with aberrant expression of E‐cadherin. The mechanisms driving the phenotypic change may involve E‐cadherin–catenin complex deregulation, but are yet to be fully elucidated, as there is significant intertumoural heterogeneity, and each case may have a unique molecular mechanism. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Tailoring the properties of a polymer nanocomposite with a magnetic field
Authors: Abdalla Ahmed M. , Sahu Rakesh P. , Puri Ishwar K.
Published: January 2018

The properties of nanocomposites can be tailored by organizing nanoparticles within the polymer matrix, that is, for potential aerospace, automobile, and infrastructure applications. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes are coated with nickel to produce hybrid Ni‐MWNT nanoparticles. These magnetized nanoparticles are introduced into an epoxy matrix at a relatively low 0.25%–1% volume fraction and oriented along particular directions with an external magnetic field . Changing this alignment makes it possible to tailor the properties of the resulting composite material, that is, its tensile strength, microscopic elastic modulus, and electrical resistivity. The alignment imparts anisotropic properties to the bulk material, but when the nanoparticles are aligned in perpendicular directions in two sequential layers, this coupled orientation produces an overall isotropic composite material. The tensile strength of a nanocomposite containing 0.25 vol% of aligned Ni‐MWNT nanoparticles is ∼9% higher than of pure epoxy. Its AC electrical resistivity along the alignment direction is reduced by ∼20% in comparison with an epoxy composite containing a similar volume fraction of randomly dispersed nanoparticles. These outcomes reveal that, even at a relatively low nanoparticle volume fraction, the alignment of Ni‐MWNTs in epoxy with an external magnetic field induces property anisotropy, which can be tuned through multidirectional alignment. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:779–788, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of loading conditions on the nanoindentation creep behavior of nafion 117 membranes
Authors: Xia Re , Zhou Hongjian , Zhang Zhennan , Wu Runni , Wu Wen‐Ping
Published: January 2018

In this work, nanoindentation tests on Nafion 117 membranes are conducted under three different sets of loading conditions. The effects of loading/unloading rate, peak load and holding period on the mechanical responses of membranes are analyzed, respectively. The results demonstrate that the creep deformation as well as the modulus and hardness depend on these loading conditions, and appropriately fast loading/unloading rate, long enough holding time, relatively low peak load are essential to minimize the creep effect on the nanoindentation results. By analyzing the variation tendency of reduced modulus and hardness, the optimized loading/unloading rate, holding time and the peak load are >10 μN/s, longer than 20 s and 100 μN for dry Nafion 117. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2071–2077, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication of a Paper‐Based Turn‐Off Fluorescence Sensor for Cu2+Ion from a Pyridinium Porphyrin
Authors: Prabphal Jutamat , Vilaivan Tirayut , Praneenararat Thanit
Published: January 2018

A cationic porphyrin, 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(1‐methyl‐4‐pyridinio)porphyrin tetraiodide (TMPyP) was reported herein to exert selective, turn‐off fluorescence when complexed with Cu2+ion. Although discernible spectroscopic changes of charged porphyrins with various metal ions were previously utilized as colorimetric sensors, the application of fluorescence quenching of charged porphyrins with Cu2+ion has never been investigated in much detail before. Coupled with the ease of synthesis, the finding led to a construction of a simple paper‐based sensor for Cu2+with good selectivity and sensitivity, with a limit of detection at 0.16 ppm, which is below the recommended amount in drinking water. Notably, this performance could be achieved with the need of only a handheld UV lamp and a smartphone or a compact camera, both of which are now considered to be highly accessible. Thanks to the simplicity of all involved processes, this study highlights a unique way in creating a new practical and economical sensor for Cu2+ion.
Seismic testing and numerical analysis of Y‐shaped eccentrically braced frame made of high‐strength steel
Authors: Lian Ming , Su Mingzhou
Published: January 2018

In eccentrically braced frame made of high‐strength steel (HSS‐EBF), link and brace are made from conventional steel whereas other structural members use high‐strength steel. Using HSS for beams and columns in EBF can reduce steel consumption and increase economic efficiency. In this paper, one shake table test of a 1:2 scaled three‐story Y‐shaped HSS‐EBF (Y‐HSS‐EBF) specimen was carried out to study its seismic behavior underground motions with different peak ground accelerations. The dynamic properties, base shear force, displacement, and strain responses of the specimen were obtained from this test. In addition, the finite element models of two 10‐story Y‐HSS‐EBF buildings and one 10‐story conventional Y‐EBF building were evaluated for seismic effects. Nonlinear pushover and dynamic analyses were conducted to compare their seismic performance and economy. The results indicated that the specimen exhibited sufficient lateral stiffness and safety but suffered some localized damages. During the high seismic intensity earthquakes, the links of the test specimen were in inelastic to dissipate the earthquake energy, whereas other structural members remained in the elastic state. Under the same design conditions, Y‐HSS‐EBF used less steel than that of conventional Y‐EBF, which could reduce the amount of steel used in Y‐HSS‐EBF. The Y‐HSS‐EBF is a safe, dual system with reliable seismic performance.
A comprehensive study of three high‐gain DC‐DC topologies based on Cockcroft‐Walton voltage multiplier for reduced power PV applications
Authors: Abdel‐Rahim Omar , Funato Hirohito , Haruna Junnosuke
Published: January 2018

This work provides a comprehensive study of three different topologies founded on the well‐known Cockcroft–Walton (CW) voltage multiplier for reduced power PV Applications. A comprehensive study and investigational outcomes of each converter are offered, and a detailed comparison among the three topologies is performed. The three topologies target AC module technology application, where every PV unit consumes its identifiable DC–DC converter. In AC PV module technology, PV generated‐voltage is fit for 30 V, and the available sum of power is less than 200 W. Converters for PV use are required to have great step‐up ability and higher efficiency as a result of the reduced output voltage of PV. The three topologies have some common benefits like high step‐up abilities and moderate efficiency. The three topologies are so‐called Switched‐Inductor with Voltage Multiplier (SIVM), high gain with voltage multiplier and Z‐Source with voltage multiplier (ZSVM). © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Adjustment Dynamics of Bilateral Trade Flows: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Jung Benjamin
Published: January 2018

In this paper, I introduce a trade-promoting ‘invisible asset’ into the standard Krugman(1980) model of international trade. It can be interpreted as trust that accumulates as an externality in proportion to successful international transactions. I use this framework to theoretically derive a dynamic gravity equation and to discuss adjustment dynamics. I provide new evidence on adjustment rates of bilateral trade flows. On average, 23% of the gap to the steady-state trade flow are closed each year. However, dynamic regressions yield long-run trade policy effects which are comparable to static estimates.
Diaspora effects in international migration: Key questions and methodological issues
Authors: Beine Michel , Docquier Frédéric , Özden Cağlar
Published: January 2018

This paper reviews the existing literature on the impact of migrants networks on the patterns of international migration. It covers the theoretical channels at stake in the global effect of the networks. It identifies the key issues, namely the impact on size, selection and concentration of the migration flows. The paper also reviews the empirical hurdles that the researchers face in assessing the importance of networks. The key issues concern the choice of micro vs a macro approach, the definition of a network, the access to suitable data and the adoption of econometric methods accounting for the main features of those data. Finally, the paper reports a set of estimation outcomes reflecting the main findings of the macro approach.
Remitters in Dubai
Authors: Naufal George , Vargas-Silva Carlos
Published: January 2018

This article provides a short description of remitters in Dubai. The data comes from a remittance survey on foreign workers in the Emirate conducted in 2008. Among other findings, our results suggest that there are key differences between those remitters who live in labour camps and those living in “regular” accommodations. For example, those living in labour camps have a tendency to remit more often, but tend to remit smaller amounts. One possibility is that the lack of security in labour camps has pushed these workers to remit the money they earn as soon as possible. The article points out several other differences between the two groups of workers.
Surgical Outcomes of Primary Versus Post‐Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Breast Conservation Surgery: A Comparative Study from a Developing Country
Authors: Agarwal Gaurav , Sonthineni Chaitra , Mayilvaganan Sabaretnam , Mishra Anjali , Lal Punita , Agrawal Vinita
Published: January 2018

Introduction

In India and other developing countries, breast conservation surgery (BCS) rates in breast cancer patients are low due to advanced disease at presentation and misconceptions about BCS outcomes. Many patients presenting with large or locally advanced breast cancers (LABC) can be offered post‐neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) BCS, safety of which is not as well established as that of primary BCS. This retrospective study compared pathological and surgical outcome parameters in patients undergoing primary and post‐NACT BCS.

Methods

All non‐metastatic breast cancer patients undergoing BCS during 2011–2015 with 1‐year follow‐up were included. Outcome parameters in form of margin infiltration, ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) rates and IBTR‐free survival were compared between primary and post‐NACT BCS patients groups.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐nine patients underwent BCS; 95 underwent primary and 34 post‐NACT BCS. Patients in both groups underwent similar multimodality treatment as per institutional protocols. Post‐NACT patients more frequently required oncoplastic volume displacement or replacement surgery (p = 0.002). Re‐excision of infiltrated margins was needed more frequently in primary BCS compared with post‐NACT BCS group (14.4 vs. 8.8%; p = 0.40). IBTR (Mean follow‐up = 30.7 months) was seen in 8.8% post‐NACT patients compared with 2.1% primary BCS (p = 0.114). IBTR‐free survival did not differ significantly between the groups in stage‐wise comparison.

Conclusion

Post‐NACT BCS is safe even in large tumors and LABC, though many require oncoplastic procedures for satisfactory cosmesis. In a developing country where many patients present with large breast cancers or LABC, the benefits of BCS can be offered to a majority with the help of NACT, without compromising the chances of cure.
A simulation study comparing slope model with mixed‐model repeated measure to assess cognitive data in clinical trials of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chen Yun‐Fei , Ni Xiao , Fleisher Adam S. , Zhou Wei , Aisen Paul , Mohs Richard
Published: January 2018

Introduction

In clinical trials of Alzheimer's disease, a mixed‐model repeated measure approach often serves as the primary analysis when evaluating disease progression; a slope model may be secondary.

Methods

Longitudinal change from baseline (14‐item version of Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale) was simulated for treatment/placebo from multivariate normal distributions with the variance‐covariance matrix estimated from solanezumab trial data. Type I error, power, and bias were based on 18‐month treatment contrast. Sample sizes included 500 and 1000 patients/arm.

Results

The slope model was more powerful in most scenarios. Mixed‐model repeated measure was relatively unbiased in parameter estimation. The slope model yielded unbiased estimates whenever the underlying trajectory was not detectably different from linear. Both methods led to similar type I error.

Discussion

In clinical trials of Alzheimer's disease, mixed‐model repeated measure analysis with relaxed assumptions on disease progression seems to be preferred. The slope model might be more powerful if the trajectory has little departure from linearity.
Fit Characteristics of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators and the Accuracy of the User Seal Check among Koreans
Authors: Huh Yu Jung , Jeong Hye Min , Lim Juhye , Park Ha Yan , Kim Min Young , Oh Hong Sang , Huh Kyungmin
Published: January 2018

Adequate facepiece fit of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) is crucial for optimal protection against airborne pathogens. The quantitative fit test (QNFT) pass rates of the 4 N95 FFR models commonly used in Korea were below 50%. Male sex was identified as a single independent predictive factor for QNFT pass.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:104–107
Wanna Hear a Secret?: The Burden of Secret Concealment in Personal Relationships From the Confidant's Perspective
Authors: Zhang Zhengyu (Tracy) , Dailey René M.
Published: January 2018

The current study assessed the burden associated with secret-keeping from confidants’ perspective. We proposed a cognition-affect-relationship model to explicate the interrelations between intra- and interpersonal consequences of confidants’ secret concealment. A total of 231 participants (Mage= 32.6 years) completed a survey on their experiences in keeping secrets for a close relational partner. A path model was conducted to test all hypotheses simultaneously. Results indicated that secret importance, valence, and negative face threat served as indicators of cognitive burden regarding secret-keeping. As predicted, cognitive burden was positively associated with negative affect. In addition, negative affect mediated the association between cognitive burden and relationship satisfaction, whereas secret characteristics were directly related to relational distancing. Overall, examining confidant burden provides insights on how secret-keeping might affect individuals and their relationships.
Neoliberalism, Authoritarian-Populism, and the “Photo-Op Democracy” of the Publicity State: Changes to Legislative and Parliamentary Norms by the Harper Government
Authors: Brabazon Honor , Kozolanka Kirsten
Published: January 2018

Several recent reports seek to evaluate the impact of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Canadian democracy by documenting his government's efforts to curtail established democratic processes and mechanisms for public debate. However, this article uses examples of the Harper government's changes to legislative and parliamentary norms to demonstrate that this government's efforts to curtail multi-directional public debate were importantly accompanied by efforts to amplify unidirectional communication of the government's partisan messages. The paper finds that this corresponding emphasis on communication exemplified a “photo-op” approach to democracy, which highlights points of compatibility between the seemingly contradictory authoritarian-populist “publicity state” and neoliberal democratic ideals. This research demonstrates the necessity of attention to government communication in analysis of the Harper government's impact on the Canadian public sphere. It also illustrates the pragmatic rather than doctrinaire nature of New Right politics in Canada and the affinity between neoliberal and authoritarian-populist approaches to governance.
The historical vicissitudes of theVessantara Jatakain mainland Southeast Asia
Authors: Bowie Katherine A.
Published: January 2018

Across the Theravada Buddhist countries of Southeast Asia, theVessantara Jatakahas long been the most famous of the stories (jatakas) of the previous lives of the Buddha. However, little attention has been paid to the jataka's historical vicissitudes. Drawing on comparisons with neighbouring Thailand, this essay suggests there have been significant differences in the jataka's performances and interpretations in Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia and Laos. This essay seeks to historicise understandings of theVessantara Jataka, showing how social movements, state policies and global pressures have shaped understandings of the jataka differently in each country.
Stagnating yields, unyielding profits: The political economy of Malaysia's rice sector
Authors: Davidson Jamie S.
Published: January 2018

Since the 2008 rice crisis, Malaysia's rice policies have been caught between government efforts to raise production and its support of the country's monopoly rice importer (Bernas). This article argues that when the politics behind the country's policies are revealed, the paradox is more apparent than real. The three principal policy components — gratifying Barisan Nasional's coalition partners in East Malaysia by expanding the acreage devoted to rice; buttressing the rural Malay economy by providing subsidies through a yield-enhancing programme; and relying on big business for financial support (Bernas's new owner is one of Malaysia's richest businessmen) — aim to serve the same end: to perpetuate UMNO's political power amid increasing electoral competition.
General Synod of the Church of Ireland
Authors: Turner Kate
Published: January 2018

This year's General Synod, the third meeting of the triennium, was held in Limerick City in a hotel with conference facilities. It was the first time that the General Synod had met in the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe. The Synod passed Bills relating to ecumenical canons, General Synod membership and confirmation registers, as well as the ongoing area of pensions. There was also a Bill fixing anomalies relating to cross-references in the Constitution following the consolidation of part of the Constitution at last year's General Synod. Bills relating to the table of contents of the Book of Common Prayer were also passed.
The mental health of adolescents and pre-adolescents living with inherited arrhythmia syndromes: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Longmuir Patricia E. , Sampson Margaret , Ham Jennifer , Weekes Makenzie , Patel Bhavika J. , Gow Robert M.
Published: January 2018

Potentially fatal arrhythmias add to the mental health challenges of adolescence. This systematic review sought to summarise current knowledge regarding the mental health of adolescents and pre-adolescents diagnosed with inherited arrhythmia syndromes. Searches combining psychological problems with inherited cardiac arrhythmia diagnoses identified 16 studies with paediatric (<18 years) inherited arrhythmia patients. All studies were cross-sectional; 8/16 required an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Methods were quantitative (n=11), qualitative (n=4), or mixed (n=1), with 14–100% of participants having an inherited arrhythmia syndrome. Mean/median age in 13/16 studies was 12–16 years. Patients and parents reported lower quality of life, particularly in relation to physical function, social relationships, restriction of peer activities, bodily pain, and mental and emotional health. Self-perceptions and behaviour were similar to healthy populations. Rates of anxiety and depression (15–33% of these patients) were not increased in these studies where patients were assessed 2+ years after diagnosis. Higher mental health risk occurred among patients who have a diagnosed sibling, those with cardiomyopathy, and those who report decreased quality of life. Mental health research among youth with inherited arrhythmias is extremely limited and of low quality. Data, primarily from patients 2–4 years after diagnosis or treatment with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, indicate that quality of life may be decreased and 15–33% experience mental health issues. Future research is required to examine the mental health and quality of life of paediatric patients with inherited arrhythmia syndromes, whether or not they have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, from time of diagnosis.