bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iridoids of Chemotaxonomy Relevance, a New Antirrhinoside Ester and Other Constituents from Kickxia spuria subsp. integrifolia (Brot.) R.Fern.
Authors: Venditti Alessandro , Frezza Claudio , Serafini Ilaria , Ciccòla Alessandro , Sciubba Fabio , Serafini Mauro , Bianco Armandodoriano
Published: December 2017

In this work, the secondary metabolite content of the EtOH extract of Kickxia spuria subsp. integrifolia (Brot.) R.Fern. is reported. Fourteen compounds were isolated and identified by means of column chromatography and NMR and MS instrumental techniques, respectively. Among the identified compounds, the chemotaxonomic markers of the species were evidenced, whereas others were reported for the first time in the genus. Among these, a new antirrhinoside derivative (12) was recognized. The iridoid content showed a molecular pattern very similar to those reported for other taxa comprised in the Antirrhinae tribe of Plantaginaceae, thus providing an additional evidence that supports the current botanical classification of the Kickxia genus. Anyway, most of the recognized components are able to exert important pharmacological properties which might suggest the possible employment of also this species in traditional medicine just like it happens for some other species of the Kickxia genus.
Conductive Porous Network of Metal–Organic Frameworks Derived Cobalt‐Nitrogen‐doped Carbon with the Assistance of Carbon Nanohorns as Electrocatalysts for Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jianshuo , Wu Chuxin , Huang Meihua , Zhao Yi , Li Jiaxin , Guan Lunhui
Published: December 2017

Herein, we report a new electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction derived from a bimetallic metal–organic framework and single‐walled carbon nanohorns. Owing to the 3D conductive network offered by the nanohorns, this type of catalyst exhibits comparable performance with the commercial 20 % Pt/C catalyst as well as excellent durability and methanol tolerance at the half‐cell test in an alkaline medium. Moreover, the new electrocatalyst shows higher peak power density (185 mW cm−2) than that of Pt/C (160 mW cm−2) in addition to a comparable stability in a real Zn–air battery test. A correlation between the value of the peak power densities and pore structures of some parallel samples is studied in detail.
Ru‐Catalyzed Completely Deoxygenative Coupling of 2‐Arylethanols through Base‐Induced Net Decarbonylation
Authors: Manojveer Seetharaman , Forrest Sebastian J. K. , Johnson Magnus T.
Published: December 2017

Substituted arylethanols can be coupled by using a readily available Ru catalyst in a fully deoxygenative manner to produce hydrocarbon chains in one step. Control experiments indicate that the first deoxygenation occurs through an aldol condensation, whereas the second occurs through a base‐induced net decarbonylation. This double deoxygenation enables further development in the use of alcohols as versatile and green alkylating reagents, as well as in other fields, such as deoxygenation and upgrading of overfunctionalized biomass to produce hydrocarbons.
DNAzyme Feedback Amplification: Relaying Molecular Recognition to Exponential DNA Amplification
Authors: Liu Meng , Yin Qingxin , McConnell Erin M. , Chang Yangyang , Brennan John D. , Li Yingfu
Published: December 2017

Technologies capable of linking DNA amplification to molecular recognition are very desirable for ultrasensitive biosensing applications. We have developed a simple but powerful isothermal DNA amplification method, termed DNAzyme feedback amplification (DFA), that is capable of relaying molecular recognition to exponential DNA amplification. The method incorporates both an RNA‐cleaving DNAzyme (RCD) and rolling circle amplification (RCA) carried out by a special DNA polymerase using a circular DNA template. DFA begins with a stimulus‐dependent RCA reaction, producing tandemly linked RCDs in long‐chain DNA products. These RCDs cleave an RNA‐containing DNA sequence to form additional primers that hybridize to the circular DNA molecule, giving rise to DNA assemblies that act as the new inputs for RCA. The RCA reaction and the cleavage event keep on feeding each other autonomously, resulting in exponential growth of repetitive DNA sequences that can be easily detected. This method can be used for the detection of both nucleic acid based targets and non‐nucleic acid analytes. In this article, we discuss the conceptual framework of the feedback amplification approach, the essential features of this method as well as remaining challenges and possible solutions.
Experimental evaluation and theoretical prediction of CO2 & CH4 permeation in PSF/PDMS composite membrane under the influence of membrane swelling
Authors: Suleman Malik Shoaib , Lau Kok Keong , Yeong Yin Fong
Published: December 2017

A PSF/PDMS composite membrane was developed by film casting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) over polysulphone (PSF) support. The CO2/CH4 separation performance of membranes was evaluated under dry and wet conditions to evaluate the influence of water swelling on the separation performance of the developed membrane. Gas permeance in developed pure and composite membranes was theoretically predicted considering the effect of swelling on gas permeation in the membrane. Swelling in the membrane was confirmed by comparing the cross‐sectional morphology of the developed membranes before and after wet tests. Water swelling in the membrane affected the separation performance of PSF, and CO2 permeance decreased from 48.79 to 2.37 GPU at 1000 kPa. However, the PSF/PDMS composite membrane resisted the effect of water swelling, and CO2 permeance increased from 39.9 to 40.87 GPU at 1000 kPa. CO2 and CH4 permeation were fitted with the dual mode model to predict the permeation in developed membranes theoretically. Permeation under wet feed conditions was not well‐explained by the existing dual mode model. Thus, a modified dual mode model was presented with the best prediction of gas permeation under the effect of water swelling in the membrane.
On the Discrimination of Models for the Viscometric Properties of Myristic, Palmitic and Stearic Acids and Their Binary Mixtures
Authors: Esteban Jesús , Bakalis Serafim , Duckitt Claire , Tantawy Hossam , Fryer Peter J.
Published: December 2017

Fatty acids have a great importance in several industrial activities like the manufacture of ingredients for foods, paints, soap, detergents and a wide array of other products in the fast moving consumer goods industry. Processing of fatty acids requires a good knowledge of transport properties, such as viscosity. This work presents a compilation of experimental values of the viscosity of three long‐chain saturated fatty acids, namely: myristic, palmitic and stearic acid. First, a study of the dependence of the viscosity of these fatty acids with temperature is presented comparing results with previously existing data in literature and validating data and models statistically. Then, a thorough analysis of the viscosity of binary mixtures of the aforementioned fatty acids was conducted. To do so, such property was measured over the entire range of compositions in increments of the molar fraction of the components of 0.1 at temperatures ranging from above the melting points of the fatty acids to 373.15 K and correlation with respect to composition and temperature with the Jouyban–Acree model. Last, the so‐called viscosity deviations were computed and correlated with Redlich–Kister equations to explain the variation as a function of the molar composition of the corresponding mixture. Discrimination of different models to correlate the experimental data was made on the basis of different statistical criteria.

Practical Application: Good knowledge of transport properties such as viscosity is important to understand the physics and processing of materials. Contrary to simply using a viscometer, here cone and plate rheometry is used to accurately determine the viscosity of myristic, palmitic and stearic acids and their binary mixtures, which have high melting points compared to other liquids. In addition, the presentation of statistical discrimination tools like information criteria is highly relevant to understand the goodness of fit of models and the selection of the most statistically relevant equations without using more parameters than strictly necessary.

The viscosities of pure myristic, palmitic and stearic acids as well as their binary mixtures are determined and a discrimination of models is performed to understand the most appropriate number of parameters to describe the behaviour.
Expanding the Substrate Specificity of Thermoanaerobacter pseudoethanolicus Secondary Alcohol Dehydrogenase by a Dual Site Mutation
Authors: Musa Musa M. , Bsharat Odey , Karume Ibrahim , Vieille Claire , Takahashi Masateru , Hamdan Samir M.
Published: December 2017

Here, we report the asymmetric reduction of selected phenyl‐ring‐containing ketones by various single‐ and dual‐site mutants of Thermoanaerobacter pseudoethanolicus secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (TeSADH). The further expansion of the size of the substrate binding pocket in the mutant W110A/I86A not only allowed the accommodation of substrates of the single mutants W110A and I86A within the expanded active site but also expanded the substrate range of the enzyme to ketones bearing two sterically demanding groups (bulky–bulky ketones), which are not substrates for the TeSADH single mutants. We also report the regio‐ and enantioselective reduction of diketones with W110A/I86A TeSADH and single TeSADH mutants. The double mutant exhibited dual stereopreference to generate the Prelog products most of the time and the anti‐Prelog products in a few cases.
Recent Advances in Pd‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reaction in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Li Jianxiao , Yang Shaorong , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: December 2017

Ionic liquids (ILs) can behave as green solvents in comparison with conventional organic solvents, but more often they also act as ligands, co‐catalysts, and stabilizing agents both for metal active species and for intermediates of catalytic systems. In this review we have mainly summarized the recent achievements (2013 to the present) in Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling in ILs for the assembly of structurally diverse and highly functionalized organic molecules, with the focus on cascade reactions triggered by nucleopalladation, Suzuki coupling, Sonogashira coupling, allylic functionalization, and other types of coupling. The reaction conditions, regio‐ and stereoselectivities, and mechanisms are summarized in detail. We also highlight important and representative examples and synthetic applications of these coupling reactions. We hope that this review will result in further focused research to widen the comprehension and application of ILs in the future.
Use of Triethylsilane for Directed Enantioselective Reduction of Olefines: Synthesis of Pyrazino[2,1‐c][1,4]oxazine‐6,9‐diones with Full Control of the Absolute Configuration
Authors: Ručilová Veronika , Maloň Michal , Soural Miroslav
Published: December 2017

Herein, we report the use of triethylsilane for the synthesis of hexahydropyrazino[2,1‐c][1,4]oxazine‐6,9‐diones with full control of three stereocenters. Unsaturated tetrahydropyrazino‐oxazine‐diones were prepared in accordance with a previously reported procedure and were treated with triethylsilane‐trifluoroacetic acid. The stereoselectivity of the reduction was completely dependent on the overall conformation of the oxazine scaffold, which was a consequence of the C9 configuration of the starting material. The results prove that triethylsilane can be used for directed enantioselective syntheses of single or fused morpholine‐based heterocycles.
The influence of late Quaternary sedimentation on vegetation in an Amazonian lowland megafan
Authors: Rossetti Dilce F. , Gribel Rogério , Tuomisto Hanna , Cordeiro Carlos L.O. , Tatumi Sonia H.
Published: December 2017

The largest areas of white‐sand vegetation in northern Amazonia are confined to Late Pleistocene–Holocene megafan depositional systems, which suggest a relationship between the two. The aim of this work is to determine: (i) the relative role of sedimentary history and recent ecological processes to explaining the mosaic of white‐sand forest patches, grasslands and shrublands in a wetland area of northern Amazonia; and (ii) the long‐term successional trajectory that led to the establishment of the white‐sand forest patches. Facies analysis was used to reconstruct the megafan paleoenvironment; δ13C, total organic carbon and carbon/nitrogen from sedimentary organic matter to reconstruct the past vegetation; and floristic inventories to characterize the modern vegetation. The results revealed that the Viruá megafan consists of various sandy sub‐environments, including aeolian sand dunes and sheets developed mostly in the Holocene after the megafan turned inactive as a depositional site. Dune margins and tops are colonized by white‐sand trees mixed with a few generalist rain‐forest species, whereas adjacent lower‐lying areas, which are affected by seasonal flooding, are covered by graminoid plants and/or shrubs. The latter initiated their development over the megafan surface in different times of the Holocene due to hydrological gradients imposed by the topography of the various megafan depositional environments, while the white‐sand forest became dominant only on sand dunes over the last few centuries. We suggest that the late Quaternary sedimentary history was crucial in creating morphologies that now determine topographic gradients responsible for different vegetation physiognomies over the Amazonian lowlands. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of returns to the emergency department after head and neck surgery
Authors: Baskin R. Michael , Zhang Jingnan , Dirain Carolyn , Lipori Paul , Fonseca Gileno , Sawhney Raja , Boyce Brian J. , Silver Natalie L. , Dziegielewski Peter T.
Published: December 2017

Background

Thirty‐day hospital readmissions have become a measure of quality of care. Many readmissions enter through the emergency department. The purposes of this study were to determine the rate, risk factors, and costs of 30‐day returns to the emergency department (30dEDRs) after head and neck surgery.

Methods

All adult patients undergoing head and neck surgery at the University of Florida from 2012 to 2014 were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for 30dEDRs.

Results

We found 1065 patients who underwent 1173 procedures. There were 88 cases (7.5%) that resulted in 30dEDRs and 55 patients (4.7%) who had 30‐day unplanned readmissions (30dURs). Significant predictors of 30dEDRs included: smoking; hypothyroidism; and intensive care unit (ICU) stays. Significant predictors of readmission from an emergency department visit were Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and cancer stage. Total costs of 30dEDRs and any subsequent readmissions topped $500 000.

Conclusion

The rate of 30dEDRs after head and neck surgery is low; however, these visits increase the hospitals' financial burden as well as patient morbidity. Predictors of 30dEDRs may be utilized to formulate preventative measures.
Demethylzeylasteral (ZST93) inhibits cell growth and enhances cell chemosensitivity to gemcitabine in human pancreatic cancer cells via apoptotic and autophagic pathways
Authors: Wang Feng , Tian Xiaodong , Zhang Zhengkui , Ma Yongsu , Xie Xuehai , Liang Jian , Yang Chunxin , Yang Yinmo
Published: December 2017

The overall 5‐year survival rate of patients with human pancreatic cancer remains less than 8% because of its aggressive growth, early metastasis and resistance to conventional chemoradiotherapy. It is essential to develop innovative and effective therapeutic agents to improve its prognosis. Demethylzeylasteral (ZST93) is a novel triterpenoid monomer extracted from the xylem of Tripterygium roots. Our study aimed to assess the effects of ZST93 on cell proliferation and its role in the chemosensitivity to gemcitabine in human pancreatic cancer cells. The effects of ZST93 on cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and autophagy were evaluated in various human pancreatic cancer cell lines, and the antitumor effects of ZST93 alone and in combination with gemcitabine were identified in a xenograft mouse model. The results showed that ZST93 could inhibit the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells and arrest cell cycle at G0/G1 phase by regulating the expression of Cyclin D1 and Cyclin A2. Moreover, ZST93 killed pancreatic cancer cells through two different mechanisms: inducing autophagic cell death at low concentrations and apoptotic cell death at high concentrations. Furthermore, ZST93 could enhance the chemosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine both in vitro and in vivo through modulation of the cross talk between autophagy and apoptosis. ZST93 is a potential therapeutic agent for developing novel therapeutic strategies in human pancreatic cancer.
Evaluating the Performance Diagnostic Checklist‐Human Services to assess incorrect error‐correction procedures by preschool paraprofessionals
Authors: Bowe Melissa , Sellers Tyra P.
Published: December 2017

The Performance Diagnostic Checklist‐Human Services (PDC‐HS) has been used to assess variables contributing to undesirable staff performance. In this study, three preschool teachers completed the PDC‐HS to identify the factors contributing to four paraprofessionals' inaccurate implementation of error‐correction procedures during discrete trial training sessions. The PDC‐HS indicated insufficient training as a contributing factor. We then implemented a nonindicated intervention (posting reminders), followed by an indicated intervention (behavioral skills training). The nonindicated intervention failed to produce desired performance improvements; however, the PDC‐HS indicated intervention resulted in improvements for all paraprofessionals.
Multidimensional Bone Density Phenotyping Reveals New Insights Into Genetic Regulation of the Pediatric Skeleton
Authors: Mitchell Jonathan A , Chesi Alessandra , Cousminer Diana L , McCormack Shana E , Kalkwarf Heidi J , Lappe Joan M , Gilsanz Vicente , Oberfield Sharon E , Shepherd John A , Kelly Andrea , Zemel Babette S , Grant Struan FA
Published: December 2017

Osteoporosis is a complex disease with developmental origins. It is therefore important to understand the genetic contribution to pediatric areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Individual skeletal site phenotyping has been primarily used to identify pediatric aBMD loci. However, this approach is limited because there is a degree of aBMD discordance across skeletal sites. We therefore applied a novel multidimensional phenotyping approach to further understand the genetic regulation of pediatric aBMD. Our sample comprised a prospective, longitudinal cohort of 1293 children of European ancestry (52% female; up to seven annual measurements). Principal components analysis was applied to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry–derived aBMD Z-scores for total hip, femoral neck, spine, and distal radius to generate multidimensional aBMD phenotypes (ie, principal component scores). We tested the association between a genetic score (percentage of bone lowering alleles at 63 loci) and each principal component. We also performed a genomewide association study (GWAS) using the multiethnic baseline data (n = 1885) to identify novel loci associated with these principal components. The first component (PC1) reflected a concordant phenotypic model of the skeleton (eg, higher loading score = higher BMD across all sites). In contrast, PC2 was discordant for distal radius versus spine and hip aBMD, and PC3 was discordant for spine versus distal radius and hip aBMD. The genetic score was associated with PC1 (beta = –0.05, p = 3.9 × 10–10), but was not associated with discordant PC2 or PC3. Our GWAS discovered variation near CPED1 that associated with PC2 (rs67991850, p = 2.5 × 10–11) and near RAB11FIP5 (rs58649746, p = 4.8 × 10–9) that associated with PC3. In conclusion, an established bone fragility genetic summary score was associated with a concordant skeletal phenotype, but not discordant skeletal phenotypes. Novel associations were observed for the discordant multidimensional skeletal phenotypes that provide new biological insights into the developing skeleton. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Fndc5 knockdown induced suppression of mitochondrial integrity and significantly decreased cardiac differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Nazem Shima , Rabiee Farzaneh , Ghaedi Kamran , Babashah Sadegh , Sadeghizadeh Majid , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: December 2017

Fibronectin type III domain‐containing 5 protein (Fndc5) is a glycosylated protein with elevated expression in high energy demanded tissues as heart, brain, and muscle. It has been shown that upregulation of Fndc5 is regulated by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1 alpha (PGC‐1α), which is known as a master regulator of mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Also, our group indicated that Fndc5 expression increases gradually during cardiac differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). In this paper, to clarify the importance of Fndc5 in cardiac differentiation, we south to knock down Fndc5 expression by generation a stably transduced mESC line that derives the expression of a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against Fndc5 gene following doxycycline (Dox) induction. Knock‐down of Fndc5 demonstrated a considerable decrease in expression of cardiac progenitor and cardiomyocyte markers. Considering the fact that mitochondria play a crucial role in cardiac differentiation of ESCs, we investigated the role of Fndc5, as a downstream target of PGC1‐α, on mitochondrial indices. Results showed that expression of nuclear encoded mitochondrial genes including PGC1‐α, Atp5b, Ndufb5, and SOD2 significantly decreased. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and relative ATP content of cardiomyocytes decreased markedly with relative ROS level increase. Together, our results suggest that Fndc5 attenuates process of cardiac differentiation of mESCs which is associated with modulation of mitochondrial function and gene expression.
Retracted: Microrna‐139‐5p inhibits epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and fibrosis in post‐menopausal women with interstitial cystitis by targeting LPAR4 via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Chen , Tong Zhen , Fang Wei‐Lin , Fu Qi‐Bo , Gu Yin‐Jun , Lv Ting‐Ting , Liu Dong‐Ming , Xue Wei , Lv Jian‐Wei
Published: December 2017

The study explores whether miR‐139‐5p targeting LPAR4 affects epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis in post‐menopausal women with interstitial cystitis (IC) via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Bladder tissues of IC and normal bladder tissues were collected. The pathology of bladder tissues was observed by HE, Masson and Picrosirius red staining. LPAR4 positive expression rate were determined by IHC. ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α. Rat IC models were randomized into seven different groups. miR‐139‐5p, LPAR1, LPAR2, LPAR3, LPAR4, LPAR5, P13K, Akt, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Vimentin, TGF‐β1, and CTGF expression were determined by RT‐qPCR and Western blotting. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay verified that LPAR4 is a target gene of miR‐139‐5p. Fibrosis was a pathological manifestation of IC. The IC group showed higher LPAR4, PI3K, Akt, p‐PI3K, p‐Akt, N‐cadherin, Vimentin, TGF‐β1, and CTGF expression but lower miR‐139‐5p and E‐cadherin expression than the normal group. The levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α expression decreased while HB‐EGF increased in the IC group in comparison of the normal group. Compared with the blank and NC groups, E‐cadherin expression was increased in the miR‐139‐5p mimic and siRNA‐LPAR4 groups, while LPAR4, PI3K, Akt, p‐P13K, p‐Akt, N‐cadherin, Vimentin, TGF‐β1, and CTGF expression were decreased. An opposite trend was found in the miR‐139‐5p inhibitor group. The miR‐139‐5p decreased in the miR‐139‐5p inhibitor + siRNA‐LPAR4 and miR‐139‐5p inhibitor + wortmannin groups. Conclusively, miR‐139‐5p targeting LPAR4 inhibits EMT and fibrosis in post‐menopausal IC women through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Sperm binding to porcine oviductal cells is mediated by SRCR domains contained in DMBT1
Authors: Roldán María Lorena , Teijeiro Juan Manuel , Ruiz Álvarez Jimena , Marini Patricia Estela
Published: December 2017

The oviduct is an organ in which a subpopulation of sperm is stored in a reservoir, preserving its fertilizing potential. In porcine, two oviductal proteins have been identified in relation to sperm binding, Annexin A2 and Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumor 1 (DMBT1). DMBT1 is a multifunctional, multidomain glycoprotein, and the characteristics of all of its domains, as well as its carbohydrates, make them candidates for sperm binding. In this work, we challenge sperm for binding to pig oviductal cells on primary culture, after treatment with antibodies specific for the different domains present in DMBT1. Only anti‐SRCR antibodies produced inhibition of sperm binding to cells. Thus, SRCR is the main domain in DMBT1 promoted sperm binding to form the reservoir in the oviduct, and this function is probably elicited through the polypeptide itself.
Using the normality assumption to calculate probability‐based standardized drought indices: selection criteria with emphases on typical events
Authors: Blain Gabriel Constantino , de Avila Ana Maria H. , Pereira Vânia Rosa
Published: December 2017

Enhancing the capability of both standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) for quantifying wet and dry events under distinct climate conditions is of paramount importance. The different recommendations of recent studies regarding the best distribution to calculate the SPEI and the lack of studies addressing the effect of different parameters estimation methods on the SPI motivated us to apply and adapt distinct testing methodologies to select candidate models for calculating these standardized drought indices (SDI). The study is based on two data sets. The first represents a tropical–subtropical region of Brazil. The second comprises the same weather stations that were used for developing the original version of the SPEI. The study also emphasized the performance of the models within the range of typical SDI values [−2.0 : 2.0]. Along with goodness‐of‐fit tests, we calculated the mean absolute errors between the indices values estimated from the candidate distributions, and their corresponding theoretical values derived from the standard normal distribution. The two‐parameter gamma and the generalized extreme value distributions are, respectively, recommended for general use in SPI and SPEI algorithms (1–12‐month timescales). The unbiased probability weighted moments are recommended to estimate the distributions parameters. The study also described a trade‐off between choosing the best model for the central part and for the tails of the distributions. This trade‐off suggests that the methodologies used to select models for the SDI algorithms may have to decide which part of the distribution (central or tails) should be emphasized. The behaviour of the errors among different wet/dry categories showed that both indices were only capable of representing drought and floods in a similar probabilistic way within the range [−2.0 : 2.0]. This feature supports our decision to emphasize model performances within such range.
Implementation of standardised oral care treatment and referral guidelines for older sub‐acute patients: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Luong Eric , deClifford Jan , Coutsouvelis John , Lam Sin Hoon , Drysdale Penni , Danckert Rachael , Campbell Evette
Published: December 2017

Aim

To explore the contribution of hospital pharmacists in the collaborative development and implementation of standardised oral care treatment and referral guidelines, and its subsequent impact on the overall quality of oral health practice for older sub‐acute patients.

Method

Assessments were conducted of oral health pre‐ and post‐introduction of a multifaceted intervention process, involving the development of guidelines and procedures for oral health assessment and referral by dental, medical, nursing, pharmacy and speech pathology staff. Participants’ oral health was assessed using the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) in the pre‐ and post‐intervention phases at baseline and 10–14 days thereafter.

Results

Participants (n = 73, mean age 81 years, 66% female) in the pre‐intervention group reported no significant change in total OHAT scores and oral health at days 10–14 of admission. In the post‐intervention phase (n = 73, mean age 82 years, 66% female) the mean total OHAT score decreased significantly from a baseline of 2.81 at admission to 2.29 at days 10–14 reflecting, an 18.5% improvement (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

This study highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary team, including a pharmacist, in improving oral health practice for older people in a sub‐acute hospital setting.
Multitemporal assessment of coarse sediment connectivity along a braided‐wandering river
Authors: Lehotský Milan , Rusnák Miloš , Kidová Anna , Dudžák Jozef
Published: December 2017

The article presents the postflood period coarse sediment connectivity (CSC) assessment approach on the basis of the holistic ideas of the interpretation of the long‐term CSC in river channels. Seven sets of remote sensing data (1949–2009) were used as the basic information sources to study the CSC along the braided‐wandering Belá River by using the patch‐graph approach for assessing the structural connectivity. The bar areas (patches), with 200 m direct links between them, and the attribute of a deflection angle of a link to the flow direction were parameters used to estimate the integral index of connectivity (IIC) and bar area and bar link importance indices. The higher values of the IIC fit with a well‐developed bar system. Conversely, the values of the IIC decrease because of the progressive degradation of the braided pattern. The potential functional CSC was inferred from the variability of the values obtained by the balance indices representing the balance of the channel–floodplain connectivity (B1) and the bar–bar connectivity (B2). Eight types of the potential functional CSC based on the balance indices and the deduction of processes that conditioned the channel–floodplain and in‐channel CSC linkages were identified. In order to assess the development of the braidplain pattern in terms of the structural connectivity during the study time span, the linear trendline analysis of IIC associated with flood periods was applied. On the basis of the coefficient of determination, all reaches exhibit a decreasing trend in IIC values but different response to flood periods.
Assessment of postfire soils degradation dynamics: Stability and molecular composition of humic acids with use of spectroscopy methods
Authors: Abakumov Evgeny , Maksimova Ekaterina , Tsibart Anna
Published: December 2017

The effect of wildfires on the soils of the south taiga and forest‐steppe environments of Central Russia (Histic Spodosols and Eutric Fluvic Arenosols) was investigated in terms of the content and quality of humic acids (HAs) using instrumental spectroscopic methods (solid‐state carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance and electron spin resonance). The bulk elemental composition of HAs was not essentially altered in postfire soils; however, the organic matter of fire‐affected superficial soil layers was characterized by changes in the structural composition and biochemical activity levels. Solid‐state carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that there is an intensive increase in aromatic compounds in HA molecules in soil from both the south taiga and forest‐steppe environments. There is a pronounced and statistically significant decline of aliphatic chain content in response to exposure to fire. The free radicals content and the degree of molecular stabilization assessed with electron spin resonance showed an essential alteration of the HAs, expressed in the increase in the radical's portion, in postfire soils compared with that found in soils not exposed to fire. It was also shown that the accumulation of aromatic compounds indicates only apparent stabilization of HAs due to the loss of periphery alkylic carbon species, which was confirmed by destabilization of the molecules as illustrated by the increase of free radicals.
Large‐Scale Preparation of Polymer Nanocarriers by High‐Pressure Microfluidization
Authors: Alkanawati Mohammad Shafee , Wurm Frederik R. , Thérien‐Aubin Héloïse , Landfester Katharina
Published: December 2017

Polymer nanocarriers are used as transport modules in the design of the next generation of drug delivery technology. However, the applicability of nanocarrier‐based technology depends strongly on our ability to precisely control and reproduce their synthesis on a large scale because their properties and performances are strongly dependent on their size and shape. Fundamental studies and practical applications of polymer nanocarriers are hampered by the difficulty of using the current methods to produce monodispersed nanocarriers in large quantities and with high reproducibility. Here, a versatile and scalable approach is reported for the large‐scale synthesis of polymer nanocarriers from water‐in‐oil miniemulsions. This method uses microfluidization to perform a controlled emulsification and is proven to be effective to prepare nanocarriers of different biopolymers (polysaccharides, lignin, proteins) up to 43 g min−1 with reproducible size and distribution.
Altered expression of telomere‐associated genes in leukocytes among BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers
Authors: Tanaka Hiromi , Phipps Elizabeth A. , Wei Ting , Wu Xi , Goswami Chirayu , Liu Yunlong , Sledge George W. , Mina Lida , Herbert Brittney‐Shea
Published: December 2017

Telomere dysfunction resulting from telomere shortening and deregulation of shelterin components has been linked to the pathogenesis of age‐related disorders, including cancer. Recent evidence suggests that BRCA1/2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2) tumor suppressor gene products play an important role in telomere maintenance. Although telomere shortening has been reported in BRCA1/2 carriers, the direct effects of BRCA1/2 haploinsufficiency on telomere maintenance and predisposition to cancer development are not completely understood. In this study, we assessed the telomere‐associated and telomere‐proximal gene expression profiles in peripheral blood leukocytes from patients with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, compared to samples from sporadic and familial breast cancer individuals. We found that 25 genes, including TINF2 gene (a negative regulator of telomere length), were significantly differentially expressed in BRCA1 carriers. Leukocyte telomere length analysis revealed that BRCA1/2 carriers had relatively shorter telomeres than healthy controls. Further, affected BRCA1/2 carriers were well differentiated from unaffected BRCA1/2 carriers by the expression of telomere‐proximal genes. Our results link BRCA1/2 haploinsufficiency to changes in telomere length, telomere‐associated as well as telomere‐proximal gene expression. Thus, this work supports the effect of BRCA1/2 haploinsufficiency in the biology underlying telomere dysfunction in cancer development. Future studies evaluating these findings will require a large study population.
Broadband homonuclear decoupled HSQMBC methods
Authors: Timári István , Kövér Katalin E.
Published: December 2017

Long‐range heteronuclear coupling constants convey invaluable information for stereochemical and conformational analysis of molecules from synthetic and natural origin. Here, we report a real‐time Zangger‐Sterk CPMG‐HSQMBC method for the precise and direct measurement of multiple‐bond heteronuclear couplings. It is demonstrated that the real‐time acquisition strategy combined with multiple slice selective excitation can provide substantial improvement in sensitivity (or reduction of experimental time) as compared to other variants of broadband homonuclear decoupled HSQMBC methods published previously. Scope and limitations of the different strategies applied for decoupling are reviewed. Moreover, practical guidelines for the choice of the most appropriate method are also presented. Applications are given on a metal complex incorporating P‐heterocycles and two diglycosyl‐selenides for the extraction of nJ(1H, 31P) and nJ(1H, 77Se), respectively.
Combined variance reduction techniques in fully sequential selection procedures
Authors: Tsai Shing Chih , Luo Jun , Sung Chi Ching
Published: December 2017

In the past several decades, many ranking‐and‐selection (R&S) procedures have been developed to select the best simulated system with the largest (or smallest) mean performance measure from a finite number of alternatives. A major issue to address in these R&S problems is to balance the trade‐off between the effectiveness (ie, making a correct selection with a high probability) and the efficiency (ie, using a small total number of observations). In this paper, we take a frequentist's point of view by setting a predetermined probability of correct selection while trying to reduce the total sample size, that is, to improve the efficiency but also maintain the effectiveness. In particular, in order to achieve this goal, we investigate combining various variance reduction techniques into the fully sequential framework, resulting in different R&S procedures with either finite‐time or asymptotic statistical validity. Extensive numerical experiments show great improvement in the efficiency of our proposed procedures as compared with several existing procedures.
Dissipative controller design for uncertain neutral systems with semi‐Markovian jumping parameters
Authors: Xia Weifeng , Xu Shengyuan , Ma Qian , Qi Zhidong , Zhang Zhengqiang
Published: December 2017

This paper is concerned with the problem of dissipative controller design for neutral systems with semi‐Markovian jumping parameters and norm‐bounded parameter uncertainties. First, a new stability criterion is obtained by applying a more accurate integral inequality and a delay‐partitioning approach, which is less conservative than those existing results. Second, based on the stability criterion, sufficient conditions for the existence of a state‐feedback controller, which ensures that the resulting closed‐loop system is stochastically stable and dissipative, are proposed. The controller gains can be obtained by using feasible solutions to a certain set of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, 2 numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the controller design method.
Eco‐friendly composites based on ceramic tiles industrial wastes and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber
Authors: Abd‐El Messieh Salwa L. , Rozik Nehad N. , Youssef Nadia F.
Published: December 2017

Ceramic floor tile production lines commonly produce two types of waste: ground fired biscuit waste of ceramic tiles (WGB) and ground glazed fired floor tiles waste (WGF). These two wastes come from the same starting alumina silicate base materials but differ in thermal treatments (further firing) and surface treatments (glazing). These waste ceramics were ground into fine powders and evaluated as potential fillers for acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). The raw ceramic powders were investigated through X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, and laser scattering techniques. Particulate composites consisting of an NBR matrix with ceramic filler contents of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50% were prepared in the form of cubes and discs. Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the filler distribution inside NBR matrix. Electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties were also investigated. The electrical permittivity ε′ and the dielectric loss ε″ were found to be higher in the case of NBR/WGB than those measured for NBR/WGF at the same filler content. The mechanical properties follow the same trend as that of the electrical properties. The thermal stability of 5 and 40% concentrations were studied and the results indicate that the WGB loaded samples showed higher thermal stability than the samples loaded with WGF. Finally, the utilization of these ground waste ceramics as fillers for NBR was recommended due to improvements in electrical insulation, antistatic behavior, and thermal stability, especially for the Biscuit waste. Note that at the 30 wt% concentration for both fillers in NBR, results in composites that fulfill the targets of economical and environmental goals. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:544–552, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prospective study feasibility: Screening of antenatal total abnormal pulmonary venous return
Authors: Levêque Christine , Paret Louise , Cochet Tiffany , Joinau‐Zoulovits Félicia , Chantalat E. , Vidal F. , Vayssière Christophe , David Nadine
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Total abnormal pulmonary venous return is a heart defect often missed prenatally, yet at birth, it is a surgical emergency. Antenatal detection could be improved by sonographic visualization of the anastomosis of 2 pulmonary veins in a sinus into the left atrium. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of this screening method.

Method

Prospective observational study. Five operators selected one representative image taken during morphological ultrasound screening. Anonymized images were later assessed for quality by an expert. Both the operator and the expert were asked to rate the picture and collect clinical data. Feasibility corresponded to the percentage of images judged satisfactory by the expert; reliability corresponded to the percentage judged satisfactory by both the expert and the sonographer.

Results

A total of 192 patients were included. Feasibility was 73% (95% confidence interval, 67.1%‐79.7%) and reliability was 81.4% (95% confidence interval, 75.9%‐86.9%). There was no learning curve.

Conclusion

This study confirms that visualization of the 2 pulmonary veins in a sinus into the left atrium at midtrimester screening is simple and reproducible. The next stage is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity as a screening test of total abnormal pulmonary venous return and whether that would improve morbidity and mortality.
Dynamic local temperature control in micro‐injection molding: Effects on poly(lactic acid) morphology
Authors: De Meo Annarita , De Santis Felice , Pantani Roberto
Published: December 2017

Microinjection molding is one of the most efficient processes for wide‐scale production of thermoplastic polymer microparts. The injection molding process with a cold mold suffers from drawbacks, that is, the premature solidification, caused by the small thickness and large temperature difference between the surface of the mold and the incoming polymer. In this work, an original and versatile system to dynamically control the local temperature of the cavity surfaces in microinjection molding was developed. The system was used to investigate the effects of rapid variations of the temperature of a 200 μm thick cavity on the reachable flow length and study the morphology of microinjection molded parts of poly(lactic acid). For the rapid mold temperature control, electrical resistive thin components are located very near the surface of the impression to change the temperature by some tens of degrees per second. This study also demonstrates that the system is able to influence the final morphology of the part with a semicrystalline thermoplastic material. Changing the annealing time and temperature, the effects on the morphology of the part, in the mold and immediately after the injection, were investigated by microscopy analysis and X‐ray diffraction. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:586–591, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sound Body, Sound Mind? The Interrelation between Health Change and Personality Change in Old Age
Authors: Kornadt Anna E. , Hagemeyer Birk , Neyer Franz J. , Kandler Christian
Published: December 2017

Personality development is characterized by increasing maturation, that is, people become more conscientious, agreeable and emotionally stable as they age. In late life, however, these trends seem to be reversed. Because many changes and transitions in older age are related to health, we investigated correlated changes in health problems and personality traits, the sources of health changes in later life and the directionality of effects. Our sample consisted of older adult twins, aged 64–85 years at time 1 ( n = 410; 135 male/275 female; 134 monozygotic/63 dizygotic twin pairs), assessed at two different time points about five years apart, and we ran bivariate latent change and latent change twin model analyses. Increasing health problems were associated with decreases in agreeableness, extraversion, emotional stability and conscientiousness. Changes in health problems were only due to environmental influences, implying that the association between health and personality changes was exclusively environmental. Directional effects were largely absent, but health and personality were significantly related at the second measurement occasion (age 69–89 years). Our results support the link between health change and personality change in late life and spark the assumption of normative personality adaptations to deterioration of health status as a means of developmental regulation. Copyright © 2017 European Association of Personality Psychology
Deep Omics
Authors: Tran Ngoc Hieu , Zhang Xianglilan , Li Ming
Published: December 2017

Deep learning has revolutionized research in image processing, speech recognition, natural language processing, game playing, and will soon revolutionize research in proteomics and genomics. Through three examples in genomics, protein structure prediction, and proteomics, we demonstrate that deep learning is changing bioinformatics research, shifting from algorithm‐centric to data‐centric approaches.
Prevalence and predictors of depression, pain, and fatigue in older‐ versus younger‐adult cancer survivors
Authors: Bevilacqua Lisa A. , Dulak Deirdre , Schofield Elizabeth , Starr Tatiana D. , Nelson Christian J. , Roth Andrew J. , Holland Jimmie C. , Alici Yesne
Published: December 2017

Background

As the number of older adults in the United States continues to grow, there will be increasing demands on health care providers to address the needs of this population. Cancer is of particular importance, with over half of all cancer survivors older than 65 years. In addition, depression, pain, and fatigue are concerns for older adults with cancer and have been linked to poorer physical outcomes.

Methods

For this retrospective chart review, 1012 eligible participants were identified via a query of the Electronic Medical Record for all patients referred to 1 of 4 Survivorship Clinics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. All patients were between the ages of 30 to 55 (younger adults) and >65 (older adults). Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9).

Results

The overall rate of depression in this sample of adult cancer survivors was 9.3%. There were no differences in the rates of clinically significant depression (defined as PHQ‐9 score ≥10) between younger and older adult cohorts. However, there was a small trend toward higher mean PHQ‐9 scores in the younger adult cohort (3.42 vs 2.95; t = 1.763, P = .10). Women reported greater rates of depression and higher pain and fatigue scores. Hispanic/Latino patients also reported significantly greater rates of depression.

Conclusion

There were no observed differences in depression between older and younger adult cancer survivors. Gender and ethnic discrepancies in depression were observed. Future research should focus on understanding the nature of these differences and targeting interventions for the groups most vulnerable to depression after cancer treatment.