bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autism spectrum disorder in sub‐saharan africa: A comprehensive scoping review
Authors: Franz Lauren , Chambers Nola , von Isenburg Megan , de Vries Petrus J.
Published: March 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is recognized as a global public health concern, yet almost everything we know about ASD comes from high‐income countries. Here we performed a scoping review of all research on ASD ever published in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) in order to identify ASD knowledge gaps in this part of the world. Fifty‐three publications met inclusion criteria. Themes included the phenotype, genetics and risk factors for ASD in SSA, screening and diagnosis, professional knowledge, interventions for ASD, parental perceptions, and social‐cognitive neuroscience. No epidemiological, early intervention, school‐based or adult studies were identified. For each identified theme, we aimed to summarize results and make recommendations to fill the knowledge gaps. The quality of study methodologies was generally not high. Few studies used standardized diagnostic instruments, and intervention studies were typically small‐scale. Overall, findings suggest a substantial need for large‐scale clinical, training, and research programmes to improve the lives of people who live with ASD in SSA. However, SSA also has the potential to make unique and globally‐significant contributions to the etiology and treatments of ASD through implementation, interventional, and comparative genomic science. Autism Res 2017, 10: 723–749. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ensemble perception in autism spectrum disorder: Member‐identification versus mean‐discrimination
Authors: Van der Hallen Ruth , Lemmens Lisa , Steyaert Jean , Noens Ilse , Wagemans Johan
Published: March 2017

To efficiently represent the outside world our brain compresses sets of similar items into a summarized representation, a phenomenon known as ensemble perception. While most studies on ensemble perception investigate this perceptual mechanism in typically developing (TD) adults, more recently, researchers studying perceptual organization in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have turned their attention toward ensemble perception. The current study is the first to investigate the use of ensemble perception for size in children with and without ASD (N = 42, 8–16 years). We administered a pair of tasks pioneered by Ariely [2001] evaluating both member‐identification and mean‐discrimination. In addition, we varied the distribution types of our sets to allow a more detailed evaluation of task performance. Results show that, overall, both groups performed similarly in the member‐identification task, a test of “local perception,” and similarly in the mean identification task, a test of “gist perception.” However, in both tasks performance of the TD group was affected more strongly by the degree of stimulus variability in the set, than performance of the ASD group. These findings indicate that both TD children and children with ASD use ensemble statistics to represent a set of similar items, illustrating the fundamental nature of ensemble coding in visual perception. Differences in sensitivity to stimulus variability between both groups are discussed in relation to recent theories of information processing in ASD (e.g., increased sampling, decreased priors, increased precision). Autism Res 2017. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1291–1299. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Die INFRABIM‐Reifegradmetrik
Authors: Borrmann André , König Markus , Hochmuth Markus , Liebich Thomas , Elixmann Robert
Published: March 2017

Das Bundesministerium für Verkehr und Digitale Infrastruktur (BMVI) beabsichtigt, die Methodik des Building Information Modeling (BIM) ab 2020 regelmäßig für Bauvorhaben in seinem Zuständigkeitsbereich anzuwenden. In Vorbereitung hierauf werden derzeit verschiedene Pilotvorhaben durchgeführt. Um noch bestehende Hürden und Defizite zu identifizieren und daraus Schlussfolgerungen in Hinblick auf zu ergreifende Maßnahmen zu treffen, ist es notwendig, den Umfang und die Qualität des BIM‐Einsatzes in den Pilotprojekten zu messen und zu bewerten. Hierzu wurde von der wissenschaftlichen Begleitung eine Reifegradmetrik entwickelt, die anhand von mehr als 60 Einzelkriterien in zehn Teilbereichen die Tiefe der BIM‐Umsetzung in einem Bauvorhaben detailliert erfasst. Der Artikel stellt die Metrik vor und illustriert ihre Anwendung anhand der vier ersten BIM‐Pilotvorhaben des BMVI.
Affordances and challenges of computational tools for supporting modeling and simulation practices
Authors: Magana Alejandra J. , Falk Michael L. , Vieira Camilo , Reese Michael J. , Alabi Oluwatosin , Patinet Sylvain
Published: March 2017

This mixed‐methods sequential explanatory design investigates disciplinary learning gains when engaging in modeling and simulation processes following a programming or a configuring approach. It also investigates the affordances and challenges that students encountered when engaged in these two approaches to modeling and simulation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:352–375, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21804
Cyclometalated Iridium‐Complex‐Based Label‐Free Supersandwich Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Biosensor for the Detection of Micro‐RNA
Authors: Zhao Ying , Yang Xiaolin , Han Danjuan , Qi Honglan , Gao Qiang , Zhang Chengxiao
Published: March 2017

The synthesis and characterization of compounds as electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) reagents are crucial in fundamental research for ECL biosensors. In this work, a new cyclometalated iridium(III) complex, [(bt)2Ir(dmphen)](PF6), was synthesized by using 2‐phenylbenzothiazole (bt) as the
main ligand and 5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (dmphen) as the
ancillary ligand. The photophysical, electrochemical, and ECL properties of this complex were extensively studied in acetonitrile solvent and aqueous solution. This complex displayed yellow‐green photoluminescence with a maximum wavelength at 522 nm, a reversible one‐electron oxidation wave at E1/2=+1.51 V (vs. SCE), and a reversible one‐electron reduction wave at −1.29 V (vs. SCE). Typically, in the annihilation process, the ECL efficiency of this complex was 12 times higher than that of Ru(bpy)32+. More importantly, a highly sensitive ECL method for the determination of micro‐RNA at the sub‐picomolar level was developed on basis of employing this complex as an ECL intercalator and signal amplification by using the supersandwich model. Compared with Ru(phen)3Cl2 and [(bt)2Ir(dcbpy)](PF6), this complex showed a relatively low background and the highest increased ratio as an ECL intercalator in the developed system. The increased ECL intensity was directly proportional to the concentration of the micro‐RNA in the range of 0.1 to 10 pM, with a detection limit of 13 fM. The developed method can effectively discriminate target micro‐RNA122 from two‐base mismatched micro‐RNA122. This work demonstrates that this cyclometalated iridium(III) complex is an effective alternative intercalator for ECL determination of the micro‐RNA. It is expected that this complex will be extended to design various analytical platforms for the detection of diverse analytes such as DNA/RNA, DNAzyme/target, and aptamer/targets.
Fe3N‐Co2N Nanowires Array: A Non‐Noble‐Metal Bifunctional Catalyst Electrode for High‐Performance Glucose Oxidation and H2O2 Reduction toward Non‐Enzymatic Sensing Applications
Authors: Zhou Dan , Cao Xiaoqin , Wang Zao , Hao Shuai , Hou Xiandeng , Qu Fengli , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Zheng Chengbin , Sun Xuping
Published: March 2017

Among reported electrode materials, a nanoarray is an attractive architecture for molecular detection because of its large specific surface area and easy accessibility for target molecules. Here, a new Fe3N‐Co2N nanowires array grown on carbon cloth (Fe3N‐Co2N/CC) is reported as a non‐noble‐metal bifunctional catalyst electrode for high‐performance glucose oxidation and H2O2 reduction. As an electrochemical non‐enzymatic sensor for glucose detection, Fe3N‐Co2N/CC shows a fast response time of 8 s, a low detection limit (LOD) of 77 nm (signal/noise=3), and a high sensitivity of 4333.7 μA mm−1 cm−2. As an H2O2 sensor, it shows a LOD of 59 nm (signal/noise=3) and a sensitivity of 2273.8 μA mm−1 cm−2 with a response time of 2 s. In addition, the proposed sensor is stable with high selectivity, specificity, and reproducibility, and its application for real sample analysis has been successfully demonstrated.
Bond Order Analysis, Packing Ratio, and Electronic Structures of Two Structural Polymorphs Based on Manganese Complexes
Authors: Chen Xue‐Li , Zhang Yuexing , Zhang Ming‐Yuan , Zeng Ming‐Hua
Published: March 2017

The bond order and packing ratios in the single‐crystal of the two structural polymorphs as well as the detailed electronic structures of the molecular model were studied using density functional theory. The strength of different Mn coordination bonds was analyzed in detail through Mayer bond order. Besides bond length, many other factors such as the orientation of ligand and nature of metal also significantly influence the bond order. Packing ratios calculated using cluster model reveals that packing along b direction in Dimer is more favorable than other directions due to the associated interactions of π‐π and Cl…H when packing in this direction. Electronic structure helps explain the formation of Dimer from monomer or direct forming of Chain from ligand/Cl and metal. This would shed light on further understanding the importance of supramolecular interaction on crystal engineering.
Real‐world impact of non–breast cancer–specific death on overall survival in resectable breast cancer
Authors: Fu Jianfei , Wu Lunpo , Jiang Mengjie , Li Dan , Jiang Ting , Fu Wei , Wang Liangjing , Du Jinlin
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The real‐world occurrence rate of non–breast cancer–specific death (non‐BCSD) and its impact on patients with breast cancer are poorly recognized.

METHODS

Women with resectable breast cancer from 1990 to 2007 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (n = 199,963) were analyzed. The outcome events of breast cancer were classified as breast cancer–specific death (BCSD), non‐BCSD, or survival. Binary logistics was used to estimate the occurrence rates of non‐BCSD and BCSD with different clinicopathological factors. The Gray method was used to measure the cumulative incidence of non‐BCSD and BCSD. The ratio of non‐BCSDs to all causes of death and stacked cumulative incidence function plots were used to present the impact of non‐BCSD on overall survival (OS). Models of Cox proportional hazards regression and competing risk regression were compared to highlight the suitable model.

RESULTS

There were 12,879 non‐BCSDs (6.44%) and 28,784 BCSDs (14.39%). The oldest age group (>62 years), black race, and a single or divorced marital status were associated with more non‐BCSDs. With adjustments for age, a hormone receptor–positive (HoR+) status was no longer related to increased non‐BCSDs. In patients with grade 1, stage I disease and an HoR+ status as well as the oldest subgroup, a great dilution of non‐BCSD on all causes of death could be observed, and this led to incorrect interpretations. The inaccuracy, caused by the commonly used Cox proportional hazards model, could be corrected by a competing risk model.

CONCLUSIONS

OS was largely impaired by non‐BCSD during early breast cancer. For some future clinical trial planning, especially for the oldest patients and those with HoR+ breast cancer, non‐BCSD should be considered a competing risk event. Cancer 2017;123:2432–43. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
A measurement study of device‐to‐device sharing in mobile social networks based on Spark
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Xiaofei , Li Keqiu , Ren Jianji , Zhang Xiaohong , Jiang Tianpeng
Published: March 2017

Because of the exponential growth of mobile users' demand for multimedia services in recent years, the increasing network traffic load gets a close attention of the mobile network operators. For the mobile traffic explosion issue to be solved, there are many efforts trying to offload the mobile traffic from infrastructure cellular links to direct local short‐range communications among groups of users, which is called device‐to‐device sharing (D2D) in mobile social networks. Although there have been a number of studies for improving the exploitation of friends, contents, and sharing performance, there is no any large‐scale measurement‐based study to analyze the realistic D2D sharing service. We focus on the empirical trace from Xender, a popular mobile application for D2D sharing, and implement an effective big data processing platform based on Spark with customized algorithms. Extensive analysis and discussions are carried out from the perspectives of general time series statistics, content properties, and social graph basics. The trace‐driven analysis exploits a number of implications regarding power law distribution for content popularity disparity, clustering effects of user relationships, and so on. We further discuss the potentials of improving Xender's quality of service and optimizing its system resource, and hopefully, our study can offer useful guidelines for not only Xender but also those growing global social D2D sharing services.
Hardware‐assisted software event tracing
Authors: Vergé Adrien , Ezzati‐Jivan Naser , Dagenais Michel R.
Published: March 2017

Event tracing is a reliable and a low‐intrusiveness method to debug and optimize systems and processes. Low overhead is particularly important in embedded systems where resources and energy consumption is critical. The most advanced tracing infrastructures achieve a very low footprint on the traced software, bringing each tracepoint overhead to less than a microsecond. To reduce this still non‐negligible impact, the use of dedicated hardware resources is promising. In this paper, we propose complementary methods for tracing that rely on hardware modules to assist software tracing. We designed solutions to take advantage of CoreSight STM, CoreSight ETM, and Intel BTS, which are present on most newer ARM‐based systems‐on‐chip and Intel x86 processors. Our results show that the time overhead for tracing can be reduced by up to 10 times when assisted by hardware, as compared to software tracing with LTTng, a high‐performance tracer for Linux. We also propose a modification to the Perf tool to speed BTS execution tracing up to 65%.
Investigating device‐specific visual feedback for cross‐device transfer in table‐centric multisurface environments
Authors: Scott Stacey D. , Besacier Guillaume , Goyal Nippun , Cento Frank
Published: March 2017

Table‐centric multisurface environments (T‐MSEs) that combine small multitouch surfaces (eg, smartphones and tablets) with large interactive tabletops provide people with both personal and shared workspaces to support various independent and collective tasks during group activities. This paper reports on the third in a series of studies exploring how existing interaction methods for cross‐device transfer, such as the Pick‐and‐Drop (P&D) method, can be adapted to table‐centric multisurface environment settings. The study examined the use of device‐specific visual feedback to improve users' awareness of transferred content during P&D transfer. The tabletop feedback utilized the existing Surface Ghosts P&D feedback approach (ie, “ghosted” versions of transferred content were displayed in real time under the user's hand). The tablet feedback consisted of a static “Tablet Bridge” feedback showing miniature versions of transferred content along the top edge of the tablet interface. The study found that providing both types of feedback significantly improved users' transfer awareness over providing Surface Ghosts feedback alone. It also revealed that the Tablet Bridge feedback helped compensate for technical and usability issues associated with the Surface Ghosts feedback design. Lessons learned from our combined series of cross‐device transfer studies are reflected upon, and relevant design implications are discussed.
Main issues addressed in the 2014–2015 revisions to the OECD Genetic Toxicology Test Guidelines
Authors: Thybaud Veronique , Lorge Elisabeth , Levy Dan D. , van Benthem Jan , Douglas George R. , Marchetti Francesco , Moore Martha M. , Schoeny Rita
Published: March 2017

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recently revised the test guidelines (TGs) for genetic toxicology. This article describes the main issues addressed during the revision process, and the new and consistent recommendations made in the revised TGs for: (1) demonstration of laboratory proficiency; (2) generation and use of robust historical control data; (3) improvement of the statistical power of the tests; (4) selection of top concentration for in vitro assays; (5) consistent data interpretation and determination of whether the result is clearly positive, clearly negative or needs closer consideration; and, (6) consideration of 3R's for in vivo assay design. The revision process resulted in improved consistency among OECD TGs (including the newly developed ones) and more comprehensive recommendations for the conduct and the interpretation of the assays. Altogether, the recommendations made during the revision process should improve the efficiency, by which the data are generated, and the quality and reliability of test results. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:284–295, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of whole-sediment toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE) techniques for two Australian freshwater species: Chironomus tepperi and Austrochiltonia subtenuis
Authors: Mehler W.Tyler , Keough Michael J. , Pettigrove Vincent
Published: March 2017

Most of the public literature and available guidance documents on the conduct of freshwater whole-sediment toxicity identification and evaluations (TIEs) detail the use of test organisms and amending agents that are readily available in North America. These commonly used test organisms and the supported amending agents, however, are not available and largely inappropriate (i.e., not native species) for conducting whole-sediment TIEs outside of North America. The overall objective of the present study was to build foundational methods for performing freshwater whole-sediment TIEs in Australia. We examined the capability of 3 amending agents: ANZ38 Zeolite (for ammonia; Castle Mountain Zeolites), Oxpure 325B-9 Activated Carbon (for nonpolar organics; Oxbow Activated Carbon), and Lewatit MonoPlus TP 207 (for cationic metals; Lanxess Deutschland) on 2 Australian native freshwater species: the midge Chironomus tepperi and the amphipod Austrochiltonia subtenuis. To evaluate the effectiveness of each amendment, bioassays were conducted with spiked sediments of ammonia, permethrin (as part of a commercial formulation), and copper using acute median lethal concentrations (LC50s) for both species and growth median effect concentration (EC50) of midges as the endpoints of interest. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2476–2484. © 2017 SETAC
GSK1904529A, a Potent IGF‐IR Inhibitor, Reverses MRP1‐Mediated Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Gupta Pranav , Xie Meina , Narayanan Silpa , Wang Yi‐Jun , Wang Xiu‐Qi , Yuan Timothy , Wang Ziyue , Yang Dong‐Hua , Chen Zhe‐Sheng
Published: March 2017

Overexpression of multidrug‐resistant efflux transporters is one of the major causes of chemotherapy failure. MRP1, a 190 kDa efflux transporter, confers resistance to a wide of range of chemotherapeutic drugs. Here we study the cellular effects of GSK1904529A in reversing MRP1‐mediated drug resistance. Cytotoxicity of GSK1904529A was determined by MTT assay. Reversal effects of GSK1904529A in combination with MRP1 substrates were determined. The intracellular accumulation and efflux of MRP1 substrate was measured by scintillation counter and protein expression was determined by Western blotting analysis. Cell cycle effects of GSK1904529A in combination with MRP1 substrates were determined by flow cytometric analysis. GSK1904529A, at non‐toxic concentrations, enhanced the cytotoxicity of MRP1 substrates in HEK293/MRP1 cells. Furthermore, GSK1904529A increased the intracellular accumulation of [3H]‐vinblastine by inhibiting the efflux function of MRP1. GSK1904529A did not alter the expression level of MRP1, induced a G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Our results indicated that GSK1904529A significantly increased the sensitivity of MRP1 overexpressing cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, GSK1904529A enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs that are substrates of MRP1. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3260–3267, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical bonding in excited states: Energy transfer and charge redistribution from a real space perspective
Authors: Jara‐Cortés Jesús , Guevara‐Vela José Manuel , Martín Pendás Ángel , Hernández‐Trujillo Jesús
Published: March 2017

This work provides a novel interpretation of elementary processes of photophysical relevance from the standpoint of the electron density using simple model reactions. These include excited states of H2taken as a prototype for a covalent bond, excimer formation of He2to analyze non‐covalent interactions, charge transfer by an avoided crossing of electronic states in LiF and conical interesections involved in the intramolecular scrambling in C2H4. The changes of the atomic and interaction energy components along the potential energy profiles are described by the interacting quantum atoms approach and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules. Additionally, the topological analysis of one‐ and two‐electron density functions is used to explore basic reaction mechanisms involving excited and degenerate states in connection with the virial theorem. This real space approach allows to describe these processes in a unified way, showing its versatility and utility in the study of chemical systems in excited states. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pyrimidine and Pyrazole Linked Azetidin‐2‐ones: Entry to Novel Class of β‐Lactam Heterocycles
Authors: Bhalla Jitender , Bari Shamsher S. , Rathee Aditi , Kumar Ashok , Bhalla Aman
Published: March 2017

A novel series of pyrimidine/pyrazole linked β‐lactams have been synthesized in excellent yields using a simple and efficient methodology involving conjunction of different heterocyclic substrates. All the new products were characterized on the basis of various spectroscopic techniques viz. FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental analysis (CHN), 1H‐1H correlation spectroscopy (1H‐1H COSY) and mass spectrometry (EIMS) in representative cases. Furthermore, theoretical calculations have also been performed on representative compounds and the results were compared with Cefuroxime axetil (a broad spectrum antibacterial agent). The phenomenon of tautomerism was also observed which was confirmed by different NMR experiments (D2O exchange study and 1H‐1H correlation spectroscopy).
Biological Potential of Thiazole Derivatives of Synthetic Origin
Authors: Mishra Raghav , Sharma Pramod Kumar , Verma Prabhakar Kumar , Tomer Isha , Mathur Garima , Dhakad Prashant Kumar
Published: March 2017

Thiazole and related nucleus are one of the most important potential entities in the largely growing chemical world of heterocyclic compounds exhibiting remarkable pharmacological activities. The knowledge of various synthetic pathways and diverse physicochemical parameters of such compounds draw the especial attention of medicinal chemists to produce combinatorial library and carry out exhaustive efforts in the search of lead molecules. The similar compounds synthesized through different routes bear variable magnitudes of biological activities. The present review highlights a broad view on biological activities of compounds having thiazole nucleus.
Design, Synthesis, and Anticancer Activity of 3H–benzo[f]chromen‐3‐one Derivatives
Authors: Soni Rina , Umar Shweta , Shah Nirav N. , Balkrishnan Suresh , Soman Shubhangi S.
Published: March 2017

A series of substituted aminomethylbenzocoumarin derivatives 8a–i have been synthesized, characterized, and structure of compound 8g was confirmed by X‐ray single crystal analysis. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their anticancer activity against cancer cell lines A549 (lung carcinoma cell line), MCF7 (breast cancer cell line), and A375 (melanoma cell line). Compounds 8a, 8f, and 8h showed excellent growth inhibitory activity against all three cell lines, respectively. Compounds 8a and 8f were also found to be quite promising at very low concentration as an anticancer agent against MCF7 and A549 cell lines. Compounds 8g and 8i showed excellent antimitotic activity with IC50 0.32 and19.98 nM for A549 cell line.
Landscape heterogeneity reduces coyote predation on white‐tailed deer fawns
Authors: Gulsby William D. , Kilgo John C. , Vukovich Mark , Martin James A.
Published: March 2017

Coyote (Canis latrans) predation on white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns in southeastern North America has led to deer population declines in some areas. Research or management efforts initiated in response to coyote predation on fawns have primarily focused on implementation of reduced antlerless deer harvest or coyote control to mitigate population declines. Vegetation characteristics may influence coyote hunting efficiency, but the potential influence of land cover at large scales in the southeastern United States is underexplored. We investigated whether mortality risk was affected by landscape characteristics within fawn home ranges for a sample of 165 fawns on the United States Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS), South Carolina, 2007–2012. We monitored fawns every 8 hours to ≥4 weeks of age and 1–3 times daily to 12 weeks of age. We included only surviving or coyote‐predated fawns in the dataset. The most supported model describing hazard ratios included the length of edge (i.e., area where 2 land cover types joined) in fawn home ranges. Probability of coyote predation increased 1.26 times for each 968‐m decrease in edge within a fawn's simulated home range (29.1‐ha circular buffer) under this model. Further, fawns with the least edge in their home ranges were >2 times more likely to be depredated by a coyote than fawns with the greatest edge availability. Support for other models was relatively low, but informative variables (e.g., mean patch fractal dimension, Shannon's diversity index, mean forest patch size) supported a general trend that as fawn home ranges became more homogeneous and contained larger patches with less edge and fewer cover types, predation risk increased. These findings are consistent with similar work in the midwestern United States, despite landscape differences between regions. The combined weight of evidence suggests maintenance of a heterogeneous landscape consisting of relatively small dispersed patches may reduce fawn losses to coyotes. This information may also be used to identify areas susceptible to greater fawn predation rates across large spatial scales. However, the relatively long forestry rotation lengths and large scale of consistent forest management on the SRS are uncommon in the southeastern United States and the mechanism for the pattern we observed is unclear. Therefore, our results may not be applicable to sites with different forest management practices. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Recent Advances and Future Prospects of Aggregation‐induced Emission Carbohydrate Polymers
Authors: Liu Meiying , Gao Peng , Wan Qing , Deng Fengjie , Wei Yen , Zhang Xiaoyong
Published: March 2017

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) is an abnormal phenomenon that has sparked great attention for diverse applications in different fields. In particular, the fabrication and biological imaging applications of AIE‐active fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) have become a focus in the emerging and promising fields. A large number of AIE‐active polymeric nanoprobes have recently been fabricated through different strategies. The advances and progress in this direction have also recently been summarized by some groups. However, the fabrication and biomedical applications of AIE‐active FONs based on carbohydrate polymers and AIE‐active dyes are quite rare and limited. In this feature article, the recently reported AIE‐active FONs with different structures and applications based on AIE‐active dyes and carbohydrate polymers are highlighted, and the major current limitations and development tendencies are also discussed.

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Fractional anisotropy derived from the diffusion tensor distribution function boosts power to detect Alzheimer's disease deficits
Authors: Nir Talia M. , Jahanshad Neda , Villalon‐Reina Julio E. , Isaev Dmitry , Zavaliangos‐Petropulu Artemis , Zhan Liang , Leow Alex D. , Jack Clifford R. , Weiner Michael W. , Thompson Paul M. ,   for the Alzheimer's Diseaase Neuroimaginng Initiative (ADNI)
Published: March 2017

Purpose

In diffusion MRI (dMRI), fractional anisotropy derived from the single‐tensor model (FADTI) is the most widely used metric to characterize white matter (WM) microarchitecture, despite known limitations in regions with crossing fibers. Due to time constraints when scanning patients in clinical settings, high angular resolution diffusion imaging acquisition protocols, often used to overcome these limitations, are still rare in clinical population studies. However, the tensor distribution function (TDF) may be used to model multiple underlying fibers by representing the diffusion profile as a probabilistic mixture of tensors.

Methods

We compared the ability of standard FADTIand TDF‐derived FA (FATDF), calculated from a range of dMRI angular resolutions (41, 30, 15, and 7 gradient directions), to profile WM deficits in 251 individuals from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and to detect associations with 1) Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, 2) Clinical Dementia Rating scores, and 3) average hippocampal volume.

Results

Across angular resolutions and statistical tests, FATDFshowed larger effect sizes than FADTI, particularly in regions preferentially affected by Alzheimer's disease, and was less susceptible to crossing fiber anomalies.

Conclusion

The TDF “corrected” form of FA may be a more sensitive and accurate alternative to the commonly used FADTI, even in clinical quality dMRI data. Magn Reson Med 78:2322–2333, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Early mixed T‐cell chimerism is predictive of pediatric AML or MDS relapse after hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Broglie Larisa , Helenowski Irene , Jennings Lawrence J. , Schafernak Kristian , Duerst Reggie , Schneiderman Jennifer , Tse William , Kletzel Morris , Chaudhury Sonali
Published: March 2017

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who relapse after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) have dismal outcomes. Our ability to predict those at risk for relapse is limited. We examined chimerism trends post‐HCT in 63 children who underwent HCT for AML or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Mixed T‐cell chimerism at engraftment and absence of chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) were associated with relapse (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). Mixed T‐cell chimerism at engraftment was predictive in patients without cGVHD (P = 0.03). Patients with engraftment mixed T‐cell chimerism may warrant closer disease monitoring and consideration for early intervention.
Effects of nanoclays on the thermal stability and flame retardancy of microcellular thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Xin‐Chao , Geng Tie , Han Jian , Liu Chun‐Tai , Shen Chang‐Yu , Turng Lih‐Sheng , Yang Hsinjin Edwin
Published: March 2017

Microcellular nanocomposite foams based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and organically modified layered clays were prepared via an efficient foaming method, microcellular injection molding (MIM). The morphology of the nanoclays was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that the layered nanoclays in the nanocomposite foams achieved a well dispersed morphology within the cell walls due to the MIM foaming process. Postburn SEM images showed that TPU/NC10 foam (with 10 wt% nanoclay) was able to maintain its foam porosity, original shape, and microcellular structure due to the synergistic effects of its microcellular structure and the fully dispersed nanoclays. Thermal stability and flame resistance were assessed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and microscale combustion calorimetry, respectively. TGA results indicated that the nanocomposite foams had a significant decline in the thermal degradation rate compared to the unfilled TPU/NR foam. The flame resistance tests showed that the heat release capacity (HRC) of TPU/NC10 foams was substantially lower (27% lower) than that of the unfilled TPU/NR foam. The char yield of the TPU/NC10 foam was 19.14%, which was almost 18 times higher than that of the unfilled TPU/NR foam. With the presence of the microcellular structure, the HRC values decreased from 266.8 J/g k for solid TPU/NC10 to 235.5 J/g k for TPU/NC10 foams. This work combines two flame retardant mechanisms—the thermal barrier effect of the nanoclay layers and the microcellular self‐intumescing system—in the nanocomposite foams. Our study also provides substantial motivation to produce novel, environmentally‐benign, and flame‐retardant TPU foam using microcellular injection molding. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1429–E1440, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comprehensive proteomic analysis of Penicillium verrucosum
Authors: Nöbauer Katharina , Hummel Karin , Mayrhofer Corina , Ahrens Maike , Setyabudi Francis M.C. , Schmidt‐Heydt Markus , Eisenacher Martin , Razzazi‐Fazeli Ebrahim
Published: March 2017

Mass spectrometric identification of proteins in species lacking validated sequence information is a major problem in veterinary science. In the present study, we used ochratoxin A producing Penicillium verrucosum to identify and quantitatively analyze proteins of an organism with yet no protein information available. The work presented here aimed to provide a comprehensive protein identification of P. verrucosum using shotgun proteomics. We were able to identify 3631 proteins in an “ab initio” translated database from DNA sequences of P. verrucosum. Additionally, a sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment‐ion spectra analysis was done to find differentially regulated proteins at two different time points of the growth curve. We compared the proteins at the beginning (day 3) and at the end of the log phase (day 12).
Photocleavable and tunable thermoresponsive amphiphilic random copolymer: Self‐assembly into micelles, dye encapsulation, and triggered release
Authors: Jana Somdeb , Bose Avijit , Saha Anupam , Mandal Tarun K.
Published: March 2017

A double‐responsive amphiphilic random copolymer (P(OEtOxA)‐ran‐PNBA) composed of thermoresponsive poly(oligo(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)acrylate) (P(OEtOxA)) segments and photocleavable poly(2‐nitrobenzyl acrylate) (PNBA) segments is synthesized via combination of cationic ring‐opening polymerization (CROP) and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization techniques. The P(OEtOxA)‐ran‐PNBA copolymer exhibits lower critical solution (LCST)‐type soluble‐to‐turbid phase transition in water with tunable cloud point (Tcp) with respect to chain length of P(OEtOxA) segment present. The photocleavage of PNBA segments by UV irradiation transforms amphiphilic P(OEtOxA)‐ran‐PNBA to fully hydrophilic P(OEtOxA)‐ran‐poly(acrylic acid) resulting in the appreciable increase of Tcp of copolymer in aqueous solution. Owing to the amphiphilic nature, the P(OEtOxA)‐ran‐PNBA copolymer molecules self‐assemble into well‐dispersed spherical micelles in water. There is a disruption of the copolymer micelles with UV light irradiation as well as shrinkage of micellar size with increasing temperature above the LCST of copolymer in solution. Finally, the encapsulation of hydrophobic guest molecule (nile red) into P(OEtOxA)‐ran‐PNBA copolymer micelles and thermo‐ and photo‐triggered release of nile red are demonstrated. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1714–1729
Effect of ventilator mode on patient‐ventilator synchrony and work of breathing in neonatal pigs
Authors: Wood Shayna M. , Thurman Tracy L. , Holt Shirley J. , Bai Shasha , Heulitt Mark J. , Courtney Sherry E.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Patient‐ventilator asynchrony can result in increased work of breathing (WOB) and need for increased sedation, as well as respiratory muscle fatigue and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Different ventilator modes may result in varying degrees of asynchrony and WOB.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to assess the incidence of asynchrony and the effect of asynchrony on WOB in three modes of ventilation: pressure regulated volume control (PRVC), synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation/volume control plus pressure support (SIMV/VC plus PS), and SIMV/PRVC plus PS.

METHODS

Ten piglets (2.1 ± 0.3 kg) were studied, each in the healthy and surfactant‐depleted, lung‐injured state. Piglets were sedated, intubated, and ventilated with the three modes of ventilation randomly applied. Piglets then underwent surfactant washout, after which the lungs were re‐recruited, and the modes of ventilation were repeated. Airway flow and pressure waveforms were acquired via pneumotachograph. Waveforms were analyzed for patient‐ventilator asynchrony and pressure time product (PTP) as an estimate of patient WOB.

RESULTS SIMV/VC plus PS had the highest incidence of asynchrony. The incidence of asynchrony was less in the injured lung. PTP (cm H2O*S) was increased for SIMV/VC plus PS (healthy 0.10 ± 0.12; injured 0.15 ± 0.13) compared to PRVC (healthy 0.05 ± 0.05; injured 0.06 ± 0.03), (P < 0.03) in both the healthy and injured lung models.

CONCLUSIONS

Asynchrony and WOB are highest with SIMV/VC plus PS. If SIMV is utilized, SIMV/PRVC plus a PS that optimizes tidal volume may be preferable. PRVC has the least asynchrony and WOB in the injured lung.
Physical vapor deposition of methylammonium tin iodide thin films
Authors: Arend Thomas R. , Tönnies Marc , Reisbeck Patrick , Rieckmann Christopher J. P. , Kersting Roland
Published: March 2017

Methylammonium tin halides have been identified as a substitute for the lead‐based perovskites in photovoltaic devices. We report the fabrication of CH3 NH3 SnI3 thin films using physical vapor deposition. The periodic deposition of SnI2 and CH3 NH3 I yields thin films that homogeneously cover areas as large as 100 cm2. The microscopic homogeneity of the layers causes a metallic reflectivity. Photoluminescence studies indicate that the density of states is inhomogeneously broadened. The films are stable as long as contact with air is avoided. Light‐induced degradation is marginal, even up to illumination levels that approach the dose expected for future photovoltaic devices.

Image of a branch with leaves reflected by a 10 cm10 cm MASnI3 layer, which illustrates the achieved surface quality.
Morphology study of nanoporous black TiOx synthesized by laser‐based method
Authors: Cacciato G. , Zimbone M. , Ruffino F. , Privitera V. , Grimaldi M. G.
Published: March 2017

In this work, we analyse and discuss the morphology evolution of black TiOx film formed on the surface of a titanium foil following the 1064 nm wavelength nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation in water. The nanostructure of the film depends on the number of laser pulses N and laser fluence F. We interpreted the experimental observations in terms of accumulated fluence FA, obtained as the product of N and F. We showed that the nanoporous morphology of this material occurs above a specific FA threshold of about 100 J/cm−2.
The effect of horizontal resolution on Indian monsoon depressions in the Met Office NWP model
Authors: Hunt Kieran M.R. , Turner Andrew G.
Published: March 2017

Monsoon depressions are synoptic‐scale features that are responsible for a significant fraction of the rain over northern India during the summer monsoon season, and therefore it is important to quantify their structure and behaviour in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. It is known that increasing model resolution is strongly correlated with improved forecasts in the short term and global circulation in the longer term, as well as better representation of tropical cyclones; here, we explore the sensitivity of depressions to changes in resolution using the Met Office Unified Model. Seven NWP case‐studies of depressions from 2013 to 2015 were run at eight resolutions corresponding to equatorial grid spacing of between 16 and 208 km, and compared with data for the same events from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and ERA‐Interim reanalysis. We found that, at the low‐resolution end of the spectrum, increases in resolution led to improvements in the composite structure, but with diminishing returns; that is to say, the improvements in forecast track and structure become smaller. The model also persistently overestimated the depression intensity, in particular the wind speed and the warm core aloft–with the source appearing to originate in the mid‐troposphere. The sensitivity of the diurnal cycle to resolution was also explored: the stratiform component was found to be very well represented by the model, whereas the convective component was described quite poorly. Improvement in most components of structure with increasing model resolution were marginal beyond N320 (63 km) and N512 (39 km) for dynamic and thermodynamic fields respectively.
Epistemic Practices of Engineering for Education
Authors: CUNNINGHAM CHRISTINE M. , KELLY GREGORY J.
Published: March 2017

Engineering offers new educational opportunities for students, yet also poses challenges about how to conceptualize the disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices of the disciplinary fields of engineering. In this paper, we draw from empirical studies of engineering in professional and school settings to propose a set of epistemic practices of engineering that can inform curriculum development, teacher education, and research in science and engineering education. We examine the ways that these practices emerge from the work of engineering and serve to guide problem solving across a range of engineering fields. The proposed epistemic practices for education take into consideration social contexts of engineering, the salience of evidence for decision making, the types of tools and strategies used to construct knowledge, and need for creativity and innovation. The article concludes with suggestions for research in engineering education.
ACPI Conjugated Gold Nanorods as Nanoplatform for Dual Image Guided Activatable Photodynamic and Photothermal Combined Therapy In Vivo
Authors: Qiu Wen‐Xiu , Liu Li‐Han , Li Shi‐Ying , Lei Qi , Luo Guo‐Feng , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: March 2017

The nanoplatform GNR‐ACPP‐PpIX (designated as GNR‐ACPI) is designed for dual image guided combined activatable photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). In GNR‐ACPI, gold nanorods (GNRs) are modified with a protoporphyrin (PpIX, a PDT agent) conjugated activatable cell penetrating peptide (ACPP), which consists of the matrix metalloproteinases‐2 (MMP‐2) sensitive peptide sequence GPLGLAG. First, the photoactivity of PpIX is effectively quenched by GNRs due to the strong near infrared region light absorption of GNR and the special “U type” structure of ACPP induced close contact between PpIX and GNR. However, once arriving at the tumor site, the GPLGLAG sequence is hydrolyzed by the MMP‐2 overexpressed by tumor cells, resulting in the release of the residual cell membrane penetrating peptide (CPP) attached PpIX (CPP‐PpIX) with the recovery of photoactivity of PpIX. In addition, with the help of CPP, more efficient cellular uptake of PpIX by tumor cells can be achieved, which will greatly improve the PDT efficacy. Moreover, the GNR can also be utilized for photothermic imaging as well as PTT for tumors. It is found that the combination of PTT and PDT under the guidance of dual‐mode imaging greatly enhances the antitumor effects, while possessing negligible systematic toxicity.
Synthesis of Functionalized Pyrazoles via 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of α‐Diazo‐β‐ketophosphonates, Sufones and Esters with Electron‐Deficient Alkenes
Authors: Baiju T. V. , Namboothiri Irishi N. N.
Published: March 2017

1,3‐Dipolar cycloaddition of diazo compounds with olefinic substrates is a promising atom‐economic strategy for the construction of functionalized pyrazoles. Over the last few years, our group has been engaged in the synthesis of phosphonyl/sulfonylpyrazoles and pyrazole esters by employing Bestmann‐Ohira Reagent (BOR) and its sulfur and ester analogs as 1,3‐dipole precursors with various dipolarophiles. This account describes the novel synthetic methods developed in our laboratory, in the perspective of closely related work by others, for the synthesis of phosphonyl/sulfonylpyrazoles, pyrazole esters and the total synthesis of Withasomnine, a natural product, by using 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition as the key step.
Ameliorative effect of sansoninto on sleep disturbance and spatial memory impairment in an Alzheimer's disease rat model
Authors: Moriyama Hiroshi , Watanabe Takuya , Takasaki Kotaro , Nagao Masaki , Kubota Kaori , Katsurabayashi Shutaro , Egashira Nobuaki , Iwasaki Katsunori
Published: March 2017

Aim

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with a high incidence of sleep disturbance, and several studies have reported that sansoninto (SNT), a Kampo medicine, ameliorates sleep disturbance. The effects of SNT on sleep disturbance and spatial memory impairment, however, have not been investigated in animal models of AD, therefore the aim of the current study was to carry out these investigations using a rat AD model.

Methods

Combined cerebral ischemia and intracerebroventricular injections of aggregated beta‐amyloid were used to induce a rat model of AD. The quantity and quality of sleep in these rats were determined on electroencephalography and electromyography. Spatial memory impairment was examined using the water maze task. Triazolam, a hypnotic, and donepezil, approved for treating AD, were used as positive controls.

Results

Compared with sham‐operated rats, the AD model rats had decreased total non‐rapid eye movement sleep time, more frequent nocturnal awakening in the light phase, and poorer quality of non‐rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep on electroencephalography and electromyography. The AD rats also took longer than sham‐operated rats to pass the platform area in the water maze retention test. Oral SNT 1000 mg/kg improved those impairments.

Conclusion

SNT ameliorated not only the abnormal non‐rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep structure but also the spatial memory impairment observed in a rat model of AD.
Re: Cervical length screening for prevention of preterm birth in singleton pregnancy with threatened preterm labor: systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials using individual patient‐level data. V. Berghella, M. Palacio, A. Ness, Z. Alfirevic, K. H. Nicolaides and G. Saccone. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 49: 322–329.
Authors: van Baaren G. J. , Mol B. W. J.
Published: March 2017

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