bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sox2 regulates astrocytic and vascular development in the retina
Authors: Kautzman Amanda G. , Keeley Patrick W. , Nahmou Michael M. , Luna Gabriel , Fisher Steven K. , Reese Benjamin E.
Published: November 2017

Sox2 is a transcriptional regulator that is highly expressed in retinal astrocytes, yet its function in these cells has not previously been examined. To understand its role, we conditionally deleted Sox2 from the population of astrocytes and examined the consequences on retinal development. We found that Sox2 deletion does not alter the migration of astrocytes, but it impairs their maturation, evidenced by the delayed upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) across the retina. The centro‐peripheral gradient of angiogenesis is also delayed in Sox2‐CKO retinas. In the mature retina, we observed lasting abnormalities in the astrocytic population evidenced by the sporadic loss of GFAP immunoreactivity in the peripheral retina as well as by the aberrant extension of processes into the inner retina. Blood vessels in the adult retina are also under‐developed and show a decrease in the frequency of branch points and in total vessel length. The developmental relationship between maturing astrocytes and angiogenesis suggests a causal relationship between the astrocytic loss of Sox2 and the vascular architecture in maturity. We suggest that the delay in astrocytic maturation and vascular invasion may render the retina hypoxic, thereby causing the abnormalities we observe in adulthood. These studies uncover a novel role for Sox2 in the development of retinal astrocytes and indicate that its removal can lead to lasting changes to retinal homeostasis.
A New, Highly Potent 1,8‐Naphthalimide‐based Fluorescence “Turn off” Chemosensor Capable of Cu2+ Detection in China's Yellow River Water Samples
Authors: Aderinto Stephen Opeyemi
Published: November 2017

A new 1,8‐naphthalimide‐based fluorescence “turn off” chemosensor, N‐phenyl‐4‐(3,3′‐((2‐aminoethyl)azanediyl)dipropanoic acid)‐1,8‐naphthalimide (MAST), for the detection of Cu2+ was synthesized. Upon treatment with Cu2+, in coexistence with various competitive metal ions in HEPES‐buffered dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution (v/v, 1:1; pH 7.4), MAST displayed a high selectivity toward Cu2+ with a fluorescence quenching of 83.67%. Additionally, a good linear response of MAST for the detection of Cu2+ was obtained in the concentration range of 10 × 10−6 to 50 × 10−6 M. A 1:1 stoichiometric interaction of MAST with Cu2+ was observed, and the association constant and detection limit were calculated to be 1.37 × 106 and 0.69 × 10−8 M, respectively. The sensing mechanism of the chemosensor toward Cu2+ was proposed due to the effect of the paramagnetic nature of Cu2+ and reverse‐photo‐induced electron transfer (PET) process. Ultimately, the proposed chemosensor was applied to quantify Cu2+ in real‐world water samples, with excellent recovery rates of 98.00–109.80% observed.
Serum Lipid and Protein Changes in Healthy Dyslipidemic Subjects Given a Selective Inhibitor of p70 S6 Kinase‐1
Authors: Leohr Jennifer K. , Luffer‐Atlas Debra , Luo M. Jane , DeBrota David J. , Green Colin , Mabry Thomas E. , Suico Jeffrey G.
Published: November 2017

The safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic effects of LY2584702, a selective inhibitor for p70 S6 serine/threonine protein kinase‐1, were evaluated in healthy dyslipidemic volunteers. LY2584702 was tolerated well as a monotherapy and dose‐dependently reduced low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides by up to 60% and 50%, respectively, without significantly changing high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in plasma. LY2584702 also dose‐dependently decreased factor V activity. Alanine aminotransferase elevations were noted in 2 subjects when LY2584702 was given with atorvastatin. We suspect that the formation of 4‐aminopyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine (4‐APP) during metabolism may have contributed to some of the adverse effects of LY2584702, and the contribution of 4‐APP to the pharmacology merits further investigation. Although clinical investigation of LY2584702 has been terminated because of hepatotoxicity risk, we suggest that a selective inhibitor of p70 S6 serine/threonine protein kinase‐1 with a larger margin of safety and without the possibility of being metabolized to 4‐APP may be useful in the treatment of dyslipidemia.
Examining the impact of trust and perceived risk on purchase intentions of unscheduled medicines in supermarkets
Authors: Mortimer Gary
Published: November 2017

Background

Community‐based pharmacies are facing the challenge of maintaining market share and consumer relevance as supermarkets continue to increase their product ranges of unscheduled and complementary medicines within their healthcare category.

Aim

The aim of this paper is to empirically explore the drivers and barriers of purchase intentions, namely trust and perceived risk, of unscheduled medicines in a supermarket.

Method

Data were collected via an in‐store, intercept survey of 310 supermarket shoppers in Australia. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) including a measurement and structural model test was employed using AMOS software package.

Key findings

This study found purchase intention of unscheduled medicines in a supermarket was associated with the competence of employees to provide products and the ability of supermarkets to effectively process transactions. Respondents indicated that the provision of information and benevolence were not drivers of purchase intention. Two barriers that negatively impacted on shoppers’ intentions were identified as psychological risk and social risk. Herein, shoppers indicated that purchasing unscheduled medicines in a supermarket did create mild anxiety and concerns about social acceptance. In contrast, time and physical risk were not considered barriers of purchase intentions.

Conclusions

This is the first study to examine the drivers and barriers of purchase intentions of unscheduled medicines in a supermarket. This present study provides a comprehensive model of purchase intentions of unscheduled medicines and recommends directions for pharmacy practitioners to compete against supermarkets.
Dispersive magnetic solid‐phase extraction of phthalate esters from water samples and human plasma based on a nanosorbent composed of MIL‐101(Cr) metal–organic framework and magnetite nanoparticles before their determination by GC–MS
Authors: Dargahi Rosa , Ebrahimzadeh Homeira , Asgharinezhad Ali Akbar , Hashemzadeh Alireza , Amini Mostafa M.
Published: November 2017

In this study, a magnetic metal–organic framework was synthesized simply and utilized in the dispersive magnetic solid‐phase extraction of five phthalate esters followed by their determination by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. First, MIL‐101(Cr) was prepared hydrothermally in water medium without using highly corrosive hydrofluoric acid, utilizing an autoclave oven heat supply. Afterward, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were decorated into the matrix of MIL‐101(Cr) to fabricate magnetic MIL‐101 nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was characterized by various techniques. The parameters affecting dispersive magnetic solid‐phase extraction efficiency were optimized and obtained as: a sorbent amount of 15 mg; a sorption time of 20 min; an elution time of 5 min; NaCl concentration, 10% w/v; type and volume of the eluent 1 mL n‐hexane/acetone (1:1 v/v). Under the optimum conditions detection limits and linear dynamic ranges were achieved in the range of 0.08–0.15 and 0.5–200 μg/L, respectively. The intra‐ and interday RSD% values were obtained in the range of 2.5–9.5 and 4.6–10.4, respectively. Ultimately, the applicability of the method was successfully confirmed by the extraction and determination of the model analytes in water samples, and human plasma in the range of microgram per liter and satisfactory results were obtained.
Application of pH‐zone‐refining countercurrent chromatography in the chiral separation of two β‐adrenergic blocking agents
Authors: Lv Liqiong , Bu Zhisi , Sun Wenyu , Wang Chaoyue , Xu Cong , Tong Shengqiang
Published: November 2017

Two β‐adrenergic blocking agents, 1‐[(1‐methylethyl)amino]‐3‐phenoxy‐2‐propanol (1) and 1‐[(1‐methylethyl)amino]‐3‐(3‐methylphenoxy)‐2‐propanol (2; Toliprolol), were enantioseparated by pH‐zone‐refining countercurrent chromatography. A two‐phase solvent system composed of chloroform containing 0.10 mol/L of di‐n‐hexyl l‐tartrate/0.10 mol/L of boric acid aqueous solution (1:1, v/v) was selected, in which 20 mmol/L triethylamine was added in the organic phase as a retainer and 2 mmol/L HCl was added in the aqueous phase as an eluter. Fifty milligrams of each racemate was completely enantioseparated by pH‐zone‐refining countercurrent chromatography to yield each enantiomer with a purity of more than 98%, and the recovery of each separated enantiomer reached around 76–82%.
Disorder‐ and Treatment‐Specific Therapeutic Competence Scales for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Intervention: Development and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Dittmann Clara , Müller‐Engelmann Meike , Stangier Ulrich , Priebe Kathlen , Fydrich Thomas , Görg Nora , Rausch Sophie , Resick Patricia A. , Steil Regina
Published: November 2017

Although the assessment of therapeutic competence in psychotherapy research is essential for examining its possible associations with treatment outcomes, it is often neglected due to high costs and a lack of valid instruments. This study aimed to develop two therapeutic competence scales that assess disorder‐specific and treatment‐specific therapeutic competence, and to examine these scales’ psychometric properties along with those of the already established Cognitive Therapy Scale (CTS) in a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sample. Using an inductive procedure, two rating scales for assessing disorder‐specific and treatment‐specific competence were constructed. The psychometric properties of these scales and those of the CTS were assessed in a sample of 30 videotaped sessions of eight patients from a multicenter study in which PTSD related to child abuse was treated using cognitive processing therapy. Two raters assessed therapeutic competence in 30 videotaped psychotherapy sessions. Interrater reliability, internal consistency, and content validity were determined. The scales (all items and total scores) demonstrated good to excellent interrater reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) = .67 to .97, and internal consistency, Cronbach's α = .73 to .92. The PTSD experts’ ratings confirmed good internal validity. We found statistically significant associations with therapeutic adherence, r = .62 to .85; p < .001; and therapeutic alliance, r = .47, p < .001. These preliminary data imply that the two newly developed competence scales and the CTS can be reliably used to assess different types of therapeutic competence in PTSD samples and may be useful as possible predictors of treatment outcomes.
Examination of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment System as a Measure of Disability Severity Among Veterans Receiving Cognitive Processing Therapy
Authors: Schumm Jeremiah A. , Gore Whitney L. , Chard Kathleen M. , Meyer Eric C.
Published: November 2017

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is effective for reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among military veterans. However, studies have not examined whether CPT is associated with reductions in disability severity. The current study examines the association between disability severity and PTSD and depression among U.S. veterans who are receiving CPT. Veterans completed measures at pre‐ and posttreatment and received CPT through a Veterans Affairs PTSD outpatient (n = 155) or residential (n = 177) program. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 was used to assess disability severity. The WHODAS 2.0 scores were positively correlated with clinician‐ and veteran‐rated PTSD and veteran‐rated depression at pre‐ and posttreatment (r = .22 to. 60). Compared with outpatients, veterans in residential treatment had worse scores on the WHODAS Mobility scale ( = .03), but on no other WHODAS 2.0 scales. Pre‐ to posttreatment reductions were found on all WHODAS 2.0 subscales ( = .03 to .15). Reductions in PTSD and depression were positively associated with improvements on the WHODAS 2.0 Summary scale and most subscales (r = .22 to. 52). Findings suggest that the WHODAS 2.0 is a promising disability severity measure for veterans in PTSD treatment. Findings also suggest that CPT may help veterans to achieve reductions in disability severity.
Micro‐Nanostructures of Cellulose‐Collagen for Critical Sized Bone Defect Healing
Authors: Aravamudhan Aja , Ramos Daisy M. , Nip Jonathan , Kalajzic Ivo , Kumbar Sangamesh G.
Published: November 2017

Bone tissue engineering strategies utilize biodegradable polymeric matrices alone or in combination with cells and factors to provide mechanical support to bone, while promoting cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue ingrowth. The performance of mechanically competent, micro‐nanostructured polymeric matrices, in combination with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), is evaluated in a critical sized bone defect. Cellulose acetate (CA) is used to fabricate a porous microstructured matrix. Type I collagen is then allowed to self‐assemble on these microstructures to create a natural polymer‐based, micro‐nanostructured matrix (CAc). Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) matrices with identical microstructures serve as controls. Significantly higher number of implanted host cells are distributed in the natural polymer based micro‐nanostructures with greater bone density and more uniform cell distribution. Additionally, a twofold increase in collagen content is observed with natural polymer based scaffolds. This study establishes the benefits of natural polymer derived micro‐nanostructures in combination with donor derived BMSCs to repair and regenerate critical sized bone defects. Natural polymer based materials with mechanically competent micro‐nanostructures may serve as an alternative material platform for bone regeneration.
Study on the influence of environmental factors on AC corrosion behavior and its mechanism
Authors: Xiao Yingwu , Du Yanxia , Tang Dezhi , Ou Li , Sun Haiming , Lu Yi
Published: November 2017

The AC corrosion behavior of X70 steel under the combined action of cathodic protection and AC interference was studied by the laboratory simulation experiments in two kinds of typical soil simulated environments with different contents of calcium ion (Ca2+), magnesium ion (Mg2+), and sodium ion (Na+). The mechanisms of AC corrosion in different environments were investigated by process parameter monitoring, electrochemical measurement, corrosion morphology, and product analyses. The results showed that the corrosion rate of X70 steel in the simulated environment with higher Na+ content was 2 times higher than that in the simulated environment with higher Ca2+ and Mg2+ content under the same CP potential and AC current density. The reason was analyzed and it was found that the performance of product film, AC current distribution through the double layer interface of steel/electrolyte, and the enrichment of some ions near the interface attributed to AC corrosion rate in different environments.
Effect of aging processes on corrosion behavior and stress corrosion sensitivity of pre‐stretched 7075 aluminum alloy
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyan , Chen Xu , Wang Xu
Published: November 2017

In this work, the microstructures, corrosion behavior, and sensitivity to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of pre‐stretched 7075 aluminum alloy drill pipes with 2.5–3% tensile plastic deformation in a 3.5% sodium chloride solution are studied. The alloy samples are separately subjected to single‐stage aging, two‐stage aging, and three‐stage aging. The polarization curves of the samples all demonstrate passivation characteristics after the different aging treatments. Single‐stage aging of the sample results in poor corrosion resistance and high SCC sensitivity with continuously distributed grain boundaries. After two‐stage aging, the sample exhibits improved corrosion resistance and SCC sensitivity, with intermittently distributed grain boundaries. Three‐stage aging imparts the alloy with remarkable corrosion resistance and significantly reduced SCC sensitivity, with intermittently distributed grain boundaries. Thus, the three‐stage sample is considered to be the best choice for aluminum alloy drill pipes intended for applications involving heat‐treatment.
Antibacterial activity of chitosan against Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Kamjumphol Watcharaporn , Chareonsudjai Pisit , Chareonsudjai Sorujsiri
Published: November 2017

The ability of Burkholderia pseudomallei to persist and survive in the environment is a health problem worldwide. Therefore, the antibacterial activities of chitosan against four environmental isolates of B. pseudomallei from soil in Khon Kaen, Thailand, were investigated. Antibacterial activities were assessed by a plate count technique after treatment with 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 or 5 mg ml−1 chitosan for 0, 24 and 48 hr. Chitosan at 5 mg ml−1 completely killed all four B. pseudomallei isolates within 24 hr, whilst 2 mg ml−1 chitosan lowered the viability of B. pseudomallei by 20% within the same time span. Chitosan may act by disruption of the cell membrane, releasing intracellular components that can be detected spectrophotometrically at 260 and 280 nm. Transmission electron microscopy inspection of chitosan‐treated B. pseudomallei revealed damage to the bacterial membranes. This study demonstrated the effective antibacterial activity by chitosan against B. pseudomallei. Chitosan causes disruption of the bacterial cell membrane, release of intracellular constituents and cell death. This study revealed the inhibitory potential of chitosan for mitigating B. pseudomallei occurrences.
Meloxicam inhibits biofilm formation and enhances antimicrobial agents efficacy by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: She Pengfei , Wang Yangxia , Luo Zhen , Chen Lihua , Tan Ruichen , Wang Yanle , Wu Yong
Published: November 2017

Microbial biofilms are communities of surface‐adhered cells enclosed in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Bacterial cells in biofilm are 10~1,000‐fold more resistant to antimicrobials than the planktonic cells. Burgeoning antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm has necessitated the development of antimicrobial agents. Here, we have investigated the antibiofilm effect of meloxicam against P. aeruginosaPAO1 and its potential mechanisms. Further, we have explored whether meloxicam could enhance the susceptibility of bacterial biofilms to treatment with conventional antimicrobials. Here, we found that meloxicam could significantly inhibit PAO1 biofilm formation in a dose‐dependent manner at the concentration without influence on planktonic cell growth. Meloxicam could also significantly inhibit the motilities, production of extracellular matrix, and expression of quorum sensing‐related genes and virulence factors of PAO1. Furthermore, synergistic interaction was observed when meloxicam combined with tetracycline, gentamicin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, ceftazidime, and DNase at subminimal inhibitory concentrations against PAO1 bioiflm. Collectively, our study lays the foundation for further investigation of repurposing meloxicam as a topical antibiofilm agent to treat P. aeruginosa biofilm‐related infections.
Action Myoclonus and Seizure in Kufor‐Rakeb Syndrome
Authors: Rohani Mohammad , Lang Anthony E. , Sina Farzad , Elahi Elahe , Fasano Alfonso , Hardy John , Bras Jose , Alavi Afagh
Published: November 2017

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Background

Kufor‐Rakeb syndrome (KRS) is a rare autosomal recessive neurologic disease with diverse phenotypic features. Herein we report an Iranian KRS family with seizure and action myoclonus in addition to other typical manifestations of this syndrome.

Method

All family members underwent careful neurologic examination. Exome sequencing was performed and ATP13A2 variation genotyped in all family members.

Results

Cognitive deficits, hypokinesia, rigidity, spasticity, brisk deep tendon reflexes, upward gaze palsy, tremor, and facial‐faucial‐finger mini‐myoclonus were the common manifestations of all affected siblings. Two cases had seizure and the most severely affected sibling demonstrated severe action myoclonus. Exome sequencing identified a homozygous nonsense mutation c.2455C>T;p.Arg819* in ATP13A2 gene.

Conclusions

We reported five KRS affected siblings who manifested myoclonus and seizure. The most severely affected one demonstrated action myoclonus, which has not been reported so far.
Correction of solar irradiation effects on air temperature measurement using a dual‐thermistor radiosonde at low temperature and low pressure
Authors: Lee Sang‐Wook , Park Eun Uk , Choi Byung Il , Kim Jong Chul , Woo Sang‐Bong , Park Seongchong , Yang Seung Gu , Kim Yong‐Gyoo
Published: November 2017

The correction of heat‐biased temperatures measured by radiosondes during the daytime is affected by other environmental parameters such as ventilation, air temperature and pressure. Among them, the effect of low temperature on temperature sensors under irradiation is not well known. This paper studies the combined effect of low temperature and low pressure on the air‐temperature measurement under irradiation to obtain a correction formula using dual thermistors with different emissivities. The temperature variation of both thermistors under irradiation (about 1500 W m–2) is increased as temperature and pressure are decreased from 25 to −80 °C and from 1000 to 10 hPa, respectively. The observed behaviour is explained using heat‐transfer equations. In order to calculate the irradiance with no pyranometer, the temperature difference between dual thermistors is formulated as a function of irradiance, temperature and pressure through chamber‐based experiments. After the relationship between parameters is established, the temperature difference between thermistors is solely used to calculate the irradiance. The uncertainty of the calculated irradiance using dual thermistors is 6.2% (94 W m−2) at the coverage factor k = 1. The calculated irradiance is used for the correction of the heat‐biased temperatures measured by the thermistors. The combined uncertainty of corrected temperature is 0.79 K (k = 1), which includes uncertainties owing to the irradiance, pressure and temperature sensors as well as modelling. The dual thermistor‐based technique using ground‐calibration facilities can provide the traceability to the International System of Units (SI) in the measurement of irradiance and temperature in the upper air.
Large time behavior of solutions for a Cauchy problem on a nonlinear conservation law with large initial data in the whole space
Authors: Jin Lingyu , Li Lang , Fang Shaomei
Published: November 2017

We consider the Cauchy problem on a nonlinear conversation law with large initial data. By Green's function methods, energy methods, Fourier analysis, and frequency decomposition, we obtain the global existence and the optimal time‐decay estimate of solutions.
N solutions for a derivative nonlinear Schrödinger‐type equation via Riemann‐Hilbert approach
Authors: Geng Xianguo , Nie Hui
Published: November 2017

The inverse scattering transform for the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger‐type equation is studied via the Riemann‐Hilbert approach. In the direct scattering process, the spectral analysis of the Lax pair is performed, from which a Riemann‐Hilbert problem is established for the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger‐type equation. In the inverse scattering process, N‐soliton solutions of the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger‐type equation are obtained by solving Riemann‐Hilbert problems corresponding to the reflectionless cases. Moreover, the dynamics of the exact solutions are discussed.
The Effect of Different l‐Carnitine Administration Routes on the Development of Atherosclerosis in ApoE Knockout Mice
Authors: Zhao Ying , Yang Ning , Gao Jinmao , Li Hanying , Cai Wei , Zhang Xin , Ma Yongqiang , Niu Xiulong , Yang Guohong , Zhou Xin , Li Yuming
Published: November 2017

Scope

l‐Carnitine (LC) is abundant in red meat and is widely added to health supplements and food. This study focuses on the adverse effects of oral supplementation of 1.3% LC in ApoE−/− mice and whether the parenteral administration of LC (subcutaneously, sub) has any impact on the development of atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

Mice are randomly divided into three groups (n = 15). All mice are fed a high‐fat diet (HFD). The number of Ly6Chi monocytes; degree of atherosclerosis; plasma LC, γ‐butyrobetaine (γBB), and trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) levels; and microbial community composition are analyzed. Compared with the HFD and HFD ± LC (sub) groups, the number of Ly6Chi monocytes, atherosclerotic plaque area, and plasma γBB and TMAO levels are increased in the HFD ± LC (oral) group (p < 0.001). Plasma LC levels in the HFD ± LC (sub) group are higher than those in other groups. The levels of γBB, TMAO, and Ly6Chi monocytes are positively correlated with atherosclerotic plaque area (p < 0.01), and TMAO is positively correlated with Bacteroidetes and negatively correlated with Firmicutes at the phylum level.

Conclusion

In contrast with oral LC administration, subcutaneous LC administration, which bypasses its conversion to TMAO in the liver, does not have a detrimental effect on the development of atherosclerosis in male ApoE−/− mice. Taking LC parenterally may be preferable among patients who require LC supplementation.
Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bond Dale S. , Thomas J. Graham , Lipton Richard B. , Roth Julie , Pavlovic Jelena M. , Rathier Lucille , O'Leary Kevin C. , Evans E. Whitney , Wing Rena R.
Published: November 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to test whether behavioral weight loss (BWL) intervention decreases headaches in women with comorbid migraine and overweight or obesity.

Methods

This randomized, single‐blind trial allocated women 18 to 50 years old with 4 to 20 migraine days per month and a BMI = 25.0‐49.9 kg/m2 to 16 weeks of BWL (n = 54), which targeted exercise and eating behaviors for weight loss, or to migraine education control (ME, n = 56), which delivered didactic instruction on migraine and treatments. Participants completed a 4‐week smartphone headache diary at baseline, posttreatment (16‐20 wk), and follow‐up (32‐36 wk). The primary outcome was posttreatment change in migraine days per month, analyzed via linear mixed effects models.

Results

Of 110 participants randomly assigned, 85 (78%) and 80 (73%) completed posttreatment and follow‐up. Although the BWL group achieved greater weight loss (mean [95% CI] in kilograms) than the ME group at posttreatment (−3.8 [−2.5 to −5.0] vs. + 0.9 [−0.4 to 2.2], P < 0.001) and follow‐up (−3.2 [−2.0 to −4.5] vs. + 1.1 [−0.2 to 2.4], P < 0.001), there were no significant group (BWL vs. ME) differences (mean [95% CI]) in migraine days per month at posttreatment (−3.0 [−2.0 to −4.0] vs. −4.0 [−2.9 to −5.0], P = 0.185) or follow‐up (−3.8 [−2.7 to −4.8] vs. −4.4 [−3.4 to −5.5], P = 0.378).

Conclusions

Contrary to hypotheses, BWL and ME yielded similar, sustained reductions in migraine headaches. Future research should evaluate whether adding BWL to standard pharmacological and/or nonpharmacological migraine treatment approaches yields greater benefits.
Structure – Impact properties relationships of carbon fiber reinforced poly(methyl methacrylate) composite
Authors: Žukienė Kristina , Žukauskas Egidijus , Kažys Rymantas Jonas , Zeleniakienė Daiva , Jankauskaitė Virginija
Published: November 2017

In the present study, the relationships between poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) structure modified by nanoparticles and the impact behavior of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced PMMA (CF/PMMA) thermoplastic nanocomposite were explored. CF/PMMA composite was prepared by nanofiller‐containing methyl methacrylate monomer impregnation of fibers followed by in‐situ polymerization in the mould. Composite matrix PMMA was modified by halloysite, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and organically modified and unmodified layered silicate clays. The structure of modified PMMA was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. SEM results show that nanotubes are uniformly distributed in the PMMA matrix without formation of aggregates. XRD studies of PMMA with layered silicates indicate poor unmodified clay exfoliation in polymer monomer. A low‐velocity impact test was performed and an air‐coupled ultrasonic non‐destructive testing technique was used to size delamination type defects in the composite samples after impact. The impact damage behavior was explained by microstructural parameters of composites obtained by optical microscopy. It was obtained that CF/PMMA composite modified by nanotubes both multiwalled carbon and halloysite absorbs 10 % more energy at the low velocity impact compared to that of unmodified one, due to high interaction of the nanotubes and PMMA. Layered silicate clays adversely affected the composite impact properties compared with unmodified CF/PMMA. Organic modifications of clays slightly improve their dispersion into the monomer, but does not have an observed effect on the impact properties of the composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E333–E341, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Therapeutic Benefit of Smoked Cannabis in Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Studies
Authors: Bowen Lynneice L. , McRae‐Clark Aimee L.
Published: November 2017

The medicinal use of marijuana has been legalized in 28 states, with a wide range of specificity for approved medical conditions. Even with the emergence of non–combustion‐based delivery systems, 90% of marijuana users in 2014 used smoked marijuana. This review summarizes the data available on the use of smoked marijuana for medical purposes. A literature search was performed to retrieve randomized controlled trials exploring the efficacy of smoked cannabis for treatment of a medical condition. Studies with the primary end point listed as the effect of smoked cannabis on a disease‐specific characteristic were included. Open‐label studies and studies using other administration methods were excluded. Seven studies met these criteria and were included in this review. Cannabis did not outperform placebo on experimentally evoked pain or the timed walk test. Clear evidence indicates that smoked cannabis reduces intraocular pressure, but the effect is too brief (less than 4 hrs) to be of therapeutic benefit for this chronic disorder. Consistent evidence also showed that smoked marijuana, even at lower concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol, increased total daily calorie intake and number of eating occasions. Neither of the studies with quality of life as secondary outcome measures revealed statistically significantly improved outcomes with cannabis use.
Angular‐dependent spectral responsivity—Traceable measurements on optical losses in PV devices
Authors: Plag F. , Kröger I. , Fey T. , Witt F. , Winter S.
Published: November 2017

Angular‐dependent optical losses can have an effect on the spectral responsivity of photovoltaic devices. When these devices with differing angular‐dependent spectral responsivity are exposed to incident direct and diffuse solar spectral irradiance they will perform differently compared with direct and perpendicular beam exposure only. However, if the angular and polarization‐dependent spectral responsivity is known, optical losses can be determined for any given angular distributed solar spectrum. Here, we show the capabilities of a newly developed laser‐based calibration facility for traceable measurements on reference solar cells angular‐dependent spectral responsivity for device areas of up to 156 × 156 mm2. Our investigation is focused on a comprehensive analysis on all related measurement uncertainties. We present the results of measurements on a variety of reference solar cells as well as an industry type solar cell with and without encapsulation showing that strong differences in their optical properties occur. Additionally, we compare the results obtained with a conventional broadband characterization approach using a halogen lamp as light source. An agreement, better than 1%, was observed for the broadband measurement and the spectral measurements weighted by the spectral responsivity and the lamp spectrum. It is shown why different light sources lead to different angular‐dependent responsivities. In conclusion, validation measurements of solar simulator‐based or natural sunlight‐based angular responsivity facilities at testing and calibrations laboratories can be offered. Furthermore, by means of traceable angular‐dependent spectral responsivity measurements and multidimensional models under consideration of diffuse light components, optical losses for photovoltaic performance measurements, energy rating, and related uncertainties can be studied.
Pb5Sb8S17 quantum dot‐sensitized solar cells with an efficiency of 6% under 0.05 sun: Theoretical and experimental studies
Authors: Sie Sheng‐Fong , Suriyawong Nipapon , Shi Jen‐Bin , He Xin , Zhang Lijun , Singh David J. , Lee Ming‐Way
Published: November 2017

Pb5Sb8S17 has recently been demonstrated to be a potential solar absorber material having an efficiency of 4.14% under 0.1 sun. This work reports on the improved performance of solid‐state Pb5Sb8S17 quantum dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). Density functional calculations revealed indirect and direct energy gaps of 1.64 and 1.70 eV, respectively, large optical absorption coefficients approximately 105 cm−1 in the visible range, and a large static dielectric function (ε0 = 44) facilitating charge collection. Pb5Sb8S17 nanoparticles were synthesized using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction process. Solid‐state QDSCs were fabricated from the synthesized nanoparticles with spiro‐OMeTAD as the hole‐transporting material. The best cell yielded a short‐circuit current density Jsc of 11.88 mA/cm2, an open‐circuit voltage Voc of 0.48 V, a fill factor FF of 45.7%, and an efficiency η of 2.61% under 1 sun. The η increased to 5.13% at the reduced light of 0.1 sun and further increased to 6.04% at 0.05 sun with Jsc = 1.33 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.41 V, and FF = 55.7%. The present result represents a 24% improvement over the best previous result. This efficiency of approximately 6% can be categorized as one of the highest‐efficiency ternary QDSCs (except the widely studied Cu‐In‐Se system) and is comparable to the performance of other high‐efficiency QDSCs based on single‐layered semiconductor absorbers, suggesting that Pb5Sb8S17 could be an efficient absorber material for solar cells.
Core–Shell Bi2Se3@mSiO2‐PEG as a Multifunctional Drug‐Delivery Nanoplatform for Synergistic Thermo‐Chemotherapy with Infrared Thermal Imaging of Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Zhuo , Li Zhenglin , Sun Lei , Du Baosheng , Wang Yuanlin , Zhao Gongyuan , Yu Dengfeng , Yang Sisi , Sun Ye , Yu Miao
Published: November 2017

Thermo‐chemotherapy combining photothermal therapy (PTT) with chemotherapy has become a potent approach for antitumor treatment. In this study, a multifunctional drug‐delivery nanoplatform based on polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐modified mesoporous silica‐coated bismuth selenide nanoparticles (referred to as Bi2Se3@mSiO2‐PEG NPs) is developed for synergistic PTT and chemotherapy with infrared thermal (IRT) imaging of cancer cells. The product shows no/low cytotoxicity, strong near‐infrared (NIR) optical absorption, high photothermal conversion capacity, and stability. Utilizing the prominent photothermal effect, high‐contrast IRT imaging and efficient photothermal killing effect on cancer cells are achieved upon NIR laser irradiation. Moreover, the successful mesoporous silica coating of the Bi2Se3@mSiO2‐PEG NPs cannot only largely improve the stability but also endow the NPs high drug loading capacity. As a proof‐of‐concept model, doxorubicin (DOX) is successfully loaded into the NPs with rather high loading capacity (≈50.0%) via the nanoprecipitation method. It is found that the DOX‐loaded NPs exhibit a bimodal on‐demand pH‐ and NIR‐responsive drug release property, and can realize effective intracellular drug delivery for chemotherapy. The synergistic thermo‐chemotherapy results in a significantly higher antitumor efficacy than either PTT or chemotherapy alone. The work reveals the great potential of such core–shell NPs as a multifunctional drug‐delivery nanosystem for thermo‐chemotherapy.
Nitric oxide inhalations in bronchiolitis: A pilot, randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial
Authors: Tal Asher , Greenberg David , Av‐Gay Yossef , Golan‐Tripto Inbal , Feinstein Yael , Ben‐Shimol Shalom , Dagan Ron , Goldbart Aviv D.
Published: November 2017

Aim

The aims of this pilot study were to determine safety, tolerability (primary outcome) and efficacy (secondary outcome) of high‐dose inhaled nitric oxide for the treatment of infants with moderately severe bronchiolitis.

Methods

This was a pilot, double‐blinded, randomized controlled study (phase IIa). Intermittent inhalations of nitric oxide 160 ppm for 30 min or oxygen/air (control) were given 5 times/day to hospitalized infants (2–11 months) with acute bronchiolitis. Oxygen saturation, methemoglobin, and nitric dioxide (NO2) levels and vital signs were monitored.

Results

Forty‐three infants were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were comparable in both study groups. Mean clinical score, comprised of four components: respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, wheezes and crackles, and % room‐air oxygen saturation, was 7.86 (±1.1) and 8.09 (±1.2) in the NO and control groups, respectively, consistent with moderate severity. The overall frequency of adverse events was similar between the groups. Repeated nitric oxide inhalations did not result in increased inhaled NO2 levels or cumulative effect on methemoglobin levels. Secondary outcomes of efficacy were measured by length of hospitalization (LOS) in hours: LOS did not differ between groups. However, in a post‐hoc analysis of a subgroup of infants hospitalized for >24 h (n = 24), the median LOS was shorter in the nitric oxide (41.9 h) than in the control group (62.5 h) (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

Our study was unable to detect a difference in side effects using intermittent high‐dose nitric‐oxide inhalation or supportive treatment alone, in infants with moderate bronchiolitis. Preliminary efficacy outcomes are encouraging.
Complementarity of stability patches at the interfaces of protein complexes: Implication for the structural organization of energetic hot spots
Authors: Kuttner Yosef Y. , Engel Stanislav
Published: November 2017

A rational design of protein complexes with defined functionalities and of drugs aimed at disrupting protein–protein interactions requires fundamental understanding of the mechanisms underlying the formation of specific protein complexes. Efforts to develop efficient small‐molecule or protein‐based binders often exploit energetic hot spots on protein surfaces, namely, the interfacial residues that provide most of the binding free energy in the complex. The molecular basis underlying the unusually high energy contribution of the hot spots remains obscure, and its elucidation would facilitate the design of interface‐targeted drugs. To study the nature of the energetic hot spots, we analyzed the backbone dynamic properties of contact surfaces in several protein complexes. We demonstrate that, in most complexes, the backbone dynamic landscapes of interacting surfaces form complementary “stability patches,” in which static areas from the opposing surfaces superimpose, and that these areas are predominantly located near the geometric center of the interface. We propose that a diminished enthalpy–entropy compensation effect augments the degree to which residues positioned within the complementary stability patches contribute to complex affinity, thereby giving rise to the energetic hot spots. These findings offer new insights into the nature of energetic hot spots and the role that backbone dynamics play in facilitating intermolecular recognition. Mapping the interfacial stability patches may provide guidance for protein engineering approaches aimed at improving the stability of protein complexes and could facilitate the design of ligands that target complex interfaces.
Control Over Dimer Orientations on Vicinal Si(100) Surfaces in Hydrogen Ambient: Kinetics Versus Energetics
Authors: Brückner Sebastian , Supplie Oliver , Dobrich Anja , Kleinschmidt Peter , Hannappel Thomas
Published: November 2017

In chemical vapor ambience, Si(100) surfaces and hydrogen are strongly interacting with each other at relevant process temperatures. Energetic considerations cannot solely describe step and terrace formation sufficiently, as the formation of equilibrium surface reconstructions can be counteracted by surface kinetics. In recent years, the combination of in situ reflection anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) and complementary UHV‐based surface sensitive techniques helped to understand and control the entire Si(100) surface preparation, in particular step and domain formation, which strongly depend on the applied process conditions and surface misorientation. Here, we discuss vicinal, 6° misoriented Si(100) surfaces in comparison to results on larger terraces in order to derive a general view on how to promote either a kinetically or an energetically driven step formation. Dictated by the dominant driving force, monohydride Si(100) surfaces with “A‐type” (1 × 2) or “B‐type” (2 × 1) majority domain can be prepared, as we confirm with RAS as well as low energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Well‐ordered DB double layer steps at the vicinal B‐type Si(100) surface cause a step‐related, derivative‐like RAS signal, in contrast to all other surfaces. In general, we confirm that high H2 pressures promote kinetically driven processes, while the impact of energetics increases with offcut magnitude.
Cage Breaking of C60 Into Photoluminescent Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots: An Efficient Peroxidase Mimic
Authors: Wang Nan , Li Ligui , Zhou Ni , Chen Shaowei
Published: November 2017

The C60 cage is broken by chemical oxidation to produce graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), which show an average diameter of 2.02 ± 1.53 nm and consist of a high content of oxygen‐containing functional groups. The resulting GOQDs exhibit apparent photoluminescence and might serve as an effective peroxidase mimic with a kinetic rate constant more than three times higher than that of conventional graphene oxide nanosheets.
Sliding mode control for robust and smooth reference tracking in robot visual servoing
Authors: Muñoz‐Benavent Pau , Gracia Luis , Solanes J. Ernesto , Esparza Alicia , Tornero Josep
Published: November 2017

An approach based on sliding mode is proposed in this work for reference tracking in robot visual servoing. In particular, 2 sliding mode controls are obtained depending on whether joint accelerations or joint jerks are considered as the discontinuous control action. Both sliding mode controls are extensively compared in a 3D‐simulated environment with their equivalent well‐known continuous controls, which can be found in the literature, to highlight their similarities and differences. The main advantages of the proposed method are smoothness, robustness, and low computational cost. The applicability and robustness of the proposed approach are substantiated by experimental results using a conventional 6R industrial manipulator (KUKA KR 6 R900 sixx [AGILUS]) for positioning and tracking tasks.
Packing perfect matchings in random hypergraphs
Authors: Ferber Asaf , Vu Van
Published: November 2017

We introduce a new procedure for generating the binomial random graph/hypergraph models, referred to as online sprinkling. As an illustrative application of this method, we show that for any fixed integer , the binomial ‐uniform random hypergraph contains edge‐disjoint perfect matchings, provided , where is an integer depending only on . Our result for is asymptotically optimal and for is optimal up to the factor. This significantly improves a result of Frieze and Krivelevich.
Interpolating between random walk and rotor walk
Authors: Huss Wilfried , Levine Lionel , Sava‐Huss Ecaterina
Published: November 2017

We introduce a family of stochastic processes on the integers, depending on a parameter and interpolating between the deterministic rotor walk () and the simple random walk (). This p‐rotor walk is not a Markov chain but it has a local Markov property: for each the sequence of successive exits from is a Markov chain. The main result of this paper identifies the scaling limit of the p‐rotor walk with two‐sided i.i.d. initial rotors. The limiting process takes the form , where is a doubly perturbed Brownian motion, that is, it satisfies the implicit equation

urn:x-wiley:10429832:media:rsa20747:rsa20747-math-0008

for all . Here is a standard Brownian motion and are constants depending on the marginals of the initial rotors on and respectively. Chaumont and Doney have shown that Equation 1 has a pathwise unique solution , and that the solution is almost surely continuous and adapted to the natural filtration of the Brownian motion. Moreover, and . This last result, together with the main result of this paper, implies that the p‐rotor walk is recurrent for any two‐sided i.i.d. initial rotors and any .
THC alters alters morphology of neurons in medial prefrontal cortex, orbital prefrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens and alters the ability of later experience to promote structural plasticity
Authors: Kolb Bryan , Li Yilin , Robinson Terry , Parker Linda A.
Published: November 2017

Psychoactive drugs have the ability to alter the morphology of neuronal dendrites and spines and to influence later experience‐dependent structural plasticity. If rats are given repeated injections of psychomotor stimulants (amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine) prior to being placed in complex environments, the drug experience interferes with the ability of the environment to increase dendritic arborization and spine density. Repeated exposure to Delta 9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) changes the morphology of dendrites in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAcc). To determine if drugs other than psychomotor stimulants will also interfere with later experience‐dependent structural plasticity we gave Long‐Evans rats THC (0.5 mg/kg) or saline for 11 days before placing them in complex environments or standard laboratory caging for 90 days. Brains were subsequently processed for Golgi‐Cox staining and analysis of dendritic morphology and spine density mPFC, orbital frontal cortex (OFC), and NAcc. THC altered both dendritic arborization and spine density in all three regions, and, like psychomotor stimulants, THC influenced the effect of later experience in complex environments to shape the structure of neurons in these three regions. We conclude that THC may therefore contribute to persistent behavioral and cognitive deficits associated with prolonged use of the drug.