bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early swelling response to phytohemagglutinin is lower in older toads
Authors: Zamora-Camacho Francisco Javier , Comas Mar
Published: December 2018

The effects of age on performance of life-history traits are diverse, but a common outcome is senescence, an irreversible deterioration of physical and physiological capabilities of older individuals. Immune response is potentially bound to senescence. However, little is known about immune response ageing in amphibians. In this work, we test the hypothesis that amphibian early immune response is reduced in older individuals. To this end, we captured adult natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita) and inoculated them with phytohemagglutinin, an innocuous protein that triggers a skin-swelling immune response whose magnitude is directly proportional to the ability of the individual to mount an immune response. We measured early swelling immune response (corresponding to an innate-response stage) hourly, for six hours, and we calculated the area under the curve (AUC) for each individual’s time series, as a measure of immune response magnitude incorporating time. We estimated toad age by means of phalanx skeletochronology. Swelling and AUC decreased with age. Therefore, in accordance with our predictions, early immune response seems subject to senescence in these toads. Reduced ability to get over infections due to senescence of immune respose might be—together with a worse functioning of other organs and systems—among the causes of lower survival of older specimens.
Pumps
Authors: Nelik Lev
Published: December 2018

Pumps are used in a wide range of industrial applications in the chemical processing industries. Pumping equipment varies widely in terms of pump type, size, and materials of construction. The two principal pump types, kinetic, which is mainly centrifugal, and positive displacement, are presented and basic operating parameters such as capacity, head, power, efficiency, and specific speed are defined. Fundamentals of operation are discussed, selection guidelines given, and examples of pump applications and reliability concerns provided. Pump auxiliaries, such as couplings and seals, as well as effects of cavitation, recirculation, internal hydraulic forces, wear, and corrosion, are described. The article concludes with an outlook to energy cost savings and energy efficiency.
Rheology of Polymer–Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Abraham Jiji , Thankappan Nair Sharika , Maria Hanna J. , George Soney C. , Thomas Sabu
Published: December 2018

The rheological behavior of nanocomposite systems is of interest because of its importance in processing and as a tool for characterizing structure, morphology, and filler dispersion when used along with other techniques. This article deals with rheological characteristics of polymer nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). First part of this article provides a brief idea about basics of rheology, various rheological measurements, and different types of rheometers. Second part is fully dedicated to rheological characteristics of CNT‐based polymer nanocomposites, which includes electrorheology, chemorheology, factors affecting rheological characteristics in multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polymer nanocomposites and finally application of rheological measurements in MWCNT/polymer nanocomposites.
Synaptotagmin oligomers are necessary and can be sufficient to form a Ca2+‐sensitive fusion clamp
Authors: Ramakrishnan Sathish , Bera Manindra , Coleman Jeff , Krishnakumar Shyam S. , Pincet Frederic , Rothman James E.
Published: December 2018

The buttressed‐ring hypothesis, supported by recent cryo‐electron tomography analysis of docked synaptic‐like vesicles in neuroendocrine cells, postulates that prefusion SNAREpins are stabilized and organized by Synaptotagmin (Syt) ring‐like oligomers. Here, we use a reconstituted single‐vesicle fusion analysis to test the prediction that destabilizing the Syt1 oligomers destabilizes the clamp and results in spontaneous fusion in the absence of Ca2+. Vesicles in which Syt oligomerization is compromised by a ring‐destabilizing mutation dock and diffuse freely on the bilayer until they fuse spontaneously, similar to vesicles containing only v‐SNAREs. In contrast, vesicles containing wild‐type Syt are immobile as soon as they attach to the bilayer and remain frozen in place, up to at least 1 h until fusion is triggered by Ca2+.
YAPping about and not forgetting TAZ
Authors: Callus Bernard A. , Finch‐Edmondson Megan L. , Fletcher Sue , Wilton Steve D.
Published: December 2018

The Hippo pathway has emerged as a major eukaryotic signalling pathway and is increasingly the subject of intense interest, as are the key effectors of canonical Hippo signalling, YES‐associated protein (YAP) and TAZ. The Hippo pathway has key roles in diverse biological processes, including network signalling regulation, development, organ growth, tissue repair and regeneration, cancer, stem cell regulation and mechanotransduction. YAP and TAZ are multidomain proteins and function as transcriptional coactivators of key genes to evoke their biological effects. YAP and TAZ interact with numerous partners and their activities are controlled by a complex set of processes. This review provides an overview of Hippo signalling and its role in growth. In particular, the functional domains of YAP and TAZ and the complex mechanisms that regulate their protein stability and activity are discussed. Notably, the similarities and key differences are highlighted between the two paralogues including which partner proteins interact with which functional domains to regulate their activity.
Sibling Relationships during Old Age
Authors: Mack Kristin Y.
Published: December 2018

Although siblings tend to have the longest lasting social relationships, there has been relatively little empirical research on them, especially during old age. This may be due to both theoretical and methodological challenges with the topic. Future research should extend what we know from studies on sibling relationships earlier in adulthood to provide clarification on the impact siblings may have on each other later in life.
Social Network Analysis
Authors: Crossley Nick
Published: December 2018

Social network analysis (SNA) is a set of methods and methodological approaches for gathering and, more especially, organizing, storing, and analyzing data regarding relations (“relational data”). The networks analyzed typically take one of three forms: (1) whole networks, (2) ego‐nets, and (3) two‐mode networks. This entry offers an overview of SNA and an introduction to some of its key elements.
Social Support and Crime
Authors: Ven Thomas Vander , Funcheon Maria
Published: December 2018

Many contemporary criminologists argue that the provision of social support reduces crime within individuals and in social bodies. Social support, the provision of instrumental or expressive resources to individuals, may reduce crime by helping individuals to achieve desired goals or by reducing criminogenic risks in communities.
Standardization
Authors: Epstein Steven , Timmermans Stefan
Published: December 2018

Standardization is a social and technical process of constructing uniformities across time and space through the generation of agreed upon rules. Modern life increasingly depends on the creation, institutionalization, use, dissemination, and contestation of diverse kinds of standards, and standardization is an omnipresent feature of a modernizing and globalizing world. The spread of standardization sparks numerous concerns about consequences. However, scholarship indicates that standards do not lead to a uniform world.
Supermarkets
Authors: Isaacs Bronwyn Alison
Published: December 2018

Supermarkets are among the most ubiquitous and homogeneous of urban retail spaces. Changes within the supermarket industry have played a role influencing nutrition, as well as social and cultural life, especially as supermarket chains and corporations spread internationally and adapt their retail formats to cater to different consumer lifestyles. Over the past decade, researchers in sociology and other social science disciplines have developed a new critical perspective on the social and economic power of supermarkets. This literature pays increased attention to the globalization of supermarkets, as well as market centralization and the new regulatory responsibilities of supermarket corporations, which include the monitoring of food safety standards. Sociologists also analyze supermarkets as social and cultural authorities, examining the ways supermarkets operate as food educators and the ways in which consumer practices communicate class identity and cultural capital.
Violent Crime
Authors: Hansen Laura L.
Published: December 2018

Little strikes more fear in members of society than the possibility of becoming a victim of violent crime. Yet incidents of the most violent crime, murder, have progressively reduced since the 1990s in the United States. In this entry what constitutes a violent crime is discussed, including the narrow definitions offered by law enforcement, compared with a broader spectrum of definitions of violent sexual acts as presented by the World Health Organization. The most likely victims are discussed, by race, ethnicity, and sex. Additionally, the key variables are introduced that contribute to violence‐prone communities, including poverty, blocked opportunities, and gang presence.
Wealth
Authors: Lachmann Richard
Published: December 2018

Wealth is relative material advantage, not an absolute level of well‐being. The greatest measure of wealth is the ability to live at a high level without working. In most societies, historical and contemporary, only 1–2 percent of people were wealthy. The period from the Great Depression to the 1970s was a rare interlude of relative equality.
The First 2D Hybrid Perovskite Ferroelectric Showing Broadband White‐Light Emission with High Color Rendering Index
Authors: Ji Chengmin , Wang Sasa , Li Lina , Sun Zhihua , Hong Maochun , Luo Junhua
Published: December 2018

Luminescent ferroelectrics have attracted considerable attention in terms of integrated photoelectronic devices, most of which are focused on the multicomponent systems of rare‐earth doping ferroelectric ceramics. However, bulk ferroelectricity with coexistence of strong white‐light emission, especially in the single‐component system, remains quite rare. Here, a new organic–inorganic hybrid ferroelectric of (C4H9NH3)2PbCl4 (1) is reported, adopting a 2D layered perovskite architecture, which exhibits an unprecedented coexistence of notable ferroelectricity and intrinsic white‐light emission. Decent above‐room‐temperature spontaneous polarization of ≈2.1 µC cm−2 is confirmed for 1. Particularly, it also exhibits brilliant broadband white‐light emission with a high color‐rendering‐index up to 86 under UV excitation. Structural analyses indicate that ferroelectricity of 1 originates from molecular reorientation of dynamic organic cations, as well as significant structural distortion of PbCl6 octahedra that also contribute to its white‐light emission. This work paves an avenue to design new hybrid ferroelectrics for multifunctional application in the photoelectronic field.
High‐Performance SiC Nanobelt Photodetectors with Long‐Term Stability Against 300 °C up to 180 Days
Authors: Yang Tao , Chen Shanliang , Li Xiaoxiao , Xu Xiaojie , Gao Fengmei , Wang Lin , Chen Junhong , Yang Weiyou , Hou Xinmei , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: December 2018

In the present work, high‐performance photodetectors (PDs) based on a single B‐doped 3C‐SiC nanobelt, which are synthesized via catalyst‐free pyrolysis of polymeric precursors of polysilazane, are reported. The as‐built PDs have a high responsivity and external quantum efficiency of 6.37 × 105 A · W−1 and 2.0 × 108% under 405 nm light with a power density of 0.14 mW · cm−2 at 5 V, respectively. The detectivity of the PDs is measured to be of 6.86 × 1014 Jones. Moreover, the B‐doped 3C‐SiC nanobelt PDs exhibit a long‐term stability against 300 °C up to 180 days, suggesting their promising applications to be served under harsh conditions.
A Strain‐Mediated Magnetoelectric‐Spin‐Torque Hybrid Structure
Authors: Nan Tianxiang , Hu Jia‐Mian , Dai Minyi , Emori Satoru , Wang Xinjun , Hu Zhongqiang , Matyushov Alexei , Chen Long‐Qing , Sun Nian
Published: December 2018

Magnetization dynamics induced by spin–orbit torques in a heavy‐metal/ferromagnet can potentially be used to design low‐power spintronics and logic devices. Recent computations have suggested that a strain‐mediated spin–orbit torque (SOT) switching in magnetoelectric (ME) heterostructures is fast, energy‐efficient, and permits a deterministic 180° magnetization switching. However, its experimental realization has remained elusive. Here, the coexistence of the strain‐mediated ME coupling and the SOT in a CoFeB/Pt/ferroelectric hybrid structure is shown experimentally. The voltage‐induced strain only slightly modifies the efficiency of SOT generation, but it gives rise to an effective magnetic anisotropy and rotates the magnetic easy axis which eliminates the incubation delay in current‐induced magnetization switching. The phase field simulations show that the electric‐field‐induced effective magnetic anisotropy field can reduce the switching time approximately by a factor of three for SOT in‐plane magnetization switching. It is anticipated that such strain‐mediated ME‐SOT hybrid structures may enable field‐free, ultrafast magnetization switching.
Bioinspired Self‐Gating Nanofluidic Devices for Autonomous and Periodic Ion Transport and Cargo Release
Authors: Zhao Chen , Lu Jun , Hou Jue , Li Xingya , Wang Jian , Jiang Lei , Wang Huanting , Zhang Huacheng
Published: December 2018

The biochemical oscillatory reaction induced self‐gating process of biological ion channels is essential to life processes, characterized as autonomous, continuous, and periodic. However, few synthetic nanochannel systems can achieve such excellent self‐gating property. Their gating properties work greatly depending on the frequent addition of reactants or the supply of external stimuli. Herein, a novel bioinspired self‐gating nanofluidic device that can transport mass in a continuous and periodic manner is reported. This self‐gating device is constructed by using a fully closed‐system pH oscillator to control the gating processes of the artificial proton‐gated nanochannels. With cyclic oscillation of protons inside the nanochannel induced by the oscillatory chemical reactions of the pH oscillator, surface charge density and polarity of the nanochannels can be self‐regulated, resulting in an autonomous and periodic switching of the nanochannel conductance between high and low states as well as the selectivity between cation selective and anion selective states. Moreover, by using Rhodamine B and Ruthenium(II) compound as the cationic cargoes, periodic release of these charged molecules is also observed. Therefore, this work opens up a new avenue to build self‐gating nanofluidic devices, which may not only act as ion oscillators, but potentially find applications in controlled‐release fields as well.
Interfacial Thermoreversible Chemistry on Functional Coatings: A Focus on the Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Vauthier Madeline , Jierry Loïc , Oliveira Jamerson Carneiro , Hassouna Lilia , Roucoules Vincent , Bally‐Le Gall Florence
Published: December 2018

Stimuli‐responsive materials have properties that depend on the environment in which they are used. In most cases, the material itself is formulated to react to the corresponding stimulus. However, many phenomena occur at the surface of the material. In this context, the design and the investigation of the reactivity of stimuli‐responsive surfaces are particularly interesting. More precisely, this review focuses on functional coatings that react via Diels–Alder (DA) chemistry, a thermoreversible reaction between a diene and a dienophile. According to the nature of the substrate, these coatings are mainly based on self‐assembled monolayers or silane assemblies, on polydopamine derivatives, or on polymer thin films deposited by vapor‐phase processes including plasma polymerization. The different works discussed here show that interfacial thermoreversible reactions occur between a DA‐functionalized surface and a DA reactant in solution but also between two solid substrates are possible. The direct cycloaddition is always described in the cited papers but the reversibility of the reaction is less discussed. The latter however remains very challenging for smart applications in material science.
Exciton Dynamics and Effects of Structural Order in Morphology‐Controlled J‐Aggregate Assemblies
Authors: Anantharaman Surendra B. , Stöferle Thilo , Nüesch Frank A. , Mahrt Rainer F. , Heier Jakob
Published: December 2018

Narrow‐band photoluminescence (PL) together with high quantum efficiency from organic molecules is essential for high‐color‐purity emitters. Supramolecular assemblies like J‐aggregates are promising materials due to their narrow PL signal with full‐width at half maximum <20 nm. However, their microcrystalline nature and coherent exciton migration results in strong nonradiative exciton recombination at the grain boundaries that diminish the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), and possibilities for improving the crystallinity by tuning the growth mechanism are limited. Here, two distinct routes to grow different J‐aggregate morphologies like platelets and lamellar crystals with improved crystallinity by surface‐guided molecular assembly are demonstrated, thereby suppressing nonradiative decay and improving PLQY. Both platelets and lamellar crystals show similar absorbance at room temperature. However, temperature‐dependent PL studies show sevenfold (twofold) higher PLQY for lamellar films compared to platelets at 6 K (300 K). Using time‐resolved PL spectroscopy, different nonradiative decay pathways are identified. The dependence of exciton diffusion on energetic disorder and nonradiative decay is discussed. The results suggest that the difference in domain size and order gives rise to significantly enhanced radiative decay from lamellar films as compared to platelets or films formed by spin‐coating.
Alloy Nanocatalysts for the Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction (ORR) and the Direct Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction Reaction (CO2RR)
Authors: Kim Cheonghee , Dionigi Fabio , Beermann Vera , Wang Xingli , Möller Tim , Strasser Peter
Published: December 2018

In the face of the global energy challenge and progressing global climate change, renewable energy systems and components, such as fuel cells and electrolyzers, which close the energetic oxygen and carbon cycles, have become a technology development priority. The electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the direct electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) are important electrocatalytic processes that proceed at gas diffusion electrodes of hydrogen fuel cells and CO2electrolyzers, respectively. However, their low catalytic activity (voltage efficiency), limited long‐term stability, and moderate product selectivity (related to their Faradaic efficiency) have remained challenges. To address these, suitable catalysts are required. This review addresses the current state of research on Pt‐based and Cu‐based nanoalloy electrocatalysts for ORR and CO2RR, respectively, and critically compares and contrasts key performance parameters such as activity, selectivity, and durability. In particular, Pt nanoparticles alloyed with transition metals, post‐transition metals and lanthanides, are discussed, as well as the material characterization and their performance for the ORR. Then, bimetallic Cu nanoalloy catalysts are reviewed and organized according to their main reaction product generated by the second metal. This review concludes with a perspective on nanoalloy catalysts for the ORR and the CO2RR, and proposes future research directions.
Active‐Matrix GaN µ‐LED Display Using Oxide Thin‐Film Transistor Backplane and Flip Chip LED Bonding
Authors: Um Jae Gwang , Jeong Duk Young , Jung Younghun , Moon Joon Kwon , Jung Yeon Hong , Kim Seonock , Kim Sung Hwan , Lee Jeong Soo , Jang Jin
Published: December 2018

A 2 in. active‐matrix light‐emitting diode (AMLED) display by integration of the micro‐LED onto the oxide thin‐film transistor (TFT) backplane using flip chip bonding is reported. A blue‐emitting micro‐LED (µ‐LED) with a size of 90 × 50 µm2 is fabricated on the GaN epi grown on a sapphire substrate. The amorphous indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (a‐IGZO) TFT on glass exhibiting the mobility of 18.4 cm2 V−1 s−1, turn‐on voltage (V
ON) of 0.2 V, and subthreshold swing 0.25 V dec−1, is used for LED backplane. A two TFT and one capacitance pixel structure is utilized for driving 128 × 384 AMLED with 120 Hz frame rate. The laser lift‐off process with flip‐chip bond allows the transfer of the µ‐LED chips with 49 152 pixels onto the TFT backplane, demonstrating a 2 in. AMLED display with a good gray scale image. The current efficiency of µ‐LED is found to be 12.9 Cd A−1 at the luminance of 630 Cd m−2. Therefore, a‐IGZO TFT backplane can be used for µ‐LED displays.
Higher Mobility and Carrier Lifetimes in Solution‐Processable Small‐Molecule Ternary Solar Cells with 11% Efficiency
Authors: Liang Ru‐Ze , Zhang Yiming , Savikhin Victoria , Babics Maxime , Kan Zhipeng , Wohlfahrt Markus , Wehbe Nimer , Liu Shengjian , Duan Tainan , Toney Michael F. , Laquai Frédéric , Beaujuge Pierre M.
Published: December 2018

Solution‐processed small molecule (SM) solar cells have the prospect to outperform their polymer‐fullerene counterparts. Considering that both SM donors/acceptors absorb in visible spectral range, higher expected photocurrents should in principle translate into higher power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). However, limited bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) charge carrier mobility (<10‐4 cm2 V‐1 s‐1) and carrier lifetimes (<1 µs) often impose active layer thickness constraints on BHJ devices (≈100 nm), limiting external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) and photocurrent, and making large‐scale processing techniques particularly challenging. In this report, it is shown that ternary BHJs composed of the SM donor DR3TBDTT (DR3), the SM acceptor ICC6 and the fullerene acceptor PC71BM can be used to achieve SM‐based ternary BHJ solar cells with active layer thicknesses >200 nm and PCEs nearing 11%. The examinations show that these remarkable figures are the result of i) significantly improved electron mobility (8.2 × 10‐4 cm2 V‐1 s‐1), ii) longer carrier lifetimes (2.4 µs), and iii) reduced geminate recombination within BHJ active layers to which PC71BM has been added as ternary component. Optically thick (up to ≈500 nm) devices are shown to maintain PCEs >8%, and optimized DR3:ICC6:PC71BM solar cells demonstrate long‐term shelf stability (dark) for >1000 h, in 55% humidity air environment.
Critical role of C5a in sickle cell disease
Authors: Vercellotti Gregory M. , Dalmasso Agustin P. , Schaid Terry R. , Nguyen Julia , Chen Chunsheng , Ericson Marna E. , Abdulla Fuad , Killeen Trevor , Lindorfer Margaret A. , Taylor Ronald P. , Belcher John D.
Published: December 2018

Innate immune complement activation may contribute to sickle cell disease (SCD) pathogenesis. Ischemia‐reperfusion physiology is a key component of the inflammatory and vaso‐occlusive milieu in SCD and is associated with complement activation. C5a is an anaphylatoxin, a potent pro‐inflammatory mediator that can activate leukocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells, all of which play a role in vaso‐occlusion. We hypothesize that hypoxia‐reoxygenation (H/R) in SCD mice activates complement, promoting inflammation and vaso‐occlusion. At baseline and after H/R, sickle Townes‐SS mice had increased C3 activation fragments and C5b‐9 deposition in kidneys, livers and lungs and alternative pathway Bb fragments in plasma compared to control AA‐mice. Activated complement promoted vaso‐occlusion (microvascular stasis) in SS‐mice; infusion of zymosan‐activated, but not heat‐inactivated serum, induced substantial vaso‐occlusion in the skin venules of SS‐mice. Infusion of recombinant C5a induced stasis in SS, but not AA‐mice that was blocked by anti‐C5a receptor (C5aR) IgG. C5a‐mediated stasis was accompanied by inflammatory responses in SS‐mice including NF‐κB activation and increased expression of TLR4 and adhesion molecules VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1, and E‐selectin in the liver. Anti‐C5aR IgG blocked these inflammatory responses. Also, C5a rapidly up‐regulated Weibel‐Palade body P‐selectin and von Willebrand factor on the surface of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro and on vascular endothelium in vivo. In SS‐mice, a blocking antibody to P‐selectin inhibited C5a‐induced stasis. Similarly, an antibody to C5 that blocks murine C5 cleavage or an antibody that blocks C5aR inhibited H/R‐induced stasis in SS‐mice. These results suggest that inhibition of C5a may be beneficial in SCD.
High levels of objectively measured physical activity across adolescence and adulthood among the Pokot pastoralists of Kenya
Authors: Sayre M. Katherine , Pike Ivy L. , Raichlen David A.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Levels of physical activity (PA) across the lifespan are important predictors of physical fitness, impacting individual health, and longevity. Individuals living in industrialized societies are often characterized as more sedentary than those who live in small‐scale societies, and this inactivity is generally linked with increased incidence of chronic disease, especially during aging. However, less empirical data exist regarding levels and patterns of PA across the lifespan among small‐scale societies compared with industrialized societies. The goal of this study was to characterize PA among the Pokot pastoralists of rural northern Kenya.

Methods

PA was measured in 40 participants ranging in age from 14 to 78 years using ActiGraph wrist‐worn accelerometers. Wear time spanned 24–77 hours, with a modal wear time of 50 hours.

Results

We show that the Pokot spend large amounts of time in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), achieving an average of 99.14 ± 7.25 minutes per day in MVPA. Males and younger participants tended to spend more time in MVPA. However, older participants were still physically active and engaged in over 50 minutes per day of MVPA.

Conclusions

The Pokot are highly physically active from adolescence through adulthood. Other pastoralist groups may display a similar pattern of PA. During human evolution, lifespans increased, and lifestyles were characterized by a relatively high level of physical activity. The human aging process may be adapted for activity throughout life, and lifelong activity may have played an important role in increases in human longevity during evolution.
Distinct impacts of bi‐allelic WNT10A mutations on the permanent and primary dentitions in odonto‐onycho‐dermal dysplasia
Authors: Yu Miao , Liu Yang , Liu Haochen , Wong Sing‐Wai , He Huiying , Zhang Xiaoxia , Wang Yue , Han Dong , Feng Hailan
Published: December 2018

Odonto‐onycho‐dermal dysplasia (OODD) is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by multiple ectodermal abnormalities. Mutations of the wingless‐type MMTV integration site family member 10A (WNT10A) gene have been associated with OODD. To date, only 11 OODD‐associated WNT10A mutations have been reported. In this report, we Characterized the clinical manifestations with focusing on dental phenotypes in four unrelated OODD patients. By Sanger sequencing, we identified five novel mutations in the WNT10A gene, including two homozygous nonsense mutations c.1176C>A (p.Cys392*) and c.742C>T (p.Arg248*), one homozygous frame‐shift mutation c.898‐899delAT (p.Ile300Profs*126), and a compound heterozygous mutation c.826T>A (p.Cys276Ser) and c.949delG (p.Ala317Hisfs*121). Our findings confirmed that bi‐allelic mutations of WNT10A were responsible for OODD and greatly expanded the mutation spectrum of OODD. For the first time, we demonstrated that bi‐allelic WNT10A mutations could lead to anodontia of permanent teeth, which enhanced the phenotypic spectrum of WNT10A mutations. Interestingly, we found that bi‐allelic mutations in the WNT10A gene preferentially affect the permanent dentition rather the primary dentition, suggesting that the molecular mechanisms regulated by WNT10A in the development of permanent teeth and deciduous teeth might be different.
Contributing factors of mortality in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Proffitt Jennifer , Osann Kathryn , McManus Barbara , Kimonis Virginia E. , Heinemann Janalee , Butler Merlin G. , Stevenson David A. , Gold June‐Anne
Published: December 2018

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multi‐system disorder resulting from a lack of paternal gene expression in the 15q11.2‐q13 region. Using databases compiled through response questionnaires completed by families known to the Prader‐Willi Syndrome Association (USA), this study tested the hypothesis that PWS genetic subtype, BMI, age of diagnosis, clinical symptoms, and growth hormone treatment differ among deceased and living individuals with PWS. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using chi‐square and two‐group t tests, respectively. Deceased individuals had higher rates of clinical features, including increased weight concerns, heart problems, sleep apnea, other respiratory complications, diabetes, osteoporosis, high pain tolerance, and severe skin picking, when compared to living individuals. Meanwhile, living individuals had higher rates of growth hormone use and early puberty. Obesity and subsequent consequences are the primary contributors to increased mortality in PWS. Additional emphasis on areas to decrease mortality is needed.
Cenani–Lenz syndrome and other related syndactyly disorders due to variants in LRP4, GREM1/FMN1, and APC: Insight into the pathogenesis and the relationship to polyposis through the WNT and BMP antagonistic pathways
Authors: Al‐Qattan Mohammad M. , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: December 2018

Cenani–Lenz (C–L) syndrome is characterized by oligosyndactyly, metacarpal synostosis, phalangeal disorganization, and other variable facial and systemic features. Most cases are caused by homozygous and compound heterozygous missense and splice mutations of the LRP4 gene. Currently, the syndrome carries one OMIM number (212780). However, C–L syndrome‐like phenotypes as well as other syndactyly disorders with or without metacarpal synostosis/phalangeal disorganization are also known to be associated with specific LRP4 mutations, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) truncating mutations, genomic rearrangements of the GREM1‐FMN1 locus, as well as FMN1 mutations. Surprisingly, patients with C–L syndrome‐like phenotype caused by APC truncating mutations have no polyposis despite the increased levels of β catenin. The LRP4 and APC proteins act on the WNT (wingless‐type integration site family) canonical pathway, whereas the GREM‐1 and FMN1 proteins act on the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway. In this review, we discuss the different mutations associated with C–L syndrome, classify its clinical features, review familial adenomatous polyposis caused by truncating APC mutations and compare these mutations to the splicing APC mutation associated with syndactyly, and finally, explore the pathophysiology through a review of the cross talks between the WNT canonical and the BMP antagonistic pathways.
Inspiratory muscle strength training improves lung function in patients with the hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Reychler Gregory , Liistro Giuseppe , Piérard Gérald E. , Hermanns‐Lê Trinh , Manicourt Daniel
Published: December 2018

As exertional inspiratory dyspnea is a common disabling complaint in hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) often also known as joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS), we investigated inspiratory muscle (IM) strength in patients with hEDS, and we assessed the effects of IM training (IMT) on IM strength, lung function, and exercise capacity. A prospective evaluation of IM strength followed by a randomized controlled trial of IMT was performed in women with hEDS. Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) was used to routinely measure IM strength and IMT was carried out using a pressure threshold device. IM strength (main outcome), cardiopulmonary function, exercise capacity, and emotional distress of both the treated and control groups were evaluated at the start and at the end of the 6‐week training period. IM strength was reduced (<80% of predicted) in 77% of patients (80/104). Lung function was normal, although 24% of patients had a higher forced expiratory vital capacity (FVC) than normal and 12% of patients had a higher total lung capacity (TLC) than normal. Both the IMT and control groups (n = 20) had similar baseline characteristics. Significant changes were noted only in the IMT group after IMT. At the end of the program, IMT improved SNIP (20%) (before: 41 ± 17 cm H2O [28, 53] vs. after: 49 ± 18 cm H2O [34;65]), six‐minute walking distance (6MWD) (60 m) (455 ± 107 m [379,532] vs. 515 ± 127 m [408, 621]), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (285 mL) (94 ± 14% pred [84,104] vs. 103 ± 11% pred [94, 112]). IM strength is significantly reduced in patients with hEDS. IMT improved IM strength, lung function, and exercise capacity. Our findings suggest that IMT should be added to usual care.
Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Template Based Efficient Pt/ZrO2@C Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of H2 Below 90 °C
Authors: Wang Qian , Sun Wei , Xie Tianying , Cao Limei , Yang Ji
Published: December 2018

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with H2 as a reductant is the most promising denitration technology at low temperature. Achieving the conversion of NOx into N2 at ambient temperature not only prolongs the service life of the catalyst, but also provides more freedom for the arrangement of denitration units throughout the flue gas treatment equipment. However, the development of highly efficient, stable, and environmentally benign supported platinum‐based catalysts for H2‐SCR at ambient temperature is still a major challenge. Herein, a 0.5 wt % Pt/ZrO2@C catalyst, which was composed of carbon‐coated octahedral ZrO2 with highly dispersed Pt particles, was prepared by using a new stabilization strategy based on UiO‐66‐NH2 (a zirconium metal–organic framework) as a template. The catalytic performance of this Pt/ZrO2@C in H2‐SCR was tested and confirmed to achieve near 100 % NOx conversion at 90 °C. Also, 70 % N2 selectivity of the catalyst was achieved. The morphology, structure, and porous properties of the as‐synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by using data obtained from field‐emission SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The results show that residual carbon formed by pyrolysis treatment is coated on octahedral ZrO2, and effectively prevents the agglomeration of platinum particles on the surface.
Temperature Dependence of the Reaction HCl + OH → Cl + H2O between 140 and 1100 K
Authors: Ree Jongbaik , Kim Do Hwan
Published: December 2018

Temperature dependence of the molecule‐radical reaction HCl + OH → Cl + H2O at temperatures between 140 and 1100 K is studied using a quasiclassical trajectory method. Potential energy surfaces are formulated using pair‐wise additive two‐body, nonadditive three‐body, and four‐body analytic forms and long‐range interactions. At temperatures above 300 K, the reaction occurs by direct collisions and the calculated rate constant fits the Arrhenius equation kdir = 4.85 × 10−12 exp.(−631 ± 10/T) cm3/molecule/s. At temperatures below 300 K, the reaction is driven by an attractive potential and occurs through the formation of a ClH…OH collision complex, which is sufficiently long‐lived to enhance quantum mechanical tunneling of the H atoms. The sum of the direct and complex‐mode reaction rates effectively describes the reaction occurring at temperatures in the 140–1100 K temperature range.
When consumers own their work: Psychological ownership and consumer citizenship on crowdsourcing platforms
Authors: Yuksel Mujde , Darmody Aron , Venkatraman Meera
Published: December 2018

The growth of crowdsourced platforms for consumer products has opened many interesting research questions on the impact of consumers participating in such crowdsourced work. In this paper, we focus on consumers' psychological ownership of the crowdsourced product and the role it plays in the relationship between consumer work and consumer citizenship. Further, drawing on social comparison theory, we show that consumers' perceived amount of work relative to others is a boundary condition for this explanation. Finally, we examine the theoretical contributions and managerial implications of our findings.
IL‐6 stimulation of DNA replication is JAK1/2 mediated in cross‐talk with hyperactivated ERK1/2 signaling
Authors: Subotički Tijana , Mitrović Ajtić Olivera , Beleslin‐Čokić Bojana B. , Bjelica Sunčica , Djikić Dragoslava , Diklić Miloš , Leković Danijela , Gotić Mirjana , Santibanez Juan F. , Noguchi Constance T. , Čokić Vladan P.
Published: December 2018

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are developing resistance to therapy by JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. To explore the mechanism of ruxolitinib's limited effect, we examined the JAK1/2 mediated induction of proliferation related ERK1/2 and AKT signaling by proinflammatory interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in MPN granulocytes and JAK2V617F mutated human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells. We found that JAK1/2 or JAK2 inhibition prevented the IL‐6 activation of STAT3 and AKT pathways in polycythemia vera and HEL cells. Further, we showed that these inhibitors also blocked the IL‐6 activation of the AKT pathway in primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Only JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib largely activated ERK1/2 signaling in essential thrombocythemia and PMF (up to 4.6 fold), with a more prominent activation in JAK2V617F positive granulocytes. Regarding a cell cycle, we found that IL‐6 reduction of HEL cells percentage in G2M phase was reversed by ruxolitinib (2.6 fold). Moreover, ruxolitinib potentiated apoptosis of PMF granulocytes (1.6 fold). Regarding DNA replication, we found that ruxolitinib prevented the IL‐6 augmentation of MPN granulocytes frequency in the S phase of the cell cycle (up to 2.9 fold). The inflammatory stimulation induces a cross‐talk between the proliferation linked pathways, where JAK1/2 inhibition is compensated by the activation of the ERK1/2 pathway during IL‐6 stimulation of DNA replication.
A sex stratified outcome analysis from the OPEN‐CTO registry
Authors: Pershad Ashish , Gulati Martha , Karmpaliotis Dimitrios , Moses Jeffery , Nicholson William J. , Nugent Karen , Tang Yuanyuan , Sapontis James , Lombardi William , Grantham James A. ,   on behalf of the OPEN CTO Subgroup
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Women have been under‐represented in trials. Due to the dearth of information about CTO‐PCI in women and discordance of previous results, sex differences in outcomes in the OPEN‐CTO Trial were investigated.

Methods

OPEN‐CTO is an investigator‐initiated, multicenter, prospective observational registry of consecutive CTO patients undergoing PCI at 12 U.S. centers. The one‐year outcomes of this trial stratified by sex were examined. Optimal propensity matching was performed to compare outcomes between sexes. Multivariate conditional logistic regression modeling for predictors of procedural success was performed.

Results

Women represented 19.6% of the cohort (196/1,000 patients). Women were more likely to report dyspnea as their predominant symptom. Women reported statistically worse physical limitation and poorer quality of life as compared to men. J‐CTO scores were similar in males and females. Technical, procedural success and MACE rates were similar in both sexes. Contrast and radiation doses were however significantly lower in women. The SAQ‐ summary score, RDS, EQ‐5D VAS, PHQ‐8 scores were all improved to the same degree at 1 year in women as compared to men. Predictors of procedural success revealed that younger age, lower J‐CTO score and absence of prior CABG were predictors of procedural success. Sex did not predict procedural success or 1‐year MACE in this regression model.

Conclusion

This real‐world registry revealed that women derive the same benefit from CTO‐PCI as men without additional complications and with favorable health status outcomes at 1 year. Consideration of revascularization by PCI in symptomatic women should be considered as part of the treatment when appropriate.
Safety and feasibility of simultaneous endovascular therapy for supra‐arch multivessel stenosis in 256 Chinese patients
Authors: Dong Hui , Chen Yang , Jiang Xiongjing , Zou Yubao , Che Wuqiang , Xiong Hongliang , Xu Bo , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of simultaneous endovascular therapy for supra‐arch multivessel stenosis.

Background

Limited data are currently available on simultaneous intervention for supra‐arch multivessel stenosis because of concerns regarding the high incidence of procedure‐related complications.

Methods

From January 2005 to December 2012, the clinical data of 256 consecutive inpatients who underwent simultaneous intervention for supra‐arch multivessel stenosis were retrospectively analyzed. The primary end point was a composite of any type of stroke or neurological death within 30 days.

Results

In total, 535 supra‐arch vessels underwent endovascular therapy. In total, 234, 21, and 1 patient underwent simultaneous intervention of 2, 3, and 4 supra‐arch vessels, respectively. The lesions involved only the anterior circulation in 40.2% (103/256), only the posterior circulation in 10.5% (27/256), and the combined circulations in 49.2% (126/256) patients. The overall procedural success rate was 99.6% (533/535). The incidence of the primary end point was 3.5%. According to the lesion location, the incidence of the primary end point was 3.9% (4/103), 0% (0/27), and 4.0% (5/126) in the patients who underwent endovascular treatment for the anterior circulation alone, posterior circulation alone, and combined circulations, respectively. According to the number of supra‐arch lesions, the incidence of the primary end point was 3.4% (8/234), 4.8% (1/21), and 0% (0/1) in the patients who underwent simultaneous intervention of 2, 3, and 4 vessels, respectively.

Conclusions

The study showed that simultaneous intervention for supra‐arch multivessel stenosis was safe and technically feasible.
In‐hospital outcomes of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement for nonagenarians
Authors: Elgendy Islam Y. , Mahmoud Ahmed N. , Elbadawi Ayman , Elgendy Akram Y. , Omer Mohamed A. , Megaly Michael , Mojadidi Mohammad K. , Jneid Hani
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To compare the in‐hospital outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in nonagenarians.

Background

Data comparing the outcomes of TAVR versus SAVR in nonagenarians are limited.

Methods

Using the National Inpatient Sample years 2012–2014, hospitalization data were retrieved for subjects aged ≥90 years who underwent TAVR or SAVR for severe aortic stenosis. The incidence of in‐hospital mortality and peri‐procedural outcomes were compared using unadjusted, multivariate logistic regression, and propensity score matched analyses.

Results

The final cohort included 6,680 records of nonagenarians undergoing aortic valve replacement, among which 5,840 (87.4%) underwent TAVR. There was no difference in the incidence of in‐hospital mortality between both groups in the unadjusted (5.8% versus 6.0% P = 0.95), multivariate (odds ratio [OR] 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–1.74), and propensity score matched (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.75–1.51) analyses. In the propensity‐matched analysis, TAVR was associated with a lower incidence of acute kidney injury (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47–0.72), post‐operative blood transfusion (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.43–0.61), a higher likelihood of discharge to home (OR 4.71, 95% 3.44–5.06), and a similar incidence of pacemaker placement (OR 1.16, 95% 0.89–1.53) and stroke (OR 1.34, 0.90–1.99).

Conclusions

In this nationwide analysis, TAVR was associated with an overall similar incidence of in‐hospital mortality and less morbidity compared with SAVR. These findings suggest that TAVR is effective and safe in nonagenarians.
Electrochemical Performance of Borate‐Doped Nickel Sulfide: Enhancement of the Bifunctional Activity for Total Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Zhang Tianran , Lee Jim Yang
Published: December 2018

Electrolytic water splitting with solar electricity is one of the few technologies which can produce hydrogen with nearly zero carbon emission. The viability of the technology depends on the availability of low‐cost alternatives to the platinum group metals (PGMs); which are the best known electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, borate doping of nickel sulfide was found to yield catalysts which are effective for total water electrolysis. For the borate‐doped nickel sulfides ((BO3)x−Ni3S4, x=0, 0.57, 0.78 and 1.08), the strong affinity of borate for hydroxyl groups facilitates the dissociation of adsorbed water molecules to oxygen. Consequently, the borate‐doped nickel sulfide catalyst with the best performance in this study, (BO3)1.08−Ni3S4, requires only a small overpotential of 306 mV to support a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in OER. This, together with a small Tafel slope of 36.5 mV decade−1 and a stable extended operation; places (BO3)1.08−Ni3S4 among the top non‐PGM OER electrocatalysts reported to date. At the same time (BO3)1.08−Ni3S4 also shows good HER activity and stability for it to be used as a standalone catalyst for efficient total water splitting in alkaline electrolyte (1.69 V at 10 mA cm−2).
The lipoxygenase‐hepoxilin pathway is activated in cutaneous plaque lesions of psoriasis
Authors: Takeichi Takuya , Kinoshita Fumie , Tanaka Hirotaka , Fujita Setsuko , Kobayashi Yumiko , Nakatochi Masahiro , Sugiura Kazumitsu , Akiyama Masashi
Published: December 2018

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that is characterized by hyperkeratosis, epidermal hyperplasia, T‐cell and neutrophil recruitment, and changes in the vascular endothelial system. The several upregulated variable lipid mediators, including the eicosanoids, in psoriatic keratinocytes were described previously, although some results were contradictory. Since hepoxilin is less stable than other eicosanoids such as hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), the measurement of hepoxilin is difficult. In this study, to clarify the relationship between hepoxilin/hepoxilin‐related fatty acid derivatives and psoriasis vulgaris, we evaluated the amount of production of lipid mediators including hepoxilins in skin tissues of patients with psoriasis vulgaris in comparison with normal controls by high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Most of the hepoxilins and related lipids evaluated in this study tended to be more abundant in the lesional skin from the psoriasis patient group (PPG) than in the skin from controls. Interestingly, 12R‐HETE was markedly higher in the skin samples from the PPG. In addition, the lipids produced in the lipoxygenase pathway, including hepoxilin, were elevated in the skin lesions of the PPG compared with those of normal controls, whereas the lipids produced in the cyclooxygenase pathway were decreased in the skin lesions from the PPG. Our results suggest that an imbalance between the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways may contribute to psoriatic pathomechanisms.