bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Third‐order sliding mode fault‐tolerant control for satellites based on iterative learning observer
Authors: Zhang Zhongzheng , Ye Dong , Xiao Bing , Sun Zhaowei
Published: January 2019

The attitude fault‐tolerant control problem for a satellite with reaction‐wheel failures, uncertainties, and unknown external disturbances is investigated in this paper. Firstly, an iterative learning observer (ILO) is proposed to achieve fault detection, isolation, and estimation. Secondly, based on the ILO, a third‐order sliding mode controller is proposed to stabilize the satellite attitude rapidly under unknown external disturbances and reaction‐wheel faults. Thirdly, the asymptotically stability of the ILO and the third‐order sliding mode controller is proved by using the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme is more effective and feasible by comparing with other fault‐tolerant control approach.
Measuring child social communication across contexts: Similarities and differences across play and snack routines
Authors: Frost Kyle M. , Koehn Genna N. , Russell Kaylin M. , Ingersoll Brooke
Published: January 2019

Improving measurement of outcomes in randomized controlled trials of early interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been identified as a priority in the field. In addition, the importance of measurement across contexts has been indicated by researchers and community stakeholders alike [Lord et al., ; McConachie et al., ; Schreibman et al., ]. The Brief Observation of Social Communication Change (BOSCC; Grzadzinski et al., ), an observational rating scheme of brief play interactions, was developed to address a need for measures that are reliable, sensitive to change, and valid for use in research settings. The goal of this study was to examine the feasibility and utility of applying the BOSCC to a new context: a home snack routine. Results suggest that rating the BOSCC on home snack routines is feasible and psychometrically sound, and captures change in child social communication behaviors. However, the utility of the BOSCC for measuring restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) is less clear. Nonetheless, differences in RRBs across play and snack lend support for the claim that measurement across contexts is essential. Application of the BOSCC across contexts may allow researchers to obtain a more accurate estimate of intervention response and help capture context‐specific changes in social communication. It may also provide a method for researchers to evaluate the effect of context on child social communication more broadly. Autism Res 2019, 12: 636–644. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Improving measurement of outcomes in studies of early interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been identified as a priority in the field. The importance of measurement across contexts has also been indicated by researchers and community stakeholders. The goal of this study was to determine whether an existing observational rating scheme, the Brief Observation of Social Communication Change (BOSCC), could be applied to a new activity: a home snack routine. Results suggest that rating the BOSCC on home snack routines is feasible and promising for capturing change over time. In addition, some child behaviors differed across play and snack, lending further support for the claim that measurement across activities is essential.
Insight on mutation‐induced resistance to anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor ceritinib from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: He Mu‐Yang , Li Wei‐Kang , Meiler Jens , Zheng Qing‐Chuan , Zhang Hong‐Xing
Published: January 2019

Ceritinib, an advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) next‐generation inhibitor, has been proved excellent antitumor activity in the treatment of ALK‐associated cancers. However, the accumulation of acquired resistance mutations compromise the therapeutic efficacy of ceritinib. Despite abundant mutagenesis data, the structural determinants for reduced ceritinib binding in mutants remains elusive. Focusing on the G1123S and F1174C mutations, we applied molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study possible reasons for drug resistance caused by these mutations. The MD simulations predict that the studied mutations allosterically impact the configurations of the ATP‐binding pocket. An important hydrophobic cluster is identified that connects P‐loop and the αC‐helix, which has effects on stabilizing the conformation of ATP‐binding pocket. It is suggested, in this study, that the G1123S and F1174C mutations can induce the conformational change of P‐loop thereby causing the reduced ceritinib affinity and causing drug resistance.
Analysis of membrane transport mechanisms of endogenous substrates using chromatographic techniques
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroaki , Mano Nariyasu
Published: January 2019

Membrane transporters are expressed in various bodily tissues and play essential roles in the homeostasis of endogenous substances and the absortion, distribution and/or excretion of xenobiotics. For transporter assays, radioisotope‐labeled compounds have been mainly used. However, commercially available radioisotope‐labeled compounds are limited in number and relatively expensive. Chromatographic analyses such as high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet absorptiometry and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry have also been applied for transport assays. To elucidate the transport properties of endogenous substrates, although there is no difficulty in performing assays using radioisotope‐labeled probes, the endogenous background and the metabolism of the compound after its translocation across cell membranes must be considered when the intact compound is assayed. In this review, the current state of knowledge about the transport of endogenous substrates via membrane transporters as determined by chromatographic techniques is summarized. Chromatographic techniques have contributed to our understanding of the transport of endogenous substances including amino acids, catecholamines, bile acids, prostanoids and uremic toxins via membrane transporters.
Sustainable development in Vietnam: An examination of consumers' perceptions of green products
Authors: Nguyen Thuy‐Phuong , Dekhili Sihem
Published: January 2019

Climate change has led to the rise of a sustainable development area characterized by the consumers' consideration of social and environmental issues. The existing literature on responsible consumption has essentially explored the context of western countries; however, little information is given around the consumer behavior towards green products in developing countries. This study enriches this literature by exploring the context of Vietnam that was heavily affected by climate changes. More precisely, the authors aim to explore the content of green products from the consumers' point of view, as well as their motivations and barriers to consume eco‐friendly products. A qualitative study conducted with 29 Vietnamese respondents showed that consumers associate green products to five dimensions: environment, health, quality, price, and animal welfare. They express essentially egoistic motivations related to health and product's quality. In addition, the main barriers to purchase green products identified in the study correspond to the lack of information and confidence towards green claims, sellers, and certifications.
Building adaptive capacity: Reducing the climate vulnerability of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mashizha Tinashe Mitchell
Published: January 2019

Climate change is affecting agricultural production, particularly in Africa, where agriculture forms the backbone of rural economies. Smallholder farmers in rural areas are vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to their marginalised location, low levels of technology, and reliance on rain‐fed agriculture. This conceptual paper finds that adaptation is cross cutting in nature and complex. Hence, it requires an approach that incorporates both policy and investment issues into its planning. This research not only contributes to literature on adaptation strategies but will also provide relevant insight for capacity building on smallholder farmers to avert the ongoing and future climate crisis. Furthermore, it contributes to hitherto limited work on understanding how adaptive capacity is shaped and be sustainable in Zimbabwe. This paper recommends that the government and private sector should disseminate technology that helps farmers adapt to climate change and access to irrigation technology must be a priority.
A new method for tracing the facial nerve trunk using the posterior auricular nerve
Authors: Blau Ilan , Vaisbuch Yona , Marom Assaf
Published: January 2019

Tracing the facial nerve trunk is an essential action in parotid surgery, because of the implications of injury to the nerve or its branches. More than a few landmarks that may help the surgeon in this task have been proposed (e.g., the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, the tragal pointer, among others), under the assumption that additional access methods improve the surgical technique and reduce the possibility of harmful post‐operative consequences. Here we present evidence that the posterior auricular nerve may be used to trace the facial nerve trunk. We dissected 75 cadaveric heminecks, exposed the auricularis posterior muscle and adnexa, and attempted to follow the posterior auricular nerve to the facial nerve trunk. The auricularis posterior muscle, nerve, and artery were identified in all heminecks, securing an anatomically reliable route to the facial nerve trunk. Average length of the nerve from the auricularis posterior muscle to the facial nerve trunk was 28 mm (±6.2 mm). The angle between the posterior auricular nerve and the vertical segment of the FN trunk was 39.5° (±7.7°). We conclude that the posterior auricular nerve may be used as a landmark to trace the facial nerve trunk. It is advantageous due to the relatively simple and consistent regional anatomy, and also because manipulation of this nerve does not present a risk given that the auricularis posterior muscle is vestigial. The proposed landmark is particularly important in revision surgery, where the pre‐auricular anatomy may have been distorted and scarred by previous operations. Clin. Anat. 32:453–457, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Which is the function of a martin‐gruber connection?
Authors: Diz‐Díaz Jesus , Gómez‐Muñoz Eduardo , Sañudo Jose , Maranillo Eva , Pascual‐Font Aran , Vazquez Teresa
Published: January 2019

Clinical and diagnostic variations may occur due to the variable presence of a connection between the median and ulnar nerves in the forearm (Martin‐Gruber anastomosis). This incidence has a wide range at 7%–40%. Most commonly, the connection between the nerves is considered to be composed of motor fibers; although, a sensory role has also been described. It is important to note that the number of axons, or the nature of the fibers in this connection, have not yet been elucidated. Fifty upper limbs were examined evaluating morphometric characteristics of the Martin Gruber connection, dissected out, sectioned, and immunohistochemically stained for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and analyzed with ImageJ©. The connection was observed in 32% of all cases (16/50). The nerve connections were identified as those in Pattern 1 group (12%‐type 1b, 19%‐type 1a, and 69%‐type 1c) and contained motor (ChAT positive) fibers (40.42 ± 10.5% per connection) with three to four fascicles in each. No statistically significant differences were found according to sex, side, or laterality. There were statistically significant differences in the percentages of ChAT positive fibers; however, this was dependent on the distribution being greater in those not distributed zonally. The presence of this connection is prevalent in almost a third of the cadavers dissected; the understanding of this complex composition in sensory and motor fibers allows for the optimization of diagnosis and treatment of certain median‐ulnar nerve injuries. Clin. Anat. 32:501–508, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of the ZIF‐8 Distribution in Mixed‐Matrix Membranes Based on Matrimid® 5218‐PEG on CO2 Separation
Authors: Castro-Muñoz Roberto , Fíla Vlastimil
Published: January 2019

In theory, the combination of inorganic materials and polymers may provide a synergistic performance for mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs); however, the filler dispersion into the MMMs is a crucial technical parameter for obtaining compelling MMMs. The effect of the filler distribution on the gas separation performance of the MMMs based on Matrimid®‐PEG 200 and ZIF‐8 nanoparticles is demonstrated. The MMMs were prepared by two different membrane preparation procedures, namely, the traditional method and non‐dried metal‐organic framework (MOF) method. In CO2/CH4 binary mixtures, the MMMs were tested under fixed conditions and characterized by various methods. Finally, regardless of the MMM preparation procedure, the incorporation of 30 wt % ZIF‐8 nanoparticles allowed to increase the CO2 permeability in MMMs. The ZIF‐8 dispersion influenced significantly the separation factor.
Size Matters: From Two‐Dimensional AuI–TlI Metallopolymers to Molecular Complexes by Simple Variation of the Steric Demand
Authors: Seifert Tim P. , Knoefel Nicolai D. , Feuerstein Thomas J. , Reiter Kevin , Lebedkin Sergei , Gamer Michael T. , Boukis Andreas C. , Weigend Florian , Kappes Manfred M. , Roesky Peter W.
Published: January 2019

Bis(acetylido) aurates(I) and thallium(I) trifluoromethylsulfonates were used to synthesize AuI–TlI metallopolymers, displaying novel and unusual structural motifs of the metal–metal backbones in the solid state: a discrete molecular cluster, 1D chains of interconnected dimers, tetramers, or dodecamers of Au–Tl units, and a 2D‐plane network, consisting of alternating edge‐linked (AuTl)6 and (AuTl)4 cycles. The formation of the different architectures was primarily controlled by the steric demand of the acetylide‐substituent groups. Thus, the bulkiest 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl derivative yielded a molecular cluster [Tl2Au3]. Most compounds showed bright visible photoluminescence with quantum yields of up to 25 % at ambient temperature. The color of the emitted light significantly differs with the network structure. Furthermore, theoretical studies of singlet excitations in the molecular cluster, as well as NMR and mass‐spectrometric investigations of the fragmentation of the metallopolymers in solution are described in detail.
CFD Investigation of Non‐Condensable Gases in Vacuum and Non‐Vacuum Steam Sterilizers
Authors: Feurhuber Manuel , Magno Marino , Miranda Marco , Prieler René , Hochenauer Christoph
Published: January 2019

Steam sterilization processes rely on high heat transfer rates from the steam to the medical devices. To guarantee this, all non‐condensable gases (NCGs) must be removed from the steam sterilizer before sterilization. The ratios and distribution of the NCGs in the pre‐sterilization phases of both a vacuum and a non‐vacuum steam sterilizer are investigated. Two CFD models for simulation of the NCGs in the sterilizers were developed and validated by the measurements of a pressure sensor and eight thermocouples inside the steam sterilizer. Furthermore, a novel method was developed to calculate the real ratio of NCGs based on the standard measurement (EN 13060). The results show that the NCGs ratio defined in the EN 13060 did not accurately represent the real ratios of the NCGs.
Discovery of Sustainable Drugs for Neglected Tropical Diseases: Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)‐Based Hybrids Target Mitochondrial Function and ATP Production in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Cerone Michela , Uliassi Elisa , Prati Federica , Ebiloma Godwin U. , Lemgruber Leandro , Bergamini Christian , Watson David G. , de A. M. Ferreira Thais , Roth Cardoso Gabriella Simões Heyn , Soares Romeiro Luiz A. , de Koning Harry P. , Bolognesi Maria Laura
Published: January 2019

In the search for effective and sustainable drugs for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), we developed hybrid compounds by merging the structural features of quinone 4 (2‐phenoxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione) with those of phenolic constituents from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). CNSL is a waste product from cashew nut processing factories, with great potential as a source of drug precursors. The synthesized compounds were tested against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, including three multidrug‐resistant strains, T. congolense, and a human cell line. The most potent activity was found against T. b. brucei, the causative agent of HAT. Shorter‐chain derivatives 20 (2‐(3‐(8‐hydroxyoctyl)phenoxy)‐5‐methoxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione) and 22 (5‐hydroxy‐2‐(3‐(8‐hydroxyoctyl)phenoxy)naphthalene‐1,4‐dione) were more active than 4, displaying rapid micromolar trypanocidal activity, and no human cytotoxicity. Preliminary studies probing their mode of action on trypanosomes showed ATP depletion, followed by mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondrion ultrastructural damage. This was accompanied by reactive oxygen species production. We envisage that such compounds, obtained from a renewable and inexpensive material, might be promising bio‐based sustainable hits for anti‐trypanosomatid drug discovery.
Medical financial hardship among cancer survivors in the United States
Authors: Zheng Zhiyuan , Jemal Ahmedin , Han Xuesong , Guy Gery P. , Li Chunyu , Davidoff Amy J. , Banegas Matthew P. , Ekwueme Donatus U. , Yabroff K. Robin
Published: January 2019

Background

The current study examined medical financial hardship in cancer survivors and those without a cancer history in the United States.

Methods

The 2013 to 2016 National Health Interview Survey was used to identify cancer survivors (stratified by ages 18‐49 years [1424 survivors], ages 50‐64 years [2916 survivors], and ages ≥65 years [6014 survivors]) and individuals without a cancer history (ages 18‐64 years [66,951 individuals], ages 50‐64 years [31,741 individuals], and ages ≥65 years [25,744 individuals]). Medical financial hardship was categorized into 3 domains: 1) material (eg, problems paying medical bills); 2) psychological (eg, worrying about paying medical bills); and 3) behavioral (eg, delaying/forgoing care due to cost). Generalized ordinal logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between cancer history, hardship, and health insurance deductibles/health savings accounts (among privately insured cancer survivors aged 18‐64 years only).

Results

Compared with those without a cancer history, cancer survivors were more likely to report any material (ages 18‐49 years: 43.4% vs 30.1%; ages 50‐64 years: 32.8% vs 27.8%; and ages ≥65 years: 17.3% vs 14.7%), psychological (ages 18‐49 years: 53.5% vs 47.1%), and behavioral (ages 18‐49 years: 30.6% vs 21.8%; and ages 50‐64 years: 27.2% vs 23.4%) measure of financial hardship, and multiple domains of hardship (age groups 18‐49 years and 50‐64 years; all P < .01). Among privately insured survivors, having a high‐deductible health plan without a health savings account was found to be associated with greater hardship compared with having low‐deductible insurance.

Conclusions

Younger cancer survivors are particularly vulnerable to material, psychological, and behavioral medical financial hardship. Interventions designed to reduce financial hardship should consider multiple domains of hardship as well as insurance benefit design.
A modified hybrid whale optimization algorithm for the scheduling problem in multimedia data objects
Authors: Abdel‐Basset Mohamed , El‐Shahat Doaa , El‐henawy Ibrahim
Published: January 2019

The scheduling of the Multimedia Data Objects (MDO) is a difficult and extraordinary issue that faces us in the World Wide Web (WWW) to minimize the response time for clients to finish rapidly their tasks. MDO scheduling problem can be modeled as a Two‐Machine Flow Shop Scheduling Problem (T‐MFSSP) that minimizes the makespan. Notwithstanding another objective is to decrease the average lateness time of the clients' jobs. This paper proposes a Modified Hybrid Whale Algorithm (MHWA) to solve a standout among the most imperative applications of flow shop scheduling in the field of MDO. MHWA is hybridized with a local search strategy for solving the scheduling problem of MDO. To cope up with the combinatorial nature of the MDO scheduling, LRV maps the continuous search space into a sequence of jobs. To get better solutions, some operations are applied to the solutions such as swap mutation and reversed block insertion operations. Nawaz‐Enscore‐Ham (NEH) is added to MHWA to upgrade the performance of the algorithm. The solution of Johnson heuristic is added to the initial population of MHWA. It can be inferred that MHWA gives competitive outcomes appeared differently in relation to Johnson and Earliest Due Date (EDD) algorithms. MHWA can obtain the optimal makespan and can minimize the average lateness of the jobs.
Characterization of H2‐Splitting Products of Frustrated Lewis Pairs: Benefit of Fast Magic‐Angle Spinning
Authors: Malär Alexander A. , Dong Shunxi , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard , Meier Beat H. , Wiegand Thomas
Published: January 2019

Proton spectroscopy in solid‐state NMR on catalytic materials offers new opportunities in structural characterization, in particular of reaction products of catalytic reactions such as hydrogenation reactions. Unfortunately, the 1H NMR line widths in magic‐angle spinning solid‐state spectra are often broadened by an incomplete averaging of 1H‐1H dipolar couplings. We herein discuss two model compounds, namely the H2‐splitting products of two phosphane‐borane Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs), to study potentials and limitations of proton solid‐state NMR experiments employing magic‐angle spinning frequencies larger than 100 kHz at a static magnetic field strength of 20.0 T. The 1H lines are homogeneously broadened as illustrated by spin‐echo decay experiments. We study two structurally similar materials which however show significant differences in 1H line widths which we explain by differences in their 1H‐1H dipolar networks. We discuss the benefit of fast MAS experiments up to 110 kHz to detect the resonances of the H+/H− pair in the hydrogenation products of FLPs.
A Case‐Crossover–Based Screening Approach to Identifying Clinically Relevant Drug–Drug Interactions in Electronic Healthcare Data
Authors: Bykov Katsiaryna , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Glynn Robert J. , Mittleman Murray A. , Gagne Joshua J.
Published: January 2019

We sought to develop a semiautomated screening approach using electronic healthcare data to identify drug–drug interactions (DDIs) that result in clinical outcomes. Using a case‐crossover design with 30‐day hazard and referent windows, we evaluated codispensed drugs (potential precipitants) in 7,801 patients who experienced rhabdomyolysis while on cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4‐metabolized statins and in 15,147 who experienced bleeding while on dabigatran. Estimates of direct associations between precipitant drugs and outcomes were used to adjust for bias and precipitants’ direct effects. The P values were adjusted for multiple testing using the false discovery rate (FDR). From among 460 drugs codispensed with statins, 1 drug (clarithromycin) generated an alert (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 5.83, FDR < 0.05). From among 485 drugs codispensed with dabigatran, 2 drugs (naproxen and enoxaparin, ORs 2.50 and 2.75; FDR < 0.05) generated an alert. All three signals reflected known pharmacologic interactions, confirming the potential of case‐crossover–based approaches for DDI screening in electronic healthcare data.
A Novel Zinc Luminescent Coordination Polymer Based on a Tetracarboxylate Acid Ligand for the Detection of Nitrobenzene
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Si Chang‐Dai
Published: January 2019

A novel 1D Zinc compound, formulated as [Zn(H2L2−)(H2O)]n (1) (H4L = 3‐(3′,5′‐dicarboxyphenyl)pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid), is synthesized by a rigid organic multi‐carboxylic acid ligand under hydrothermal conditions. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic P212121 space group and exhibits a 1D fishbone‐like chain, exhibiting strong blue fluorescence emission at room temperature upon excitation. Fluorescence titration shows that the emission intensity of the compound 1 varied upon contacting with different solvents or analytes, exhibiting selective emission quenching responses towards nitrobenzene (NB) which suggests that compound 1 is a promising luminescent sensor material for nitrobenzene.
Photocatalytic Reverse Semi‐Combustion Driven by Ionic Liquids
Authors: Qadir Muhammad I. , Zanatta Marcileia , Gil Eduarda S. , Stassen Hubert K. , Gonçalves Paulo , Neto Brenno A. D. , de Souza Paulo E. N. , Dupont Jairton
Published: January 2019

The simple photolysis of CO2 in aqueous solutions to generate CO and/or hydrocarbons and derivatives in the presence of a catalyst is considered to be a clean and efficient approach for utilizing CO2 as a C1 building block. Despite the huge efforts dedicated to this transformation using either semiconductors or homogeneous catalysts, only small improvements of the catalytic activity have been achieved so far. This article reports that simple aqueous solutions of organic salts—denominated as ionic liquids—can efficiently photo‐reduce CO2 to CO without using photosensitizers or sacrificial agents. The system relies on the formation of the [CO2].− intermediate through homolytic C−C bond cleavage in a cation–CO2 adduct of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs). The system continuously produced CO up to 2.88 mmol g−1 of IL after 40 h of irradiation by using an aqueous solution of 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium‐2‐carboxylate (BMIm.CO2) IL, representing an apparent quantum yield of 3.9 %. The organophotocatalytic principles of our system may help to develop more simple and efficient organic materials for the production of solar fuels from CO2 under mild conditions, which represents a real alternative to those based on semiconductors and homogeneous metal‐based catalysts.
Power and energy optimization with reduced complexity in different deployment scenarios of massive MIMO network
Authors: Sofi Ishfaq Bashir , Gupta Akhil , Jha Rakesh Kumar
Published: January 2019

With the increase in the number of users, the role of massive MIMO has become more significant. But there is a significant increase in the power and energy consumption in the massive MIMO network for transmission, processing, and reception. Hence, the prior role is to reduce the power consumption and increase the energy efficiency of the network. In this paper, the work is done to reduce the power consumption, while maintaining the reduced complexity in the massive MIMO and small‐cell scenario, and to increase the energy efficiency, by optimizing the number of users and number of transmission antennas in the massive MIMO scenario. This paper has also found out the optimal values of the energy efficiency, number of transmission antennas, and number of users for a massive MIMO network in different deployment scenarios like indoor hotspot, ultradense, dense urban, urban, suburban, and rural areas in both single‐cell scenario and multicell scenario at the base station and user equipment side according to the ITU‐R M.2135 standard.
Curcumin reduces inflammation in knee osteoarthritis rats through blocking TLR4 /MyD88/NF‐κB signal pathway
Authors: Zhang Yun , Zeng Yu
Published: January 2019

Preclinical Research & Development

Curcumin has been shown to possess a series of beneficial effects, such as antiinflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and promoting healing. However, the effect and relative mechanism of curcumin on knee osteoarthritis (OA) have not been elucidated. The aim of this study is to explore the protective effect of curcumin on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)‐induced OA. Forty‐eight rats were randomized into four experimental groups: control group, OA group, OA + PBS group, and OA + curcumin group, respectively. A single intraarticular injection of MIA was applied to establish the rat model of knee OA. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was used to evaluate histological changes of knee joint. The paw withdrawal threshold was collected and the expression of synovial fluid cytokine levels was measured by ELISA. The protein expression of TRL‐4, MyD88, p‐IκBα, NF‐κB, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL6 was measured by western blot. Treating with curcumin can significantly reduce joint diameter and Mankin's score, and increase the paw withdrawal threshold. The expression of synovial fluid inflammatory biomarkers, IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in the OA + curcumin group were lower than that in OA and OA + PBS group. The protein expression of the TLR4 receptor was increased in the OA, OA + PBS, and OA + curcumin group compared to the control group. However, curcumin treatment can significantly decrease the expression of MyD88, p‐IκBα, NF‐κB, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL6 in OA + curcumin group. These findings may indicate that curcumin could block TLR4/NF‐κB signal pathway, and reduce inflammation level to prevent knee wound in OA rats. Curcumin may be a feasible kind of medicament in the treatment of knee OA.
Vegetation phenology and nest survival: Diagnosing heterogeneous effects through time
Authors: Ringelman Kevin M. , Skaggs Cassandra G.
Published: January 2019

Birds should select nest sites that minimize predation risk, but understanding the influence of vegetation on nest survival has proven problematic. Specifically, the common practice of measuring vegetation on nest fate date can overestimate its effect on nest survival, simply because vegetation at hatched nests grows for a longer period of time than vegetation at nests that were depredated. Here, we sampled the literature to determine the prevalence of this bias in studies of duck breeding ecology. We then used survival data collected from ~2,800 duck nests to empirically evaluate evidence of bias in four different vegetation metrics: vegetation density measured when the nest was found, density when the nest was fated, and date‐corrected regression residuals of these two. We also diagnosed the magnitude of vegetation effects on nest survival by restricting our analysis to only nests which were fated contemporaneously (thereby removing potential bias in the timing of measurement). Finally, we examined whether systematic phenological differences exist between vegetation at hatched and depredated nests that have the potential to further obfuscate the relationship between vegetation and nest survival. We found evidence for a true‐positive effect of vegetation density on nest survival that appeared to be inflated when using raw vegetation measurements collected at fate date. However, taken in combination with the literature review, our results suggest that the majority of duck nesting studies have evaluated the role of vegetation on nest survival using a relatively less biased metric—vegetation density when the nest was found. Finally, we found that over the course of a nesting attempt, vegetation increased in density at successful nests, but decreased in density at depredated nests. As a consequence, duck researchers using vegetation data collected when the nest was found may actually be underestimating the magnitude of the effect. This seasonal change potentially points to an important new metric for understanding predation risk, but further experimental research is required to fully eliminate potential biases in the timing of vegetation measurements.
Metal‐bonding‐based hermetic wafer‐level MEMS packaging technology using in‐plane feedthrough: Hermeticity and high frequency characteristics of thick gold film feedthrough
Authors: Moriyama Masaaki , Suzuki Yukio , Totsu Kentaro , Hirano Hideki , Tanaka Shuji
Published: January 2019

Au–Au‐bonding‐based wafer‐level vacuum packaging technology using in‐plane feedthrough of thick Au signal lines was developed for high‐frequency micro electromechanical system (RF MEMS). Compared with conventional technology based on glass frit bonding, the developed technology is advantageous in terms of smaller width of sealing frames, lower process temperature, and smaller amount of degas. To guarantee the hermetic sealing, the adhesion between the thick Au lines and a SiOx dielectric frame is improved by an Al2O3 interlayer by atomic layer deposition. The steps of the dielectric frame above the thick Au lines are absorbed by an electroplated Au seal ring planarized by fly cutting. The thermocompression bonding of the Au seal rings of 20‐100 μm width was done at 300 ºC. A cavity pressure of about 500 Pa or lower was measured by “zero balance method” using Si diaphragms. Vacuum sealing was maintained for more than 19 months, and the leak rate is less than 8×10‐16 Pa m3/s. The isolation of open signal lines was measured up to 10 GHz for different designs of the sealing ring and SiOx dielectric frame. The influence of the in‐plane feed through to the isolation is as low as 2‐3 dB, if the width of the sealing ring is 20 μm and the thickness of SiOx dielectric frame is larger than 10 μm. The developed wafer‐level packaging technology is ready for applications to an radio frequency (RF) MEMS switch.
Transition Metal Compounds of Pyridine‐Amide‐Functionalized Carbene Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, and Electrocatalytic Properties in Proton Reduction
Authors: Luo Siyuan , Siegler Maxime A. , Bouwman Elisabeth
Published: January 2019

Three pyridyl‐amide substituted (benz)imidazolium salts H2L1Cl, H2L2Cl and H2L3Cl were synthesized and successfully employed as ligand precursors for the syntheses of novel nickel(II) and cobalt(III) complexes. The compounds H2L1Cl and H2L2Cl are precursors to tetradentate ligands and differ in the nature of the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) functionality, being imidazole‐based and benzimidazole‐based, respectively. The ligand precursor H2L3Cl resembles H2L1Cl, but with one of the pyridyl groups replaced with a benzyl group, thus yielding a potential tridentate ligand. The nickel(II) compounds [Ni(L1)]Cl and [Ni(L2)]PF6 were obtained, bearing tetradentate ligands comprising an amidate and two pyridine nitrogen donor atoms and an (NHC) carbon donor. Single crystal X‐ray crystallography revealed that the nickel ions in both compounds are in slightly distorted square‐planar geometries. Reactions of cobalt salts with the ligands H2L1Cl and H2L3Cl resulted in the cobalt(III) compounds [Co(L1)2]Cl and [Co(L3)2]PF6; the cobalt ions in both complexes are in octahedral geometries, bound by two tridentate ligands in a meridional binding mode, with two dangling pyridine and benzyl groups, respectively. The four compounds show electrocatalytic activity in proton reduction in dimethylformamide solutions in presence of acetic acid; their activity is compared using cyclic voltammetry and quantified with gas chromatography.
Fibromyalgia: A misconnection in a multiconnected world?
Authors: Perrot Serge
Published: January 2019

Fibromyalgia represents a condition still controversial in its entity, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management (Figure ). In a world where everybody is connected, and everybody is sharing their own image, fibromyalgia (FM) represents the emblematic pathology of misconnection and lack of specific biomarker. FM is an invisible experience with all normal tests and analyses, without any visible biomarker to exhibit to healthcare professionals, colleagues and relatives. In this context, we propose to consider FM as a disease of misconnection at different levels: misconnection with society, misconnection with healthcare professionals, misconnection with pathophysiological concepts, misconnection between brain and body. The concept of misconnection defines FM in a different and holistic view and proposes different views of assessment, management and representation:

FM pathophysiology: the desynchronization of brain and body

FM recognition: the broken link between patients and physicians

FM assessment: merging the body and mind for an optimal diagnosis and management

FM treatment: re‐establishing the good connections at different levels

We hope to reconnect FM patients with all healthcare providers, help FM patients reconnect with their painful body and integrate FM into regular medical practice.

Significance

The concept of misconnection defines FM in a different and holistic view, and propose different views of assessment, management and representation.
Chromosome territories and the global regulation of the genome
Authors: Fritz Andrew J. , Sehgal Nitasha , Pliss Artem , Xu Jinhui , Berezney Ronald
Published: January 2019

Spatial positioning is a fundamental principle governing nuclear processes. Chromatin is organized as a hierarchy from nucleosomes to Mbp chromatin domains (CD) or topologically associating domains (TADs) to higher level compartments culminating in chromosome territories (CT). Microscopic and sequencing techniques have substantiated chromatin organization as a critical factor regulating gene expression. For example, enhancers loop back to interact with their target genes almost exclusively within TADs, distally located coregulated genes reposition into common transcription factories upon activation, and Mbp CDs exhibit dynamic motion and configurational changes in vivo. A longstanding question in the nucleus field is whether an interactive nuclear matrix provides a direct link between structure and function. The findings of nonrandom radial positioning of CT within the nucleus suggest the possibility of preferential interaction patterns among populations of CT. Sequential labeling up to 10 CT followed by application of computer imaging and geometric graph mining algorithms revealed cell‐type specific interchromosomal networks (ICN) of CT that are altered during the cell cycle, differentiation, and cancer progression. It is proposed that the ICN correlate with the global level of genome regulation. These approaches also demonstrated that the large scale 3‐D topology of CT is specific for each CT. The cell‐type specific proximity of certain chromosomal regions in normal cells may explain the propensity of distinct translocations in cancer subtypes. Understanding how genes are dysregulated upon disruption of the normal “wiring” of the nucleus by translocations, deletions, and amplifications that are hallmarks of cancer, should enable more targeted therapeutic strategies.
Characterization of human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter methylation and transcription factor binding in differentiated thyroid cancer cell lines
Authors: Avin Brittany A. , Wang Yongchun , Gilpatrick Timothy , Workman Rachael E. , Lee Isac , Timp Winston , Umbricht Christopher B. , Zeiger Martha A.
Published: January 2019

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activation plays an important role in cancer development by enabling the immortalization of cells. TERT regulation is multifaceted, and its promoter methylation has been implicated in controlling expression through alteration in transcription factor binding. We have characterized TERT promoter methylation, transcription factor binding, and TERT expression levels in five differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) cell lines and six normal thyroid tissue samples by targeted bisulfite sequencing, ChIP‐qPCR, and qRT‐PCR. DTC cell lines express varying levels of TERT and exhibit TERT promoter methylation patterns similar to patterns seen in other telomerase positive cancer cell lines. The minimal promoter immediately surrounding the transcription start site is hypomethylated, while further upstream portions show dense methylation. In contrast, the TERT promoter in normal thyroid tissue is largely unmethylated throughout and expresses TERT minimally. Transcription factor binding is also affected by TERT mutation status. The E‐twenty‐six (ETS) factor GABPA exhibits TERT binding in the TERT mutant DTC cells only, and allele‐specific methylation patterns at the minimal promoter were observed as well, which may indicate allele‐specific factor recruitment at the minimal promoter. Furthermore, we identified binding sites for activators MYC and GSC in the hypermethylated upstream region, pointing to its possible importance in TERT regulation. Overall, TERT expression and telomerase activity depend on the interplay of multiple regulatory mechanisms including TERT promoter methylation, mutation status, and recruitment of transcription factors. This work explores of the interplay between these regulatory mechanisms and offers insight into cellular control of active telomerase in human cancer.
Novel TG‐FGFR1 and TRIM33‐NTRK1 transcript fusions in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Pfeifer Aleksandra , Rusinek Dagmara , Żebracka‐Gala Jadwiga , Czarniecka Agnieszka , Chmielik Ewa , Zembala‐Nożyńska Ewa , Wojtaś Bartosz , Gielniewski Bartłomiej , Szpak‐Ulczok Sylwia , Oczko‐Wojciechowska Małgorzata , Krajewska Jolanta , Polańska Joanna , Jarząb Barbara
Published: January 2019

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is most common among all thyroid cancers. Multiple genomic alterations occur in PTC, and gene rearrangements are one of them. Here we screened 14 tumors for novel fusion transcripts by RNA‐Seq. Two samples harboring RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 rearrangements were positive controls whereas the remaining ones were negative regarding the common PTC alterations. We used Sanger sequencing to validate potential fusions. We detected 2 novel potentially oncogenic transcript fusions: TG‐FGFR1 and TRIM33‐NTRK1. We detected 4 novel fusion transcripts of unknown significance accompanying the TRIM33‐NTRK1 fusion: ZSWIM5‐TP53BP2, TAF4B‐WDR1, ABI2‐MTA3, and ARID1B‐PSMA1. Apart from confirming the presence of RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 in positive control samples, we also detected known oncogenic fusion transcripts in remaining samples: TFG‐NTRK1, ETV6‐NTRK3, MKRN1‐BRAF, EML4‐ALK, and novel isoform of CCDC6‐RET.
Aqueous carbonation of MgSO4 with (NH4)2CO3 for CO2 sequestration
Authors: Deng Chenhui , Liu Weizao , Chu Guanrun , Luo Dongmei , Zhang Guoquan , Wang Liming , Yue Hairong , Liang Bin , Li Chun
Published: January 2019

Mineral carbonation is an important technical option for the effective reduction of CO2 emissions. Natural magnesium‐containing minerals, such as serpentine and blast furnace slag (BFS), have recently been used for CO2 storage with an indirect carbonation route using ammonium sulfate. In this study, the effects of the feeding mode and process parameters on the magnesium conversion, product phase, and morphology during the aqueous carbonation of MgSO4 with ammonium carbonate solution were investigated in detail. The results showed that the carbonation ratio with a parallel feed was higher than the forward and reverse feed by about 3–5% with a limited reaction time, and the product size was more uniform. The phase and morphology of the products were affected significantly by the temperature. The highest carbonation ratio appeared at 40°C because only 75% of magnesium was carbonated if hydromagnesite was produced. When the mole ratio of (NH4)2CO3 to MgSO4 was 2:1 and the concentration of magnesium sulfate was higher than 0.4 mol·L−1, the carbonated products contain ammonium magnesium carbonate, and the ammonia should be recovered by selective thermal decomposition. When the mole ratio decreased to 1.5:1, only nesquehonite appears with high crystallinity and uniform size. The optimized conditions were therefore selected as 40°C, a mole ratio of 1.5:1, and magnesium sulfate concentration of 0.7 mol·L−1. Under these conditions the carbonation ratio reached 88%. Additionally, the optimal initial pH of MgSO4 solution was 9.5 (the product was nesquehonite at low pH) while the hydromagnesite will be produced at higher pH (pH more than 10). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sedimentation and glaciations during the Pleistocene: Palaeoclimate reconstruction in the Peshawar Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Bibi Mehwish , Wagreich Michael , Iqbal Shahid , Gier Susanne , Jan Irfan U.
Published: January 2019

The Pleistocene represents the youngest period of repeated widespread glaciation and interglacial intervals of both hemispheres. The Pleistocene–Holocene siliciclastics of the Peshawar Basin preserve a significant terrestrial record of palaeoclimatic fluctuations during this glacial time interval in northwest Pakistan at latitudes of 33–35°N. The sedimentological evidences indicate that the lower part of the stratal package consists of floodplain clay cycles overlain by lacustrine‐glaciofluvial rhythmites, that are followed by loess deposits and finally recent floodplain clays. The geochemical proxies demonstrate an overall cold‐arid climate with very low intensity of chemical weathering, whereas the clay mineralogy and related indices suggest intensifying physical erosion. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) reflects comparatively slightly higher (but still very low) intensity of chemical weathering for the lowermost part of the succession and uppermost loess deposits. The illite‐rich clay mineralogy of these two lithofacies associations also indicates the prevailing cold‐arid palaeoclimate. The low CIA and smectite‐rich clay mineralogy of the rhythmites, on the other hand, reflect deposition in poorly drained lakes. Multiple evidences for break‐out floods and the presence of ice‐rafted debris (IRD) within the rhythmites provide conclusive evidences for ice damming in the Peshawar Basin and drainage blockage due to the uplift of the Attock–Cherat Range. The floodplain clays indicate deposition in an interglacial semiarid–semihumid palaeoclimate preceding the Shanoz stage glaciation. The rhythmites correlate with the Shanoz, Yunz, and Borit Jheel glacial stages. The loess deposits indicate aeolian deposition in a cold, periglacial environment spanning over the late glacial maximum (LGM) interval.
Protocol driven outcomes in renal parathyroid surgery
Authors: Walsh Nathaniel J. , Caten Alexander J. , White John J. , Terris David J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Patients who require surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism represent a special population that is at high risk for postoperative complications. To optimize their treatment, we developed a multidisciplinary approach to the perioperative management of these patients undergoing parathyroidectomy.

Methods

The Augusta University endocrine surgery parathyroid database was interrogated to identify dialysis‐dependent patients undergoing parathyroidectomy from 2005 to 2015. Numerous clinical parameters were quantified. Patients were stratified into protocol patients and nonprotocol patients.

Results

A total of 42 patients undergoing renal parathyroidectomy who met the inclusion criteria were identified. Serious adverse events were nearly twice as common in the patients not treated on protocol. The length of stay was nearly 2 days shorter in the protocol group. Lowest calcium level and ionized calcium was higher in the protocol cohort despite a lower postoperative parathyroid hormone. The protocol group had fewer laboratory draws.

Conclusion

Implementation of a multidisciplinary renal hyperparathyroidism protocol has resulted in improved perioperative outcomes.