bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DJ‐1 plays an obligatory role in the cardioprotection of delayed hypoxic preconditioning against hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced oxidative stress through maintaining mitochondrial complex I activity
Authors: Ding Hao , Xu Xing‐Wang , Wang Huan , Xiao Lin , Zhao Le , Duan Guang‐Ling , Li Xiao‐Ran , Ma Zhao‐Xia , Chen He‐Ping
Published: February 2018

DJ‐1 was recently reported to mediate the cardioprotection of delayed hypoxic preconditioning (DHP) by suppressing hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced oxidative stress, but its mechanism against H/R‐induced oxidative stress during DHP is not fully elucidated. Here, using the well‐established cellular model of DHP, we again found that DHP significantly improved cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase release with concurrently up‐regulated DJ‐1 protein expression in H9c2 cells subjected to H/R. Importantly, DHP efficiently improved mitochondrial complex I activity following H/R and attenuated H/R‐induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and subsequent oxidative stress, as demonstrated by a much smaller decrease in reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio and a much smaller increase in intracellular ROS and malondialdehyde contents than that observed for the H/R group. However, the aforementioned effects of DHP were antagonized by DJ‐1 knockdown with short hairpin RNA but mimicked by DJ‐1 overexpression. Intriguingly, pharmacological inhibition of mitochondria complex I with Rotenone attenuated all the protective effects caused by DHP and DJ‐1 overexpression, including maintenance of mitochondria complex I and suppression of mitochondrial ROS generation and subsequent oxidative stress. Taken together, this work revealed that preserving mitochondrial complex I activity and subsequently inhibiting mitochondrial ROS generation could be a novel mechanism by which DJ‐1 mediates the cardioprotection of DHP against H/R‐induced oxidative stress damage.
Dual Labeling of the CBP/p300 KIX Domain for 19F NMR Leads to Identification of a New Small‐Molecule Binding Site
Authors: Gee Clifford T. , Arntson Keith E. , Koleski Edward J. , Staebell Rachel Lynn , Pomerantz William C. K.
Published: February 2018

Protein‐Observed Fluorine NMR (PrOF NMR) spectroscopy is an emerging technique for screening and characterizing small‐molecule–protein interactions. The choice of which amino acid to label for PrOF NMR can be critical for analysis. Here we report the first use of a protein containing two different fluoroaromatic amino acids for NMR studies. Using the KIX domain of the CBP/p300 as a model system, we examine ligand binding of several small‐molecule compounds elaborated from our previous fragment screen and identify a new ligand binding site distinct from those used by native transcription factors. This site was further supported by computational modeling (FTMap and Schrödinger) and 1H,15N HSQC/HMQC NMR spectroscopy. Metabolic labeling with multiple fluorinated amino acids provides useful probes for further studying ligand binding and has led to new insight for allosterically regulating transcription‐factor protein interactions with small‐molecule ligands.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2018

the value of family‐based treatment for anorexia nervosa

the need to pay attention to irritability

the problems with work requirements for Medicaid
Medicaid needed to help children and babies affected by opioid crisis
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: February 2018

The opioid crisis has been widely discussed in the news of late; statistics are startling. Over 2.5 million people were addicted to opiates in 2015, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that opioid deaths have quadrupled since 1999 (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6531a2.htm). Nonetheless, there has been less focus on the effects of this crisis on children, effects that can begin during pregnancy and continue through childhood and adolescence.
Tips for parents on preventing and treating substance use disorders in their children
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2018

Here is a brief smattering of advice for how to deal with (1) a teen's questions relating to alcohol, (2) the dietary supplements on the market claiming to aid opioid withdrawal, and (3) the scams by patient brokers designed to lure your child to treatment in a faraway state.
Graphene‐Based Carbocatalysts for Thermoset Polymers and for Diastereoselective and Enantioselective Organic Synthesis
Authors: Acocella Maria Rosaria , Guerra Gaetano
Published: February 2018

This review reports on the catalytic activity of graphene oxide (GO) and high‐surface‐area graphite (HSAG) for some relevant organic reactions. It is shown that the main drawbacks of graphite‐based catalysts, that is, high catalyst loading and generally poor selectivity, can often be removed by operating under solvent‐free conditions. Moreover, some reactions that are catalyzed by GO as well as HSAG are presented. For these reactions, π stacking of the aromatic substrates with the graphitic planes plays a predominant role in the catalytic activity and the unexpected diastereoselective and enantioselective behaviors.
Recent Developments on the Use of Group 13 Metal Complexes in Catalysis
Authors: Dagorne Samuel , Wehmschulte Rudolf
Published: February 2018

The present Minireview highlights the most representative and emerging developments reported since 2012 on the use of well‐defined group 13 metal species in homogeneous catalysis. Apart from their use in polymerization catalysis, group 13 metal catalysts have primarily been developed for the functionalization of polar/unsaturated small molecules, with most reactions involving C−C, C−O or C−N double or triple bond functionalization (most frequently (C6F5)3Al and low‐coordinate Al cations). The exploitation of group 13 catalysts for CO2 functionalization chemistry has made remarkable advances over the past five years, including the development of Al‐ and Ga‐based complexes for CO2 hydrosilylation/hydroboration. Highly effective Al catalysts for the production of cyclic carbonates via CO2/epoxide coupling are also discussed. The emerging use of simple Group 13 metal Lewis pairs for the controlled polymerization of polar monomers is also reviewed.
Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)‐Based Therapeutics: Current Status and Future Opportunities beyond Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cheang Jia Ying , Moyle Peter M.
Published: February 2018

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is secreted by intestinal L‐cells following food intake, and plays an important role in glucose homeostasis due to its stimulation of glucose‐dependent insulin secretion. Further, GLP‐1 is also associated with protective effects on pancreatic β‐cells and the cardiovascular system, decreased appetite, and weight loss, making GLP‐1 derivatives an exciting treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Despite these benefits, wild‐type GLP‐1 exhibits a short circulation time due to its poor metabolic stability and rapid renal clearance, and must be administered by injection, making it a poor therapeutic agent. Many strategies have been used to improve the circulation time of GLP‐1 (e.g., mutations, unnatural amino acids, depot formulations, use of exendin‐4 sequences, and fusions with high‐molecular‐weight proteins or polymers), with its therapeutic utility further improved by adding agonist activity for gastric inhibitory peptide and glucagon receptors. This minireview focuses on strategies that have been used to improve the pharmacokinetics of GLP‐1 and provides an overview of GLP‐1‐based therapeutics in the pipeline.
Learning‐based topic detection using multiple features
Authors: Zheng Hai‐Tao , Wang Zhe , Wang Wei , Sangaiah Arun Kumar , Xiao Xi , Zhao Congzhi
Published: February 2018

Recently, microblog sites such as Twitter attract a great deal of attention as an information resource for topic detection task. Most of existing feature‐pivot topic detection algorithms in Twitter just take a single feature into account rather than multiple features. Thus, these methods always only detect the topics related to the single feature and miss some important topics, which causes a relatively low performance. In this paper, we build a flexible term representation framework for feature‐pivot topic detection based on four features. A Learning‐based Topic Detection using Multiple Features (LTDMF) method is proposed to improve the performance of topic detection. We define a correlation function based on a specific neural network to integrate various features. A Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering (HAC) algorithm is applied to cluster terms as topics. Based on multiple features, LTDMF detects all types of topics and improves the accuracy of topic detection to solve the problem of missing topics. Experiments show that LTDMF gets a better performance compared with several baseline methods in terms of precision and recall.
Landscape variation in plant leaf flammability is driven by leaf traits responding to environmental gradients
Authors: Krix Daniel W. , Murray Brad R.
Published: February 2018

Landscape differences in environmental conditions select for divergences among plant species in strategically important leaf traits such as leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf area (LA). Interspecific variation in some of these same leaf traits has been associated to varying degrees with differences among species in leaf flammability, including the attributes ignitibility, sustainability, and combustibility. Yet, how environmentally selected variation in leaf traits drives variation in leaf flammability at landscape scales remains largely unknown. Here, we compared leaf traits and flammability attributes between species of sheltered forest vegetation (low light, moist habitat) and plant species of exposed woodland vegetation (high light, dry habitat) in a fire‐prone landscape of south‐eastern Australia. We found that leaves of sheltered forest species were significantly more flammable via both higher ignitibility and combustibility compared with exposed woodland species. These significant differences in leaf ignitibility and combustibility were underpinned by sheltered forest species having leaves with significantly larger LA and lower LMA compared with exposed woodland species. Further, multiple regression analyses revealed that both LA and LMA were significantly and uniquely related to faster time to ignition (TTI; ignitibility) and higher mean mass loss rate (combustibility). Most notably, although significantly higher fuel moisture content (FMC) of leaves of sheltered forest species significantly lengthened TTI, the lower LMA of these species played a more critical role in reducing TTI, with low LMA explaining more unique variation (partial r2 = 0.78) in high leaf ignitibility than low FMC (partial r2 = 0.49). Our findings provide the first evidence that landscape‐scale variation in leaf flammability is tightly coordinated with the primary strategic response of the leaf traits LMA and LA to an environmental gradient. Furthermore, projections for increasing wildfire frequency and intensity in the region will likely allow wildfires to overcome the once protective nature provided by topography to sheltered forest vegetation, which means that higher leaf flammability in sheltered forest species has the potential to exacerbate the effects of changing weather conditions to place sheltered forest habitat, their plants, and their animals, at even higher risk of catastrophic wildfire.
Cyclopropylmagnesium Scorpionates: A Missing Member of the Series with Both Staggered and Eclipsed Rotamers in the Crystal
Authors: Dufrois Quentin , Mallet‐Ladeira Sonia , Dinoi Chiara , Etienne Michel
Published: February 2018

The reaction of the hydrotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borate potassium salt KTpMe2 with [Mg(c‐C3H5)2(dioxane)x] gives [TpMe2Mg(c‐C3H5)] (1) in 70 % yield. Full characterization includes an X‐ray diffraction study, which reveals the presence of both staggered and eclipsed rotamers around the Mg–C bond of 1 in the unit cell. There is no evidence for any agostic interaction. Complex 1 does not undergo the Schlenk equilibrium. The complex [(F12‐Tp4Bo,3Ph)Mg(c‐C3H5)] (2) containing a hydrotris(tetrafluoro‐3‐phenylindazolyl)borate scorpionate ligand, is obtained in 20 % yield. Complex 2 proved to be significantly more labile than 1, solutions of 2 giving readily [Mg(F12‐Tp4Bo,3Ph)2] (3). This study emphasizes the importance of tuning the steric and electronic properties of the scorpionate ligands for the stabilization of heteroleptic magnesium alkyl complexes.
Monocyte subsets and their phenotypes during treatment with BCR‐ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors for Philadelphia chromosome‐positive leukemia
Authors: Konuma Takaaki , Kohara Chisato , Watanabe Eri , Mizukami Motoko , Nagai Etsuko , Tanoue Susumu , Isobe Masamichi , Jimbo Koji , Kato Seiko , Ohno Nobuhiro , Takahashi Satoshi , Tojo Arinobu
Published: February 2018

BCR‐ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective agents in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome‐positive leukemia. However, vascular events have developed in some patients receiving each TKI. The perturbation of circulating monocyte subsets and their expressions of chemokine and scavenger receptors are associated with the development of cardiovascular events. Here, we examined the subsets of circulating monocytes and their phenotypes in 51 patients treated with imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib, and 11 healthy subjects in our institute. Except for a negative association between the number of classical monocytes and imatinib treatment, the proportions and numbers of monocyte subsets were not significantly associated with TKI treatment. However, chemokine receptors, CCR2, CX3CR1 on classical monocytes, and scavenger receptor, CD204, on intermediate and non‐classical monocytes were significantly associated with TKIs. These data demonstrated the relationships between alterations of chemokine and scavenger receptors on different monocyte subsets and the TKI treatments.
Adopting healthier cooking oils: Findings from a qualitative study among independent food outlets in a rural district in Australia
Authors: Milson Penny , Nathan Sally , Bunde‐Birouste Anne W.
Published: February 2018

Issue addressed

This study explored key factors that motivated independent food outlets to voluntarily adopt healthier cooking oils following a health promotion intervention.

Methods

Sixteen food outlet managers from the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) participated in semi‐structured interviews and a brief questionnaire which explored factors determining what cooking oils they use in preparing deep‐fried foods. Interviews were analysed thematically and closed responses to survey questions using descriptive statistics.

Results

Four main reasons emerged around decisions relating to oil choice: fry life, cost, taste and general health. Health implications, Council advice, competitive price and maintaining a good relationship with the Council were the most frequently reported motivators for swapping to a healthier oil.

Conclusion

Behaviour change among food outlet managers to switch cooking oils is influenced by a number of health‐related and non‐health‐related factors. Council Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) can be a catalyst for food outlets to adopt healthier food preparation practices.

So what?

This study highlights the factors which may motivate the switch to healthier oils by independent food outlets. EHOs are critical partners for health promotion initiatives that target the independent food service sector.
Plasma CXCL1 levels and TRAF3IP2 variants in patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Pordel Safoora , Sajedi Khanian Mahdi , Karimi Mohammad Hossein , Nikoo Hossein , Doroudchi Mehrnoosh
Published: February 2018

Background

IL‐17A plays an important role in inflammatory responses in myocardial infarction (MI). IL‐17A signals through its receptor, for which, Act1 (TRAF3IP2) functions as a key upstream adaptor in the pathway.

Aim

To compare frequencies of functional polymorphisms of TRAF3IP2 (rs13210247, rs33980500) between patients with MI and healthy controls.

Methods

The selected SNPs were studied in 201 Iranian MI patients and 201 healthy blood donors from Fars Province by PCR‐RFLP in association with clinicopathologic criteria of patients. CXCL1 plasma levels in 126 MI patients and 50 normal subjects were measured by ELISA.

Results

A significant increase in the mutant (T) allele of TRAF3IP2 rs33980500 in patients with diastolic dysfunction of the heart (P = .01) was observed. The highest correlation, however, was observed between the TRAF3IP2 rs33980500 TT genotype and T allele with left main coronary artery stenosis (P = .01, P < .001; OR = 31.03). T allele of TRAF3IP2 rs33980500 was also associated with female gender, family history of cardiovascular disease, and mechanical complications of heart (P = .04, P = .02, and P = .01, respectively). Moreover, TRAF3IP2 rs13210247 (G) correlated with mechanical complications of the heart (P = .01). A significant increase in the plasma levels of CXCL1 chemokine in patients (P = .0006) associated with TT genotype of TRAF3IP2 (rs33980500) was observed (P = .04).

Conclusion

The gene variants of Act1 adaptor are associated with correlates of poor outcome in patients with MI and plasma CXCL1 levels.
Barium titanate microparticles as potential carrier platform for lanthanide radionuclides for their use in the treatment of arthritis
Authors: Chakraborty Sudipta , Vimalnath K.V. , Sharma Jyothi , Shetty Priyalata , Sarma H.D. , Chakravarty Rubel , Prakash Deep , Sinha P.K. , Dash Ashutosh
Published: February 2018

Since the inception of radiation synovectomy, a host of radioactive colloids and microparticles incorporating suitable therapeutic radionuclides have been proposed for the treatment of arthritis. The present article reports the synthesis and evaluation of barium titanate microparticles as an innovative and effective carrier platform for lanthanide radionuclides in the preparation of therapeutic agents for treatment of arthritis. The material was synthesized by mechanochemical route and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, surface area, and particle size distribution analyses. Loading of lanthanide radionuclides (166Ho, 153Sm, 177Lu, and 169Er) on the microparticles was achieved in high yield (> 95%) resulting in the formulation of loaded particulates with excellent radiochemical purities (> 99%). Radiolanthanide‐loaded microparticles exhibited excellent in vitro stability in human serum. In vitro diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid challenge study indicated fairly strong chemical association of lanthanides with barium titanate microparticles. Long‐term biodistribution studies carried out after administration of 177Lu‐loaded microparticles into one of the knee joints of normal Wistar rats revealed near‐complete retention of the formulation (> 96% of the administered radioactivity) within the joint cavity even 14 days post‐administration. The excellent localization of the loaded microparticles was further confirmed by sequential whole‐body radio‐luminescence imaging studies carried out using 166Ho‐loaded microparticles.
Artisanal tanneries: Potential application of inoculants formulated with lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Correa Deza María A. , Martos Gladys I. , Nuñez Marta , Fiori Mario , Gerez Carla L. , Font Graciela
Published: February 2018

In artisanal tanneries, the skins are immersed in cereals fermented by natural microbial flora in order to reduce the pH of the skin, an essential condition for carrying out the final step. The environmental thermal variation alters the fermentation process and affects the quality of the final product. The aim of this work was to isolate lactic acid bacteria from cereals mixture fermented in an artisanal tannery and to evaluate in vitro the acidifying activity of the strains as a first step for the formulation of a starter culture. In most samples, a prevalence of cocci (95%) was observed with respect to bacilli. The best acidifying strains were identified by phenotypic and genotypic techniques as Enterococcus faecium CRL 1943 (rapid acidification at 37 °C) and Leuconostoc citreum CRL 1945 (high acidifying activity at 18 °C). In addition, the biomass production of the selected strains was analyzed at free and controlled pH (bioreactors 1.5 L). The production of biomass was optimal at controlled pH, with a higher growth (0.5–1.1 log units). Both strains were compatible, allowing their inclusion in a mixed culture. These lactic strains could contribute to the systematization of the tanning process.
Contribution of facet joints, axial compression, and composition to human lumbar disc torsion mechanics
Authors: Bezci Semih E. , Eleswarapu Ananth , Klineberg Eric O. , O'Connell Grace D.
Published: February 2018

Stresses applied to the spinal column are distributed between the intervertebral disc and facet joints. Structural and compositional changes alter stress distributions within the disc and between the disc and facet joints. These changes influence the mechanical properties of the disc joint, including its stiffness, range of motion, and energy absorption under quasi‐static and dynamic loads. There have been few studies evaluating the role of facet joints in torsion. Furthermore, the relationship between biochemical composition and torsion mechanics is not well understood. Therefore, the first objective of this study was to investigate the role of facet joints in torsion mechanics of healthy and degenerated human lumbar discs under a wide range of compressive preloads. To achieve this, each disc was tested under four different compressive preloads (300–1200 N) with and without facet joints. The second objective was to develop a quantitative structure‐function relationship between tissue composition and torsion mechanics. Facet joints have a significant contribution to disc torsional stiffness (∼60%) and viscoelasticity, regardless of the magnitude of axial compression. The findings from this study demonstrate that annulus fibrosus GAG content plays an important role in disc torsion mechanics. A decrease in GAG content with degeneration reduced torsion mechanics by more than an order of magnitude, while collagen content did not significantly influence disc torsion mechanics. The biochemical‐mechanical and compression‐torsion relationships reported in this study allow for better comparison between studies that use discs of varying levels of degeneration or testing protocols and provide important design criteria for biological repair strategies. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2266–2273, 2018.
Rapid and sensitive detection of the phenoxy acid herbicides in environmental water samples by magnetic solid‐phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Peng Mao‐Min , Han Ya‐Quan , Xia Hong , Hu Xi‐Zhou , Zhou You‐Xiang , Peng Li‐Jun , Peng Xi‐Tian
Published: February 2018

Phenoxy acid herbicides are widely used herbicides that play an important role in improving the yield and quality of crops. However, some research has shown that this kind of herbicide is poisonous to human and animals. In this study, a rapid and sensitive method was developed for the detection of seven phenoxy acid herbicides in water samples based on magnetic solid‐phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Magnetic amino‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were prepared by mixing bare magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles with commercial amino‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes in water. Then the amino‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used to enrich phenoxy acid herbicides from water samples based on hydrophobic and ionic interactions. The effects of experimental variables on the extraction efficiency have been studied in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the method validation was performed. Good linearities for seven phenoxy acid herbicides were obtained with squared regression coefficients ranging from 0.9971 to 0.9989. The limits of detection ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 μg/L. The method recoveries of seven phenoxy acid herbicides spiked at three concentration levels in a blank sample were from 92.3 to 103.2%, with inter‐ and intraday relative standard deviations less than 12.6%.
Simultaneous determination of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma by ultrasonic extraction followed by SPE–UHPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Liu You‐yu , Hu Xia‐lin , Bao Yi‐fan , Yin Da‐qiang
Published: February 2018

A confirmatory method for the simultaneous detection of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma was developed by using solid‐phase extraction combined with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Fish samples were extracted with methanol and enriched using Oasis HLB solid‐phase extraction columns in one step. Twenty‐nine target pharmaceuticals were quantified by the internal standard method and the calibration curves showed good linearity in a wide range with determination coefficients of greater than 0.913. The detection limits of the pharmaceuticals ranged from 0.01 to 2.00 μg/kg (μg/L). The applicability of the method was checked by precision and recovery experiments. The average recoveries of the 29 pharmaceuticals were between 61 and 111%, and all the relative standard deviations were below 25%. Our reported method has been demonstrated to be sensitive, convenient, rapid, and reliable for the simultaneous determination of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma. Real sample determination showed that 25 and 9 of the 29 compounds were detected in fish muscle and plasma, respectively.
General non local boundary value problem for second order elliptic equation
Authors: Aibeche Aissa , Amroune Nasreddine , Maingot Stephane
Published: February 2018

In this paper we study a class of second order coefficient operators differential equation with general (possibly non local) boundary conditions. We obtain new results extending those given in a previous paper . Existence, uniqueness and optimal regularity of the strict solution are proved in UMD spaces, using the well‐known Dore–Venni theorem.
Dissipative Particle Dynamics Study of SWCNT Reinforced Natural Rubber Composite System: An Important Role of Self‐Avoiding Model on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Ketkaew Rangsiman , Tantirungrotechai Yuthana
Published: February 2018

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) is used to predict the mechanical properties of crosslinking‐polyisoprene (PI) reinforced by single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). The role of the increasing concentration of SWCNT up to 8% in morphology of PI composite is investigated. The carbon nanotube (CNT) restricts the polymer movement as indicated by the reduction of mean square displacement and the end‐to‐end distance. The analysis of CNT bundle reveals that the CNT forms bundle of many sizes depending on its concentration. The mechanical reinforcement of the PI composites is attributed to the restricted motion of crosslinked entangled polyisoprene and to the alignment of aggregated CNT along the elongation direction. However, the DPD alone fails to account for the change in Young's modulus of the composite system as a function of the SWCNT concentration. Using the modified segmental repulsive potential (mSRP), which prevents polymeric chain crossing and enhances polymer entanglement, can address this shortcoming. The mSRP is necessary for correct description of mechanical reinforcement in a polymer composite system. To obtain quantitative agreement with the experimental modulus, the polyisoprene interaction parameter is modified from the published value by 10%. This modified parameter is found to work well for the simulation of polyisoprene composites.
(p,q)‐Sturm‐Liouville problems and their orthogonal solutions
Authors: Soleyman F. , Sadjang P. Njionou , Masjed‐Jamei M. , Area I.
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we introduce (p,q)‐Sturm‐Liouville problems and prove that their solutions are orthogonal with respect to a (p,q)‐integral space. We then present some illustrative examples for this kind of problems and obtain the (p,q)‐hypergeometric representation of the polynomial solutions together with their 3‐term recurrence relations. We also compute the norm square value of the polynomial solutions and obtain their limiting cases in the sequel.
Transcriptomic definition of molecular subgroups of small round cell sarcomas
Authors: Watson Sarah , Perrin Virginie , Guillemot Delphine , Reynaud Stephanie , Coindre Jean‐Michel , Karanian Marie , Guinebretière Jean‐Marc , Freneaux Paul , Le Loarer François , Bouvet Megane , Galmiche‐Rolland Louise , Larousserie Frédérique , Longchampt Elisabeth , Ranchere‐Vince Dominique , Pierron Gaelle , Delattre Olivier , Tirode Franck
Published: February 2018

Sarcoma represents a highly heterogeneous group of tumours. We report here the first unbiased and systematic search for gene fusions combined with unsupervised expression analysis of a series of 184 small round cell sarcomas. Fusion genes were detected in 59% of samples, with half of them being observed recurrently. We identified biologically homogeneous groups of tumours such as the CIC‐fused (to DUX4, FOXO4 or NUTM1) and BCOR‐rearranged (BCOR–CCNB3, BCOR–MAML3, ZC3H7B–BCOR, and BCOR internal duplication) tumour groups. VGLL2‐fused tumours represented a more biologically and pathologically heterogeneous group. This study also refined the characteristics of some entities such as EWSR1–PATZ1 spindle cell sarcoma or FUS–NFATC2 bone tumours that are different from EWSR1–NFATC2 tumours and transcriptionally resemble CIC‐fused tumour entities. We also describe a completely novel group of epithelioid and spindle‐cell rhabdomyosarcomas characterized by EWSR1– or FUS–TFCP2 fusions. Finally, expression data identified some potentially new therapeutic targets or pathways. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upconversion Luminescent Material‐Based Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Sensing System for the Selective Detection of Hydrazine in Environmental Samples
Authors: Reddy Kumbam Lingeshwar , Venkateswarulu Mangili , Shankar Konathala Ravi , Ghosh Subrata , Krishnan Venkata
Published: February 2018

Hydrazine is a noxious environmental pollutant, which can be easily absorbed through skin, respiratory and oral paths of exposure and leads to mutagenic and carcinogenic diseases, which demands for the progress of advanced detection methods. In this regard, we report a new detection platform based on luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) for the detection of hydrazine (N2H4) in environmental samples, where anti‐Stokes shift luminescence having optical sensing system is built with upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs, donor) modified by resorufin propionate (RePr, acceptor). Herein UCNPs were used as an excitation host to significantly minimize the photobleaching of RePr. Upon interaction with N2H4, the green upconversion luminescence (UCL) intensity of hybrid nanoprobes (RePr‐UCNPs) gradually decreases, since the green emission is in resonance with the absorbance of resorufin, whereas the red emission intensity was intact. Hence, green emitting optical sensing system shows red luminescence in the presence of hydrazine. This organic‐inorganic hybrid sensing system has been utilized for the sensing of hydrazine in various environmental samples and the obtained results are compared with the sensing efficiency in distilled water. This anti‐Stokes shift luminescent hybrid sensing system would be a promising candidate to be utilized in environmental protection, water treatment and safety inspection.
Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon Nanomaterials as Metal‐Free Catalysts for the Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Jarrais Bruno , Guedes Alexandra , Freire Cristina
Published: February 2018

In this work it is described the preparation and characterization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and graphene flakes doped with heteroatoms, namely N, P, B, and S, through simple ball milling procedures with adequate precursors, followed by thermal treatments. Ball milling the carbon nanomaterials with melamine resulted in the introduction of pyrrolic, pyridinic and quaternary N atoms on the graphitic structure. Using triphenylphosphine as the phosphorous precursor induced the formation of R−O‐PO(OH)2 functionalities. Materials prepared with boric acid showed the presence of boronic groups (C‐BO2) and B atoms in B2O3. S‐doped materials presented tiophene‐S type atoms. The catalytic studies showed that all the doped carbon materials were active catalysts in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), and that the modifications introduced by the doping procedures, overall yielded catalysts with superior activity in regard to their pristine counterparts. Reusability experiments revealed no loss of catalytic activity up to three catalytic cycles for the doped carbon nanotubes, whereas the graphene flake materials showed some deterioration of catalytic performance.
Reductant‐Free Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Functionalized Hollow Doughnut Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Preparation of Catalytic Nanoreactor
Authors: Vo Nhat Tri , Patra Astam K. , Kim Dukjoon
Published: February 2018

This work reports a detailed investigation about functionalization of hollow doughnut mesoporous silica nanoparticles (hd‐MSN) by N1‐(3‐Trimethoxysilylpropyl) diethylenetriamine (DAEAPTS). Interestingly, here we experimentally show that the tri‐amino functional groups on hd‐MSN (hd‐MSN‐NH2) act as capping agent as well as reducing agent for silver ions (Ag+) and the reduction reaction process can significantly influence the structure of the silver nanocrystals. Thus, we have deposited uniform 4.2 nm silver nanocrystals on the hd‐MSN‐NH2 nanoparticles without any reducing agents. The size and the crystalline structure of Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and silica nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, respectively. The mechanism of reduction of Ag+ was clearly studied by FT‐IR, FT‐Raman, XRD and XPS studies. Ag/hd‐MSN‐NH2 with special shape (hollow doughnut shape) could incorporate Ag NPs both inside and outside of hd‐MSN. Here Ag/hd‐MSN‐NH2 worked as nanoreactor. In our condition for catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol, the reaction rate reached 4.1 x10−3 s−1 which is higher than many previous results. The Ag/hd‐MSN‐NH2 nanocatalyst shows excellent reusability and high efficiency even after 10 cycles.
Studies on DNA Interaction with 2(3),9(10), 16(17), 23(24)‐Tetrakis 2((4‐Phenoxyphenyl) Diazeylbenzoic acid)phthalocyaninato Zinc (II) Compound
Authors: Arslantas Ali , Agirtas Mehmet Salih
Published: February 2018

In this study, 2(3), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)‐tetrakis 2((4‐phenoxyphenyl) diazeylbenzoic acid)phthalocyaninato zinc (II) compound was chosen to study DNA binding activities. The binding activities of zinc (II) phthalocyanine compound bearing 2(3),9(10), 16(17), 23(24)‐tetrakis 2((4‐Phenoxyphenyl) diazeylbenzoic acid) ligand with Calf Thymus (CT)‐DNA was investigated using absorption titration, fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and thermal melting profile in a Tris‐HCl buffer system at pH 7.0. In addition to these methods, gel electrophoresis and viscosity measurements were also carried out to determine DNA binding activities with compound 6 in a buffer solution. The results indicated that compound 6 interacts with CT‐DNA through partial intercalation binding mode.
Examining the psychological and emotional mechanisms of mindfulness that reduce stress to enhance healthy behaviours
Authors: Sagui‐Henson Sara J. , Levens Sara M. , Blevins Cara L.
Published: February 2018

Engagement in modifiable health behaviours plays a critical role in the development of chronic illnesses. Research suggests that mindfulness facilitates health‐enhancing behaviour, yet the influence of mindfulness on different health behaviours and the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. This study investigated a mediation model that explores psychological and emotional coping processes (reappraisal, suppression, and psychological flexibility) as mechanisms connecting mindfulness to reduced stress perceptions and reactions, which then predict physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and sleep quality. Adults (n = 233) completed self‐report measures via Amazon's Mechanical Turk and path modelling was used to test the model for direct, indirect, and total effects. Results revealed that greater mindfulness was indirectly associated with greater engagement in all 3 health behaviours through the proposed mediators, although the association with fruit and vegetable consumption was only trending in significance. Among the coping processes, psychological flexibility emerged as the strongest mechanism in the prediction of stress. Findings suggest that being more mindful may have downstream stress‐reductive effects that enhance engagement in healthy behaviour, supporting mindfulness as a potential addition to behavioural health interventions.
Large‐Area PEDOT:PSS/c‐Si Heterojunction Solar Cells With Screen‐Printed Metal Contacts
Authors: Zielke Dimitri , Gogolin Ralf , Halbich Marc‐Uwe , Marquardt Cornelia , Lövenich Wilfried , Sauer Rüdiger , Schmidt Jan
Published: February 2018

A large‐area BackPEDOT solar cell with a phosphorus‐diffused emitter and a high‐temperature‐fired screen‐printed Ag grid on the front surface and PEDOT:PSS as hole‐collecting and passivating layer at the cell rear is developed. As base material, 15.6 × 15.6 cm2 pseudo‐square industrial‐type boron‐doped p‐type Czochralski‐grown silicon wafers are used. The set‐peak firing temperature (Tset) is varied from 850 to 870 °C with a total number of 32 processed solar cells. The optimum Tset of 870 °C results in a median solar cell efficiency of 19.0%. The best large‐area BackPEDOT solar cell achieves an efficiency of 20.2%. Based on external quantum efficiency measurements, a rear surface recombination velocity Srear < 70 cm s−1 is determined, a value which is on a par with today's industrial high‐efficiency solar cells. Furthermore, a low‐temperature metal paste is introduced, which is shown to be capable of metalizing the PEDOT:PSS‐covered rear surface of the solar cells without damaging the rear surface passivation. The principle feasibility of such a rear metallization scheme is demonstrated. The parasitic absorption of infrared light within the PEDOT:PSS layer is identified as the major loss mechanism in the current cells, which might be overcome in the future by adding infrared‐transparent additives to the PEDOT:PSS dispersion.
Nfix Promotes Survival of Immature Hematopoietic Cells via Regulation of c-Mpl
Authors: Hall Trent , Walker Megan , Ganuza Miguel , Holmfeldt Per , Bordas Marie , Kang Guolian , Bi Wenjian , Palmer Lance E. , Finkelstein David , McKinney-Freeman Shannon
Published: February 2018

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are necessary for life-long blood production and replenishment of the hematopoietic system during stress. We recently reported that nuclear factor I/X (Nfix) promotes HSPC survival post-transplant. Here, we report that ectopic expression of Nfix in primary mouse HSPCs extends their ex vivo culture from about 20 to 40 days. HSPCs overexpressing Nfix display hypersensitivity to supportive cytokines and reduced apoptosis when subjected to cytokine deprivation relative to controls. Ectopic Nfix resulted in elevated levels of c-Mpl transcripts and cell surface protein on primary murine HSPCs as well as increased phosphorylation of STAT5, which is known to be activated down-stream of c-MPL. Blocking c-MPL signaling by removal of thrombopoietin or addition of a c-MPL neutralizing antibody negated the antiapoptotic effect of Nfix overexpression on cultured HSPCs. Furthermore, NFIX was capable of binding to and transcriptionally activating a proximal c-Mpl promoter fragment. In sum, these data suggest that NFIX-mediated upregulation of c-Mpl transcription can protect primitive hematopoietic cells from stress ex vivo.
Hydrothermal Preparation of a Series of Luminescent Cadmium(II) and Zinc(II) Coordination Complexes and Enhanced Real‐time Photo‐luminescent Sensing for Benzaldehyde
Authors: Wang Xin Rui , Wang Xing Ze , Li Yong , Du Jing , Liu Shi Xin , Luo Yan , Huo Jian Zhong , Liu Yuan Yuan , Wu Xiang Xia , Ding Bin
Published: February 2018

Two cadmium(II) and two zinc(II) coordination complexes with diverse structural motifs, [Cd2(HL)I3H2O]·H2O (1), [Cd2(H2L)2(H2O)4]·2SO4·14H2O (2), [Zn3(L′)2(H2O)6]·4H2O·2(NO3) (3), and [Zn3L'2(H2O)2Cl2]·H2O (4) [H2L = 1,1‐bis(5‐(pyrid‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)methane; H2L′ = 1,1‐bis(5‐(pyrid‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)methanone] were synthesized through a hydrothermal method. These coordination complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), FT‐IR spectroscopy, and photo‐luminescent experiments. Single crystal structural analysis revealed that 1–4 belong to polynuclear coordination compounds. PXRD analysis of 1–4 unambiguously confirmed the purity of the as‐synthesized coordination compounds. It is the first time to synthesize coordination compounds based on H2L′, which reacted from the original material H2L through in‐situ hydrothermal conditions. In addition, photo‐luminescent experiments revealed that 1–4 have real‐time sensing effects for benzaldehyde through fluorescence quenching. For 1–4, the photo‐luminescent quenching effect for benzaldehyde was also compared and the coordination complexes 3 and 4 based on H2L′ have higher photo‐luminescent quenching effect than compounds 1 and 2.
Wide Surgical Margin Improves the Outcome for Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)
Authors: Åhlén Jan , Karlsson Fredrik , Wejde Johan , Nilsson Inga‐Lena , Larsson Catharina , Bränström Robert
Published: February 2018

Background

Surgical resection is still the main treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and R0 excision, regardless of surgical margins, is considered sufficient.

Methods

A cohort of 79 consecutive GIST cases treated at the Karolinska University Hospital, who were without metastasis at diagnosis and who had not received any pre‐or postoperative treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, was included. Surgical margins were evaluated at the time of surgery and classified as wide, marginal or intralesional. Time to local/peritoneal recurrence, distant metastasis, and survival were recorded. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the association between surgical margin, and recurrence and survival.

Results

Local/peritoneal recurrence was diagnosed in 2/39 cases with wide margins, in 7/22 cases with marginal margins, and in 13/18 cases with intralesional surgery. Compared to wide margins this gives a hazard ratio of 6.8 (confidence interval 1.4–32.7) for marginal margins and 13.5 (3–61) for intralesional margins. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for size, site, and mitotic index, surgical margin remained an independent significant predictor of risk for recurrence. When classifying patients according to R0/R1 surgery, patients with R0 surgery showed longer time to peritoneal recurrence and better recurrence‐free and disease‐specific survival as compared to those with R1 resection. However, when excluding patients operated with wide surgical margin, no significant difference was observed.

Conclusion

Wide surgical margins are of significant prognostic importance, supporting the strategy of en bloc resection with good margin and careful handling of the tumor to avoid damaging the peritoneal surface in surgical resection of GIST.
Advances in nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of lubricants and additives
Authors: Ewen J. P. , Heyes D. M. , Dini D.
Published: February 2018

Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations have provided unique insights into the nanoscale behaviour of lubricants under shear. This review discusses the early history of NEMD and its progression from a tool to corroborate theories of the liquid state, to an instrument that can directly evaluate important fluid properties, towards a potential design tool in tribology. The key methodological advances which have allowed this evolution are also highlighted. This is followed by a summary of bulk and confined NEMD simulations of liquid lubricants and lubricant additives, as they have progressed from simple atomic fluids to ever more complex, realistic molecules. The future outlook of NEMD in tribology, including the inclusion of chemical reactivity for additives, and coupling to continuum methods for large systems, is also briefly discussed.
A case study of ileal metaplasia and neoplasia in a patient with an ileal-rectal anatomosis
Authors: Campbell Beth M. , Clark David , Harvey James , Reid Andrew
Published: February 2018

A clear link between ulcerative colitis and the formation of dysplasia and neoplasia has been described. This increased risk remains even after subtotal colectomy and ileo-rectal anastomosis, necessitating life-long surveillance of the remaining ano-rectum. This case study highlights the importance in long-term follow up in this population, including proximal to the anastomosis as dysplastic changes can occur in the distal ileum.
Enxerto espesso versus técnica de duplo feixe na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado posterior: Estudo experimental biomecânico com cadáveres
Authors: Maradei-Pereira João Alberto Ramos , Kokron Alexandre Estevão Vamos , Pereira César Augusto Martins , Amatuzzi Marco Martins
Published: February 2018

Objetivo Avaliar o efeito biomecânico da espessura do enxerto em comparação com a técnica do duplo feixe na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) em joelhos de cadáveres humanos.

Métodos Um total de 9 joelhos de cadáveres humanos foram testados em 5 condições: joelho intacto (INT); reconstrução com um único feixe com tendão de quadríceps de 10 mm (Rec 1); reconstrução com duplo feixe com um tendão de quadríceps de 10 mm para o feixe anterolateral e um tendão duplo do semitendíneo de 7 mm para o feixe póstero-medial (Rec 2); reconstrução com um único feixe mais espesso, usando um tendão de quadríceps de 10 mm mais o tendão duplo do semitendíneo de 7 mm (Rec M); e joelho com lesão isolada do LCP (Lesionado). O limite do deslocamento posterior da tíbia (LDPT) foi medido em resposta a uma carga tibial posterior de 134 N a 0∘, 30∘, 60∘ e 90∘ de flexão do joelho.

Resultados O LDPT das técnicas Rec 2 e Rec M foi sempre significativamente menor (melhor estabilidade) do que o LDPT da Rec 1. O LDPT da Rec M foi significativamente menor do que o LDPT da Rec 2 a 60∘ (p = 0,005) e a 90∘ (p = 0,001).

Conclusões O aumento da espessura do enxerto na reconstrução das lesões isoladas do LCP melhora significativamente a estabilidade, enquanto a divisão do enxerto para reconstruir os dois feixes piora a estabilidade da reconstrução a 60∘ e 90∘ de flexão do joelho. As descobertas do presente estudo sugerem que a estabilidade da reconstrução do LCP pode ser melhorada com o uso de enxertos mais espessos em uma técnica de feixe único, em lugar da reconstrução de duplo feixe.
Contracts and Hierarchies: A Moral Examination of Economic Theories of the Firm
Authors: Lee Jooho
Published: February 2018

An influential set of economic theories argue that the firm is a nexus of contracts that institute a hierarchy to overcome the problems of incomplete contracting in the market. However, the economic theory of the firm as a hierarchy violates the moral requirement to respect the autonomy of those who contract into the firm. The internal logic of the theory depends on a morally unacceptable abdication of a part of the employee’s capacity to set her own ends in the future. So a different theory is needed to understand the nature and purpose of the firm. The development of such a theory can benefit from business ethicists engaging with existing economic theories of the firm to explore concepts like contracts, agency, and property.