bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Type of Anesthesia Technique Does Not Have an Impact on 30-Day Mortality in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Lower Extremity Amputation
Authors: Bilgili Beliz , Haliloglu Murat , Edipoglu Erdem , Cetingok Halil , Pektas Yaser , Bilgili Mustafa Gokhan
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to determine the appropriate anesthetic technique for patients who underwent amputation due to peripheral vascular disease. The anesthetic technique to be applied during lower extremity amputations in geriatric patients with limited functional capacity may be important in terms of clinical outcomes and mortality rates. Patients aged older than 65 years who had undergone major lower extremity amputation were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into 2 groups: regional anesthesia (RA) and general anesthesia (GA). Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, medications used, anesthesia technique, the durations of anesthesia and surgery, need for blood transfusion, 30-day mortality, postoperative cardiac and pulmonary complication rates were recorded from the medical records of the patients. Among the 441 patients, 244 had received RA, while 197 had received GA. The average length of stay in the hospital was longer in the GA group (P = 0.001). The use of antiplatelet drugs (P = 0.001) and the number of transfusions were higher (P = 0.045) in the GA group. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of mortality and postoperative cardiac or pulmonary complication rates. We determined that the anesthesia technique does not have an effect on 30-day mortality and complication rates. The regional anesthesia technique may be preferred in geriatric patients who will undergo major lower extremity amputation because of the shorter hospital stay and theoretical advantages. However, considering the general functional status of patients, the importance of patient-based evaluation should not be forgotten.
An in vivo proteomic analysis of the Me31B interactome in Drosophila germ granules
Authors: DeHaan Hunter , McCambridge Aidan , Armstrong Brittany , Cruse Carlie , Solanki Dhruv , Trinidad Jonathan C. , Arkov Alexey L. , Gao Ming
Published: September 2017

Drosophila Me31B is a conserved protein of germ granules, ribonucleoprotein complexes essential for germ cell development. Me31B post‐transcriptionally regulates mRNAs by interacting with other germ granule proteins. However, a Me31B interactome is lacking. Here, we use an in vivo proteomics approach to show that the Me31B interactome contains polypeptides from four functional groups: RNA regulatory proteins, glycolytic enzymes, cytoskeleton/motor proteins, and germ plasm components. We further show that Me31B likely colocalizes with the germ plasm components Tudor (Tud), Vasa, and Aubergine in the nuage and germ plasm and provide evidence that Me31B may directly bind to Tud in a symmetrically dimethylated arginine‐dependent manner. Our study supports the role of Me31B in RNA regulation and suggests its novel roles in germ granule assembly and function.
Pore‐Scale Imaging and Analysis of Phase Topologies and Displacement Mechanisms for CO2‐Brine Two‐Phase Flow in Unconsolidated Sand Packs
Authors: Lv Pengfei , Song Yongchen , Liu Yu , Wang Bin , Jiang Lanlan , Wu Bohao , Liu Shuyang , Chen Junlin
Published: September 2017

CO2 storage in saline aquifers is considered a potential solution for CO2 mitigation, owing to its significant capacity and worldwide distribution capability. It is therefore becoming more important to understand the underground CO2/brine flow mechanisms. CO2 migration is primarily controlled by the pore‐scale subsurface flows in different saline aquifer sites with variable reservoir formation compositions and reservoir conditions. Variations occur in the state of CO2 phase (gas versus supercritical), brine salinity, and rock wettability, under different reservoir conditions, and may result in different subsurface CO2/brine migration phenomena. In this study, we investigate the drainage and imbibition procedures of CO2 and brine by injecting fluids into unconsolidated sand packs under different conditions of CO2 phase states, brine salinity, and wettability of sand packs. The pore‐scale fluid distribution is visualized using micro X‐ray computed tomography (micro‐CT). It is found that the phase states of CO2, brine salinity, and wettability have low impacts on CO2 distribution during drainage. However, the increase in brine salinity significantly damages the connectedness of the water phase in pore structures and further decreases the CO2‐brine interfacial areas. In addition, a pore‐scale event called the droplet fragmentation of nonwetting phase is found to occur in the imbibition procedure, which is considered to be beneficial to the dissolution trapping in CO2 geological storages. It is experimentally demonstrated that the pore structure of rock cores is a factor that significantly contributes to droplet fragmentation.
Systematic Observations of the Slip Pulse Properties of Large Earthquake Ruptures
Authors: Melgar Diego , Hayes Gavin P.
Published: September 2017

In earthquake dynamics there are two end member models of rupture: propagating cracks and self‐healing pulses. These arise due to different properties of faults and have implications for seismic hazard; rupture mode controls near‐field strong ground motions. Past studies favor the pulse‐like mode of rupture; however, due to a variety of limitations, it has proven difficult to systematically establish their kinematic properties. Here we synthesize observations from a database of >150 rupture models of earthquakes spanning M7–M9 processed in a uniform manner and show the magnitude scaling properties of these slip pulses indicates self‐similarity. Further, we find that large and very large events are statistically distinguishable relatively early (at ~15 s) in the rupture process. This suggests that with dense regional geophysical networks strong ground motions from a large rupture can be identified before their onset across the source region.
Evaluation of a General Circulation Model by the CERES Flux‐by‐Cloud Type Simulator
Authors: Eitzen Zachary A. , Su Wenying , Xu Kuan‐Man , Loeb Norman , Sun Moguo , Doelling David , Rose Fred , Bodas‐Salcedo Alejandro
Published: September 2017

In this work, we use the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) FluxByCloudTyp data product (FBCTObs), which calculates top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA) shortwave and longwave fluxes for cloud types defined by cloud optical depth (τ) and cloud top pressure (pc), and the CERES Flux‐by‐cloud type simulator (FBCTSim) to evaluate the HadGEM2‐A model. FBCTSim is composed of a cloud generator that produces subcolumns with profiles of binary cloud fraction, a cloud property simulator that determines the cloud type (τ, pc) for each subcolumn, and a radiative transfer model that calculates TOA fluxes. The identification of duplicate subcolumns greatly reduces the number of radiative transfer calculations required. In the southern Great Plains region in January, February, and December 2008, FBCTSim shows that HadGEM2‐A cloud tops are higher in altitude than in FBCTObs but also have higher values of outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) than in FBCTObs, leading to a compensating error that results in an average value of OLR that is close to observed. When FBCTSim is applied to the southeast Pacific stratocumulus region in JJA 2008, the cloud tops are primarily low in altitude; however, the clouds tend to be less numerous and have higher optical depths than are observed. In addition, the HadGEM2‐A albedo is higher than that of FBCTObs for those cloud types that occur most frequently. FBCTSim is also applied to the entire 60°N to 60°S region, and it is found that there are both fewer clouds and higher albedos than observed for most cloud types, which represents a compensating error in terms of the shortwave radiative budget.
Mechanism of Fast Atmospheric Energetic Equilibration Following Radiative Forcing by CO2
Authors: Dinh T. , Fueglistaler S.
Published: September 2017

In energetic equilibrium, the atmosphere's net radiative divergence (
) is balanced by sensible (
) and latent (
) heat fluxes, i.e.,
. Radiative forcing from increasing CO2 reduces
, and the surface warming following an increase in CO2 is largely due to the reduction in atmospheric energy demand in
and
, with only a smaller surface radiative budget perturbation. With an idealized General Circulation Model, we show that the fast atmospheric adjustment at fixed surface temperature produces the required decrease in the sum of
and
through changes in the near‐surface temperature and specific humidity. In layers near the surface, the reduced radiative cooling forces a temperature increase that leads to a negative Planck radiative feedback and, because of the reduced surface‐atmosphere temperature difference, also to a reduction in sensible heat flux. In the free troposphere, the reduced radiative cooling leads to a weakening of the tropospheric circulation. Consequently, there is a decrease in the water flux exported from the layers near the surface, and as such in precipitation. By mass conservation, the near‐surface specific humidity increases and surface evaporation decreases until it balances the reduced export flux. Other processes can amplify or dampen the responses in
and
and change the partitioning between these two fluxes, but by themselves do not ensure
.
Deepwater Fold‐and‐Thrust Belt Along New Caledonia's Western Margin: Relation to Post‐obduction Vertical Motions
Authors: Collot J. , Patriat M. , Etienne S. , Rouillard P. , Soetaert F. , Juan C. , Marcaillou B. , Palazzin G. , Clerc C. , Maurizot P. , Pattier F. , Tournadour E. , Sevin B. , Privat A.
Published: September 2017

Classically, deepwater fold‐and‐thrust belts are classified in two main types, depending if they result from near‐ or far‐field stresses and the understanding of their driving and triggering mechanism is poorly known. We present a geophysical data set off the western margin of New Caledonia (SW Pacific) that reveals deformed structures of a deepwater fold‐and‐thrust belt that we interpret as a near‐field gravity‐driven system, which is not located at a rifted passive margin. The main factor triggering deformation is inferred to be oversteepening of the margin slope by postobduction isostatic rebound. Onshore erosion of abnormally dense obducted material, combined with sediment loading in the adjacent basin, has induced vertical motions that have caused oversteepening of the margin. Detailed morphobathymetric, seismic stratigraphic, and structural analysis reveals that the fold‐and‐thrust belt extends 200 km along the margin, and 50 km into the New Caledonia Trough. Deformation is rooted at depths greater than 5 km beneath the seafloor, affects an area of 3,500 km2, and involves a sediment volume of approximately 13,000 km3. This deformed belt is organized into an imbricate fan system of faults, and one out‐of‐sequence thrust fault affects the seabed. The thrust faults are deeply rooted in the basin along a low‐angle floor thrust and connected to New Caledonia Island along a major detachment. This study not only provides a better knowledge of the New Caledonia margin but also provides new insight into the mechanisms that trigger deepwater fold‐and‐thrust belts.
Failure mode and effects analysis: A community practice perspective
Authors: Schuller Bradley W. , Burns Angi , Ceilley Elizabeth A. , King Alan , LeTourneau Joan , Markovic Alexander , Sterkel Lynda , Taplin Brigid , Wanner Jennifer , Albert Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To report our early experiences with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) in a community practice setting.

Methods

The FMEA facilitator received extensive training at the AAPM Summer School. Early efforts focused on department education and emphasized the need for process evaluation in the context of high profile radiation therapy accidents. A multidisciplinary team was assembled with representation from each of the major department disciplines. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was identified as the most appropriate treatment technique for the first FMEA evaluation, as it is largely self‐contained and has the potential to produce high impact failure modes. Process mapping was completed using breakout sessions, and then compiled into a simple electronic format. Weekly sessions were used to complete the FMEA evaluation. Risk priority number (RPN) values > 100 or severity scores of 9 or 10 were considered high risk. The overall time commitment was also tracked.

Results

The final SRS process map contained 15 major process steps and 183 subprocess steps. Splitting the process map into individual assignments was a successful strategy for our group. The process map was designed to contain enough detail such that another radiation oncology team would be able to perform our procedures. Continuous facilitator involvement helped maintain consistent scoring during FMEA. Practice changes were made responding to the highest RPN scores, and new resulting RPN scores were below our high‐risk threshold. The estimated person‐hour equivalent for project completion was 258 hr.

Conclusions

This report provides important details on the initial steps we took to complete our first FMEA, providing guidance for community practices seeking to incorporate this process into their quality assurance (QA) program. Determining the feasibility of implementing complex QA processes into different practice settings will take on increasing significance as the field of radiation oncology transitions into the new TG‐100 QA paradigm.
Enhanced EGFR Targeting Activity of Plasmonic Nanostructures with Engineered GE11 Peptide
Authors: Biscaglia Francesca , Rajendran Senthilkumar , Conflitti Paolo , Benna Clara , Sommaggio Roberta , Litti Lucio , Mocellin Simone , Bocchinfuso Gianfranco , Rosato Antonio , Palleschi Antonio , Nitti Donato , Gobbo Marina , Meneghetti Moreno
Published: September 2017

Plasmonic nanostructures show important properties for biotechnological applications, but they have to be guided on the target for exploiting their potentialities. Antibodies are the natural molecules for targeting. However, their possible adverse immunogenic activity and their cost have suggested finding other valid substitutes. Small molecules like peptides can be an alternative source of targeting agents, even if, as single molecules, their binding affinity is usually not very good. GE11 is a small dodecapeptide with specific binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and low immunogenicity. The present work shows that thousands of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains modified with lysines and functionalized with GE11 on clusters of naked gold nanoparticles, obtained by laser ablation in water, achieves a better targeting activity than that recorded with nanoparticles decorated with the specific anti‐EGFR antibody Cetuximab (C225). The insertion of the cationic spacer between the polymeric part of the ligand and the targeting peptide allows for a proper presentation of GE11 on the surface of the nanosystems. Surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering signals of the plasmonic gold nanoparticles are used for quantifying the targeting activity. Molecular dynamic calculations suggest that subtle differences in the exposition of the peptide on the PEG sea are important for the targeting activity.
An Advanced Multifunctional Hydrogel‐Based Dressing for Wound Monitoring and Drug Delivery
Authors: Mirani Bahram , Pagan Erik , Currie Barbara , Siddiqui Mohammad Ali , Hosseinzadeh Reihaneh , Mostafalu Pooria , Zhang Yu Shrike , Ghahary Aziz , Akbari Mohsen
Published: September 2017

Wound management is a major global challenge and poses a significant financial burden to the healthcare system due to the rapid growth of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and aging population. The ability to detect pathogenic infections and release drug at the wound site is of the utmost importance to expedient patient care. Herein, this study presents an advanced multifunctional dressing (GelDerm) capable of colorimetric measurement of pH, an indicator of bacterial infection, and release of antibiotic agents at the wound site. This study demonstrates the ability of GelDerm to detect bacterial infections using in vitro and ex vivo tests with accuracies comparable to the commercially available systems. Wireless interfaces to digital image capture hardware such as smartphones serve as a means for quantitation and enable the patient to record the wound condition at home and relay the information to the healthcare personnel for following treatment strategies. Additionally, the dressing is integrated within commercially available patches and can be placed on the wound without chemical or physical irritation. This study demonstrates the ability of GelDerm to eradicate bacteria by the sustained release of antibiotics. The proposed technology holds great promise in managing chronic and acute injuries caused by trauma, surgery, or diabetes.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective Oxidative Annulation of Cyclohexanones and 2‐Aminophenyl Ketones Using Molecular Oxygen as the Sole Oxidant
Authors: Mu Wan‐Lu , Wang Meirong , Li Hui‐Jing , Huang Deng‐Ming , Zhang Yi‐Yun , Li Chao‐Yi , Liu Ying , Wu Yan‐Chao
Published: September 2017

A facile oxidative annulation of cyclohexanones and 2‐aminophenyl ketones that uses molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant is described. The reaction provides a direct approach to acridines, a structural motif for a large number of fluorescent sensors, functional materials, ligands, and pharmaceuticals. In the presence of a palladium catalyst, high regioselectivity is observed when using non‐symmetric 3‐substituted cyclohexanones. With the use of oxygen as the terminal redox moderator, the electron gap of the global redox condensation process is filled and the reaction efficiency is significantly promoted. This protocol possesses many advantages such as using non‐hazardous oxidant and readily available starting materials, high regioselectivity, and water as the only by‐product.

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Sodium‐Ion Batteries: From Academic Research to Practical Commercialization
Authors: Deng Jianqiu , Luo Wen‐Bin , Chou Shu‐Lei , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue
Published: September 2017

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have been considered as the most promising candidate for large‐scale energy storage system owing to the economic efficiency resulting from abundant sodium resources, superior safety, and similar chemical properties to the commercial lithium‐ion battery. Despite the long period of academic research, how to realize sodium‐ion battery commercialization for market applications is still a great challenge. Thus, from the perspective of future practical application, this review will identify the factors that are restricting commercialization, and evaluate the existing active materials and sodium‐ion‐based full‐cell system. The design and development trends that are needed for SIBs to meet the requirements of practical applications in large‐scale energy storage will also be discussed in detail.
The Role of the Electrode Surface in Na–Air Batteries: Insights in Electrochemical Product Formation and Chemical Growth of NaO2
Authors: Lutz Lukas , Corte Daniel Alves Dalla , Chen Yuhui , Batuk Dmitry , Johnson Lee R. , Abakumov Artem , Yate Luis , Azaceta Eneko , Bruce Peter G. , Tarascon Jean‐Marie , Grimaud Alexis
Published: September 2017

The Na–air battery, because of its high energy density and low charging overpotential, is a promising candidate for low‐cost energy storage, hence leading to intensive research. However, to achieve such a battery, the role of the positive electrode material in the discharge process must be understood. This issue is herein addressed by exploring the electrochemical reduction of oxygen, as well as the chemical formation and precipitation of NaO2 using different electrodes. Whereas a minor influence of the electrode surface is demonstrated on the electrochemical formation of NaO2, a strong dependence of the subsequent chemical precipitation of NaO2 is identified. In the origin, this effect stems from the surface energy and O2/O2− affinity of the electrode. The strong interaction of Au with O2/O2− increases the nucleation rate and leads to an altered growth process when compared to C surfaces. Consequently, thin (3 µm) flakes of NaO2 are found on Au, whereas on C large cubes (10 µm) of NaO2 are formed. This has significant impact on the cell performance and leads to four times higher capacity when C electrodes with low surface energy and O2/O2− affinity are used. It is hoped that these findings will enable the design of new positive electrode materials with optimized surfaces.
Innovation or Violation? Leveraging Mobile Technology to Conduct Socially Responsible Community Research
Authors: Roy Amanda L.
Published: September 2017

Mobile technology is increasingly being used to measure individuals’ moods, thoughts, and behaviors in real time. Current examples include the use of smartphones to collect ecological momentary assessments (EMAs; assessments delivered “in the moment”); wearable technology to passively collect objective measures of participants’ movement, physical activity, sleep, and physiological response; and smartphones and wearable devices with global positioning system (GPS) capabilities to collect precise information about where participants spend their time. Although advances in mobile technology offer exciting opportunities for measuring and modeling individuals’ experiences in their natural environments, they also introduce new ethical issues. Drawing on lessons learned while collecting GPS coordinates and EMAs measuring mood, companionship, and health‐risk behavior with a sample of low‐income, predominantly racial/ethnic minority youth living in Chicago, this manuscript discusses ethical challenges specific to the methodology (e.g., unanticipated access to personal information) and broader concerns related to data conceptualization and interpretation (e.g., the ethics of “monitoring” low‐income youth of color). While encouraging researchers to embrace innovations offered by mobile technology, this discussion highlights some of the many ethical issues that also need to be considered.
Photography and Social Media Use in Community‐Based Participatory Research with Youth: Ethical Considerations
Authors: Kia‐Keating Maryam , Santacrose Diana , Liu Sabrina
Published: September 2017

Highlights

Ethical guidelines are needed for participatory research, photography, and social media with youth.

Social media and images not only pose risks, but also opportunities, for empowering youth in research.

Researchers need to adapt to the digital world where boundaries of private versus public are shifting.

Best ethical practice weighs the ratio between vulnerability versus potential empowerment.

Engage in continuous dialogue and negotiation to co‐produce ethical practice with youth participants.
Finding the genetic mechanisms of folate deficiency and neural tube defects—Leaving no stone unturned
Authors: Au Kit Sing , Findley Tina O. , Northrup Hope
Published: September 2017

Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur secondary to failed closure of the neural tube between the third and fourth weeks of gestation. The worldwide incidence ranges from 0.3 to 200 per 10,000 births with the United States of American NTD incidence at around 3–6.3 per 10,000 dependent on race and socioeconomic background. Human NTD incidence has fallen by 35–50% in North America due to mandatory folic acid fortification of enriched cereal grain products since 1998. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the folic acid fortification of corn masa flour with the goal to further reduce the incidence of NTDs, especially among individuals who are Hispanic. However, the genetic mechanisms determining who will benefit most from folate enrichment of the diet remains unclear despite volumes of literature published on studies of association of genes with functions related to folate metabolism and risk of human NTDs. The advances in omics technologies provides hypothesis‐free tools to interrogate every single gene within the genome of NTD affected individuals to discover pathogenic variants and methylation targets throughout the affected genome. By identifying genes with expression regulated by presence of folate through transcriptome profiling studies, the genetic mechanisms leading to human NTDs due to folate deficiency may begin to be more efficiently revealed.
De novo mutations in HNRNPU result in a neurodevelopmental syndrome
Authors: Yates T. Michael , Vasudevan Pradeep C. , Chandler Kate E. , Donnelly Deirdre E , Stark Zornitza , Sadedin Simon , Willoughby Josh ,   Broad Center for Mendelian Genomics,   DDD study, Balasubramanian Meena
Published: September 2017

Exome sequencing in the context of developmental disorders is a useful technique, but variants found need to be interpreted in the context of detailed phenotypic information. Whole gene deletions and loss‐of‐function‐mutations in the HNRNPU gene have been associated with intellectual disability and seizures in some patients. However, a unifying syndromic phenotype has not been previously elucidated. Here, we report a total of seven patients (six patients identified through the Wellcome Trust Deciphering Developmental Disorders study, with one additional patient), who have heterozygous de novo mutations in HNRNPU. These were found via trio‐based exome sequencing. All but one of the mutations is predicted to cause loss‐of‐function. These patients have dysmorphic features in common, including prominent eyebrows, long palpebral fissures, overhanging columella, and thin upper lip. All patients have developmental delay and intellectual disability (ID), ranging from moderate to severe. Seizures are common from early childhood. These initially occur in the context of febrile episodes. This series demonstrates common phenotypic features, including emerging dysmorphism, associated with heterozygous HNRNPU mutations. This allows us to define a novel neurodevelopmental syndrome, with a likely mechanism of haploinsufficiency.
MgBr2 supported on Fe3O4@SiO2 ~ urea nanoparticle: An efficient catalyst for ortho‐formylation of phenols and oxidation of benzylic alcohols
Authors: Soleimani Ebrahim , Yaesoobi Nadieh , Ghasempour Hamid Reza
Published: September 2017

Urea was successfully immobilized on the surface of chloropropyl‐modified Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell magnetic nanoparticles, then supported by MgBr2 and acts as a unique catalyst for oxidation of benzylic alcohols to aldehydes and ketones, and ortho‐formylation of phenols to salicylaldehydes. The prepared catalyst was characterized by FT‐IR, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, CHN and TGA. It was found that Fe3O4@SiO2 ~ urea/MgBr2 showed higher catalytic activity than homogenous MgBr2, and could be reused several times without significant loss of activity.
The association between theory of mind, executive function, and the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Jones Catherine R. G. , Simonoff Emily , Baird Gillian , Pickles Andrew , Marsden Anita J. S. , Tregay Jenifer , Happé Francesca , Charman Tony
Published: September 2017

It has been strongly argued that atypical cognitive processes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) contribute to the expression of behavioural symptoms. Comprehensive investigation of these claims has been limited by small and unrepresentative sample sizes and the absence of wide‐ranging task batteries. The current study investigated the cognitive abilities of 100 adolescents with ASD (mean age = 15 years 6 months), using 10 tasks to measure the domains of theory of mind (ToM) and executive function (EF). We used structural equation modelling as a statistically robust way of exploring the associations between cognition and parent‐reported measures of social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs). We found that ToM ability was associated with both social communication symptoms and RRBs. EF was a correlate of ToM but had no direct association with parent‐reported symptom expression. Our data suggest that in adolescence ToM ability, but not EF, is directly related to autistic symptom expression. Autism Res 2018, 11: 95–109. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

The behaviours that are common to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been linked to differences in thinking ability. We assessed autistic adolescents and found that social communication difficulties and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviours related to difficulties in understanding other peoples’ minds (theory of mind). In contrast, these behaviours were not associated with the general thinking abilities involved in planning and executing tasks (executive function).
Three New Triterpenoid Saponins from Notoginseng Medicinal Fungal Substance
Authors: Xu Wei , Yan Qing‐Xia , Liu Ying‐Ying , Chang Bai‐Jin , Liu Xin , Qiu Zhi‐Dong
Published: September 2017

Three new triterpenoid saponins, named ginsenoside‐Rh23 (1), ginsenoside‐Rh24 (2), and ginsenoside‐Rh25 (3), were isolated from notoginseng medicinal fungal substance. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, MS and chemical analysis. Compounds 1 – 3 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 and NCI‐H460 cancer cell lines.
Campus Sewage Treatment in Multilayer Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands: Nitrogen Removal and Microbial Community Distribution
Authors: Bai Shaoyuan , Lyu Tao , Ding Yanli , Li Zhenling , Wang Dunqiu , You Shaohong , Xie Qinglin
Published: September 2017

Horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSCWs) are widely use for wastewater treatment. The objective of this study is to assess the effects of substrate‐size selection and layout optimization on pollutant removal and microbial‐community‐distribution responses in HSCWs. Three pilot‐scale constructed wetlands (CWs) are established at Guilin University of Technology, China, to treat campus sewage. The three CWs include monolayer (CW1), three‐layer (CW2), and six‐layer (CW3) substrate structures with the hydraulic conductivity of the substrate increasing from the surface to the bottom in the multilayer CWs. Under an aerial influent‐loading rate of 0.38 m per day (volumetric loading rate of 0.63 per day), CW3 exhibits the highest removal performance for chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH4+‐N, and total nitrogen (TN), with mean values of 81, 81, and 74%, respectively, followed by CW2 (68, 71, and 60%, respectively) and CW1 (56, 46, and 41%, respectively). Nitrification is demonstrates to be the limiting factor of TN removal, and higher TN‐removal performance in the multilayer CWs is attributed to the higher proportions of nitrifiers, including ammonia‐oxidising bacteria (AOB) and nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Moreover, 454‐pyrosequencing shows a significantly different spatial distribution of the N‐transforming microbial community in multilayer HSCWs with substrate layout optimization.
Impact of a Central Scaffold on the Binding Affinity of Fragment Pairs Isolated from DNA‐Encoded Self‐Assembling Chemical Libraries
Authors: Bigatti Martina , Dal Corso Alberto , Vanetti Sara , Cazzamalli Samuele , Rieder Ulrike , Scheuermann Jörg , Neri Dario , Sladojevich Filippo
Published: September 2017

The screening of encoded self‐assembling chemical libraries allows the identification of fragment pairs that bind to adjacent pockets on target proteins of interest. For practical applications, it is necessary to link these ligand pairs into discrete organic molecules, devoid of any nucleic acid component. Here we describe the discovery of a synergistic binding pair for acid alpha‐1 glycoprotein and a chemical strategy for the identification of optimal linkers, connecting the two fragments. The procedure yielded a set of small organic ligands, the best of which exhibited a dissociation constant of 9.9 nm, as measured in solution by fluorescence polarization.
Ethical Challenges in Biomarker‐Driven Drug Development
Authors: Hey Spencer Phillips
Published: September 2017

The increasing importance of biomarkers—as drivers of research and drug development activity, surrogate outcomes in clinical trials, and the centerpiece of precision medicine—raises many new ethical challenges. In what follows, I briefly review some of the major ethical challenges and debates already identified in the literature, and then describe a new ethical challenge that arises from the abstract nature of biomarker hypotheses.
Two Case Studies on How Study Designs Can Be Made More Informative Using Modeling and Simulation Approaches
Authors: Lowe Philip J. , Fink Martin , Milton Mark N.
Published: September 2017

Drug development should extract maximum information from experiments with minimized exposure of patients or experimental animals to invasive procedures and potentially harmful effects with minimized investment of time and money. Herein, two aspects of study design are explored illustrating how information can be extracted more efficiently by investigating a range of exposures within each individual by either following responses as drug concentrations decline or by within‐individual dose escalation, rather than relying on steady‐state cross‐sectional analyses.
Investigation on the optimal configuration design and discharge characteristics of the helicon plasma tube
Authors: Xia Guang‐Qing , Wu Qiu‐Yun , Chen Liu‐Wei , Cong Shi‐Yuan , Han Ya‐Jie
Published: September 2017

Helicon discharge is characterized by its high ionization efficiency. In order to obtain the desired density, the configuration design of the helicon discharge tube is carried out, and the discharge characteristics are then studied to explore the correlation between the plasma parameters and the input discharge parameters. Finite‐length helicon discharge theory is employed to calculate the plasma resistance Rp, and then the optimal tube length Ls, the radius rp, and the tube–antenna gap d are confirmed. The partial and energy loss mechanisms of the tube are investigated based on low‐pressure discharge particle collision theory. The results show that, for a 10‐cm‐long Nagoya III type antenna, with a tube radius of 4 cm and length of 20 cm, the Rp versus ne curves have peak values at ne higher than 1012 cm−3 when the magnetic field intensity B0 ≥ 200 G. We find that a local minimum of Ploss exists when p0 is ∼1.5–3.0 mTorr; meanwhile, the radial confinement reduces Te and Ploss at constant p0.
Eco‐hydrological effects associated with environmental flow management: A case study from the arid desert region of China
Authors: Yao Yingying , Zheng Chunmiao , Tian Yong , Li Xi , Liu Jie
Published: September 2017

In arid regions, stream‐flow regulation impacts the hydrological processes and riparian ecosystems in both direct and indirect ways. Thus, understanding the degree of eco‐hydrological effects over different spatiotemporal scales is critical for effective stream‐flow regulation. This study investigates the multiple hydro‐ecological effects caused by a mandatory implementation of stream‐flow regulation in a typical endorheic river basin, the Heihe River Basin (HRB), in Northwest China. The changes in the stream‐flow regime, spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation and groundwater flow system were quantified using stream‐flow data, leaf area index products of 1 km resolution and a 3D numerical groundwater flow model. The results show that the stream leakage to groundwater is strongly correlated with the disturbance by stream‐flow regulation, moderately with the evaporation and inflow to terminal lake, but only weakly with the total vegetation state and cropland change. Even though the average groundwater level for the entire lower HRB has an upward trend in response to increasing stream flow, it has no significant correlation with flow regulation. The groundwater system acts as a “temporary bank” to buffer the regulated stream flow for the entire lower HRB. The spatiotemporal patterns of the leaf area index distribution point to the stream‐flow regulation as triggers for the increase in cropland and vegetation patches in the flat terrain along the river branches. This case study in the lower HRB has provided valuable database and insights for environmental flow management of other arid watersheds.
Identifying riparian vegetation as indicator of stream water quality in the Gilgel Gibe catchment, southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Tibebu , Weyuma Tadesse , Alemayehu Esayas , Ambelu Argaw
Published: September 2017

Riparian land use has substantial effects on aquatic habitats and biological communities resulting in a dramatic loss of natural riparian vegetation and affecting the physicochemical properties of streams. The study investigates the relationships among indigenous riparian plants and water quality in the upper Gilgel Gibe catchment in southwestern Ethiopia. The floristic composition of the riparian vegetation and the water quality of streams were studied at selected sites, ranging from first‐ to third‐order streams. We quantified relationships between disturbance level and both physicochemical characters and traits of riparian plant species during two sampling periods (December 2013 and April 2014). Data were collected from a priori designated three land use types (forest, plantation, and agriculture) and ranked along nine streams. Ranks were based on surrounding land use characteristics and deforestation categories. We used analysis of variance and the Tukey's post‐hoc test to conduct pair‐wise comparisons among different land use types. Both species richness and diversity values of forest sites were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than agricultural sites. Whereas, stream water quality deterioration indicator gradient such as total suspended solid, water turbidity, and orthophosphate was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in agricultural sites than forest sites. We identified species such as Croton macrostachyus, Ficus sur, Maytenus arbutifolia, and Millettia ferruginea as indicator species of water quality (p < 0.05). Our study is the first assessment of the role of indigenous plant species as indicator of highland stream water quality in the tropical area. The study contributes to the ongoing discussion on the assessment and monitoring of stream ecosystems and for following stream restoration projects in tropical regions around the globe.
Tallow Beef Flavor: Effect of Processing Conditions and Ingredients on 3‐Chloropropane‐1, 2‐Diol Esters Generation, and Sensory Characteristics
Authors: Chai Qingqing , Karangwa Eric , Duhoranimana Emmanuel , Zhang Xiaoming , Xia Shuqin , Yu Jingyang
Published: September 2017

The effect of processing conditions (heating temperature, reaction time, and pH) and ingredients of beef flavor system (including enzymatic tallow hydrolysate, DL‐methionine, L‐cysteine, glucose, and D‐xylose) on 3‐monochloro‐1, 2‐propanediol (3‐MCPD) esters concentration, and sensory characteristics of beef flavors are investigated. The results indicates that DL‐methionine and L‐cysteine had similar effects on the content of 3‐MCPD esters, promoting their formation at low concentration, whereas, reducing them when added at high concentration. 3‐MCPD esters concentration increased with increasing enzymatic tallow hydrolysate and D‐xylose concentration. However, the addition of glucose has no significant effect on 3‐MCPD esters concentration. Considering 3‐MCPD esters concentration and sensory characteristics, the optimal addition of flavor precursors is finally selected as: Enzymatically hydrolyzed tallow (10%), L‐cysteine (1.2%), DL‐methionine (1.2%), glucose (1%), and D‐xylose (0.5%). In addition, 3‐MCPD esters concentration is also strongly dependent on heating temperature, reaction time, and pH. In conclusion, beef flavor is prepared using the optimal concentrations of flavor precursors and heated at 110 °C with initial pH 7.0 for 100 min.

Practical Application: This study provides a promising way of controlling the formation of 3‐MCPD esters without changing the flavor quality of savory flavors. It promotes the food safety control technology of savory flavoring from passive defense to active forewarning. Also, it provides theoretical guidance and technical support for the sustainable and healthy development of savory flavoring industry.

In this study the effect of processing conditions and ingredients on 3‐MCPD esters concentration and sensory characteristics are evaluated. It can provide references for the reduction 3‐MCPD esters without changing its quality during beef flavor processing.
Do mutations in DNMT3A/3B affect global DNA hypomethylation among benzene‐exposed workers in Southeast China?: Effects of mutations in DNMT3A/3B on global DNA hypomethylation
Authors: Zhang Guang‐hui , Lu Ye , Ji Bu‐qiang , Ren Jing‐chao , Sun Pin , Ding Shibin , Liao Xiaoling , Liao Kaiju , Liu Jinyi , cao Jia , Lan Qing , Rothman Nathaniel , Xia Zhao‐lin
Published: September 2017

Global DNA hypomethylation is commonly observed in benzene‐exposed workers, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We sought to discover the relationships among reduced white blood cell (WBC) counts, micronuclear (MN) frequency, and global DNA methylation to determine whether there were associations with mutations in DNMT3A/3B. Therefore, we recruited 410 shoe factory workers and 102 controls from Wenzhou in Zhenjiang Province. A Methylated DNA Quantification Kit was used to quantify global DNA methylation, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNMT3A (rs36012910, rs1550117, and R882) and DNMT3B (rs1569686, rs2424909, and rs2424913) were identified using the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. A multilinear regression analysis demonstrated that the benzene‐exposed workers experienced significant global DNA hypomethylation compared with the controls (β = −0.51, 95% CI: −0.69 to −0.32, P < 0.001). The DNMT3A R882 mutant allele (R882H and R882C) (β = −0.25, 95% CI: −0.54 to 0.04, P = 0.094) and the DNMT3B rs2424909 GG allele (β = −0.37, 95% CI: −0.70 to −0.03, P = 0.031) were significantly associated with global DNA hypomethylation compared with the wild‐type genotype after adjusting for confounding factors. Furthermore, the MN frequency in the R882 mutant allele (R882H and R882C) (FR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.40, P = 0.054) was higher than that of the wild‐type. The results imply that hypomethylation occurs due to benzene exposure and that mutations in DNMTs are significantly associated with global DNA methylation, which might have influenced the induction of MN following exposure to benzene. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:678–687, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning‐based resource allocation in D2D communications with QoS and fairness considerations
Authors: Kazemi Rashed Salma , Shahbazian Reza , Ghorashi Seyed Ali
Published: September 2017

In device‐to‐device (D2D) communications, D2D users establish a direct link by utilizing the cellular users' spectrum to increase the network spectral efficiency. However, due to the higher priority of cellular users, interference imposed by D2D users to cellular ones should be controlled by channel and power allocation algorithms. Due to the unknown distribution of dynamic channel parameters, learning‐based resource allocation algorithms work more efficient than classic optimization methods. In this paper, the problem of the joint channel and power allocation for D2D users in realistic scenarios is formulated as an interactive learning problem, where the channel state information of selected channels is unknown to the decision center and learned during the allocation process. In order to achieve the maximum reward function by choosing an action (channel and power level) for each D2D pair, a recency‐based Q‐learning method is introduced to find the best channel‐power for each D2D pair. The proposed method is shown to achieve logarithmic regret function asymptotically, which makes it an order optimal policy, and it converges to the stable equilibrium solution. The simulation results confirm that the proposed method achieves better responses in terms of network sum rate and fairness criterion in comparison with conventional learning methods and random allocation.
Messtechnische Begleitung des vibrierenden Einbringens von Stahlspundwandprofilen
Authors: Osthoff David
Published: September 2017

Das Schwingungsverhalten von Spundwandprofilen während der Vibrationsrammung unterliegt vielfachen Einflussgrößen, z. B. Bodeneigenschaften, Ausführung und Anordnung der Rammführung, eingesetzte Geräte mit entsprechenden Maschinenparametern, Profilsteifigkeit und Profillänge. Darüber hinaus verringert sich die freie Länge des Profils mit zunehmender Einbringtiefe. Weitestgehend unbekannt sind die Bewegungen im Schlossverbund zwischen geführter und bereits eingebrachter Spundbohle. Die daraus resultierende Reibung kann zu einer starken Erwärmung bis hin zu einem Verschmelzen der Spundwandschlösser führen. Zur Untersuchung des Schwingungsverhaltens von Stahlspundwandprofilen wird das vibrierende Einbringen an zwei Spundwandbauwerken messtechnisch begleitet. Mittels triaxialer Beschleunigungssensoren werden die Beschleunigungen des Profils und die Temperaturen am Schloss während der Rammung gemessen. Die erste Messung erfolgte im Rahmen einer Landrammung im Hafengebiet von Wismar, bei der zweiten Messung wurden die Profile wasserseitig im tideabhängigen Hafengebiet von Hamburg eingebracht.
In silico optimization of radioluminescence microscopy
Authors: Wang Qian , Sengupta Debanti , Kim Tae Jin , Pratx Guillem
Published: September 2017

Radioluminescence microscopy (RLM) is a high‐resolution method for imaging radionuclide uptake in live cells within a fluorescence microscopy environment. Although RLM currently provides sufficient spatial resolution and sensitivity for cell imaging, it has not been systematically optimized. This study seeks to optimize the parameters of the system by computational simulation using a combination of numerical models for the system's various components: Monte‐Carlo simulation for radiation transport, 3D optical point‐spread function for the microscope, and stochastic photosensor model for the electron multiplying charge coupled device (EMCCD) camera. The relationship between key parameters and performance metrics relevant to image quality is examined. Results show that Lu2O3:Eu yields the best performance among 5 different scintillator materials, and a thickness: 8 μm can best balance spatial resolution and sensitivity. For this configuration, a spatial resolution of ~20 μm and sensitivity of 40% can be achieved for all 3 magnifications investigated, provided that the user adjusts pixel binning and electron multiplying (EM) gain accordingly. Hence the primary consideration for selecting the magnification should be the desired field of view and magnification for concurrent optical microscopy studies. In conclusion, this study estimates the optimal imaging performance achievable with RLM and promotes further development for more robust imaging of cellular processes using radiotracers.
Myopenia and precision (P4) medicine
Authors: Morley John E. , Anker Stefan D.
Published: September 2017

Precision (P4) medicine represents a new medical paradigm that focuses on Personalized, Predictive, Preventive and Participatory approaches. The P4 paradigm is particularly appropriate for moving the care of persons with myopenia forward. Muscular dystrophies are clearly a set of genetically different diseases where genomics are the basis of diagnosis, and genetic modulation via DNA, oligonucleotides and clustered regularly interspaced short palendronic repeats hold great potential for a cure. The utility of personalized genomics for sarcopenia coupled with utilizing a predictive approach for the diagnosis with early preventive strategies is a key to improving sarcopenic outcomes. The importance of understanding different levels of patient enthusiasm and different responses to exercise should guide the participatory phase of sarcopenic treatment. In the case of cachexia, understanding the effects of the different therapies now available through the P4 approach on muscle wasting is a key to management strategies.