bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twitter activism in the face of nationalist mobilisation: the case of the 2016 Catalan Diada
Authors: Rodon Toni , Martori Francesc , Cuadros Jordi
Published: September 2018

This article examines the use of Twitter during the 2016 Catalan Diada (Catalan National Day). We aim at analysing the characteristics of the users that employed certain hashtags. To what extent there are significant differences across users employing different hashtags? Drawing on theories of national identity and polarisation, we look at the content of the tweets sent during the Diada. Taking advantage of a massive mobilisation event, we examine how Twitter users clustered around different hashtags, the content they transmitted or in which language they tweeted. The empirical analysis is based on a Twitter corpus of about 60,000 unique users and more than 200,000 tweets, which allows us to analyse their characterristics, the content they sent, and the language in which they did it. Our findings show that users clustered around different hashtags and that language is strongly correlated with the content of the tweet. In addition, content analysis of the messages sent within each of the clusters shows distinguishable political views on the independence debate.
ПИСМО ЉУБИШЕ БОГДАНЧИЋА ДУБРОВЧАНИМА
Authors: Ивановић Милош
Published: September 2018

Требињски властелин Љубиша Богданчић у писму из марта1412. пожалио се Дубровчанима да су његовог човека Тврдишу претуклињихови сељаци на Бргату. Молио их је зато да истраже тај случај, како неби поново дошло до туче међу себрима. Реч је о једном од бројних спороваизмеђу Дубровчана и чланова породице Богданчић, која је припадала родуЉубибратића.
ПОТВРДА ЂУРЂА РАДАШИНОВИЋА И ВЛАТКА, СИНА РАДИЧА ОЗРИСАЛИЋА, ДА СУ ПРИМИЛИ ДОБИТ ОД ОСТАВЕ КНЕЗА БРАИЛА ТЕЗАЛОВИЋА
Authors: Рудић Срђан
Published: September 2018

Ђурађ, син Радашина Богишића, и Влатко, син Радича Озрисалића,потврђују да су примили 20 дуката за 1474. годину од заоставштинекнеза Браила Тезаловића.
An intrinsic cell cycle timer terminates limb bud outgrowth
Authors: Pickering Joseph , Rich Constance A , Stainton Holly , Aceituno Cristina , Chinnaiya Kavitha , Saiz-Lopez Patricia , Ros Marian A , Towers Matthew
Published: September 2018

The longstanding view of how proliferative outgrowth terminates following the patterning phase of limb development involves the breakdown of reciprocal extrinsic signalling between the distal mesenchyme and the overlying epithelium (e-m signalling). However, by grafting distal mesenchyme cells from late stage chick wing buds to the epithelial environment of younger wing buds, we show that this mechanism is not required. RNA sequencing reveals that distal mesenchyme cells complete proliferative outgrowth by an intrinsic cell cycle timer in the presence of e-m signalling. In this process, e-m signalling is required permissively to allow the intrinsic cell cycle timer to run its course. We provide evidence that a temporal switch from BMP antagonism to BMP signalling controls the intrinsic cell cycle timer during limb outgrowth. Our findings have general implications for other patterning systems in which extrinsic signals and intrinsic timers are integrated.
The Constraints Governing Multiple Wh_Questions in Kuwaiti Arabic: A Syntactic Study
Authors: Saleh Al_Enezi Ahlam
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study is to discuss the vagueness in multiple wh_questions in the spoken Kuwaiti Arabic (KA) in order to sharpen it up in some way. This study tries to provide a basic analysis for the construction of this process in KA. Some differences in the syntax and structure of other languages are mentioned to highlight the differences between them. Furthermore, this study provides some piece of evidence to support the claim of how the multiple wh_ questions are structured in KA and what constrains govern them. The study concluded with some recommendations including more researches in the different aspects of the KA syntax.
THE LOGIC OF BINCAR-BONOM AND STRUCTURALISM ANALYSIS ON ROOM ARRANGEMENT OF DWELLING IN MANDAILING
Authors: Nuraini Cut , Walid Hibnul , Handayani Meyga Fitri
Published: September 2018

The structure on an idea of Singengu ancestor about Datu (Creator) which is gives tondi (spirit/soul) through direction of sun movement has established the logic of Bincar (sunrising direction) and Bonom (sunsetting direction). The logic of Bincar-Bonom with the axis point has been manifests in the form of myths about relationships between Datu (Creator/God), King (Datu’s agent in the world) and the ancestors which also form the structure of abstract space namely Bincar and Bonom. The structure of abstract space namely Bincar-Bonom in the next steps has transformed concretely on architectural phenomena as a place on room arrangement. Bincar-Bonom in the context of structural concept is transformed in to room arrangement phenomenon concretely which has  arrange the setting of bedroom for parent in the direction of Bonom and bedroom for son in the direction of Bincar with family room in the midle of it as axis point.
NEGOTIATED URBAN SPACE AT MANGGARAI STATION JAKARTA: THE APPROPRIATION OF SPACE BY BAJAJ DRIVERS
Authors: Lukito Yulia Nurliani , Ulya Rumishatul
Published: September 2018

This paper aims to investigate the negotiation between the “formal” and the “informal” urban space in Jakarta through the examination of use of space of marginalized transportation of bajaj – a three-wheeled public transportation. Bajaj drivers continuously and creatively create their use of space and territory as the result of the limitation of space. Creativity in using space emerges as a way to get available space and this activity results in the appropriation of urban space. The basis of such appropriation is how to survive in urban space and such condition is characterized by negotiation, flexibility and adaptability. In high-density Jakarta city, it is necessary for bajaj drivers – who have only limited possibility in using strategic urban space – to use both the formal and the informal to sustain the city at large. An analysis of how bajaj drivers negotiated urban spaces around Manggarai Station reveals the appropriation of urban space that relies on temporality, tactics and negotiation of rules of access among users. In this paper, we analyze how urban informality as an ‘organizing logic’ results in a specific mode of the production of space. The analysis of negotiations of space around Manggarai Station is intended to contribute to an understanding of how informal and negotiated spaces, which shape everyday life in the city, are inseparable parts of formal and designed spaces in the city of Jakarta.
The many disguises of the signalling endosome
Authors: Villarroel‐Campos David , Schiavo Giampietro , Lazo Oscar Marcelo
Published: September 2018

Neurons are highly complex and polarised cells that must overcome a series of logistic challenges to maintain homeostasis across their morphological domains. A very clear example is the propagation of neurotrophic signalling from distal axons, where target‐released neurotrophins bind to their receptors and initiate signalling, towards the cell body, where nuclear and cytosolic responses are integrated. The mechanisms of propagation of neurotrophic signalling have been extensively studied and, eventually, the model of a ‘signalling endosome’, transporting activated receptors and associated complexes, has emerged. Nevertheless, the exact nature of this organelle remains elusive. In this Review, we examine the evidence for the retrograde transport of neurotrophins and their receptors in endosomes, outline some of their diverse physiological and pathological roles, and discuss the main interactors, morphological features and trafficking destinations of a highly flexible endosomal signalling organelle with multiple molecular signatures.
Preparation and properties of few‐layer graphene modified waterborne epoxy coatings
Authors: Yuan Caideng , Zhao Meng , Sun Da , Yang Lan , Zhang Lei , Guo Ruiwei , Yao Fanglian , An Yun
Published: September 2018

Few layer graphene (FLG) has been used to improve different properties of polymers. FLG‐modified waterborne epoxy dispersions were prepared using a hydrophilic epoxy oligomer (HEO‐144) as the surfactant, which was prepared using liquid epoxy resin and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG4000) at a molar ratio of 1.0. To enhance the stability of FLG‐modified waterborne epoxy dispersions, fumed silica was added and best stability was reached at a fumed silica content of 1.5%. Thermogravimetric analyses demonstrated enhanced thermal stability of the epoxy films after FLG modification. With FLG content of 1.0%, T5% of the modified epoxy films has been increased to 332 °C from 275 °C. Water contact angle and adsorption tests showed improved water resistance with FLG, the water contact angle increased from 49.5° to 76.2° and water adsorption decreased from 9.0% to 2.0%. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests and tafel analysis indicated that FLG greatly improved the anticorrosion performance of waterborne epoxy coatings. With a FLG content of 1.0%, modified waterborne epoxy coatings demonstrated significantly low corrosion rate, which was one eighth of that of the unmodified control. These results indicate that FLG modification can be an effective and low cost approach to enhance the anticorrosion performance of waterborne epoxy coatings. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46743.
Mechanical and thermal characterization of an epoxy foam as thermal layer insulation for a glass fiber reinforced polymer
Authors: Cavasin M. , Giannis S. , Salvo M. , Casalegno V. , Sangermano M.
Published: September 2018

We have investigated the formulations and curing parameters to obtain an epoxy foam to be used as thermal insulator layer for a glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). A relevant decrease (50%) of the apparent density of the foam was achieved by adding up to 5 wt % of foaming agent without affecting the glass‐transition temperature (Tg). The mechanical properties were inevitably affected by the foaming, but a remarkable reduction down to 30% of the original value of the thermal conductivity was achieved. Morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed a continuous interface between the epoxy GFRP and the foamed layer. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46864.
Enhancement of paperboard performance as packaging material by layering with plasticized polyhydroxybutyrate/nanocellulose coatings
Authors: Seoane I. T. , Luzi F. , Puglia D. , Cyras V. P. , Manfredi L. B.
Published: September 2018

Paper presents low water vapor barrier capacity that is considered a limitation for its use in packaging applications. Therefore, the effect of using polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)‐based coatings containing a plasticizer [Tributyrin (TB)] and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in a bilayer configuration with paperboard is investigated in this work. PHB/paperboard composites are obtained by compression molding. It is found that the addition of TB and CNC in the coating formulation favored both the interaction between layers in the final composite and the enhancement of tensile properties for PHB/paperboard composites. Also, it is proved that water vapor permeation of bilayer composites is reduced by the addition of CNC in the PHB‐based layer. Disintegration test of the films has also been carried out under composting conditions, according to the standard ISO 20200, demonstrating that all the studied samples reached more than 90% of disintegration after 49 days of incubation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46872.
Antiplatelet adhesion behavior of hyperbranched poly(l‐lactide)s containing glutamic acid terminal groups
Authors: Jikei Mitsutoshi , Kobayashi Yuuki , Matsumoto Kazuya , Hirokawa Makoto , Ueki Shigeharu
Published: September 2018

The surface properties and antiplatelet adhesion behavior of terminally functionalized hyperbranched poly(l‐lactide)s (HB PLLAn‐Glu, n = 5, 10, 20) were examined. Contact angle changes and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements indicated that the hydrated glutamic acid units in HB PLLAn‐Glu films migrated to the surface during immersing in water and unique microdomains were observed from the HB PLLA10‐Glu film after water immersion. HB PLLA10‐Glu and HB PLLA5‐Glu prevented platelet adhesion, but HB PLLA20‐Glu showed the typical platelet adhesion response for a hydrophobic surface. Both the high hydrophilicity and microdomain formation of HB PLLAn‐Glu contributed to the efficient antiplatelet adhesion behavior. The glutamic acid‐terminated HB PLLA10‐Glu films were more effective at preventing platelet adhesion than the 2‐methoxyethoxy‐terminated HB PLLA10 films. This study is the first example of platelet adhesion properties being controlled by the terminal functional groups and branching density of hyperbranched polymers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46910.
Juvenile hormone affects the splicing of Culex quinquefasciatus early trypsin messenger RNA
Authors: Borovsky Dov , Hancock Robert G. , Rougé Pierre , Powell Charles A. , Shatters Robert G.
Published: September 2018

The full length of Culex quiquefasciatus early trypsin has been cloned and sequenced and a three‐dimensional (3D) model of the enzyme was built showing that the enzyme has the canonical trypsin’s active pocket containing H78, D123, S129, and D128. The biosynthesis of juvenile hormone (JH) III by the corpora allata (CA) in female
Cx. quiquefasciatus is sugar‐dependent. Females that were maintained on water after emergence synthesize very little JH III, JH III bisepoxide, and methyl farnesoate (MF) (3.8, 1.1, and 0.8 fmol/4 hr/CA, respectively). One hour after sugar feeding, the synthesis of JH III and JH III bisepoxide reached a maximum (11.3 and 5.9 fmol/4 hr/CA, respectively) whereas MF biosynthesis reached a maximum at 24 hr (5.2 fmol/4 hr/CA). The early trypsin is transcribed with a short intron (51 nt) is spliced when JH III biosynthesis is high in sugar fed and at 1 hr after the blood meal (22 and 15  fmol/4 hr/CA, respectively). We investigated the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the early trypsin gene showing that JH III concentrations influence splicing. In the absence JH III the unspliced transcript is linked by a phosphoamide bond at the 5′‐end to RNA ribonuleoprotein (RNP). The biosynthesis of the early trypsin was followed in ligated abdomens (without CA) of newly emerged females that fed blood by enema. Our results show that the early trypsin biosynthesis depends on sugar and blood feeding, whereas the late trypsin biosynthesis does not depend on sugar feeding, or JH III biosynthesis. Downregulating the early trypsin transcript does not affect the late trypsin.
The role of organic anion‐transporting polypeptides and formulation in the clearance and distribution of a novel Nav1.7 channel blocker
Authors: Pike Andy , Flanagan Neil J. , Storer R. Ian , Swain Nigel A. , Tseng Elaine
Published: September 2018

PF‐06456384 is an extremely potent and selective blocker of the Nav1.7 sodium channel designed as a potential intravenous (i.v.) analgesic targeting high potency and rapid clearance to minimize the potential for residual effects following the end of infusion. In our previous experience targeting oral molecules, the requirement to obtain potent, Nav1.7 selective molecules led to a focus on acidic, amphipilic compounds cleared primarily by organic anion‐transporting polypeptide mediated hepatic uptake and subsequent biliary excretion. However, the physicochemical properties of the i.v. lead matter were substantially different, moving from acidic, amphiphilic chemical space to zwitterions as well as substantially increasing molecular weight. This report describes the continued relevance of organic anion‐transporting polypeptide driven hepatic uptake in this physicochemical space and highlights an apparent impact of the formulation excipient Solutol on the clearance and distribution of PF‐06456384.
Assessment of heavy metals, fungicide quintozene and its hazardous impurity residues in medical Panax notoginseng (Burk) F.H.Chen root
Authors: Geng Yue , Jiang Linjie , Jiang Hongxin , Wang Lu , Peng Yi , Wang Ce , Shi Xiaomeng , Gu Jing , Wang Yuehua , Zhu Jiachao , Dai Lihong , Xu Yaping , Liu Xiaowei
Published: September 2018

A quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction approach and gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with programmed temperature vaporization sampling technology were used to determine fungicide quintozene and its hazardous impurity hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in Panax notoginseng root, which is commonly used as a rare traditional Chinese medicine worldwide. The mean recoveries were in the ranges of 94–125 and 84–119% for quintozene and HCB with relative standard deviations of 6.2–16.1% at three concentrations: 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg kg−1. Heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, copper and lead were simultaneously detected by an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry approach after digestion with nitric acid. The above methods were used to analyze 50 samples of P. notoginseng roots collected at markets and planting bases from the special local producing areas, namely, Honghe, Kunming and Wenshan in Yunnan province, China. Quintozene and HCB in root samples were determined at <0.0015–1.50 and <0.0015–0.125 mg kg−1. In the 50 samples, 28, 16, 56, 6 and 2% exceeded the maximum permissible levels in medicinal plants (WM/T2‐2004) for quintozene, arsenic, cadmium, lead and copper. [Correction added on 28 January 2019, after first online publication: the percentages in the preceding sentence have been corrected]. The results showed that the method is robust and suitable for measuring quintozene, its hazardous impurity and heavy metals in P. notoginseng roots.
A move beyond sustainability certification: The evolution of the chocolate industry's sustainable sourcing practices
Authors: Thorlakson Tannis
Published: September 2018

Companies' sustainable sourcing practices play an increasing role in addressing the social and environmental challenges in agricultural supply chains. Yet the approaches companies take to regulate their supply chains continue to evolve. I use the chocolate industry as a critical case to explore how and why companies have changed their approaches to sustainable cocoa sourcing over the last 20 years. Drawing on an analysis of 205 company documents, 95 newspaper articles and over 50 in‐depth interviews, I trace the evolution of chocolate manufacturers' sustainable sourcing practices from a focus on industry initiatives to a commitment to sustainability certification and now to companies increasingly moving toward own‐supply chain programs. These shifts can in part be explained by the evolving salience of different stakeholder groups over time. This study highlights the dynamic nature of sustainable sourcing practice adoption and suggests companies are building upon previous strategies to incorporate more stakeholder voices over time.
Viable Synthesis of Porous MnCo2O4/Graphene Composite by Sonochemical Grafting: A High‐Rate‐Capable Oxygen Cathode for Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Karkera Guruprakash , Chandrappa Shivaraju Guddehalli , Prakash Annigere S.
Published: September 2018

With an anticipation of their use in electric vehicles, Li–O2 batteries are found to be attractive despite their complex chemistry and drawbacks. To be successful, cathode materials that are robust enough to overcome the sluggish kinetics of the charge–discharge reactions are essential. This work reports sonochemically synthesized porous MnCo2O4/graphene (MCO/G) as a hybrid cathode material in nonaqueous Li–O2 batteries. The MCO/G hybrid is synthesized in less than four hours and offers a strong synergistic coupling between the MnCo2O4 nanospheres and graphene sheets. It catalyzes the oxygen reduction through a three‐electron‐transfer process and initiates the oxygen evolution at 1.55 V vs. RHE in basic medium. A small charge–discharge voltage hysteresis of 0.8 V and a cycle life of 250 cycles at a limited capacity of 1000 mAh g−1 in a tetraglyme‐based nonaqueous Li–O2 battery is demonstrated. The porous channels created on the sonochemically synthesized cathode facilitates easy oxygen adsorption onto the active sites to accommodate more discharge products following its decomposition. It exhibits a better rate capability in comparison to the widely used Vulcan carbon and benchmark Pt/C catalysts. The excellent cyclability, rate capability, and low overpotential demonstrates MnCo2O4/graphene composite as a promising cathode candidate for Li–O2 batteries. The porous nanosphere architecture with internal oxygen diffusion pathways and peripheral conductive graphene extensions fulfils the requirements that a robust cathode is expected to have to overcome the harsh Li–O2 battery conditions and to serve as a high‐rate‐capable cathode for Li–O2 batteries.
Seleniranium and Telluriranium Salts
Authors: Poleschner Helmut , Seppelt Konrad
Published: September 2018

Seleniranium salts [Ad2SeR]+ X− (2–8), which are moderately stable at room temperature, were synthesized by addition of RSe+X− equivalents to the bulky olefin bis(adamantylidene) Ad=Ad (1), where R is aryl or alkyl and X− is Tf2N−, B(C6F5)4−, or SbCl6−. Unstable telluriranium salts [Ad2TeR]+X− (9–12) were obtained by addition of RTe+X− equivalents to 1 (R=Ph, Et; X−=Tf2N−, BF4−). The compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations, and the Se compounds also by ESI mass spectrometry. Crystal structures were determined for seleniranium salts 2 and 7 and telluriranium salt 9.
Programmable and Sequence‐Selective Supramolecular Assembly of Two Different Chromophores along DNA Templates
Authors: Hofsäß Robert , Sinn Stephan , Biedermann Frank , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: September 2018

The templated self‐assembly of two different chromophores attached to the same binding motif gives oligomers of statistical mixtures without any control on the resulting chromophore sequence. The first self‐assembled bichromophore system is reported, in which the resulting chromophore sequence is simply governed by the DNA template. A new ethynylpyrene‐diaminopurine 2′‐deoxynucleoside was combined with the ethynyl nile red‐modified 2′‐deoxyuridine to achieve this completely programmable sequence selective self‐assembly. The helical ordering of the two different chromophores by DNA templates with different mixtures of A‐T sequences yields precise control over the optical properties of the formed assemblies, which was proven by methods of optical spectroscopy.
A survey of techniques for dynamic branch prediction
Authors: Mittal Sparsh
Published: September 2018

Branch predictor (BP) is an essential component in modern processors since high BP accuracy can improve performance and reduce energy by decreasing the number of instructions executed on wrong‐path. However, reducing the latency and storage overhead of BP while maintaining high accuracy presents significant challenges. In this paper, we present a survey of dynamic branch prediction techniques. We classify the works based on key features to underscore their differences and similarities. We believe this paper will spark further research in this area and will be useful for computer architects, processor designers, and researchers.
Jetstream—Early operations performance, adoption, and impacts
Authors: Hancock David Y. , Stewart Craig A. , Vaughn Matthew , Fischer Jeremy , Lowe John Michael , Turner George , Swetnam Tyson L. , Chafin Tyler K. , Afgan Enis , Pierce Marlon E. , Snapp‐Childs Winona
Published: September 2018

Jetstream is a first of its kind system for the NSF — a distributed production cloud resource. We review the purpose for creating Jetstream, discuss Jetstream's key characteristics, describe our experiences from the first year of maintaining an OpenStack‐based cloud environment, and share some of the early scientific impacts achieved by Jetstream users. Jetstream offers a unique capability within the XSEDE‐supported US national cyberinfrastructure, delivering interactive virtual machines (VMs) via the Atmosphere interface. As a multi‐region deployment that operates as an integrated system, Jetstream is proving effective in supporting modes and disciplines of research traditionally underrepresented on larger XSEDE‐supported clusters and supercomputers. Already, Jetstream has been used to perform research and education in biology, biochemistry, atmospheric science, earth science, and computer science.
Concurrent agent‐based evolutionary computations as adaptive dataflows
Authors: Krzywicki Daniel , Faber Łukasz , Dębski Roman
Published: September 2018

This paper introduces a new formal description of the execution model for agent‐based computing systems in the form of an adaptive dataflow decoupled from the domain‐specific semantics of the computation. We show that the execution models studied in previous work can be unified in this common model. The parameters of the model such as queuing policies and granularity of the data in the flow are analyzed. Several queueing alternatives are benchmarked to demonstrate how they affect the efficiency of the computation. Using the example of a multi‐agent evolutionary optimisation problem solver, the new approach is shown to outperform the classic one. This proposed model is well suited to functional languages and can be easily mapped onto different classes of hardware – from simple single‐core computers to distributed environments.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B or C
Authors: Kao Wei‐Yu , Su Chien‐Wei , Chia‐Hui Tan Elise , Lee Pei‐Chang , Chen Ping‐Hsien , Tang Jui‐Hsiang , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , Huo Teh‐Ia , Chang Chun‐Chao , Hou Ming‐Chih , Lin Han‐Chieh , Wu Jaw‐Ching
Published: September 2018

Researchers have hypothesized that the long‐term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can increase the risk of developing cancer. However, the association between PPI use and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk is unclear. Using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for the period between 2003 and 2013, we identified 35,356 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. One‐to‐one propensity score matching by gender, age, cohort entry year, comorbidity, and medication resulted in the inclusion of 7,492 pairs of patients (PPI users and non‐PPI users) for analyses. We performed multivariate and stratified analysis using the Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models in order to estimate the association between PPI use and the risk of developing HCC. In the HBV cohort, 237 patients developed HCC during a median follow‐up of 53 months. However, PPI use was not associated with an increased risk of developing HCC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90‐1.73; P = 0.18). In the HCV cohort, 211 patients developed HCC; but again, PPI use was not associated with an increase in the risk of developing HCC (aHR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.88‐1.61; P = 0.25). We observed no relationship between a dose‐dependent effect of PPI use and HCC risk. Subgroup analysis also confirmed that PPI use was not correlated to an increased HCC risk. Conclusion: Based on a retrospective population‐based cohort study throughout Taiwan, where the prescription of PPI is tightly regulated, PPI use is not associated with the risk of developing HCC among patients with chronic HBV or HCV infections.
Tiered expatriation: A social relations approach to staffing multinationals
Authors: Zheng Yu , Smith Chris
Published: September 2018

This article applies a social relations discourse to examine the use of expatriates in Chinese multinational companies (MNCs). Expatriates are analyzed based on two sets of social relations: the social functions of expatriates (which include the global function of capital and the collective function of labor) and the pathways of expatriation (which include intra‐ and interfirm transfers). In particular, the framework incorporates the collective function of labor into the analysis of expatriation, which has received limited attention in the existing international HRM literature. Conceptually, the social relations discourse allowed us to frame staffing in an open system in which HR practices involving expatriation are shaped by the intersections between the choices of MNCs, the actions of workers, and the mediation of institutional players. Empirically, this article presents three case studies of Chinese MNCs in Europe to illustrate the tiered expatriation of managerial staff, technicians, and operational workers from interchangeable sources of labor. The HR policy implications suggest greater diversity in the formation of international staffing for MNCs.
Changes in serum afamin and vitamin E levels after selective LDL apheresis
Authors: Varga Viktória E. , Lőrincz Hajnalka , Szentpéteri Anita , Juhász Lilla , Seres Ildikó , Paragh György , Balla József , Paragh György , Harangi Mariann
Published: September 2018

Background

Afamin is a plasma vitamin E‐binding glycoprotein partially associated with ApoA1‐containing high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions. In a previous study, the serum vitamin E decreased after low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis, while vitamin E/cholesterol ratio increased. We aimed to study the effect of LDL apheresis on serum afamin level.

Methods

The serum level of afamin and oxidized LDL were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in six severe heterozygous FH patients before and after their first LDL apheresis treatments and in seven healthy controls. We also investigated the changes in total cholesterol, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, ApoB, ApoA1, HDL subfractions, and α‐ and γ‐tocopherol levels during the treatment. HDL subfractions were detected by an electrophoretic method on polyacrylamide gel (Lipoprint). Serum α‐ and γ‐tocopherol levels were detected by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry.

Results

The first treatment sessions decreased serum afamin levels by an average of 9.4%. Total cholesterol, LDL‐C, HDL‐C and ApoA1 levels decreased by 52.6; 61.8; 10.5; and 14.1%, respectively. We found that α‐ and γ‐tocopherol levels markedly decreased (by 34.1 and 32.9%, respectively), while α‐ tocopherol/cholesterol and γ‐tocopherol/cholesterol ratios significantly increased (by 41.4 and 40.3%, respectively). Oxidized LDL levels significantly decreased. There was a shift toward the larger HDL subfractions.

Conclusion

LDL apheresis moderately decreases the circulating levels of afamin parallel to lowering HDL‐C and ApoA1 levels. Tocopherol levels decreases markedly compared to afamin levels, however, beneficial changes in vitamin E/cholesterol ratios, oxidized LDL levels and HDL subfraction distribution were detected. These additional effects of LDL apheresis may result in further cardiovascular risk reduction in FH patients.
A century of bacteriophage research and applications: impacts on biotechnology, health, ecology and the economy!
Authors: Vandamme Erick J , Mortelmans Kristien
Published: September 2018

About a century ago, bacteriophages or phages – viruses that infect bacteria – were discovered and reported in the scientific literature. This review aims at a comprehensive survey of bacteriophage discovery, research and applications since the 1920s, and its impact on molecular biology, biotechnology, health, ecology and the economy. Phage therapy has been proven a valuable asset to deal with pathogenic bacterial infections since the early 1920s, and has been practiced ever since, especially in the former Soviet Union and in Eastern Europe. The Western world remained sceptical and resorted to the widespread use of antibiotics since the 1940s. Now that antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria has spread alarmingly and few really novel antibiotic compounds are in the pipeline, renewed attention is being directed to the use of phages as antibacterial agents in medicine. Because of this renewed interest in phage therapy in the Western world, novel applications with phages are being pursued in the human health, environmental and the agri‐food sectors. This review will focus on (1) the history of early phage use and its successes and problems, (2) the study of phages as important tools in the development of molecular biology and biotechnology, (3) current developments in phage research including the use of phage endolysins for use in antibacterial treatment, (4) phage production systems including undesirable phage contamination of industrial fermentation processes based on bacteria, (5) recent applications in phage therapy and in phage‐based control, and (6) the roles of phages in nature and in the human gut. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of Rossini–Rothwell and adaptive threshold‐hunting methods on the stability of TMS induced motor evoked potentials amplitudes
Authors: Dissanayaka Thusharika , Zoghi Maryam , Farrell Michael , Egan Gary , Jaberzadeh Shapour
Published: September 2018

Several methods can be used to determine the resting motor threshold (RMT) and by that recording transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs). However, no research has compared the test retest reliability of these methods. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine intra‐ and inter‐session reliability of Rossini–Rothwell (R–R) and parameter estimation by sequential testing (PEST) methods on TMS‐induced MEPs and comparison of these two methods on RMT. Twelve healthy individuals participated in this study three times (T1, T2 and T3) over two days. TMS was applied using both R–R and PEST to estimate RMT and average of 25 MEPs were acquired at each of the three time points. The intra‐class correlation coefficient indicated high intra‐session reliability in the MEP amplitudes for both methods (0.79 and 0.88, R–R and PEST respectively). The RMT and MEP amplitudes had higher inter‐session reliability in both methods (0.99 and 0.998, R–R and PEST respectively; 0.84 and 0.76, R–R and PEST respectively). There was no significant difference between methods for RMT at both T1 (maximum stimulator output of R–R vs. PEST, 33.7% ± 7.7% vs. 33.8% ± 7.6%, p = 0.75) and T3 (maximum stimulator output of R–R vs. PEST, 33.5% ± 7.3% vs. 33.7% ± 7.3%, p = 0.19). There was a significant positive correlation between the methods' estimates of RMT, with PEST requiring significantly fewer stimuli. This study shows that the R–R and PEST methods have high intra‐and inter‐session reliability and the same precision, with PEST having the advantage over R–R in speed of estimation of RMT.
Meta‐Dimethoxy‐Substituted Difluoroboron Dibenzoylmethane Poly(Lactic Acid) Nanoparticles for Luminescence Anisotropy
Authors: Zhuang Meng , Perkins Anna , DeRosa Christopher A. , Butler Tristan , Demas James N. , Fraser Cassandra L.
Published: September 2018

Difluoroboron β‐diketonates derivatives are dyes with tunable fluorescence and room temperature phosphorescence when embedded in a rigid matrix such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Both fluorescence and phosphorescence are present in solid‐state PLA, enabling a variety of applications such as bio‐imaging and oxygen sensing. Here, a meta‐dimethoxy‐substituted difluoroboron dibenzoylmethane [BF2dbm(m‐OMe)2OH] is prepared, and two PLA polymers [BF2dbm(m‐OMe)2PLA] with different dye loadings are produced. Optical properties are studied in solution, and the emissions are environment sensitive. This is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations where intramolecular charge transfer is present and related to solvatochromism. Nanoparticles are fabricated with solvents of varied polarities via nanoprecipitation. Dynamic light scattering indicates dimethylformamide generates the smallest nanoparticles and tetrahydrofuran the largest. Luminescence polarization establishes that the absorbing and emitting dipoles are single axis and collinear. Förster resonance energy transfer within the nanoparticles is important and depends strongly on dye loadings.
Synthetic Approach of Thermally Tunable Nature‐Mimetic Polypeptides from N‐Protected Alternating Peptoids
Authors: Koyama Yasuhito , Ihsan Abu Bin , Gudeangadi Prashant Gopal
Published: September 2018

A facile approach to synthesize nature‐mimetic polypeptides via the formation of N‐protected intermediates is developed. The approach is based on the use of stable and easily cleavable N‐(1‐p‐methoxyphenethyl) (MPE) group as a new N‐protecting group for an amide group. The MPE‐protected polypeptides are prepared in one‐pot via three‐component polycondensation using amino acid–free starting materials. Subsequent acidic treatment of the obtained polypeptides result in the perfect removal of MPE to give the nature‐mimetic polypeptides consisting of alternating peptide skeleton. The aqueous solutions of the nature‐mimetic polypeptides exhibit thermal responsivity depending on the structure of pendant functionalities.
Emission and Emissive Mechanism of Nonaromatic Oxygen Clusters
Authors: Wang Yunzhong , Bin Xin , Chen Xiaohong , Zheng Shuyuan , Zhang Yongming , Yuan Wang Zhang
Published: September 2018

Nonaromatic luminophores without remarkable conjugates have aroused great attention. Their emission mechanism, however, remains an open question. Meanwhile, previous studies generally focus on aliphatic amine and/or carbonyl‐containing systems; those with merely oxygen moieties (i.e., ether, hydroxyl) are scarcely touched. Recently, the clustering‐triggered emission (CTE) mechanism is proposed to rationalize the emission of nonconventional luminophores, according to which compounds bearing purely oxygen moieties can also be emissive. To check this conjecture, herein, both nonaromatic compound of xylitol and polymers of PEG and F127 are studied, which are found to be emissive in concentrated solutions and solids. Furthermore, cryogenic‐persistent phosphorescence of the compounds and even persistent room temperature phosphorescence of xylitol crystals are observed. Additionally, their potential application as Fe3+ sensors is demonstrated. These results not only verify the rationality of the CTE mechanism but also suggest the possibility to discover and design new luminophores according to it.
HMGA2 promotes intestinal tumorigenesis by facilitating MDM2‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p53
Authors: Wang Yuhong , Hu Lin , Wang Jian , Li Xiangwei , Sahengbieke Sana , Wu Jingjing , Lai Maode
Published: September 2018

High mobility group A2 (HMGA2) is an architectural transcription factor that promotes human colorectal cancer (CRC) aggressiveness by modulating the transcription of target genes. The degradation of p53 is mediated by murine double minute 2 (MDM2) in a proteasome‐dependent manner. Here we report that HMGA2 promotes cell cycle progression and inhibits apoptosis in CRC cells in vitro. We also developed an intestinal epithelial cell‐specific Hmga2 knock‐in (KI) mouse model. It revealed that the Hmga2 KI promoted chemical carcinogen‐induced tumorigenesis in the intestine in vivo. In studying the underlying molecular mechanism, we found that HMGA2 formed a protein complex with p53. The tetramerization domain of p53 (amino acids 294–393) and the three AT‐hook domains (amino acids 1–83) of HMGA2 were responsible for their direct interaction. We also found that HMGA2 directly bound to MDM2 and the central acidic and zinc finger domains of MDM2 (amino acids 111–360) were required for interaction with HMGA2. Furthermore, our results indicated that HMGA2 promoted MDM2‐mediated p53 ubiquitination and degradation. Interestingly, Hmga2 overexpression in Hmga2 KI mice resulted in an increase in the accumulation of ubiquitinated p53. In addition, in two large CRC cohorts, it was demonstrated that high HMGA2 expression was predictive of an adverse outcome in the p53‐negative subgroup of CRC patients. In summary, our data have established for the first time a novel mechanism by which HMGA2 functions with p53 and MDM2 to promote CRC progression. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Starke Kopplung zwischen Photonen
Authors: Hamsen Christoph , Tolazzi Karl Nicolas , Wilk Tatjana , Rempe Gerhard
Published: September 2018

Ein Duell mit Lichtschwertern bleibt wohl ein Traum aus der Science‐Fiction‐Welt, denn Lichtteilchen wechselwirken nicht im freien Raum. Allerdings können Photonen mittels eines nichtlinearen Mediums Einfluss aufeinander nehmen, wofür in der Regel hohe Lichtintensitäten nötig sind. Ein Experiment unserer Gruppe am Max‐Planck‐Institut für Quantenoptik zeigt nun jedoch, dass ein Atom in einem Resonator eine Wechselwirkung zwischen einzelnen Photonen zweier Lichtfelder vermitteln kann. Damit ließe sich ein optischer Schalter realisieren, bei dem ein Lichtfeld das andere ein‐ oder ausschaltet.
Child Poverty and Youth Unemployment in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Albrithen Abdulaziz
Published: September 2018

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can be described as a young nation in terms of its date of creation and its rapidly increasing proportion of children and young people in its population. Various sources have been cited to explain the causes and describe the consequences of child poverty and youth unemployment. The factors mentioned for future verification are the interrelationship between, on the one hand, government and religion, social conservatism, sensitivity to criticism, unmatched education, and development policies, and, on the other hand, the general attitude of the Saudi youth toward a job versus a dreamed position in a government office. This article aims to raise awareness and to generate further discussions in, and investigations of, both the public and private sectors, so as to harness the vast resources of Saudi Arabia, mainly derived from oil, to appropriately address the rising issues of child poverty and youth unemployment.
Primary renal angiosarcoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Li Xiao li , Tian Xin , Guo Jin , Zhang Hong , Wang Shuang , Dai Shun dong
Published: September 2018

Kidney angiosarcomas usually metastasize from the skin, soft tissue, or visceral primary lesions, whereas primary renal angiosarcomas are rare. We report a case of primary renal angiosarcoma with morphological features similar to those of anastomosis hemangioma. Microscopically, there were multiple irregular anastomosing vascular spaces or channel‐like labyrinthine structures, and the tumor cells were positive for CD31, CD34, FLI‐1, PAX8, and vimentin; focally positive for factor VIII, CD10, and Ki‐67 (approximately 5%); and uniformly‐negative for CK, S‐100, and Melan‐A. The diagnosis of angiosarcoma depends on morphological and immunohistochemical examinations.
Do bromadiolone treatments to control grassland water voles (Arvicola scherman) affect small mustelid abundance?
Authors: Fernandez‐de‐Simon Javier , Coeurdassier Michael , Couval Geoffroy , Fourel Isabelle , Giraudoux Patrick
Published: September 2018

Background

The use of pesticides can affect non‐target species by causing population declines through indirect intoxication. Small mustelids (SMs; weasels, Mustela nivalis L.; stoats, Mustela erminea L.) consume water voles (WVs, Arvicola scherman S.) and can be exposed to bromadiolone, an anticoagulant rodenticide used in some countries to reduce WV damage to grasslands. Here, we investigated whether bromadiolone affected SM abundance.

Results

We monitored SM abundance using footprint tracking tunnels in spring and autumn at ten sites. Among these sites, four were treated with bromadiolone, while six were not treated. We found reduced SM abundance at these four sites from spring to autumn (treated sites, mean ± SE SM abundance change = −1.68 ± 0.42; untreated sites, 0.29 ± 0.25). Using a linear model, we observed that SM abundance decreased as a function of the quantity of bromadiolone applied during the 3 months before the autumn estimate. We found that WV abundance increased at treated sites (linear model, treated sites, mean ± SE WV abundance change = 1.4 ± 0.4; untreated sites, 0.33 ± 0.25). Thus, at treated sites, SM abundance declined despite increased food availability. By analyzing residues in vole livers and SM scats we showed that SMs may be exposed to bromadiolone at the sites where this compound was used.

Conclusion

This study is the first to document the relationship between SM abundance and bromadiolone usage for small mammal control. Declines in SM abundance were observed at treated sites, where bromadiolone residue was found in SM scats. This correlative approach suggests that bromadiolone treatment may lead to seasonal SM declines and associated WV increases. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Analyzing torquoselectivity in a series of unusual ring‐opening reactions through bond reactivity indices and the adaptive natural density partitioning method
Authors: Morales‐Bayuelo Alejandro , Sánchez‐Márquez Jesús , Jana Gourhari , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: September 2018

In this study, a theoretical analysis of the torquoselectivity in a set of unusual ring‐opening reactions (R1‐R5) is presented. To describe the mechanism of the reactions, a recent methodology has been used to estimate the electrophilicities of the natural bond orbitals of the reagents and has been complemented with a second‐order perturbation theory analysis. The adaptive natural density partitioning method has also been used to verify the results and conclusions of the analysis. The concordant results of the three methodologies provide us with a better understanding of the reaction mechanism involving the torquoselectivity. We also carried out the analysis in both directions of the reaction to verify the conclusions obtained.
Effect of water on the interfacial structures of room‐temperature ionic liquids
Authors: Kawada Shouhei , Kodama Eri , Sato Keisuke , Ogawa Shuhei , Watanabe Masaya , Okubo Hikaru , Sasaki Shinya
Published: September 2018

The interfacial structures of cyano‐based room‐temperature ionic liquids play a very important role in reducing friction. However, the presence of water impairs their tribological performance. The interfacial structures and friction forces of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide, [EMIM][DCN], and the effect of water on these structures and forces were investigated using atomic force microscopy. In addition, the interaction of water and [EMIM][DCN] was evaluated using Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Multiple repulsive layers were observed in the [EMIM][DCN] solution. This solution showed low friction force because these repulsive layers worked as protective layers against friction. On the other hand, the specific repulsive layer characteristics of [EMIM][DCN] could not be observed in a [EMIM][DCN] + 2 wt% H2O solution. FT‐IR results indicated that the layer structure of [EMIM][DCN] was disturbed by the addition of H2O. Therefore, the solution containing water exhibited a high friction force.
Development of quantitative imaging mass spectrometry (q‐IMS) for drug visualization using animal tissues
Authors: Takeo Emi , Shimma Shuichi
Published: September 2018

Quantitative imaging mass spectrometry (q‐IMS) is a frontier topic of research in drug analysis. Although many q‐IMS methodologies have been reported, validation of the method is insufficient. We have investigated the feasibility of coupling q‐IMS with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) to develop a verifiable method. The approach combines quantitative LC‐MS/MS information with the spatial distribution information obtained by IMS. This paper compares measured drug quantities with those estimated using IMS. The target drug, erlotinib, is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of non‐small‐cell lung cancer. The quantitative accuracy of our q‐IMS method in an animal model study is approximately 17%. Measurements were conducted on mouse liver and brain tissues before and after erlotinib administration. Erlotinib is delivered to the brain, although the concentration is 104 times smaller than that found in the liver.