bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion tensor imaging marks dopaminergic and serotonergic lesions in the Parkinsonian monkey
Authors: Météreau Elise , Beaudoin‐Gobert Maude , Duperrier Sandra , Thobois Stéphane , Tremblay Léon , Sgambato‐Faure Véronique
Published: October 2017

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging has received major interest to highlight markers of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. Whether the alteration of diffusion parameters mostly depicts dopaminergic lesions or can also reveal serotonergic denervation remains a question.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the best diffusion tensor imaging markers of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 3,4‐methylene‐dioxy‐methamphetamine (MDMA; also known as ecstasy) lesions in the nonhuman primate.

Methods

We acquired measures of mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy longitudinally (before and after MPTP and MDMA) and correlated them with severity of parkinsonism, PET imaging, and postmortem fiber quantification.

Results

MPTP‐induced lesions were associated with increases of mean diffusivity within both the caudate nucleus and the anterior cingulate cortex, whereas MDMA‐induced lesions caused an increase of fractional anisotropy within the caudate nucleus. These variations of diffusion tensor imaging correlated with the motor score.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results demonstrate that diffusion measures within specific brain regions can mark severity of dopaminergic and serotonergic induced lesions in a neurotoxic nonhuman primate model of Parkinson's disease. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Existence and uniqueness of the solution of linear degenerate PDEs in weighted Sobolev space with nonhomogeneous boundary condition
Authors: Dhara Raj Narayan
Published: October 2017

We prove the existence and uniqueness of solution to the nonhomogeneous degenerate elliptic PDE of second order with boundary data in weighted Orlicz‐Slobodetskii space. Our goal is to consider the possibly general assumptions on the involved constraints: the class of weights, the boundary data, and the admitted coefficients. We also provide some estimates on the spectrum of our degenerate elliptic operator.
A theoretical NMR study of selected benzazoles: Comparison of GIPAW and GIAO‐PCM (DMSO) calculations
Authors: Marín‐Luna Marta , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: October 2017

This paper compares the absolute shieldings obtained by gauge‐including‐projected‐augmented‐wave (GIPAW) to those obtained by gauge‐invariant atomic orbital/Becke, 3‐parameter, Lee‐Yang‐Parr (GIAO/B3LYP)/6–311++G(d,p)‐polarizable continuum model (PCM, dimethyl sulfoxide) for nine benzazoles (benzimidazoles, indazoles, and benzotriazoles) recorded in the solid‐state. Three nuclei were explored, 13C, 15N, and 19F, and the gauge‐including‐projected‐augmented‐wave approach only proved better for 15N MAS NMR.
Pilot study: Assessing the effect of continual position monitoring technology on compliance with patient turning protocols
Authors: Schutt Suann Cirigliano , Tarver Christine , Pezzani Michelle
Published: October 2017

Aim

The study aim was to evaluate if continual patient position monitoring, taking into account self‐turns and clinician‐assisted turns, would increase the percentage of time a patient's position changed at least every 2 hr.

Background

While patient turning has clinical benefits, current models to help staff remember to turn patients, such as “turn clocks” and timers, have not resulted in high compliance with turning protocols. In addition, reminders are based on arbitrary 2‐hr windows (such as turning on “even” hours) rather than on individual patient activity, including self‐turns.

Design

This is a first inpatient, non‐randomized, pre‐/postintervention study.

Methods

Data collection occurred from May 2013–February 2014 on a 39‐bed medical unit in a community hospital. Baseline patient turning data were recorded by a sensor; however, the patient data were not displayed at the nurses’ station to establish compliance with the hospital's turning protocol. Postintervention, patient position information was wirelessly displayed on nurses’ station computer monitors in real time. A Student t test was used to compare baseline to postintervention “mean time in compliance.”

Results

Data from 138 patients (N = 7,854 hr of monitoring) were collected. The baseline phase yielded 4,322 hr of position monitoring data and the postintervention phase yielded 3,532 hr of data. Statistically significant improvement was demonstrated in the percentage of time a patient's position changed at least every 2 hr from baseline to postintervention.
Irinotecan for relapsed Wilms tumor in pediatric patients: SIOP experience and review of the literature—A report from the SIOP Renal Tumor Study Group
Authors: Hol Janna A. , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Graf Norbert , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy , Brok Jesper , van Tinteren Harm , Howell Lisa , Verschuur Arnauld , Bergeron Christophe , Kager Leo , Catania Serena , Spreafico Filippo , Mavinkurve‐Groothuis Annelies M. C.
Published: October 2017

While irinotecan has been studied in various pediatric solid tumors, its potential role in Wilms tumor (WT) is less clear. We evaluated response and outcome of irinotecan‐containing regimens in relapsed WT and compared our results to the available literature. Among 14 evaluable patients, one complete response (CR) and two partial responses (PRs) were observed in patients with initial intermediate‐risk (CR and PR) and blastemal‐type histologies (PR). Two patients were alive at last follow‐up showing no evidence of disease. Our results and the reviewed literature suggest some effectiveness of irinotecan in the setting of relapsed WT.
Gene therapy for hemophilia
Authors: Pipe Steven W.
Published: October 2017

Individuals with the inherited bleeding disorder hemophilia have achieved tremendous advances in clinical outcomes through widespread implementation of prophylactic replacement with safe and efficacious factor VIII and IX. However, despite this therapeutic approach, bleeds still occur, some with serious consequence, joint disease has not been eradicated, and patients have not yet been liberated from the need for regular intravenous infusions. The shift from protein replacement to gene replacement is offering great hope to achieve durable levels of plasma factor activity levels high enough to remove the risk for recurrent joint bleeding. For the first time, clinical trial results are showing promise for “curative” correction of the bleeding phenotype.
The duration of anthracycline infusion should be at least one hour in children with cancer: A clinical practice guideline
Authors: Loeffen Erik A.H. , van Dalen Elvira C. , Mulder Renée L. , van de Wetering Marianne D. , Kremer Leontien C.M. , Tissing Wim J.E. ,   on behalf of the Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity Working Group
Published: October 2017

We aimed to provide recommendations on the infusion duration of anthracycline chemotherapy agents in children with cancer. This study also serves as a practice example of the essential steps that need to be taken when using a previously published systematic review to develop a high‐quality clinical practice guideline. Although evidence was scarce and included adult studies, the panel was able (using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation evidence‐to‐decision framework) to recommend in favor of an anthracycline infusion duration of at least 1 hr (strong recommendation, very low to moderate quality of evidence). Recommending a precise optimal prolonged infusion duration was currently not possible.
Processability of DDS isomers‐cured epoxy resin: Effects of amine/epoxy ratio, humidity, and out‐time
Authors: Kim Daniel , Nutt Steven R.
Published: October 2017

Three aerospace grade resins were formulated to investigate the effects of variation in DDS isomers, amine‐to‐epoxy (a/e) stoichiometric ratio, out‐time, and moisture absorption on processing characteristics and cured resin properties. Such resins are typically used in prepreg or preimpregnated composite fibers, which require engineered processing methods to fully impregnate the fiber bed during cure. Precure phenomena, specifically out‐time and moisture absorption, are generally unavoidable in practice, and these phenomena were investigated to determine the relationship between DDS isomers, a/e stoichiometric ratio, out‐time, and moisture absorption on processing characteristics and cured resin properties. Furthermore, predictive models were developed to provide insights into defect formation mechanisms and mitigation strategies for prepreg processing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1530–1538, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of expandable graphite on thermal and flammability properties of poly(lactic acid)‐starch/poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) blend systems
Authors: Mngomezulu Mfiso E. , Luyt Adriaan S. , Chapple Steve A. , John Maya J.
Published: October 2017

The effect of expandable graphite (EG) on the flammability and thermal stability of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐starch/poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) blend was investigated. The samples were prepared by melt‐mixing and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), simultaneous TGA‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and cone calorimetry. The char residues of the composites after combustion in the cone calorimeter were analyzed with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The thermal degradation stability of the composites was improved and the char content was found to be increased. The flammability performance results indicated that the PLA‐starch/PCL blend was successfully modified with the EG micro‐filler to obtain fire resistant composites, especially at high filler loadings, due to the formation of an intumescent carbonaceous char. This was confirmed by reductions of up to 64% in both the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and the total smoke release (TSR), and 54% in the specific extinction area (SEA). This is due to the EG acting mainly through a physical mode by cooling and fuel dilution, and through the formation of an intumescent char layer. However, the effective heat of combustion (EHC) and carbon monoxide (CO) yields did not favorably improve. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1619–1629, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Addressing inequity in special education: An integrated framework for culturally responsive social emotional practice
Authors: Sciuchetti Maria B.
Published: October 2017

Despite great strides toward equity and inclusion of all students, the disproportionate representation of students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds has been an issue of concern within the field of special education for decades. Of particular concern is the disproportionate representation of students from CLD backgrounds among students served within the category of emotional disturbance and students faced with exclusionary disciplinary decisions. This paper presents an overview of literature related to school‐ and teacher‐based factors that contribute to these issues of disproportionality. It concludes with the recommendation for an integrated framework of culturally responsive practice and social emotional learning as an approach to target these factors.
Folding nucleus structure persists in thermally‐aggregated FGF‐1
Authors: Longo Liam M. , Gao Yuan , Tenorio Connie A. , Wang Gan , Paravastu Anant K. , Blaber Michael
Published: October 2017

An efficient protein‐folding pathway leading to target structure, and the avoidance of aggregation, is essential to protein evolution and de novo design; however, design details to achieve efficient folding and avoid aggregation are poorly understood. We report characterization of the thermally‐induced aggregate of fibroblast growth factor‐1 (FGF‐1), a small globular protein, by solid‐state NMR. NMR spectra are consistent with residual structure in the aggregate and provide evidence of a structured region that corresponds to the region of the folding nucleus. NMR data on aggregated FGF‐1 also indicate the presence of unstructured regions that exhibit hydration‐dependent dynamics and suggest that unstructured regions of aggregated FGF‐1 lie outside the folding nucleus. Since it is known that regions outside the folding nucleus fold late in the folding pathway, we postulate that these regions unfold early in the unfolding pathway and that the partially folded state is more prone to intermolecular aggregation. This interpretation is further supported by comparison with a designed protein that shares the same FGF‐1 folding nucleus sequence, but has different 1° structure outside the folding nucleus, and does not thermally aggregate. The results suggest that design of an efficient folding nucleus, and the avoidance of aggregation in the folding pathway, are potentially separable design criteria – the latter of which could principally focus upon the physicochemical properties of 1° structure outside the folding nucleus.
Prediction of protein disorder based on IUPred
Authors: Dosztányi Zsuzsanna
Published: October 2017

Many proteins contain intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), functional polypeptide segments that in isolation adopt a highly flexible conformational ensemble instead of a single, well‐defined structure. Disorder prediction methods, which can discriminate ordered and disordered regions from the amino acid sequence, have contributed significantly to our current understanding of the distinct properties of intrinsically disordered proteins by enabling the characterization of individual examples as well as large‐scale analyses of these protein regions. One popular method, IUPred provides a robust prediction of protein disorder based on an energy estimation approach that captures the fundamental difference between the biophysical properties of ordered and disordered regions. This paper reviews the energy estimation method underlying IUPred and the basic properties of the web server. Through an example, it also illustrates how the prediction output can be interpreted in a more complex case by taking into account the heterogeneous nature of IDRs. Various applications that benefited from IUPred to provide improved disorder predictions, complementing domain annotations and aiding the identification of functional short linear motifs are also described here. IUPred is freely available for noncommercial users through the web server (http://iupred.enzim.hu and http://iupred.elte.hu) . The program can also be downloaded and installed locally for large‐scale analyses.
A risk‐based approach for predicting domino effects due to fires combining exceedance curves with dynamic thermal stress analysis
Authors: Dunjó Denti Jordi , Amorós‐Martí Marcel , Prophet Neil , Gorski Gene
Published: October 2017

This article proposes a risk‐based method for domino effect characterization and potential escalation for process equipment affected by thermal radiation (i.e., fires). This methodology intends to answer two key questions: (1) which process equipment is impacted by a heat flux capable of resulting in escalation due to equipment failure; and (2) what is the associated time to the process equipment failure; that is, Time to Failure (TTF). The first phase consists of developing dedicated heat flux exceedance curves for a given location of interest. The second phase involves a dynamic simulation for the prediction of the TTF due to fires impacting the equipment identified in phase one. A two‐step approach is proposed for ensuring accurate results: (1) vessel wall segmentation to determine how the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) of the material decreases as a function of temperature, and (2) the UTS is then compared with the Hoop stress by considering the equipment internal pressure combined with the installed overpressure protection performance.

This article defines step‐by‐step how to conduct a risk‐based assessment and determine the TTF using a case study. It demonstrates the applicability and accuracy of this approach, which helps the decision‐making process on how potential mitigation measures can be implemented. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 37: 176–185, 2018
Growth of KNN Thin Films for Non‐Linear Optical Applications
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Gupta Reema , Gupta Vinay , Tomar Monika
Published: October 2017

Two‐wave mixing is a remarkable area of research in the field of non‐linear optics, finding various applications in the development of opto‐electronic devices, photorefractive waveguides, real time holography, etc. Non‐linear optical properties of ferroelectric potassium sodium niobate (KNN) thin films have been interrogated using two‐wave mixing phenomenon. Regarding this, a‐axis oriented K0.35Na(1‐0.35)NbO3 thin films were successfully grown on epitaxial matched (100) SrTiO3 substrate using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The uniformly distributed Au micro‐discs of 200 μm diameter were integrated with KNN/STO thin film to study the plasmonic enhancement in the optical response. Beam amplification has been observed as a result of the two‐wave mixing. This is due to the alignment of ferroelectric domains in KNN films and the excitement of plasmons at the metal–dielectric (Au–KNN) interface.
Raman Scattering Study of Mixed Quaternary AgxGaxGe1−xSe2 (0.167 ≤ x ≤ 0.333) Crystals
Authors: Valakh Mykhailo Ya. , Dzhagan Volodymyr M. , Havryliuk Yevgen O. , Yukhymchuk Volodymyr O. , Parasyuk Oleg V. , Myronchuk Galyna L. , Zahn Dietrich R. T. , Litvinchuk Alexander P.
Published: October 2017

Experimental Raman scattering study of mixed AgxGaxGe1−xSe2 (0.167 ≤ x ≤ 0.333) single crystals is reported. The spectra transformation upon composition variation exhibits the two‐mode type of behavior, with lines of the end‐member compounds of the solid solution (AgGaSe2 and GeSe2) dominating in the spectra, whose relative intensities vary with composition.
Fe–Mo and Co–Mo Catalysts with Varying Composition for Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Growth
Authors: Kazakova Mariya A. , Kuznetsov Vladimir L. , Bokova‐Sirosh Sofia N. , Krasnikov Dmitry V. , Golubtsov Georgiy V. , Romanenko Anatoliy I. , Prosvirin Igor P. , Ishchenko Arcadiy V. , Orekhov Andrey S. , Chuvilin Andrey L. , Obraztsova Elena D.
Published: October 2017

The formation of active component of Fe–Mo and Co–Mo catalysts for carbon nanotube growth with variable Mo content is studied with in situ XRD, XPS, and STEM&EDX. The activation of bimetallic Fe–Mo catalysts under the growth conditions leads to the formation of Fe–Mo alloy particles in contrast to Co‐containing catalysts in which active alloy incorporates only a small portion of Mo (<2–3 at.%). The stable carbide formation for these systems is not detected. The effect of Mo content in Fe–Mo and Co–Mo catalysts on the properties of MWCNTs is additionally investigated using the Raman spectroscopy in combination with measurements of the temperature dependence of conductivity. It is shown that MWCNT defectiveness depends on the active component composition for both Fe–Mo and Co–Mo catalysts. The current carrier concentration for the MWCNTs grown on Fe–Mo catalysts slightly increases with the Mo content. The opposite effect is observed for the tubes grown on Co–Mo catalysts, showing a decrease in the current carrier concentration with the increase of Mo concentration.
Recent Developments in Spin Transfer Torque MRAM
Authors: Sbiaa Rachid , Piramanayagam S. N.
Published: October 2017

Spin transfer torque (STT) switching‐based magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is gaining significant industrial and academic attention due to its potential application as a non‐volatile memory device in computing devices, smartphones, and so on. STT‐MRAM devices with in‐plane magnetization configuration have been marketed as niche products. Devices with out‐of‐plane magnetization are being considered for embedded memory as the first step. Aggressive goals include replacing dynamic random access memory (DRAM) with STT‐MRAM. This review article introduces the basics of STT‐MRAM and describes the recent progress in overcoming certain challenges such as reduction of power consumption and increase of storage density, which will make it a strong competitor for DRAM.
A proof of concept for scale‐adaptive parametrizations: the case of the Lorenz '96 model
Authors: Vissio Gabriele , Lucarini Valerio
Published: October 2017

Constructing efficient and accurate parametrizations of subgrid‐scale processes is a central area of interest in the numerical modelling of geophysical fluids. Using a modified version of the two‐level Lorenz '96 model, we present here a proof of concept of a scale‐adaptive parametrization constructed using statistical mechanical arguments. By suitable use of the Ruelle response theory and the Mori–Zwanzig projection method, it is possible to derive explicitly a parametrization for the fast variables that translates into deterministic, stochastic and non‐Markovian extra terms in the equations of motion for the variables of interest. We show that our approach is computationally parsimonious and has great flexibility, as it is explicitly scale‐adaptive, and we prove that it is competitive compared with empirical ad‐hoc approaches. While the parametrization proposed here is universal and can easily be adapted analytically to changes in parameter values by a simple rescaling procedure, the parametrization constructed with the ad‐hoc approach needs to be recomputed each time the parameters of the systems are changed. The price we pay for the higher flexibility of the method proposed here is having a lower accuracy in each individual case.
Enforcing calibration in ensemble postprocessing
Authors: Wilks Daniel S.
Published: October 2017

Desirable attributes of probability forecasts are maximal sharpness, consistent with calibration (‘reliability’). The usual procedure of optimizing ensemble‐postprocessing parameters by minimizing a proper scoring rule such as the continuous ranked probability score or the ‘ignorance’ (i.e. negative log‐likelihood) does not guarantee the necessary calibration condition, potentially compromising the value of the resulting forecasts to users. The calibration condition can be enforced by including a miscalibration penalty in the loss function to be minimized in parameter estimation. The procedure is illustrated using ensemble forecasts for minimum temperatures and wind speeds, postprocessed using member‐by‐member algorithms.
Substituent effects on the stability of 1,4‐benzodiazepin‐2‐one tautomers: A density functional study
Authors: Pem Barbara , Vrček Valerije
Published: October 2017

The relative stability of 1,4‐benzodiazepin‐2‐one tautomers in the gas phase and model solvents was calculated at the M06 and ωB97XD levels of theory. The two density functionals were benchmarked earlier and demonstrated as excellent models to study tautomerism in a vast array of chemical systems. A number of commercially available 1,4‐benzodiazepin‐2‐ones were investigated computationally for the first time. In addition, some biologically active and newly devised benzodiazepines were considered, which may be important in designing structures with desired (bio)chemical features. Special attention was paid to determine substituent effects on the Gibbs free energies of keto, enol, and iminol forms for each respective benzodiazepine. It was demonstrated that (i) the replacement of the benzene ring by the heterocyclic ring in the benzodiazepine system may stabilize the iminol tautomer, and (ii) the electron‐withdrawing substituent at the C3‐position of the respective benzodiazepine may stabilize the enol tautomer relative to the parent keto form. It is concluded that substituent effects may govern the chemical reactivity and biological properties of selected benzodiazepines.
Spatial and temporal distribution of ichthyoplankton during an unusual period of low flow in a tributary of the São Francisco River, Brazil
Authors: Rosa G.R. , Salvador G.N. , Bialetzki A. , Santos G.B.
Published: October 2017

Flow‐dependent fish specialists require specific conditions for reproduction, so the success and reproductive intensity of these animals are determined by the flood regime. Thus, this study investigated the spatial and temporal reproductive patterns of fish, especially migratory Prochilodus species (flow‐dependent specialists) in an unusual period of low flow in the Pará River sub‐basin, one of the main tributaries of the upper São Francisco River. For this, ichthyoplankton collections were carried out between November 2013 and February 2014. Data were analysed considering the spatial and temporal variations in density of eggs and larvae for the upper, middle, and lower portions of the Pará River sub‐basin, and correlating this to some environmental variables. The results showed that the small headwater stretch of the Pará River is one relevant spawning area for migratory fish species. However, this area is isolated by the Cajuru reservoir, which makes it uncertain the recruitment of these embryos, due to interruption of natural drift between spawning/nursery areas caused for reservoirs. Larvae of newly hatched migratory species found in tributaries of the lower Pará River sub‐basin also indicate these species use these tributaries as spawning grounds and migratory routes. The period in which the research was conducted represented the most atypical low flow, one in the last 75 years, resulting in the low variability in the environmental parameters. Although few parameters increased briefly in this low flow period influenced by greater rainfall in December, this precipitation was possibly responsible for the final gonadal maturation and spawning of migratory species.
Concise Review: Multifaceted Characterization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Use in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Samsonraj Rebekah M. , Raghunath Michael , Nurcombe Victor , Hui James H. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Cool Simon M.
Published: October 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) hold great potential for regenerative medicine because of their ability for self-renewal and differentiation into tissue-specific cells such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. MSCs orchestrate tissue development, maintenance and repair, and are useful for musculoskeletal regenerative therapies to treat age-related orthopedic degenerative diseases and other clinical conditions. Importantly, MSCs produce secretory factors that play critical roles in tissue repair that support both engraftment and trophic functions (autocrine and paracrine). The development of uniform protocols for both preparation and characterization of MSCs, including standardized functional assays for evaluation of their biological potential, are critical factors contributing to their clinical utility. Quality control and release criteria for MSCs should include cell surface markers, differentiation potential, and other essential cell parameters. For example, cell surface marker profiles (surfactome), bone-forming capacities in ectopic and orthotopic models, as well as cell size and granularity, telomere length, senescence status, trophic factor secretion (secretome), and immunomodulation, should be thoroughly assessed to predict MSC utility for regenerative medicine. We propose that these and other functionalities of MSCs should be characterized prior to use in clinical applications as part of comprehensive and uniform guidelines and release criteria for their clinical-grade production to achieve predictably favorable treatment outcomes for stem cell therapy.
In Situ Fabrication of Hierarchically Branched TiO2 Nanostructures: Enhanced Performance in Photocatalytic H2 Evolution and Li–Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Guorui , Wang Ling , Peng Shengjie , Wang Jianan , Ji Dongxiao , Yan Wei , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: October 2017

1D branched TiO2 nanomaterials play a significant role in efficient photocatalysis and high‐performance lithium ion batteries. In contrast to the typical methods which generally have to employ epitaxial growth, the direct in situ growth of hierarchically branched TiO2 nanofibers by a combination of the electrospinning technique and the alkali‐hydrothermal process is presented in this work. Such the branched nanofibers exhibit improvement in terms of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (0.41 mmol g−1 h−1), in comparison to the conventional TiO2 nanofibers (0.11 mmol g−1 h−1) and P25 (0.082 mmol g−1 h−1). Furthermore, these nanofibers also deliver higher lithium specific capacity at different current densities, and the specific capacity at the rate of 2 C is as high as 201. 0 mAh g−1, roughly two times higher than that of the pristine TiO2 nanofibers.
Dual‐Graphene Rechargeable Sodium Battery
Authors: Wang Faxing , Liu Zaichun , Zhang Panpan , Li Hongyan , Sheng Wenbo , Zhang Tao , Jordan Rainer , Wu Yuping , Zhuang Xiaodong , Feng Xinliang
Published: October 2017

Sodium (Na) ion batteries are attracting increasing attention for use in various electrical applications. However, the electrochemical behaviors, particularly the working voltages, of Na ion batteries are substantially lower than those of lithium (Li) ion batteries. Worse, the state‐of‐the‐art Na ion battery cannot meet the demand of miniaturized in modern electronics. Here, we demonstrate that electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EG) nanosheets can reversibly store (PF6−) anions, yielding high charging and discharging voltages of 4.7 and 4.3 V vs. Na+/Na, respectively. The dual‐graphene rechargeable Na battery fabricated using EG as both the positive and negative electrodes provided the highest operating voltage among all Na ion full cells reported to date, together with a maximum energy density of 250 Wh kg−1. Notably, the dual‐graphene rechargeable Na microbattery exhibited an areal capacity of 35 μAh cm−2 with stable cycling behavior. This study offers an efficient option for the development of novel rechargeable microbatteries with ultra‐high operating voltage and high energy density.
Inflammation-Stimulated Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Attenuate Inflammation
Authors: Harting Matthew T. , Srivastava Amit K. , Zhaorigetu Siqin , Bair Henry , Prabhakara Karthik S. , Toledano Furman Naama E. , Vykoukal Jody V. , Ruppert Katherine A. , Cox Charles S. , Olson Scott D.
Published: October 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been proposed to be a key mechanistic link in the therapeutic efficacy of cells in response to cellular injuries through paracrine effects. We hypothesize that inflammatory stimulation of MSCs results in the release of EVs that have greater anti-inflammatory effects. The present study evaluates the immunomodulatory abilities of EVs derived from inflammation-stimulated and naive MSCs (MSCEv+ and MSCEv, respectively) isolated using a current Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant tangential flow filtration system. Detailed characterization of both EVs revealed differences in protein composition, cytokine profiles, and RNA content, despite similarities in size and expression of common surface markers. MSCEv+ further attenuated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro when compared to MSCEv, with a distinctly different pattern of EV-uptake by activated primary leukocyte subpopulations. The efficacy of EVs was partially attributed to COX2/PGE2 expression. The present study demonstrates that inflammatory stimulation of MSCs renders release of EVs that have enhanced anti-inflammatory properties partially due to COX2/PGE2 pathway alteration.
Tetraorganopnictonium and Alkali Metal Salts of Pyridine‐2,6‐di‐tetrazolate
Authors: Krest Alexander , Nitsche Sara , Arefyeva Natalia , Grzesiak Ireneus , Werker Melanie , Ruschewitz Uwe , Klein Axel
Published: October 2017

Alkali metal (Na, K) and tetraorganopnictonium (AsPh4, PPh4) salts were prepared from 2,6‐bis(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)pyridine (H2pydtz) and characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR, and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy. Single crystal XRD of (AsPh4)2(pydtz)·5H2O reveals isolated pydtz2– dianions sandwiched between two AsPh4+ cations and an interesting hydrogen bridging network comprising the five co‐crystallized water molecules and the three pydtz N atoms. (PPh4)2(pydtz)·5H2O is isostructural to (AsPh4)2(pydtz)·5H2O as revealed from powder XRD measurements and corresponding Rietveld fits. The crystal structure of the mixed salt Na3(PPh4)(pydtz)2·12H2O reveals π‐stacking interaction of the pydtz2–, a polymeric chain of water molecules and Na+ cations in an extended hydrogen bonding and Na+‐coordinating network. PPh4+ cations interact solely through their positive charge. The alkali metal salts were soluble in water, alcohols, and DMF, whereas the pnictonium salts were additionally soluble in less polar solvents such as acetone, DMSO, CH2Cl2, or THF.
Modeling of stable cyclic stress‐strain responses under non‐proportional loading
Authors: Li Jing , Li Chun‐wang , Zhang Zhong‐ping
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes a simple two‐surface plasticity model for strain controlled conditions which includes only five material constants to describe the stable stress‐strain relationship under extensive non‐proportional loadings. In this model, the Mróz kinematic hardening rule is adopted to describe the instantaneous translation of the yield surface, and a larger radius of the limit surface is selected to avoid overlapping of the one with the limit surface. A non‐proportionality measure of strain path on the basis of the minimum normal strain range is proposed. Procedures to determine the minimum normal strain range are also presented for general multiaxial loadings. The proposed two‐surface model is relatively convenient to be used since it is not overly sensitive to the modeling parameters. Four kinds of material (type 304 stainless steel, S460N steel, 30CrNiMo8HH steel, and 1%CrMoV steel) tested under strain controlled conditions are used to validate the reliability of the proposed model. Comparisons between test results and model predictions under 19 types of nonproportional strain paths show that the proposed model predicts relatively accurate stress responses under non‐proportional loading paths by introducing non‐proportional cyclic hardening coefficient and non‐proportionality factor into the developed evolution equations.
National Society of Genetic Counselors Code of Ethics
Authors:   The National Society of Genetic Counselors
Published: October 2017

This document is the revised Code of Ethics of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) that was adopted in April 2017 after majority vote of the full membership of the NSGC. The explication of the revisions is published in this volume of the Journal of Genetic Counseling. This is the fourth revision to the Code of Ethics since its original adoption in 1992.
Dose‐dependent neurocognitive deficits following postnatal day 10 HIV‐1 viral protein exposure: Relationship to hippocampal anatomy parameters
Authors: Fitting Sylvia , McLaurin Kristen A. , Booze Rosemarie M. , Mactutus Charles F.
Published: October 2017

Despite the availability of antiretroviral prophylactic treatment, pediatric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) continues to be a significant risk factor in the post‐cART era. The time of infection (i.e., during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding) may play a role in the development of neurocognitive deficits in pediatric HIV‐1. HIV‐1 viral protein exposure on postnatal day (P)1, preceding the postnatal brain growth spurt in rats, had deleterious effects on neurocognitive development and anatomical parameters of the hippocampus (Fitting et al., 2008a,b). In the present study, rats were stereotaxically injected with HIV‐1 viral proteins, including Tat1–86 and gp120, on P10 to further examine the role of timing on neurocognitive development and anatomical parameters of the hippocampus (Fitting et al., 2010). The dose‐dependent virotoxin effects observed across development following P10 Tat1–86 exposure were specific to spatial learning and absent from prepulse inhibition and locomotor activity. A relationship between alterations in spatial learning and/or memory and hippocampal anatomical parameters was noted. Specifically, the estimated number of neurons and astrocytes in the hilus of the dentate gyrus explained 70% of the variance of search behavior in Morris water maze acquisition training for adolescents and 65% of the variance for adults; a brain‐behavior relationship consistent with observations following P1 viral protein exposure. Collectively, late viral protein exposure (P10) results in selective alterations in neurocognitive development without modifying measures of somatic growth, preattentive processing, or locomotor activity, as characterized by early viral protein exposure (P1). Thus, timing may be a critical factor in disease progression, with children infected with HIV earlier in life being more vulnerable to CNS disease.
Effectiveness of Circuit‐Based Exercises on Gait Speed, Balance, and Functional Mobility in People Affected by Stroke: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Bonini‐Rocha Ana Clara , de Andrade Anderson Lúcio Souza , Moraes André Marques , Gomide Matheus Liana Barbaresco , Diniz Leonardo Rios , Martins Wagner Rodrigues
Published: October 2017

Background

Several interventions have been proposed to rehabilitate patients with neurologic dysfunctions due to stroke. However, the effectiveness of circuit‐based exercises according to its actual definition, ie, an overall program to improve strength, stamina, balance or functioning, was not provided.

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of circuit‐based exercise in the treatment of people affected by stroke.

Methods

A search through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database databases was performed to identify controlled clinical trials without language or date restriction. The overall mean difference with 95% confidence interval was calculated for all outcomes. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias.

Results

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, and 8 presented suitable data to perform a meta‐analysis. Quantitative analysis showed that circuit‐based exercise was more effective than conventional intervention on gait speed (mean difference of 0.11 m/s) and circuit‐based exercise was not significantly more effective than conventional intervention on balance and functional mobility.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that circuit‐based exercise presents better effects on gait when compared with conventional intervention and that its effects on balance and functional mobility were not better than conventional interventions.

Level of Evidence

I
Can intergroup conflict aid the growth of within- and between-group social capital?
Authors: Chang Man-Ling
Published: October 2017

This study seeks to explore the effects of interdepartmental conflict on bonding social capital within a department and bridging social capital between departments. Two-period data were collected from 213 respondents in 71 high-tech and manufacturing firms in Taiwan. These respondents work in research and development departments and cooperate with marketing departments. The results indicate that intergroup task and emotional conflicts promote bonding social capital within the research and development department. Up to a moderate level, task conflict subsequently promotes the development of structural and relational bridging social capital; however, an increase in task conflict above a moderate level becomes detrimental to structural and relational bridging social capital. Intergroup emotional conflict does not influence bridging social capital. Furthermore, intergroup conflict is unrelated to cognitive bridging social capital. The results provide insights into intergroup interactions, offering a novel means for managers to increase group social capital using the levels of conflict that naturally occur between departments.
Introduction: from snowball Earth to the Cambrian explosion–evidence from China
Authors: ZHU MAOYAN , LI XIAN-HUA
Published: October 2017

The Neoproterozoic–Palaeozoic transition (NPT) around 600 Ma ago was a critical time interval when the Earth experienced fundamental change, manifested as climatic extremes – ‘snowball Earth’ – followed by the emergence and rapid diversification of animals – ‘Cambrian explosion’. How animals and environments co-evolved, and what caused these fundamental changes to the Earth system during the NPT, is a great scientific puzzle, which has been a rapidly developing frontier of interdisciplinary research between bio- and geosciences. South China preserves a complete stratigraphic succession of the NPT developed in various facies ranging from shallow to deep marine realms with extraordinarily well-preserved, successive fossil biotas in various taphonomic settings (Zhu, 2010; Fig. 1), making it a key area and global focus of studies in the field over recent decades. Indeed, the current narrative of early animal evolution has largely been based on the fossil biotas from South China. These include: (1) the world's oldest microscopic animal fossils with cellular details from the early Ediacaran Weng'an biota (Doushantuo Formation); (2) putative macroscopic animal fossils preserved as carbonaceous imprints from the early Ediacaran Lantian, Wenghui and Miaohe biotas (also Doushantuo Formation); (3) typical late Ediacaran faunas, preserved in dark limestone (Shibantan biota) and as large and poorly mineralized tubular animal fossils (Gaojiashan biota), both from the Dengying Formation; (4) phosphatized small shelly and soft-bodied animal fossils from the early Cambrian Meishucun and Kuanchuanpu faunas; and (5) Cambrian fossil Lagerstätten (Chengjiang, Guanshan and Kaili faunas) with typical Burgess Shale-type soft-bodied preservation.
The ‘Clay-with-Flints’ deposit in Northern Ireland: reassessment of the evidence for an early Paleocene ignimbrite
Authors: COOPER MARK R. , TROLL VALENTIN R. , LEMON KIRSTIN
Published: October 2017

Reassessment of key geological sections, field relationships and petrographical characteristics of the Northern Ireland ‘Clay-with-Flints’ and ‘Donald's Hill Ignimbrite Formation’ show they formed dominantly by sedimentary processes. The involvement of a previously postulated pyroclastic flow during early Paleocene time is not recognized and, as such, the Donald's Hill Ignimbrite Formation stratigraphic term is discounted. Instead a multistage model of formation by sedimentary accumulation and remobilization is presented and the term Clay-with-Flints is retained. Regionally, two dominant facies are recognized in most Clay-with-Flints sections. Facies 1 was formed by an initial accumulation of flints on a chalk landscape undergoing karstification, and involved deposition of a clay matrix derived predominantly from contemporaneous erosion of subtropical soil horizons formed mainly on basalt. In Facies 2, evidence is observed for widespread remobilization of Facies 1 deposits by high-density mudflows driven by the advancement of the Antrim Lava Group, which caused the blockage of subsurface and marginalization of surface drainage. A stratigraphical constraint imposed by the presence of a supposed ignimbrite in this part of the North Atlantic Igneous Province has been problematic, but this is resolved by its identification as a diachronous, sedimentary deposit that formed until buried by either the lower or upper formations of the Antrim Lava Group.
Percolation transition of cooperative mutational effects in colorectal tumorigenesis
Authors: Shin Dongkwan , Lee Jonghoon , Gong Jeong-Ryeol , Cho Kwang-Hyun
Published: October 2017

Cancer is caused by the accumulation of multiple genetic mutations, but their cooperative effects are poorly understood. Using a genome-wide analysis of all the somatic mutations in colorectal cancer patients in a large-scale molecular interaction network, here we find that a giant cluster of mutation-propagating modules in the network undergoes a percolation transition, a sudden critical transition from scattered small modules to a large connected cluster, during colorectal tumorigenesis. Such a large cluster ultimately results in a giant percolated cluster, which is accompanied by phenotypic changes corresponding to cancer hallmarks. Moreover, we find that the most commonly observed sequence of driver mutations in colorectal cancer has been optimized to maximize the giant percolated cluster. Our network-level percolation study shows that the cooperative effect rather than any single dominance of multiple somatic mutations is crucial in colorectal tumorigenesis.
The diverse club
Authors: Bertolero M. A. , Yeo B. T. T. , D’Esposito M.
Published: October 2017

A complex system can be represented and analyzed as a network, where nodes represent the units of the network and edges represent connections between those units. For example, a brain network represents neurons as nodes and axons between neurons as edges. In many networks, some nodes have a disproportionately high number of edges as well as many edges between each other and are referred to as the “rich club”. In many different networks, the nodes of this club are assumed to support global network integration. Here we show that another set of nodes, which have edges diversely distributed across the network, form a “diverse club”. The diverse club exhibits, to a greater extent than the rich club, properties consistent with an integrative network function—these nodes are more highly interconnected and their edges are more critical for efficient global integration. Finally, these two clubs potentially evolved via distinct selection pressures.
Intracellular construction of topology-controlled polypeptide nanostructures with diverse biological functions
Authors: Li Li-Li , Qiao Sheng-Lin , Liu Wei-Jiao , Ma Yang , Wan Dong , Pan Jie , Wang Hao
Published: October 2017

Topological structures of bio-architectonics and bio-interfaces play major roles in maintaining the normal functions of organs, tissues, extracellular matrix, and cells. In-depth understanding of natural self-assembly mechanisms and mimicking functional structures provide us opportunities to artificially control the natural assemblies and their biofunctions. Here, we report an intracellular enzyme-catalyzed polymerization approach for efficient synthesis of polypeptides and in situ construction of topology-controlled nanostructures. We reveal that the phase behavior and topological structure of polypeptides are encoded in monomeric peptide sequences. Next, we elucidate the relationship between polymerization dynamics and their temperature-dependent topological transition in biological conditions. Importantly, the linearly grown elastin-like polypeptides are biocompatible and aggregate into nanoparticles that exhibit significant molecular accumulation and retention effects. However, 3D gel-like structures with thermo-induced multi-directional traction interfere with cellular fates. These findings allow us to exploit new nanomaterials in living subjects for biomedical applications.
Experimental transfusion of variant CJD-infected blood reveals previously uncharacterised prion disorder in mice and macaque
Authors: Comoy Emmanuel E. , Mikol Jacqueline , Jaffré Nina , Lebon Vincent , Levavasseur Etienne , Streichenberger Nathalie , Sumian Chryslain , Perret-Liaudet Armand , Eloit Marc , Andreoletti Olivier , Haïk Stéphane , Hantraye Philippe , Deslys Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2017

Exposure of human populations to bovine spongiform encephalopathy through contaminated food has resulted in <250 cases of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD). However, more than 99% of vCJD infections could have remained silent suggesting a long-term risk of secondary transmission particularly through blood. Here, we present experimental evidence that transfusion in mice and non-human primates of blood products from symptomatic and non-symptomatic infected donors induces not only vCJD, but also a different class of neurological impairments. These impairments can all be retransmitted to mice with a pathognomonic accumulation of abnormal prion protein, thus expanding the spectrum of known prion diseases. Our findings suggest that the intravenous route promotes propagation of masked prion variants according to different mechanisms involved in peripheral replication.