bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Reactivity and Selectivity of Aryl Bromides: A Complementary Approach to Dibenzo[b,f]azepine Derivatives
Authors: Casnati Alessandra , Fontana Marco , Coruzzi Giovanni , Aresta Brunella Maria , Corriero Nicola , Maggi Raimondo , Maestri Giovanni , Motti Elena , Della Ca' Nicola
Published: July 2018

Dihydrodibenzo[b,f]azepines and dibenzo[b,f]azepines can be efficiently synthesized from aryl bromides, o‐bromoanilines and norbornene or norbornadiene by means of palladium catalysis. This protocol gives access to dibenzo[b,f]azepine core containing a variety of electron‐withdrawing substituents on both aromatic rings and complements the previously reported methodology where electron rich aryl iodides were preferentially used. The presence of KI, even in sub‐stoichiometric amount, is crucial for this three‐component reaction. The proper addition of iodide anions has a dramatic effect on reaction rate and selectivity. A formal three‐step synthesis of the tricyclic antidepressant Clomipramine (Anafranil®) is also described.
A New Strategy for Outstanding Performance and Durability in Acidic Fuel Cells: A Small Amount Pt Anchored on Fe, N co‐Doped Graphene Nanoplatelets
Authors: Kim Jeongwon , Kim Changmin , Jeon In‐Yup , Baek Jong‐Beom , Ju Young‐Wan , Kim Guntae
Published: July 2018

Development of cost‐effective and efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is one of the most important topics in the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Herein, we suggested the enhanced electrochemical catalyst with nanoscale platinum anchored on iron (Fe) and nitrogen (N) co‐doped graphene nanoplatelets (Pt/FeN‐GnPs) with low content of Pt. The nanoscale platinum particles are uniformly anchored on the surface of FeN‐GnPs and result in excellent oxygen reduction activity and stability in acidic media. The fascinating interaction between Pt particles and FeN−GnPs substrate contributed to advanced oxygen reduction activity, outstanding cell performance, and remarkable high stability for acidic PEM fuel cells.
A Highly‐Efficient Composite Separator with Strong Ligand Interaction for High‐Temperature Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , Tan Chao , Lv Weiqiang , Ali Shamshad , Boateng Bismark , Chen Wenjin , Wei Zhaohuan , Feng Chao , Ahmed Junaid , Goodenough John B. , He Weidong
Published: July 2018

A PVDF‐HFP/colloidal‐TiO2 composite separator is synthesized for high‐temperature lithium‐ion batteries. Incorporation of colloidal TiO2 in the PVDF‐HFP matrix forms a highly‐uniform composite micro‐structure with strong adsorption interactions between TiO2 and PVDF‐HFP due to the presence of citric acid. The strong interactions are giving rise to advantageous mechanical robustness, separator/electrode interface and electrolyte uptake. The separator shows remarkable stability upon thermal treatment at 150 °C. With a high ionic conductivity up to 1.57×10−3 S cm−1, the LFP/Li cell with PVDF‐HFP/colloidal‐TiO2 composite separator delivers charge‐discharge capacities of 156.95 mAh g−1 (0.1 C) at room temperature and 120.8 mAh g−1 (0.5 C) after annealing cells at 140 °C for 3 hours with a 99 % capacity retention after 100 cycles. The PVDF‐HFP/colloidal‐TiO2 separator demonstrates promising potentials for practical applications in high‐temperature environments.
How Positive and Neo‐Aristotelian Leadership Can Contribute to Ethical Leadership
Authors: Meyer Marcel , Sison Alejo José G. , Ferrero Ignacio
Published: July 2018

Virtuous leadership is crucial for advancing leadership ethics. By comparing Positive Leadership and its notion of virtuousness with neo‐Aristotelian leadership based on virtue, this article sheds light on this research field. We expound on the differences and commonalities between the two and present possibilities of how they can enrich each other and further ethical leadership theory. Our findings concern the purported Aristotelian roots of virtuousness, the relative strengths and weaknesses of the positive and the neo‐Aristotelian approaches, and the interplay between technical skills and ethical excellence in leadership. We propose the adoption of practical managerial tools and procedures from Positive Leadership, making them dependent upon the virtues to achieve flourishing within organizations and society at large. © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inside Cover: Synthetic Strategies for Constructing Two‐Dimensional Metal‐Organic Layers (MOLs): A Tutorial Review (Chin. J. Chem. 8/2018)
Authors: Cao Lingyun , Wang Tingting , Wang Cheng
Published: July 2018

The inside cover picture shows Metal‐organic layer (MOL), the two‐dimensional analog of metal‐organic framework (MOF), is a new member of two‐dimensional materials. This tutorial review summarizes current synthetic approaches for MOL preparation. More details are discussed in the article by Wang et al. on page 754–764.

image
LDL‐Cholesterol Is Not the Only Clinically Relevant Biomarker for Coronary Artery Disease or Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Field Patrick A. , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: July 2018

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a progressive disorder and its risk is best determined using multiple biomarkers and risk factors. Many novel biomarkers have been shown to improve cardiovascular disease risk beyond that of the traditional risk factors, including polygenic risk scores, small very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL), ApoB, triglycerides (TG), non‐HDL‐c, lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), coronary calcium scores, C‐reactive protein (CRP), B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponins, and many other novel biomarkers that have been measured using high throughput assays.
Layered Boron–Nitrogen–Carbon–Oxygen Materials with Tunable Composition as Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Tzadikov Jonathan , Auinat Mahmud , Barrio Jesús , Volokh Michael , Peng Guiming , Gervais Christel , Ein‐Eli Yair , Shalom Menny
Published: July 2018

The insertion of heteroatoms with different electronegativity into carbon materials can tune their chemical, electronic, and optical properties. However, in traditional solid‐state synthesis, it is challenging to control the reactivity of monomers, and therefore, the amount and position of heteroatoms in the final materials. Herein, a simple, scalable, and general molten‐state route to synthesize boron–nitrogen–carbon–oxygen (BNCO) materials with tunable boron–nitrogen–carbon composition, as well as electronic and optical properties, is reported. The new synthetic approach consists of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and ammonia–borane as reactants that form a clear liquid‐state stage spanning a wide temperature range, before the solid‐state reaction. The molten‐state stage enhances the control over the synthetic intermediates and final materials, owing to improved monomer miscibility and reactivity. The BNCO composition and optical properties are tuned by the PAH selection and final reaction temperature. The advantages of this method are demonstrated herein through the tunable optical properties, excellent stability to oxidization, facile deposition on substrates, and good activity as an anode material in lithium‐ion batteries.
Electrochemical Detection of SNP in Human Mitochondrial DNA Using Cyclic Primer Extension with Biotinylated Nucletides and Enzymatic Labeling at Disposable Pencil Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Plucnara Medard , Eksin Ece , Erdem Arzum , Fojta Miroslav
Published: July 2018

A novel method of SNP typing in human mitochondrial DNA utilizing enzymatic labeling and electrochemical detection at disposable pencil graphite electrodes is described. The procedure is based on amplification of DNA stretches by cyclic primer extension (PEx) of SNP‐specific diagnostic primers in a mixture of biotinylated and natural nucleotides. The diagnostic primers are designed to recognize, by its 3'‐terminal nucleotide, the SNP‐site in target template. Under optimized conditions of the PEx reaction, efficient polymerase synthesis of biotin‐labeled strands takes place only in the case of full complementarity between the diagnostic primer and the target SNP site. There is also benefit from introducing many biotin molecules per extended DNA strand, resulting in another level of signal amplification. After adsorption of biotinylated PEx products at the electrode surface, streptavidin‐alkaline phosphatase conjugate was bound to the biotin tags, 1‐naphthol was enzymatically produced and electrochemically detected. Several critical steps and parameters of the assay, including termination of 3’‐OH ends of residual amplification primers, temperature for annealing of diagnostic primers, relative amount of biotinylated deoxynucleoside triphosphate in the PEx mixture and number of PEx cycles were optimized in this study to attain best SNP resolution, and reduction of time needed for the analysis.
Fracture Risk After Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Axelsson Kristian F , Werling Malin , Eliasson Björn , Szabo Eva , Näslund Ingmar , Wedel Hans , Lundh Dan , Lorentzon Mattias
Published: July 2018

Gastric bypass surgery constitutes the most common and effective bariatric surgery to treat obesity. Gastric bypass leads to bone loss, but fracture risk following surgery has been insufficiently studied. Furthermore, the association between gastric bypass and fracture risk has not been studied in patients with diabetes, which is a risk factor for fracture and affected by surgery. In this retrospective cohort study using Swedish national databases, 38,971 obese patients undergoing gastric bypass were identified, 7758 with diabetes and 31,213 without. An equal amount of well-balanced controls were identified through multivariable 1:1 propensity score matching. The risk of fracture and fall injury was investigated using Cox proportional hazards and flexible parameter models. Fracture risk according to weight loss and degree of calcium and vitamin D supplementation 1-year postsurgery was investigated. During a median follow-up time of 3.1 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.7 to 4.6) years, gastric bypass was associated with increased risk of any fracture, in patients with and without diabetes using a multivariable Cox model (hazard ratio [HR] 1.26; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.53; and HR 1.32; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.47; respectively). Using flexible parameter models, the fracture risk appeared to increase with time. The risk of fall injury without fracture was also increased after gastric bypass. Larger weight loss or poor calcium and vitamin D supplementation after surgery were not associated with increased fracture risk. In conclusion, gastric bypass surgery is associated with an increased fracture risk, which appears to be increasing with time and not associated with degree of weight loss or calcium and vitamin D supplementation following surgery. An increased risk of fall injury was seen after surgery, which could contribute to the increased fracture risk. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Can a Rude Waiter Make Your Food Less Tasty? Social Class Differences in Thinking Style and Carryover in Consumer Judgments
Authors: Lee Jaehoon
Published: July 2018

Building on the notion that cognitive processes vary across social classes, we predict that social class shapes thinking style, which in turn affects consumer judgments. In doing so, we employ service failure domains as a way to understand social class effects. Across four studies, we show that, when faced with a failure incident occurring in one service dimension (e.g., rude employees), consumers in the low social class, relative to those in the high social class, carry over to influence their evaluations of the other service dimensions (e.g., food quality) that are unrelated to the failure incident. We further show that low‐class consumers favor a holistic style of thinking, whereas high‐class consumers favor an analytic style of thinking and that these differences in thinking style account for the carryover effects on evaluations. The pattern of the effects exists when the service failure is perceived to be severe rather than minor.
Binding of p67phox to Nox2 is stabilized by disulfide bonds between cysteines in the 369Cys-Gly-Cys371 triad in Nox2 and in p67phox
Authors: Fradin Tanya , Bechor Edna , Berdichevsky Yevgeny , Dahan Iris , Pick Edgar
Published: July 2018

A central event in the activation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase involves binding of p67phox to the dehydrogenase region of Nox2. The identity of the binding site in Nox2 is unknown. By measuring binding of p67phox to synthetic Nox2 peptides, we previously identified a sequence corresponding to Nox2 residues 357–383, as a potential binding site. A key role was attributed to a 369Cys-Gly-Cys371 triad, shared by peptides 357–371 (peptide 24) and 369–383 (peptide 28). In this study, we show that (1) oxidation of cysteines in peptides 24 and 28 by a variety of oxidants markedly enhances the binding of p67phox; (2) replacing cysteines by arginine abolishes the response to oxidants and the enhanced binding of p67phox; (3) oxidants act by generating an intramolecular disulfide bond linking cysteines 369 and 371, generating such bond during peptide synthesis reproduces the effect of oxidants; (4) for the disulfide bond to lead to enhanced binding, cysteines must be separated by an intervening residue; bonds joining adjacent cysteines, or cysteines located on two peptides, do not enhance binding; (5) dissociating disulfide bonds by reducing agents abolishes enhanced binding; (6) treating p67phox with the alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide suppresses binding; and (7) mutating all nine cysteines in p67phox to serines abolishes binding and diminishes the ability of p67phox to support NADPH oxidase activation in vitro. Results show that the primary interaction of p67phox with Nox2 is followed by a stabilizing step, based on the establishment of disulfide bonds between cysteine(s) in the 369Cys-Gly-Cys371 triad and cysteine(s) in p67phox.

Binding of p67phox to the dehydrogenase region of Nox2 requires the presence of a disulfide bond between Nox2 cysteines 369 and 371.
Identification of potential pathogenic viruses in patients with acute myocarditis using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Takeuchi Suguru , Kawada Jun‐ichi , Okuno Yusuke , Horiba Kazuhiro , Suzuki Takako , Torii Yuka , Yasuda Kazushi , Numaguchi Atsushi , Kato Taichi , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Ito Yoshinori
Published: July 2018

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium and leads to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Although viral infections are considered to be the most common etiology of myocarditis, the identification of the causative virus is still challenging. Recently, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has been applied in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. The aim of the current study was to comprehensively analyze potential pathogenic microorganisms using NGS in the sera of patients with myocarditis. Twelve pediatric and five adult patients hospitalized for acute myocarditis were included. Serum samples in the acute phase were obtained and analyzed using NGS to detect pathogen‐derived DNA and RNA. Viral sequence reads were detected in 7 (41%) of the 17 myocarditis patients by NGS. Among these patients, detection of Epstein‐Barr virus, human parvovirus B19, torque teno virus, and respiratory syncytial virus reads by NGS was consistent with polymerase chain reaction or antigen test results in one patient each. A large number of human pegivirus reads were detected from one patient by RNA sequencing; however, its pathogenicity to human is unknown. Conversely, the number of detected virus‐derived reads was small in most cases, and the pathophysiological role of these viruses remains to be clarified. No significant bacterial or fungal reads other than normal bacterial flora was detected. These data indicate that comprehensive detection of virus‐derived DNA and RNA using NGS can be useful for the identification of potential pathogenic viruses in myocarditis.
Screening and selection of Bifidobacterium strains isolated from human feces capable of utilizing resistant starch
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Joong , Shin Sang Ick , Lee Sang‐Jun , Moon Tae Wha , Lee Chang Joo
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Resistant starch (RS) has been studied for its ability to serve as a substrate for the microbiota present in the human large intestine and for its beneficial physiological effects. The aim of this study was to screen and select novel strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the genus Bifidobacterium isolated from human fecal samples for further application as probiotics relying on their utilization of RS3, a prebiotic.

RESULTS

LAB were isolated from human fecal samples, based on their ability to utilize RS3 as a carbon source. Consequently, two LAB were identified as Bifidobacterium adolescentis based on morphological, physiological and biochemical properties, and molecular biological analysis. The RS3‐utilizing ability of these isolates was shown by the rapid decrease in pH of RS3‐MRS media and by the pinhole traces on the surface of RS3 particles. Isolated B. adolescentis JSC2 was shown to be negative for β‐glucuronidase, suggesting that it would be safe for human use, and was found to be tolerant towards the acidic, bile‐salt environment.

CONCLUSION

This synbiotics approach of B. adolescentis JCS2, an RS‐utilizing probiotics, coupled with RS utilization, is expected to enhance RS utilization in the food industry and be beneficial for the promotion of human health. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenolic composition and total antioxidant capacity of South African frozen concentrated orange juice as affected by varietal, seasonal and regional differences
Authors: Hunlun Cindy , de Beer Dalene , Sigge Gunnar O , Van Wyk Jessy
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

There is epidemiological evidence that fruits and vegetables promote general health due to their phenolic composition. The phenolic composition of three commercially important citrus varieties (‘Mandarin’, ‘Navel’ orange and ‘Valencia’ orange), used for frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) production in South Africa, were evaluated based on variety, production season and geographical region (Western Cape (WC) and Eastern Cape (EC)).

RESULTS

FCOJ from the WC had significantly (P < 0.05) lower titratable acidity (TA) and higher total soluble solids (TSS):TA ratio compared to FCOJ produced in the EC. The ‘Navel’ FCOJ, irrespective of season and region, had the highest (P < 0.05) phenolic content (sum of quantified compounds, TP). Regional effects were clear for the ‘Mandarin’ variety, the EC ‘Mandarin’ FCOJ had the highest TP and WC ‘Mandarin’ had the lowest. Seasonal differences were less evident. Variation that could be ascribed to regional differences were also found for individual phenolic compounds.

CONCLUSION

Robust data regarding the phenolic profile of FCOJ produced in South Africa, suitable for inclusion in food composition databases, were collected. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Eastern China coastal mudflats: Salt‐soil amendment with sewage sludge
Authors: Bai Yanchao , Zuo Wengang , Shao Hongbo , Mei Lijuan , Tang Boping , Gu Chuanhui , Wang Xukui , Guan Yongxiang
Published: July 2018

The mudflats developed along the east coast of China can be important alternative land sources for agricultural purpose after amending with organic fertilizers in large amounts. Abundant in quality organic matter and other plant nutrients, municipal sewage sludge has great potential to be used in mudflat amendment. However, the conflict between agricultural benefits from soil fertility elevation and environmental risks from hazard substances existing in sewage sludge is the critical issue to be resolved before large‐scale application of sewage suldge into salt‐affected degradaed mudflats. In compliance with the national standard for land application in China, raw sewage sludge and its compost can be used to amend mudflat salt‐soil by one‐time or multiple‐time application. One‐time input of sewage sludge followed by planting and tilling green manure has proved to be an optimal way for rapidly improving salt‐affected soil degradation with sustaining fertility benefits and minimal environmental risks. In salt‐soil amended with sludge, soil organic matter content was significantly elevated, and soil physicochemical properties were subsequently improved due to the increase of soil porosity, available nitrogen and phosphorus, and the decrease in bulk density, salinity, and pH in salt‐soil. Application of sewage sludge to mudflat soils increases soil total and bioavailable heavy metals derived from sludge application and thus increases risk of metal uptake by plants grown in mudflat salt‐soil. Environmental risks still represent a major issue in mudflat salt‐soil amendment by sewage sludge. Future holistic environmental risk assessment is warranted before using sewage sludge to amend mudflat salt‐affected degradated soil in China.
Reduced barnacle larval abundance and settlement in response to large‐scale oceanic disturbances: Temporal patterns, nearshore thermal stratification, and potential mechanisms
Authors: Pineda Jesús , Reyns Nathalie , Lentz Steven J.
Published: July 2018

We assessed the effects of large‐scale oceanic disturbances on the settlement rate of an abundant intertidal barnacle. Daily or weekly settlement, nearshore temperature, currents, and abundance of early‐stage barnacle nauplii and Chthamalus fissus cyprids were measured in La Jolla, California, from the inception of the large‐scale warm‐water anomaly known as the “Blob” in 2014, to 1 yr following the 2015/2016 El Niño. We also measured over 2 yr of weekly settlement rates during the 1997/1998 El Niño in La Jolla and in two Mexican sites. Settlement was low during the Blob and the 2015/2016 El Niño, but increased dramatically after its end, and rates remained high through spring 2017. Barnacle nauplii and C. fissus cyprid abundances were also low during the Blob and El Niño. Nearshore water column thermal stratification and variability of the high‐frequency cross‐shore currents, a measure of internal wave activity, declined during the Blob and El Niño, but increased at the end of El Niño. Similarly, settlement rates in the Mexican sites were low during the 1997/1998 El Niño. The reduction in settlement during the Blob and El Niño may be related to two factors: a decrease in water column stratification, which can influence internal bore larval transport and the cross‐shore distribution of larvae, and also to reduced early‐stage larval abundance, potentially related to lower reproductive output or high nauplii mortality during the disturbances.
Incomplete methylation of a germ cell tumor (Seminoma) in a Prader‐Willi male
Authors: Eldar‐Geva Talia , Gross‐Tsur Varda , Hirsch Harry J. , Altarescu Gheona , Segal Reeval , Zeligson Sharon , Golomb Eliahu , Epsztejn‐Litman Silvina , Eiges Rachel
Published: July 2018

Background

Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystem genetic disorder characterized by lack of satiety leading to morbid obesity, variable degrees of mental retardation, behavior disorders, short stature, and hypogonadism. The underlying genetic cause for PWS is an imprinting defect resulting from a lack of expression of several paternally inherited genes embedded within the 15q11.2‐q13 region. Although the clinical expression of hypogonadism in PWS is variable, there are no known cases of fertility in PWS men. In this paper, we described a pure, nearly diploid seminoma in an apparently 32 year‐old infertile man with PWS due to maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) on chromosome 15. The development of a germ cell tumor in this subject was an unanticipated result. The aim of this study was to explore the origin of the germ cell tumor in this PWS male patient.

Methods

To explain the origin of the germ cell tumor (seminoma) in our PWS patient we have characterized the tumor for cell morphology and tumor type by pathological examination (H&E and immuno‐stainings), evaluated its karyotype by chromosomal microarray analysis and confirmed its UPD origin by haplotype analysis. In addition, DNA methylation status of the PWS‐ and H19‐ imprinting centers in wild‐type and affected fibroblasts, patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and PWS seminoma were determined by bisulfite DNA colony sequencing.

Results

To explain the apparent contradiction between the existence of a germ cell tumor and hypogonadism we first confirmed the germ cell origin of the tumor. Next, we determined the tumor chromosomal composition, and validated the presence of a maternal UPD in all examined cell types from this patient. Finally, we characterized the maternal imprints in the PWS and H19 imprinting centers in the tumor and compared them with patient's fibroblasts and iPSCs derived from them. Unpredictably, methylation was reduced to 50% in the tumor, while preserved in the other cell types.

Conclusion

We infer from this assay that the loss of methylation in the PWS‐IC specifically in the tumor of our patient is most likely a locus‐specific event resulting from imprint relaxation rather than from general resetting of the imprints throughout the genome during germ line specification.
Parent–child communication surrounding genetic testing for Li–Fraumeni syndrome: Living under the cloud of cancer
Authors: Valdez Jessica M. , Walker Breya , Ogg Susan , Gattuso Jami , Alderfer Melissa A. , Zelley Kristin , Ford Carol A. , Baker Justin N. , Mandrell Belinda N. , Nichols Kim E.
Published: July 2018

Background

Advances in the application of genetic technologies reveal a growing number of heritable disorders associated with an increased risk to develop cancer during childhood. As genetic testing is increasingly employed in the clinical setting, it is essential to understand whether parents communicate with their children about test results and to elucidate the factors that influence the content and outcomes of these conversations.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 parents whose children tested positive for Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS). Semantic content analysis was performed on transcribed interviews, focusing on questions related to parent–child conversations about the genetic testing process and disclosure of positive test results.

Results

All parents emphasized the importance of involving children in conversations about LFS. The majority (93%) identified as being part of “cancer families” in which prior experiences with cancer created opportunities for communication. While all had spoken with their children about cancer, only seven (50%) specifically disclosed to their children that they had tested positive for LFS. The most common reason cited for nondisclosure at the time of this study was the young age of the children.

Conclusion

Parents of children with LFS desire open conversations about genetic testing and cancer risk. These conversations are challenging yet essential to enable child understanding of genetic risk status and enhance compliance with health‐promoting and cancer surveillance measures. Development of age‐appropriate educational materials and novel clinical models to facilitate parent–child conversations about genetic test results and risk status for cancer are needed.
Prenatal and perinatal risk factors for solid childhood malignancies: A questionnaire‐based study
Authors: Li Sihui , Cai Siyu , Huang Cheng , Chai Xi , Wang Xindi , Wang Xisi , Zhao Wen , Nie Xiaolu , Peng Xiaoxia , Ma Xiaoli
Published: July 2018

Importance

Childhood solid tumors account for the highest proportion of childhood cancers and are one of the leading causes of death in childhood. However, their pathogenesis is unclear.

Objective

To explore prenatal and perinatal risk factors for solid malignancies in children.

Methods

We enrolled 71 consecutive pediatric patients (44 boys and 27 girls; median age, 30 months) with solid tumors who were diagnosed and treated at our center from January 2013 to December 2016 as the case group. We also enrolled 211 age‐ and residence‐matched healthy children (ratio of approximately 3:1 with the case group) as the control group. We conducted a questionnaire‐based survey with the parents of these 282 children. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses of the collected data were performed.

Results

Confirmed solid malignancies included neuroblastoma (n = 32), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 18), retinoblastoma (n = 7), renal tumors (n = 3), and other tumors (n = 11). Risk factors for solid childhood tumors in the univariate analysis were the parents’ age, gravidity, parity, abortion history, vaginal bleeding, family history of malignancy, and prenatal use of folic acid or hematinics/iron supplements (P < 0.05), and those in the multivariate analysis were higher parity (odds ratio [OR], 2.482; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.521–4.048), family history of malignancy (OR, 3.667; 95% CI, 1.679–8.009), and prenatal use of hematinics/iron supplements (OR, 2.882; 95% CI, 1.440–5.767). In contrast, use of prenatal folic acid was protective (OR, 0.334; 95% CI, 0.160–0.694).

Interpretation

A family history of malignancy, use of prenatal hematinics/iron supplements, and higher parity are risk factors for solid childhood tumors, whereas use of prenatal folic acid is a protective factor.
Successful treatment of a female pediatric patient with carbamazepine‐induced toxic epidermal necrolysis: Active wound care and systemic therapy
Authors: Liang Yuan , Chu Yan , Xu Zigang , Ma Lin
Published: July 2018

We describe a 6‐year‐old female patient who developed carbamazepine‐associated toxic epidermal necrolysis. With active wound care, systemic methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin pulse therapies and multidisciplinary supportive care, the patient improved significantly. This case indicates that improving the management of Stevens‐Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis patients requires attention not only to the process of wound management but also to individual supportive care and active therapeutic intervention. Only through this can standardized care, including muco‐cutaneous and visceral wound care, be delivered to provide high‐quality care with improved clinical prognosis and quality of life.
Spiromesifen and spirotetramat resistance in field populations of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius in Spain
Authors: Bielza Pablo , Moreno Inmaculada , Belando Ana , Grávalos Carolina , Izquierdo Josep , Nauen Ralf
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Spiromesifen and spirotetramat are novel insecticides belonging to the chemical class of tetronic and tetramic acid derivatives. Both compounds have proven very effective against field populations of Bemisia tabaci around the world. However, several growers have recently reported control failures in Spain. Therefore, we studied the resistance level to these insecticides in field populations reporting control failures. In addition, we further selected a spiromesifen‐resistant strain to study the mechanisms involved and the cross‐resistance pattern.

RESULTS

All the new field populations collected were significantly more resistant to spiromesifen than the susceptible population, confirming the presence of resistance. Several populations showing high levels of resistance to spiromesifen (>10 000‐fold), exhibited cross‐resistance to spirotetramat, but resistance ratios were much lower (130‐fold). The spiromesifen laboratory‐selected strain was very resistant to spiromesifen (LC50 > 30 000 mg L−1) and spirotetramat (LC50 = 368.1 mg L−1), but lacks any cross‐resistance to other insecticides, thus providing options for resistance management. None of the synergists tested significantly restored the susceptibility of B. tabaci to either spiromesifen or spirotetramat.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of resistance to spiromesifen and spirotetramat in B. tabaci, and such high levels of resistance have not been reported before in any field collected pest. Our results suggest that enhanced detoxification does not critically contribute to resistance to ketoenols in B. tabaci. The obvious lack of a metabolic resistance mechanism either suggests a target‐site resistance mechanism or a metabolic mechanism insensitive to the synergists tested. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The Role of Nb Addition in TiO2 Nanoparticles: Phase Transition and Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: da Silva Luís F. , Avansi Waldir , Catto Ariadne C. , Rodrigues João E. F. S. , Bernardi Maria I. B. , Mastelaro Valmor R.
Published: July 2018

This paper reports an experimental investigation on the effects of Nb addition on the phase transformation and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles. Differential thermal analysis, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction measurements reveal that Nb addition retarded the anatase‐to‐rutile phase transition. Photocatalysis experiments indicate an enhancement of the degradation of methylene blue and rhodamine B dyes with the addition of Nb to TiO2 lattice. This behavior was attributed to the presence of Nb ions acting as active sites formers as well as the removal of organic species, since the presence of hydroxyls groups remained unchanged, as revealed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
A 10‐year radar‐based analysis of orographic precipitation growth and decay patterns over the Swiss Alpine region
Authors: Foresti Loris , Sideris Ioannis Vasileios , Panziera Luca , Nerini Daniele , Germann Urs
Published: July 2018

The dependence of precipitation growth and decay on the orientation of orographic features, mesoscale flow and freezing‐level height is quantified using a 10‐year archive of composite weather radar images over the Swiss Alpine region. The mesoscale flow is described by the motion of radar precipitation echoes, computed through variational echo tracking, while the freezing‐level height is extracted from the analyses of the numerical weather prediction model COSMO. On the northern side of the Alps, the areas of growth are generally observed on the upwind slopes of the Alpine chain, while on the southern side their location also depends on factors other than the motion of precipitation, such as the convergence of low‐level flows. On the other hand, the decay of precipitation is generally found in the inner Alpine valleys and on the downwind slopes of the Alpine chain. Compared to situations characterized by low freezing level, the areas of precipitation growth penetrate more into the mountain range with high‐freezing‐level conditions. When considering a time lag of 1 h and specific flow conditions, the systematic growth and decay of precipitation can explain up to 30–40% of its total variability over the orography. The relative contribution to the total variability is lower with high freezing level because the non‐systematic variability is larger. The statistical analysis of precipitation growth and decay using large archives of composite radar images highlights the mesoscale flow conditions and geographical locations most prone to orographic precipitation enhancement, but also has potential to improve existing precipitation nowcasting systems in mountainous regions and to provide a basis for the verification of systematic biases of numerical weather prediction models.
Sequential experimentation approach for robust design
Authors: Ríos Armando J. , Guerrero Guadalupe
Published: July 2018

The Taguchi approach for robust design has been a common practice in industrial experimentation for many years. However, these designs possess serious disadvantages such as the inability to estimate control × control interactions. In this article, we propose the application of the R3 algorithm as an augmentation tool for Taguchi experiments. The augmented Taguchi designs were compared with its competitors, mixed resolution designs, and D‐optimal augmentation, using performance indicators. The results showed that Taguchi designs augmented with the R3 algorithm are capable of estimating control × control interactions, possess similar values for performance indicators when compared with other techniques, and in most cases require less runs.
The size Ramsey number of short subdivisions of bounded degree graphs
Authors: Kohayakawa Yoshiharu , Retter Troy , Rödl Vojtěch
Published: July 2018

For graphs G and F, write if any coloring of the edges of G with colors yields a monochromatic copy of the graph F. Suppose is obtained from a graph S with s vertices and maximum degree d by subdividing its edges h times (that is, by replacing the edges of S by paths of length h + 1). We prove that there exists a graph G with no more than edges for which holds, provided that . We also extend this result to the case in which Q is a graph with maximum degree d on q vertices with the property that every pair of vertices of degree greater than 2 are distance at least h + 1 apart. This complements work of Pak regarding the size Ramsey number of “long subdivisions” of bounded degree graphs.
Synthesis of Fluorescent BODIPY‐Labeled Analogue of Miltefosine for Staining of Acanthamoeba.
Authors: Courrier Emilie , Maret Corentin , Charaoui‐Boukerzaza Sana , Lambert Victor , De Nicola Antoinette , Muzuzu Wenziz , Ulrich Gilles , Raberin Hélène , Flori Pierre , Moine Baptiste , He Zhiguo , Gain Philippe , Thuret Gilles
Published: July 2018

Amoebae pose a potential health risk as pathogenic agents i. e. in the central nervous system or the cornea, early diagnostics are important to implement rapid treatments and reduce impact on human health. Thus, development of selective fluorescent tags for Amoebae is an important issue. Analogues of Miltefosine, a drug effective against various strains of free‐living amoebae, have been synthesized. They are derivatives of the 11‐aminoundecylphosphocholine. Via a peptide bond, a strong emitting BODIPY was embedded to the structure. This compound (1) was used to selectively stain for Acanthamoeba castellanii. In order to test the effect of the insertion of the amide function in the alkylbackbone of this modified Miltefosine, a model molecule (2) was prepared by replacing the dye by the anisidyl moiety. Anti‐amoebic activity was evaluated for both.
Synthesis of Multinuclear Zn(II) Complexes Involving 8‐Aminoquinoline‐ Based Schiff‐Base Ligand: Structural Diversity, DNA Binding Studies and Theoretical Calculations.
Authors: Ghorai Pravat , Brandão Paula , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Saha Amrita
Published: July 2018

Four novel Zn(II) complexes [Zn2L2X2] (1), [Zn4L4X(OH)(OH2)][ZnX4]⋅H2O⋅CH3OH (2,3) and [Zn4L4X(OH)(OH2)](N(CN)2)(NO3)⋅ 2H2O⋅CH3OH (4) [where HL=(E)‐2‐methoxy‐6‐((quinolin‐8‐ylimino)methyl)phenol and X= N3−, SCN−, SeCN−, N(CN)2− for 1–4 respectively] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and different spectroscopic techniques viz. IR spectroscopy, UV‐vis spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Complex 1 is hetero (μ‐azido and μ‐phenoxo) bridged dinuclear Zn(II) complex whereas complexes 2, 3 and 4 are tetranuclear Zn(II) complexes with corner‐defective cubane structure. Complexes 2–4 bare the rare examples of presence of three different binding modes (mono, di and triply (μ3) bridging) of phenoxo group of a Schiff base ligand in a single platform. All four complexes exhibit groove binding as well as weak electrostatic interaction with CT‐DNA (calf thymus‐DNA). DFT (density functional theory) and MEP (Molecular electrostatic potential) analysis are also studied for complexes 1–4.
Investigating continuous power flow solutions of IEEE 14‐bus system
Authors: Liu Bin , Liu Feng , Zhai Bingxu , Lan Haibo
Published: July 2018

This letter focuses on the multiplicity of power flow (PF) equations and presents two continuous solutions for the widely studied IEEE 14‐bus system. The continuous solutions are located by a method combining the semidefinite program (SDP) relaxation and the reformulation linearization technique (RLT). Although the observation is nontrivial, it is of interest to researchers investigating the geometry or multiplicity nature of PF equations. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rural Cambodia: The Art of Education
Authors: Hart Kathy E.
Published: July 2018

Voices From the Classroom essays share readers’ reflections on teaching experiences, advice for new teachers, and perspectives on current issues.
Overview of the Results and Recommendations
Authors: Sosnovsky Sergey , Mercat Christian , Pohjolainen Seppo
Published: July 2018

The two EU Tempus-IV projects MetaMath (www.metamath.eu) and MathGeAr (www.mathgear.eu) have brought together mathematics educators, TEL specialists and experts in education quality assurance from 21 organizations across six countries. A comprehensive comparative analysis of the entire spectrum of math courses in the EU, Russia, Georgia and Armenia has been conducted. Its results allowed the consortium to pinpoint and introduce several curricular modifications, while preserving the overall strong state of the university math education in these countries. The methodology, the procedure and the results of this analysis are presented here.
The international health elective: a stepping stone for tomorrow’s global surgeons and anaesthetists
Authors: Abou El Ela Bourquin Bilal , Gnanakumar Sujit , Bath Michael F. , Bashford Tom , Menon David K , Hutchinson Peter J
Published: July 2018

None
Fish, Family, and the Gendered Politics of Descent Along Uganda’s Southern Littorals
Authors: Johnson Jennifer L.
Published: July 2018

This article examines historic gendered negotiations over identity, descent, and access to land along Uganda’s southern littorals by thinking about belonging with an exceptionally diverse assemblage of small fish. Based on accounts from contemporary littoral residents, the comparative historic ethnographic record, and fisheries scientists, the article describes the reproductive practices of enkejje as they may have been visible from Uganda’s southern littorals and situates the practices of raising socially recognized children within broader historical developments of clanship and public healing. Attending to these small fish in moments and in places where groups are under construction reorients analyses of descent politics beyond an often implicit focus on male interests towards the work of grandmothers, aunts, and mothers in debating the qualities of the most foundational units of the body politic – male and female children constituted relationally as persons through their status as legitimate family members.
Risk factors for surgical site infection after kidney and pancreas transplantation
Authors: Natori Yoichiro , Albahrani Salma , Alabdulla Mohammed , Vu James , Chow Edwin , Husain Shahid , Kumar Deepali , Humar Atul , Schiff Jeffrey , Cattral Mark , Rotstein Coleman
Published: July 2018

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in a cohort of pancreas transplant recipients and assess predisposing risk factors for SSI

Design

Retrospective cohort study

Setting

Single transplant center in Canada

Patients

Patients who underwent any simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) or pancreas after kidney (PAK) transplant procedures between January 2000 and December 2015

Methods

In this retrospective cohort evaluation of SPK or PAK recipients, we assessed the incidence of SSI and risk factors associated with superficial, deep, and organ/space SSI. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for SSI in SPK and PAK recipients.

Results

In total, 445 adult transplant recipients were enrolled. The median age of these patients was 51 years (range, 19–71 years), and 64.9% were men. SSIs were documented in 108 patients (24.3%). Organ/space SSIs predominated (59 patients, 54.6%), followed by superficial SSIs (47 patients, 43.5%) and deep SSIs (3 patients, 2.8%). Factors predictive of SSIs in the multivariate analysis were cold pancreas ischemic time (odds ratio [OR], 1.002; P=.019) and SPK transplant (compared to PAK transplant recipients; OR, 2.38; P=.038). Patients with SSIs developed graft loss more frequently (OR, 16.99; P<.001).

Conclusions

Organ/space SSIs remain a serious and common complication after SPK and PAK. Prolonged cold ischemic time and SPK transplant were the risk factors predictive of SSIs. Appropriate perioperative prophylaxis in high-risk patients targeting the potential pathogens producing SSIs in kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients and a reduction in cold ischemia may prove beneficial in reducing these SSIs.
Late Quaternary geomorphology and geoarchaeology in the rivers of the Holy Cross Mountains region, central Europe
Authors: Kalicki Tomasz , Frączek Marcin , Przepióra Paweł , Kusztal Piotr , Kłusakiewicz Edyta , Malęga Emanuela
Published: July 2018

Late Quaternary terraces and sediments in the Holy Cross Mountain region of Poland, emplaced within an environment that had evolved following multiple Pleistocene glaciations, provide evidence of increasing anthropogenic influence on landscape development since the Middle Ages, as revealed by research in the Kamionka, Kamienna, Czarna Konecka, and Nida valleys. The development of the “anthropogenic small-scale water retention system” (ASWRS), including numerous artificial ponds, channels, and forges and mills along the watercourses, resulted in changes in river patterns, with additional anthropogenic channels, which in turn reduced the maximum flood-stage levels during the Little Ice Age. With the collapse of the industries and the disappearance of the ASWRS, several major flood events took place. Unknown in the earlier Holocene, and caused by hydrotechnical failures, the geomorphic effects of these catastrophic flash floods significantly exceeded those of natural processes.
DIFFERENTIAL FORMS ON STRATIFIED SPACES
Authors: GÜRER SERAP , IGLESIAS-ZEMMOUR PATRICK
Published: July 2018

First, we extend the notion of stratified spaces to diffeology. Then we characterise the subspace of stratified differential forms, or zero-perverse forms in the sense of Goresky–MacPherson, which can be extended smoothly into differential forms on the whole space. For that we introduce an index which outlines the behaviour of the perverse forms on the neighbourhood of the singular strata.
Detrital zircon characterization of early Cambrian sandstones from East Avalonia and SE Ireland: implications for terrane affinities in the peri-Gondwanan Caledonides
Authors: WALDRON JOHN W.F. , SCHOFIELD DAVID I. , PEARSON GRAHAM , SARKAR CHIRANJEEB , LUO YAN , DOKKEN ROBERT
Published: July 2018

The Caledonides of Britain and Ireland include terranes attributed to both Laurentian and Gondwanan sources, separated along the Solway line. Gondwanan elements to the south have been variably assigned to the domains Ganderia and East Avalonia. The Midland Platform forms the core of East Avalonia but its provenance is poorly known. Laser ablation split-stream analysis yields information about detrital zircon provenance by providing simultaneous U–Pb and Lu–Hf data from the same ablated volume. A sample of Red Callavia Sandstone from uppermost Cambrian Stage 3 of the Midland Platform yields a U–Pb age spectrum dominated by Neoproterozoic and Palaeoproterozoic sources, resembling those in the Welsh Basin, the Meguma Terrane of Nova Scotia and NW Africa. Initial εHf values suggest that the Neoproterozoic zircon component was derived mainly from crustal sources < 2 Ga, and imply that the more evolved Palaeoproterozoic grains were transported into the basin from an older source terrane, probably the Eburnean Orogen of West Africa. A sample from Cambrian Stage 4 in the Bray Group of the Leinster–Lakesman Terrane shows, in contrast, a distribution of both U–Pb ages and εHf values closely similar to those of the Gander Terrane in Newfoundland and other terranes attributed to Ganderia, interpreted to be derived from the margin of Amazonia. East Avalonia is clearly distinct from Ganderia, but shows evidence for older crustal components not present in West Avalonia of Newfoundland. These three components of the Appalachian–Caledonide Orogen came from distinct sources on the margin of Cambrian Gondwana.
FOCAL SURFACES OF WAVE FRONTS IN THE EUCLIDEAN 3-SPACE
Authors: TERAMOTO KEISUKE
Published: July 2018

We characterise singularities of focal surfaces of wave fronts in terms of differential geometric properties of the initial wave fronts. Moreover, we study relationships between geometric properties of focal surfaces and geometric invariants of the initial wave fronts.