bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verdens fysikkår 2005 og Universitetsbiblioteket i Tromsø
Authors: Foss Marianne
Published: December 2018

August 2005. Publisert også i papirutgaven av TROMSØFLAKET, august 2005.
Ekte kanel på årets julegrøt?
Authors: Hansen Sissel Helene
Published: December 2018

Desember 2005. Publisert også i papirutgaven av TROMSØFLAKET, desember 2005.
Håndsamlinger og privatarkiver ved UB
Authors: Hagen Rune Blix
Published: December 2018

Januar 2006. Publisert også i papirutgaven av TROMSØFLAKET, januar 2006.
Mens vi ventar på Nynorsk leksikon
Authors: Svenheim Magnhild
Published: December 2018

Februar 2006. Publisert også i papirutgaven av TROMSØFLAKET, februar 2006.
Open J-Gate: en ny database med fritt tilgjengelige tidsskrifter
Authors: Skancke Bjørn Olav
Published: December 2018

April 2006. Publisert også i papirutgaven av TROMSØFLAKET, april 2006.
Universitetsbibliotekets informasjonstjeneste for odontologi ved Universitetet i Tromsø
Authors: Msomphora Mbachi Ruth
Published: December 2018

Juni 2006. Publisert også i papirutgaven av TROMSØFLAKET, juni 2006.
50 år med kognitiv psykologi
Authors: Låg Torstein
Published: December 2018

September 2006. Publisert også i papirutgaven av TROMSØFLAKET, september 2006.
Å navigere i informasjonshavet
Authors: Fareth Eigill
Published: December 2018

TROMSØFLAKET NR. 1 - 2002
Bestilling av bøker og artikler
Authors: Angell May Line
Published: December 2018

TROMSØFLAKET NR. 3 - 2002
Ultima Thule
Authors: Hagen Rune Blix
Published: December 2018

TROMSØFLAKET NR. 4 - 2002
Skriften på nettet; om elektroniske tidsskrifter
Authors: Longva Leif
Published: December 2018

TROMSØFLAKET NR. 5 - 2002
UB som universitetspolitisk gjærdeig og ressurs
Authors: Bertelsen Reidar
Published: December 2018

TROMSØFLAKET NR. 7 - 2002
EBRARY: et alternativ til trykte bøker!
Authors: Skancke Bjørn Olav
Published: December 2018

TROMSØFLAKET NR. 2 - 2003
Shell variability in the stem turtlesProterochersisspp.
Authors: Szczygielski Tomasz , Słowiak Justyna , Dróżdż Dawid
Published: December 2018

Background

Turtle shells tend to exhibit frequent and substantial variability, both in bone and scute layout. Aside from secondary changes, caused by diseases, parasites, and trauma, this variability appears to be inherent and result from stochastic or externally induced flaws of developmental programs. It is, thus, expected to be present in fossil turtle species at least as prominently, as in modern populations. Descriptions of variability and ontogeny are, however, rare for fossil turtles, mainly due to rarity, incompleteness, damage, and post-mortem deformation of their remains. This paper is an attempt at description and interpretation of external shell variability in representatives of the oldest true turtles,Proterochersis robustaandProterochersis porebensis(Proterochersidae, the sister group to all other known testudinatans) from the Late Triassic (Norian) of Germany and Poland.

Methods

All the available shell remains ofProterochersis robusta(13 specimens) andProterochersis porebensis(275 specimens) were studied morphologically in order to identify any ontogenetic changes, intraspecific variability, sexual dimorphism, and shell abnormalities. To test the inferred sexual dimorphism, shape analyses were performed for two regions (gular and anal) of the plastron.

Results

Proterochersisspp. exhibits large shell variability, and at least some of the observed changes seem to be correlated with ontogeny (growth of gulars, extragulars, caudals, and marginals, disappearance of middorsal keel on the carapace). Several specimens show abnormal layout of scute sulci, several others unusual morphologies of vertebral scute areas, one has an additional pair of plastral scutes, and one extraordinarily pronounced, likely pathological, growth rings on the carapace. Both species are represented in a wide spectrum of sizes, from hatchlings to old, mature individuals. The largest fragmentary specimens ofProterochersis porebensisallow estimation of its maximal carapace length at approximately 80 cm, whileProterochersis robustaappears to have reached lower maximal sizes.

Discussion

This is the second contribution describing variability among numerous specimens of Triassic turtles, and the first to show evidence of unambiguous shell abnormalities. Presented data supplement the sparse knowledge of shell scute development in the earliest turtles and suggest that at least some aspects of the developmental programs governing scute development were already similar in the Late Triassic to these of modern forms.
Mg2+‐free ATP regulates the processivity of native cytoplasmic dynein
Authors: Behrens Vincent A. , Walter Wilhelm J. , Peters Carsten , Wang Tianbang , Brenner Bernhard , Geeves Michael A. , Scholz Tim , Steffen Walter
Published: December 2018

Cytoplasmic dynein, a microtubule‐based motor protein, is responsible for many cellular functions ranging from cargo transport to cell division. The various functions are carried out by a single isoform of cytoplasmic dynein, thus requiring different forms of motor regulation. A possible pathway to regulate motor function was revealed in optical trap experiments. Switching motor function from single steps to processive runs could be achieved by changing Mg2+ and ATP concentrations. Here, we confirm by single molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy that a native cytoplasmic dynein dimer is able to switch to processive runs of more than 680 consecutive steps or 5.5 μm. We also identified the ratio of Mg2+‐free ATP to Mg.ATP as the regulating factor and propose a model for dynein processive stepping.
Effect of E Cigarette Emissions on Tracheal Cells Monitored at the Air–Liquid Interface Using an Organic Electrochemical Transistor
Authors: Ferro Magali P. , Leclerc Lara , Sleiman Mohamad , Marchiori Bastien , Pourchez Jérémie , Owens Roisin M. , Ramuz Marc
Published: December 2018

E‐cigarettes have been suggested as a potentially healthier alternative to cigarettes based on studies using cell viability, DNA damage, and transcriptional response assays. However, little is known about the effect of e‐cigarette aerosols on the integrity of the tracheal epithelium, specifically with respect to barrier resistance. This is partly due to the lack of methods for monitoring epithelia at the air–liquid interface (ALI), i.e., under physiological conditions. Here, it is shown that an organic electrochemical transistor can be adapted for the measurement of barrier resistance at the ALI. This technology enables accurate, continuous quantification of tracheal barrier integrity through the use of a conformable gate electrode placed on top of the cell‐secreted mucus, obviating the need for addition of culture medium or buffer as a conductance medium for rigid electrodes. This platform allows for the detection of a dose‐dependent, rapid decrease in barrier resistance of an in vitro model of human bronchial epithelium (MucilAir) after E‐cigarette aerosols exposure. The system represents a powerful tool to study tissue responses of the human airway epithelium to inhaled smoke. The same technology will have broad applications for toxicology studies on other tissues with ALI, including other airway tissues and skin.
High‐Performance Deep‐Red/Near‐Infrared OLEDs with Tetradentate [Pt(O^N^C^N)] Emitters
Authors: Cheng Gang , Wan Qingyun , Ang Wai‐Hung , Kwong Chun‐Lam , To Wai‐Pong , Chow Pui‐Keong , Kwok Chi‐Chung , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: December 2018

The emission properties of two series of tetradentate Pt(II) emitters in aggregation forms are studied by density functional theory (DFT), time‐dependent DFT calculations, and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. PL quantum yields (PLQYs) of the complexes bearing type‐I O^N^C^N ligands (Pt‐X‐1andPt‐X‐2) increase with the dopant concentration in thin film until 100% [pristine Pt(II) complexes]. For complexes bearing type‐II O^N^C^N ligands (Pt‐X‐3toPt‐X‐5), their PLQYs in thin film increase as the dopant concentration increases up to a certain threshold and then quickly decrease with further increase in dopant concentration. Organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) with neat and doped Pt(II) emitters are fabricated and characterized. High‐efficiency near‐infrared OLEDs with λmaxexceeding 700 nm and external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of up to 15.84% are realized by using a neatPt‐X‐1thin film as the emitting layer (EML). For this device, a high EQE of 11.19% is retained at high current density of 100 mA cm−2; by dopingPt‐X‐5(26 wt%) into a co‐host structure EML, a red emission with λmaxof 661 nm, Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.63, 0.37), and EQE of 21.75% at 1000 cd m−2are achieved.
Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Emerging Solar Cells: Synthesis and Electrode Applications
Authors: Jeon Il , Xiang Rong , Shawky Ahmed , Matsuo Yutaka , Maruyama Shigeo
Published: December 2018

Emerging solar cells, namely, organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells, are the thin‐film photovoltaics that have light to electricity conversion efficiencies close to that of silicon solar cells while possessing advantages in having additional functionalities, facile‐processability, and low fabrication cost. To maximize these advantages, the electrode components must be replaced by materials that are more flexible and cost‐effective. Researchers around the globe have been looking for the new electrodes that meet these requirements. Among many candidates, single‐walled carbon nanotubes have demonstrated their feasibility as the new alternative to conventional electrodes, such as indium tin oxide and metals. This review discusses various growth methods of single‐walled carbon nanotubes and their electrode applications in thin‐film photovoltaics.
Resilient supply chain design and operations with decision‐dependent uncertainty using a data‐driven robust optimization approach
Authors: Zhao Shipu , You Fengqi
Published: December 2018

To addresses the design and operations of resilient supply chains under uncertain disruptions, a general framework is proposed for resilient supply chain optimization, including a quantitative measure of resilience and a holistic biobjective two‐stage adaptive robust fractional programming model with decision‐dependent uncertainty set for simultaneously optimizing both the economic objective and the resilience objective of supply chains. The decision‐dependent uncertainty set ensures that the uncertain parameters (e.g., the remaining production capacities of facilities after disruptions) are dependent on first‐stage decisions, including facility location decisions and production capacity decisions. A data‐driven method is used to construct the uncertainty set to fully extract information from historical data. Moreover, the proposed model takes the time delay between disruptions and recovery into consideration. To tackle the computational challenge of solving the resulting multilevel optimization problem, two solution strategies are proposed. The applicability of the proposed approach is illustrated through applications on a location‐transportation problem and on a spatially‐explicit biofuel supply chain optimization problem. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 1006–1021, 2019
Evaluating macroscopic sex estimation methods using genetically sexed archaeological material: The medieval skeletal collection from St John's Divinity School, Cambridge
Authors: Inskip Sarah , Scheib Christiana L. , Wohns Anthony Wilder , Ge Xiangyu , Kivisild Toomas , Robb John
Published: December 2018

Objectives

In tests on known individuals macroscopic sex estimation has between 70% and 98% accuracy. However, materials used to create and test these methods are overwhelming modern. As sexual dimorphism is dependent on multiple factors, it is unclear whether macroscopic methods have similar success on earlier materials, which differ in lifestyle and nutrition. This research aims to assess the accuracy of commonly used traits by comparing macroscopic sex estimates to genetic sex in medieval English material.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐six individuals from the 13th to 16th century Hospital of St John the Evangelist, Cambridge, were assessed. Genetic sex was determined using a shotgun approach. Eighteen skeletal traits were examined, and macroscopic sex estimates were derived from the os coxae, skull, and os coxae and skull combined. Each trait was tested for accuracy to explore sex estimates errors.

Results

The combined estimate (97.7%) outperformed the os coxae only estimate (95.7%), which outperformed the skull only estimate (90.4%). Accuracy rates for individual traits varied: Phenice traits were most accurate, whereas supraorbital margins, frontal bossing, and gonial flaring were least accurate. The preauricular sulcus and arc compose showed a bias in accuracy between sexes.

Discussion

Macroscopic sex estimates are accurate when applied to medieval material from Cambridge. However, low trait accuracy rates may relate to differences in dimorphism between the method derivative sample and the St John's collection. Given the sex bias, the preauricular sulcus, frontal bossing, and arc compose should be reconsidered as appropriate traits for sex estimation for this group.
Preparation of Fe@Cu‐BDC and its catalytic performance for benzene hydroxylation
Authors: Liu Boliang , Wu Songhai , Liu Yong , Liu Yanfeng , Cai Wei , Sun Qianyi , Li Yaru
Published: December 2018

Novel Fe@Cu‐BDC catalysts were synthesized by adsorbing various contents of Fe ions on the surface and into the channels of Cu‐BDC support through an in situ method under ultrasonication. The structure of the catalysts was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The catalytic activity of catalysts for benzene hydroxylation was evaluated. The results showed that the Fe@Cu‐BDC catalysts had favorable catalytic activity for benzene hydroxylation. The yield of products can reach ca 37% and the selectivity of phenol can reach ca 62% over the 6% Fe@Cu‐BDC catalyst at 60°C in a reaction time of 75 min. Furthermore, the contents of Fe and solvent played a key role in benzene hydroxylation. After the reaction, the catalyst could be easily separated from the reaction mixture by centrifugation and reused for five times without significant decrease in activity.
CdS nanospheres hybridized with graphitic C3N4 for effective photocatalytic hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation
Authors: Yuan Shenhao , Wang Yanyun , Zhang Yiwei , Zhu Wenyu , Lv Xushuai , Wu Yangjin , Zhou Yuming , Chen Wenxia
Published: December 2018

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4)‐based photocatalysts have received considerable attention in the field of photocatalysis, especially for photocatalytic H2 evolution. However, the intrinsic disadvantages of g‐C3N4 seriously limit its practical application. Herein, CdS nanospheres with an average diameter of 135 nm prepared using a solvothermal method were used as co‐catalysts to form CdS/g‐C3N4 composites (CSCN) to enhance the photocatalytic activity. Various techniques were employed to characterize the structure, composition and optical properties of the as‐prepared samples. It was found that the CdS nanospheres were relatively uniformly dispersed on the surface of g‐C3N4. Moreover, the photocatalytic H2 generation activity of the samples was evaluated using lactic acid as sacrificial reagent in water under visible light irradiation. When the amount of CdS nanospheres loaded in the hybridized composites was 5 wt%, the optimal H2 evolution rate reached 924 μmol g−1 h−1, which was approximately 1.4 times higher than that (680 μmol g−1 h−1) of Pt/g‐C3N4 (3 wt%). Based on the results of analysis, a possible mechanism for the photocatalytic activity of CSCN is proposed tentatively.
Enhanced peroxidase‐like activity of MMT‐supported cuprous oxide nanocomposites toward rapid colorimetric estimation of H2O2
Authors: Lian Siming , Gao Linna , Chen Miaomiao , Liu Zhenxue , Qiu Jun , Zhang Xiao , Luo Xiliang , Zeng Rongchang , Liu Qingyun
Published: December 2018

Nanocomposites based on Cu2O and Ca‐montmorillonite (Ca+‐MMT) with different composition were successfully prepared via a simple hydrothermal method. The as‐prepared Cu2O‐MMT nanocomposites can rapidly catalytically oxidize the colorless chromogenic substrate, 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzydine (TMB) into blue oxTMB with the aid of the H2O2 only in 30 s, which were observed by the naked eye. The reaction catalyzed by the Cu2O‐MMT nanocomposites followed the Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Compared to the MMT or Cu2O alone, Cu2O‐MMT with different mass ratio exhibited an enhanced peroxidase‐like activity. The fabricated H2O2 sensor exhibited a good response to H2O2 with a linear detection range from 3 to 80 μM as well as a detection limit of 2.395 μM. Taking the advantages of the Cu2O‐MMT nanocomposites, including outstanding peroxidase‐like activity and high sensitivity for colorimetric detection of H2O2, a colorimetric sensor based on the Cu2O‐MMT nanocomposites was designed and used to rapidly detect H2O2 in a short time.
The solvent‐free synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles by a reusable copper Schiff base complex immobilized on silica coated Fe3O4, and DNA binding study of one resulting derivative as a potential anticancer drug
Authors: Rakhtshah Jamshid , Shaabani Behrooz , Salehzadeh Sadegh , Hosseinpour Moghadam Neda
Published: December 2018

We demonstrate herein the synthesis of a new copper Schiff base complex immobilized on silica‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The structure and composition of this magnetic nanocatalyst were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES). This nanocomposite was found to be an efficient nanocatalyst for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyrrole derivatives and the products were isolated with high turnover number (TON) and high to excellent yields. Among the new synthesized polysubstituted pyrrole derivatives, we explored the first computational and experimental binding study of methyl 1‐benzyl‐4‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐2‐methyl‐1H‐pyrrole‐3‐carboxylate (SP‐10) with calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (ct‐DNA), suggesting their application as potential anticancer activity. In addition, the binding modes of SP‐10 with DNA and human serum albumin (HSA) were verified by molecular docking technique.
Green chemical synthesis of Pd nanoparticles for use as efficient catalyst in Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction
Authors: Phukan Shreemoyee , Mahanta Abhijit , Kakati Dwipen , Rashid Md. Harunar
Published: December 2018

Herein, we report the synthesis of tiny spherical Pd nanoparticles (NPs) by green chemical method under ambient conditions using flower extract of Lantana camara plant. The size of the Pd NPs is tunable from 4.7 to 6.3 nm by systematically controlling the concentration of either metal ions or plant extract. The synthesized Pd NPs were well characterized by different spectroscopic, microscopic and diffractometric techniques. The Pd NPs offered good size‐dependent catalytic activity in the Suzuki‐Miyaura C‐C coupling reaction under mild reaction conditions in (1: 1) water‐ethanol mixture. The catalyst is stable and exhibited excellent reusability up to three cycles of coupling reaction after which the catalytic activity decreases.
Bioattenuation of phenol and cyanide involving immobilised spent tea activated carbon with Alcaligenes faecalis JF339228: Critical assessment of the degraded intermediates
Authors: Pathak Uttarini , Roy Ananya , Mandal Dalia Dasgupta , Das Papita , Kumar Tarkeshwar , Mandal Tamal
Published: December 2018

The current study is designed for the eradication of phenol and cyanide from a simulated binary mixture involving acetic acid modified spent tea activated carbon (STAC‐C), isolated bacterial strain Alcaligenes faecalis JF339228, and immobilized A. faecalis JF339228 onto spent tea biochar by an amalgamated approach of sorption coupled with biodegradation. Characterisation of the biosorbent was ascertained by field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The viability for eco‐benign expulsion of the pernicious pollutants, and the resultant compounds after treatment was examined by fluorescence and UV‐visible spectrophotometry with comprehensive elucidation of the interactions with DNA. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) anatomization was conducted for the evaluation of degraded derivatives post‐treatment. The chemical and structural analysis of the degraded compounds and its impact upon disposal on the basis of degree of toxicity and reactivity were evaluated using TOXTREE software. Batch studies were implemented for the evaluation of process parameters like pH, reaction time, biosorbent or inoculum dosage, initial concentration, and temperature. Mono and binary component isotherm modelling was executed. Immobilised cells and free cells could accomplish better removal efficacy of 94.71% and 92.25% for cyanide, respectively, whereas adsorption using STAC‐C was responsible for maximum removal of phenol up to 86.29%.
A Design Strategy for Single‐Stranded Helicates using Pyridine‐Hydrazone Ligands and PbII
Authors: Lobo Maureen J. , Moratti Stephen C. , Hanton Lyall R.
Published: December 2018

The reactions of py‐hz ligands (L1–L5) with Pb(CF3SO3)2⋅H2O resulted in some rare examples of discrete single‐stranded helical PbII complexes. L1 and L2 formed non‐helical mononuclear complexes [PbL1(CF3SO3)2]⋅CHCl3 and PbL2(CF3SO3)2][PbL2CF3SO3]CF3SO3⋅CH3CN, which reflected the high coordination number and effective saturation of PbII by the ligands. The reaction of L3 with PbII resulted in a dinuclear meso‐helicate [Pb2L3(CF3SO3)2Br]CF3SO3⋅CH3CN with a stereochemically‐active lone pair on PbII. L4 directed single‐stranded helicates with PbII, including [Pb2L4(CF3SO3)3]CF3SO3⋅CH3CN and [Pb2L4CF3SO3(CH3OH)2](CF3SO3)3⋅2 CH3OH⋅2 H2O. The acryloyl‐modified py‐hz ligand L5 formed helical and non‐helical complexes with PbII, including a trinuclear PbII complex [Pb3L5(CF3SO3)5]CF3SO3⋅3CH3CN⋅Et2O. The high denticity of the long‐stranded py‐hz ligands L4 and L5 was essential to the formation of single‐stranded helicates with PbII.
Total mass beyond r200 for systems with different density profile laws within a Λ background
Authors: Teerikorpi P. , Heinämäki P. , Chernin A. D.
Published: December 2018

Virial masses within some radius in a galaxy system tend to undervalue the true total mass. Here, we quantify this effect for the standard mass M(r200) up to the radius within which the mean density is 200ρcrit. We derive the masses up to the zero‐gravity radius rmax, for a few common density profile laws: the isothermal, the Hernquist, and the Navarro–Frenk–White profiles, relative to the mass M(r200). Graphs show how much mass could be missed at different radii, which can be a few M(r200) up to the zero‐gravity radius rmax. One result is that less‐concentrated halos can be larger and more massive up to rmax, relative to M(r200). These data are useful for applications involving masses of galaxy systems and haloes.
Intact counterfactual emotion processing in autism spectrum disorder: Evidence from eye‐tracking
Authors: Black Jo , Barzy Mahsa , Williams David , Ferguson Heather
Published: December 2018

Counterfactual emotions, such as regret and relief, require an awareness of how things could have been different. We report a preregistered experiment that examines how adults with and without ASD process counterfactual emotions in real‐time, based on research showing that the developmental trajectory of counterfactual thinking may be disrupted in people with ASD. Participants were eye‐tracked as they read narratives in which a character made an explicit decision then subsequently experienced either a mildly negative or positive outcome. The final sentence in each story included an explicit remark about the character's mood that was either consistent or inconsistent with the character's expected feelings of regret or relief (e.g., “… she feels happy/annoyed about her decision.”). Results showed that adults with ASD are unimpaired in processing emotions based on counterfactual reasoning, and in fact showed earlier sensitivity to inconsistencies within relief contexts compared to TD participants. This finding highlights a previously unknown strength in empathy and emotion processing in adults with ASD, which may have been masked in previous research that has typically relied on explicit, response‐based measures to record emotional inferences, which are likely to be susceptible to demand characteristics and response biases. Therefore, this study highlights the value of employing implicit measures that provide insights on peoples' immediate responses to emotional content without disrupting ongoing processing. Autism Res 2019, 12: 422–444 © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Despite known difficulties with empathy and perspective‐taking, we found that adults with autism are unimpaired at inferring complex emotions (regret and relief) in others. This finding extends existing evidence showing dysfunctional counterfactual thinking in children with autism. We highlight the value of using implicit measures to identify strengths and abilities in ASD that may be masked by explicit tasks that require participants to interact socially or report their own thoughts.
Oxygen and lack of oxygen in fetal and placental development, feto–placental coupling, and congenital heart defects
Authors: Llurba Olive Elisa , Xiao Emily , Natale David R. , Fisher Steven A.
Published: December 2018

Low oxygen concentration (hypoxia) is part of normal embryonic development, yet the situation is complex. Oxygen (O2) is a janus gas with low levels signaling through hypoxia‐inducible transcription factor (HIF) that are required for development of fetal and placental vasculature and fetal red blood cells. This results in coupling of fetus and mother around midgestation as a functional feto‐placental unit (FPU) for O2 transport, which is required for continued growth and development of the fetus. Defects in these processes may leave the developing fetus vulnerable to O2 deprivation or other stressors during this critical midgestational transition when common septal and conotruncal heart defects (CHDs) are likely to arise. Recent human epidemiological and case–control studies support an association between placental dysfunction, manifest as early onset pre‐eclampsia (PE) and increased serum bio‐markers, and CHD. Animal studies support this association, in particular those using gene inactivation in the mouse. Sophisticated methods for gene inactivation, cell fate mapping, and a quantitative bio‐reporter of O2 concentration support the premise that hypoxic stress at critical stages of development leads to CHD. The secondary heart field contributing to the cardiac outlet is a key target, with activation of the un‐folded protein response and abrogation of FGF signaling or precocious activation of a cardiomyocyte transcriptional program for differentiation, suggested as mechanisms. These studies provide a strong foundation for further study of feto–placental coupling and hypoxic stress in the genesis of human CHD.
Maternal hyperglycemia and fetal cardiac development: Clinical impact and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Basu Madhumita , Garg Vidu
Published: December 2018

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect and is both a significant pediatric and adult health problem, in light of a growing population of survivors. The etiology of CHD has been considered to be multifactorial with genetic and environmental factors playing important roles. The combination of advances in cardiac developmental biology, which have resulted in the elucidation of molecular pathways regulating normal cardiac morphogenesis, and genome sequencing technology have allowed the discovery of numerous genetic contributors of CHD ranging from chromosomal abnormalities to single gene variants. Conversely, mechanistic details of the contribution of environmental factors to CHD remain unknown. Maternal diabetes mellitus (matDM) is a well‐established and increasingly prevalent environmental risk factor for CHD, but the underlying etiologic mechanisms by which pregestational matDM increases the vulnerability of embryos to cardiac malformations remains largely elusive. Here, we will briefly discuss the multifactorial etiology of CHD with a focus on the epidemiologic link between matDM and CHD. We will describe the animal models used to study the underlying mechanisms between matDM and CHD and review the numerous cellular and molecular pathways affected by maternal hyperglycemia in the developing heart. Last, we discuss how this increased understanding may open the door for the development of novel prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of CHD in this high‐risk population.
Inherited nongenetic influences on the gut microbiome and immune system
Authors: Knoop Kathryn A. , Holtz Lori R. , Newberry Rodney D.
Published: December 2018

The gut microbiome and the immune system codevelop around the time of birth, well after genetic information has been passed from the parents to the offspring. Each of these “organ systems” displays plasticity. The immune system can mount highly specific adaptive responses to newly encountered antigens, and the gut microbiota is affected by changes in the environment. Despite this plasticity, there is a growing appreciation that these organ systems, once established, are remarkably stable. In health, the immune system rapidly mounts responses to infections, and once cleared, resolves inflammatory responses to return to homeostasis. However, a skewed immune system, such as seen in allergy, does not easily return to homeostasis. Allergic responses are often seen to multiple antigens. Likewise, a dysbiotic gut microbiota is seen in multiple diseases. Attempts to reset the gut microbiota as a therapy for disease have met with varied success. Therefore, how these codeveloping “organ systems” become established is a central question relevant to our overall health. Recent observations suggest that maternal factors encountered both in utero and after birth can directly or indirectly impact the development of the offspring's gut microbiome and immune system. Here, we discuss how these nongenetic maternal influences can have long‐term effects on the progeny's health.
The effect and influence of undergraduate research on medical undergraduates in China
Authors: Huang Qiangru , Yue Zhihao , Lin Junqing , Zhang Yangyi , Yuan Shuang , Zhuang Quan , Peng Cheng
Published: December 2018

Undergraduate research (UR) refers to a series of scientific research activities for undergraduates. For the past few years in China, medical colleges and universities have increasingly attached importance on UR, aiming to provide undergraduates with better scientific research conditions, improve their understanding about scientific research and their basic scientific skills. Chinese medical undergraduates participate in scientific research spontaneously. However, the specific effects of UR are still unclear. In China, few quantitative standards to evaluate the detailed roles and effects of medical undergraduates' UR are available yet. To explore how UR influences Chinese medical undergraduates' scientific research abilities and their individual development, we conduct a cross‐sectional analytical study by anonymous self‐administered questionnaires. The questionnaires access the scientific research capabilities and qualities of students. The results show that students who participate in UR are equipped with better self‐evaluation of designing research projects, using statistical software, making figures and charts, evaluating experimental results and performing experiments than those who do not; and the students who persist in UR have the highest self‐evaluation on the abilities mentioned above. Hence, through quantitative criteria, it can be concluded that UR can help Chinese medical undergraduates build interest in scientific research, develop scientific thinking and basic research capacities, and set a solid foundation for future research. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(1):41–50, 2018.
Chromatographic methods development, validation and degradation characterization of the antithyroid drug Carbimazole
Authors: Abdelrahman Maha M.
Published: December 2018

The current paper reports the development and validation of stability‐indicating HPLC and HPTLC methods for the separation and quantification of main impurity and degradation product of Carbimazole. The structures of the degradation products formed under stress degradation conditions, including hydrolytic and oxidative, photolytic and thermal conditions, were characterized and confirmed by MS and IR analyses. Based on the characterization data, the obtained degradation product from hydrolytic conditions was found to be methimazole—impurity A of Carbimazole as reported by the British Pharmacopeia and the European Pharmacopeia. A stability‐indicating HPLC method was carried out using a Zorbax Eclipse Plus CN column (150 × 4.6 mm i.d, 5 μm particle size) and a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile–0.05 m KH2PO4 (20: 80, v/v) in isocratic elution, at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The method was proved to be sensitive for the determination down to 0.5% of Carbimazole impurity A. Additionally, a stability‐indicating chromatographic HPTLC method was achieved using cyclohexane–ethanol (9:1, v/v) as a developing system on HPTLC plates F254 with UV detection at 225 nm. The proposed HPLC and HPTLC methods were successfully applied to Carbimazole® tablets with mean percentage recoveries of 100.12 and 99.73%, respectively.
Cooperativity of covalent attachment and ion exchange on alcalase immobilization using glutaraldehyde chemistry: Enzyme stabilization and improved proteolytic activity
Authors: Ait Braham Sabrina , Hussain Fouzia , Morellon‐Sterling Roberto , Kamal Shagufta , Kornecki Jakub F. , Barbosa Oveimar , Kati Djamel Edine , Fernandez‐Lafuente Roberto
Published: December 2018

Alcalase was scarcely immobilized on monoaminoethyl‐N‐aminoethyl (MANAE)‐agarose beads at different pH values (<20% at pH 7). The enzyme did not immobilize on MANAE‐agarose activated with glutaraldehyde at high ionic strength, suggesting a low reactivity of the enzyme with the support functionalized in this manner. However, the immobilization is relatively rapid when using low ionic strength and glutaraldehyde activated support. Using these conditions, the enzyme was immobilized at pH 5, 7, and 9, and in all cases, the activity vs. Boc‐Ala‐ONp decreased to around 50%. However, the activity vs. casein greatly depends on the immobilization pH, while at pH 5 it is also 50%, at pH 7 it is around 200%, and at pH 9 it is around 140%. All immobilized enzymes were significantly stabilized compared to the free enzyme when inactivated at pH 5, 7, or 9. The highest stability was always observed when the enzyme was immobilized at pH 9, and the worst stability occurred when the enzyme was immobilized at pH 5, in agreement with the reactivity of the amino groups of the enzyme. Stabilization was lower for the three preparations when the inactivation was performed at pH 5. Thus, this is a practical example on how the cooperative effect of ion exchange and covalent immobilization may be used to immobilize an enzyme when only one independent cause of immobilization is unable to immobilize the enzyme, while adjusting the immobilization pH leads to very different properties of the final immobilized enzyme preparation. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2768, 2019.
Prognostic implications of peritumoral vasculature in head and neck cancer
Authors: Evans Michael , Baddour Jr Harry Michael , Magliocca Kelly R. , Müller Susan , Nannapaneni Sreenivas , Chen Amy Y. , Kim Sunjin , Chen Zhengjia , Shin Dong M. , Wang Andrew Y. , Saba Nabil F. , Chen Zhuo G.
Published: December 2018

Background

There is conflicting evidence regarding the role of peritumoral lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and blood microvessel density (MVD) in the metastasis and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Existing studies are limited to one or two head and neck subsites and/or small sample sizes. A larger study incorporating multiple sub‐sites is needed to address the role of peritumoral LVD and MVD in HNSCC metastasis and prognosis.

Methods

Tissue samples from 200 HNSCC cases were stained simultaneously using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for markers of peritumoral LVD (lymphatic vessel marker D240) and MVD (blood vessel marker CD31). Of the stained slides, 166 and 167 were evaluable for LVD and MVD, respectively. The results were then correlated with clinicopathologic features and patient outcomes.

Results

Patients with metastatic disease were more likely to have high peritumoral MVD. Through multivariable analyses, MVD was not significantly related to DFS and OS, while low LVD was related to higher risk of disease progression and poor survival.

Conclusions

Peritumoral MVD was found to be positively associated with metastasis, while LVD was found to be inversely related to both metastasis and progression of HNSCC. These findings may suggest a prognostic role of both peritumoral LVD and MVD in patients with HNSCC.
Clinical relevance of circulating tumor DNA assessed through deep sequencing in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Osumi Hiroki , Shinozaki Eiji , Takeda Yoshinori , Wakatsuki Takeru , Ichimura Takashi , Saiura Akio , Yamaguchi Kensei , Takahashi Shunji , Noda Tetsuo , Zembutsu Hitoshi
Published: December 2018

Because circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) studies focusing on only one or a few genes to monitor the disease progress or treatment response are unlikely to find its clinical significance, the development of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) panel covering hundreds of mutation hot spots is important for the establishment of clinically practical ctDNA detection system. We enrolled 101 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who received chemotherapy. Amplicon‐based genomic profiling of 14 genes, which are commonly mutated in CRC, in plasma by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of this assay and was compared with their clinical parameters and RAS status in matched tissue samples. Somatic mutations of the 14 genes in plasma cfDNA were detected in 88 patients (87.1%) with mCRC. Mutations in TP53, KRAS, and APC genes were detected in 70 (69.3%), 39 (38.6%), and 24 (23.7%) patients, respectively. Mutant allele frequencies in plasma were significantly associated with metastasis (liver, P = 0.00004, lymph node, P = 0.008, number of metastatic organs, P = 0.0006), tumor markers (CEA, P = 0.000007, CA19‐9, P = 0.006, LDH, P = 0.00001), and tumor diameter (maximum, P = 0.00002, sum of diameter, P = 0.00009). The overall concordance rate of RAS status between ctDNA and matched tissue was 77.2% (78/101). Our data confirmed that mutant allele in cfDNA can be sensitively detected by amplicon‐based NGS system. These results suggest that ctDNA could be a novel diagnostic biomarker to monitor changes in mutational status and tumor burden in patients with mCRC.
An integrated transcriptome analysis in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia links DNA methylation subgroups to dysregulated TAL1 and ANTP homeobox gene expression
Authors: Haider Zahra , Larsson Pär , Landfors Mattias , Köhn Linda , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Flægstad Trond , Kanerva Jukka , Heyman Mats , Hultdin Magnus , Degerman Sofie
Published: December 2018

Classification of pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) patients into CIMP (CpG Island Methylator Phenotype) subgroups has the potential to improve current risk stratification. To investigate the biology behind these CIMP subgroups, diagnostic samples from Nordic pediatric T‐ALL patients were characterized by genome‐wide methylation arrays, followed by targeted exome sequencing, telomere length measurement, and RNA sequencing. The CIMP subgroups did not correlate significantly with variations in epigenetic regulators. However, the CIMP+ subgroup, associated with better prognosis, showed indicators of longer replicative history, including shorter telomere length (P = 0.015) and older epigenetic (P < 0.001) and mitotic age (P < 0.001). Moreover, the CIMP+ subgroup had significantly higher expression of ANTP homeobox oncogenes, namely TLX3, HOXA9, HOXA10, and NKX2‐1, and novel genes in T‐ALL biology including PLCB4, PLXND1, and MYO18B. The CIMP− subgroup, with worse prognosis, was associated with higher expression of TAL1 along with frequent STIL‐TAL1 fusions (2/40 in CIMP+ vs 11/24 in CIMP−), as well as stronger expression of BEX1. Altogether, our findings suggest different routes for leukemogenic transformation in the T‐ALL CIMP subgroups, indicated by different replicative histories and distinct methylomic and transcriptomic profiles. These novel findings can lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Online Detection of Ellipsoidal Bubbles by an Innovative Optical Approach
Authors: Lichti Markus , Cheng Xiaoyin , Stephani Henrike , Bart Hans-Jörg
Published: December 2018

Bubble and droplet size distribution influence chemical processes markedly. In order to enable an in‐line analysis of these distributions, a new single‐sided endoscopic version of the Optical Multimode Online Probe (OMOP) was developed. The acquired images are analyzed to gain bubble size distributions (BSDs) and main diagonals. A specific workflow was developed to detect and analyze overlapping bubbles based on standard image processing techniques. It can handle overlapping bubbles of both circular and elliptical shapes. Results confirmed that the combination of OMOP and the image processing workflow leads to robust detection of bubbles from two‐dimensional images. The new single‐sided OMOP proved to be a suitable tool for the acquisition of a BSD at industrial scale within a reasonable computing time.
From Electrodes to Electrodes: Building High‐Performance Li‐Ion Capacitors and Batteries from Spent Lithium‐Ion Battery Carbonaceous Materials
Authors: Aravindan Vanchiappan , Jayaraman Sundaramurthy , Tedjar Farouk , Madhavi Srinivasan
Published: December 2018

We report the possibility of recycling carbonaceous materials (GC) from used/spent Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) and re‐using the material again as a negative electrode. In addition to LIB, the possibility of using them in Li‐ion capacitor (LIC) configuration with activated carbon is also explored. First, the carbonaceous materials are recovered from the mechanical treatment and subsequent leaching process. After the successful recovery, the Li‐insertion properties are studied in half‐cell assembly and it exhibits very decent electrochemical activity. While re‐using GC as an anode, large irreversibility is noted compared to fresh usage. Therefore, the elimination of such irreversible capacity is desperately required prior to the fabrication of either LIBs or LICs. Full‐cell LIB is assembled with olivine phase LiFePO4 cathode and the configuration delivers a maximum energy density of ∼313 Wh kg−1. Similarly, the GC is used as an anode in LIC assembly with commercial activated carbon. The LIC displays an energy density of ∼112 Wh kg−1 with decent cycling profiles.
An Amine‐Functionalized Zirconium Metal–Organic Polyhedron Photocatalyst with High Visible‐Light Activity for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Sun Min , Wang Qing‐Qing , Qin Chao , Sun Chun‐Yi , Wang Xin‐Long , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: December 2018

Metal–organic polyhedra (MOPs) are promising candidates for many potential applications; however, their use as photocatalysts for hydrogen production has yet to be developed. Herein, the photocatalytic performance of a water‐stable Zr‐MOP, ZrT‐1‐NH2, was evaluated, for the first time, through photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible‐light irradiation. ZrT‐1‐NH2 shows clearly enhanced photocatalytic activity (510.42 μmol g−1 h−1) for hydrogen production, in comparison with that of other homogeneous crystalline materials. If platinum nanoparticles were introduced into the photocatalytic system, the hydrogen production efficiency of ZrT‐1‐NH2 could be further improved. For ZrT‐1‐NH2, the conspicuous improvement in photocatalysis can be attributed to efficient electron–hole separation, targeted electron transfer, and excellent recombination suppression. Furthermore, ZrT‐1‐NH2 shows excellent stability during photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over five continuous runs. This work illustrates that MOP‐based photocatalysts hold promise for broad applications in the domain of clean energy.
Dynamic Optimization and Non‐linear Model Predictive Control to Achieve Targeted Particle Morphologies
Authors: Gerlinger Wolfgang , Asua José Maria , Chaloupka Tomáš , Faust Johannes M.M. , Gjertsen Fredrik , Hamzehlou Shaghayegh , Hauger Svein Olav , Jahns Ekkehard , Joy Preet J. , Kosek Juraj , Lapkin Alexei , Leiza Jose Ramon , Mhamdi Adel , Mitsos Alexander , Naeem Omar , Rajabalinia Noushin , Singstad Peter , Suberu John
Published: December 2018

An event‐driven approach based on dynamic optimization and nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is investigated together with inline Raman spectroscopy for process monitoring and control. The benefits and challenges in polymerization and morphology monitoring are presented, and an overview of the used mechanistic models and the details of the dynamic optimization and NMPC approach to achieve the relevant process objectives are provided. Finally, the implementation of the approach is discussed, and results from experiments in lab and pilot‐plant reactors are presented.
Optimizing multi‐tier application performance with interference and affinity‐aware placement algorithms
Authors: Ludwig Uillian L. , Xavier Miguel G. , Kirchoff Dionatrã F. , Cezar Ian B. , De Rose César A. F.
Published: December 2018

Cloud providers are constantly seeking to become more cost effective, where a common strategy is to consolidate multiple applications in physical machines using virtualization techniques. This consolidation, however, may result in performance related problems such as resource interference. Moreover, if the workload is composed of multi‐tier applications, an increasingly popular method of application development, especially for web and mobile, in which tiers need to communicate through the network, we have another possible source of performance degradation, which we refer as network affinity. In order to reduce the effects of such problems, placement techniques are used to better distribute the applications in the physical machines. Several of these placement techniques consider resource interference or network affinity in order to decide the best placement, however, none of them apply both criteria at the same time. In our previous work, we identified that a combined approach could result in better solutions for this problem and proposed a set of placement policies that explore this tradeoff. In this paper, we propose placement algorithms based on these policies and evaluate the proposed solutions for different workload scenarios using a visual simulation tool we developed called CIAPA. CIAPA introduces a performance degradation model, a cost function, and heuristics to find a placement with the minimum cost for a specific workload of multi‐tier applications. In our preliminary experiments, we compared the solution generated by CIAPA with other placement strategies from related work, and have verified that, for the tested scenarios, it delivers placement decisions with better cost and, consequently, improved performance. We observed a reduction in response time of 10% when compared to interference strategies and up to 18% when considering only affinity strategies.