bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of neck circumference and cognitive impairment among Chinese elderly
Authors: Chen Jin‐Mei , Li Qing‐Wei , Jiang Guo‐Xin , Zeng Shu‐Jun , Shen Jun , Sun Ji , Wu Dan‐Hong , Cheng Qi
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To investigate the association between neck circumference (NC) and cognitive impairment and interactions between relevant variables to the risk of cognitive impairment.

Methods

A population‐based survey was conducted among elderly inhabitants aged 60 years and over from a community in Shanghai suburb. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations and log likelihood ratio tests to examine interactions.

Results

Cognitive impairment was identified in 269 (10.8%) subjects from 2,500 participants. Higher BMI (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.11–2.16), higher WHR (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.07–1.95), and higher total cholesterol (TC) (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.09–2.13) were significantly associated with the increased risk of cognitive impairment. Significant interactions were observed between TC and a few other relevant variables, respectively.

Conclusions

NC was associated with the high risk of cognitive impairment. Additive effects of NC with TC on cognitive impairment were observed.
The growing importance of lesion volume as a prognostic factor in patients with multiple brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Routman David M. , Bian Shelly X. , Diao Kevin , Liu Jonathan L. , Yu Cheng , Ye Jason , Zada Gabriel , Chang Eric L.
Published: February 2018

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is considered standard of care for patients with 1–3 brain metastases (BM). Recent observational studies have shown equivalent OS in patients with 5+ BM compared to those with 2–4, suggesting SRS alone may be appropriate in these patients. We aim to review outcomes of patients treated with SRS with 2–4 versus 5+ BM. This analysis included consecutive patients from 1994 to 2015 treated with SRS. Of 1017 patients, we excluded patients with a single BM and patients without adequate survival data, resulting in 391 patients. All risk factors were entered into univariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model, and significant factors were entered into multivariate analysis (MVA). We additionally analyzed outcomes after excluding patients with prior surgery or whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Median follow‐up was 7.1 months. Median KPS was 90, mean age was 59, and most common histologies were melanoma and lung. Median tumor volume was 3.41 cc. Patients with 2–4 BM had a median OS of 8.1 months compared to 6.2 months for those with 5+ BM (P = 0.0136). On MVA, tumor volume, KPS, and histology remained significant for OS, whereas lesion number did not. Similar results were found when excluding patients with prior surgery or WBRT. Rather than lesion number, the strongest prognostic factors for patients undergoing SRS were tumor volume >10 cc, KPS, and histology. BM number may therefore not be the most important criterion for candidacy for SRS. Patients with 5 or more BM should be considered for SRS.
The role of mmu‐miR‐155‐5p‐NF‐κB signaling in the education of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells by gastric cancer cells
Authors: Wang Mei , Yang Fang , Qiu Rong , Zhu Mengchu , Zhang Huiling , Xu Wenrong , Shen Bo , Zhu Wei
Published: February 2018

Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) are important precursors of tumor stromal cells. Previously, we have demonstrated that miR‐155‐5p inhibition directly induced transition of BM‐MSCs into gastric cancer‐associated MSCs. Whether miR‐155‐5p is involved in the education of BM‐MSCs by gastric cancer cells has not been established. Murine BM‐MSCs (mMSCs) were isolated and grown in conditioned medium derived from gastric cancer cell line MFC (MFC‐CM). The tumor‐promoting phenotype and function of mMSCs were detected by immunofluorescence staining, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), cell colony formation assay, transwell migration, and invasion assays. Luciferase reporter assays and western blot analyses were conducted to reveal the relationship between nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) p65 and mmu‐miR‐155‐5p. miRNA mimics, inhibitor, and the NF‐κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamic acid (PDTC) were used to evaluate the role of miR‐155‐5p‐NF‐κB signaling in the education of mMSCs by MFC‐CM. We successfully established the education model of mMSCs by MFC‐CM and found that mmu‐miR‐155‐5p expression levels were reduced in mMSCs. Mimicking this deregulation by transfecting miRNA inhibitor into mMSCs produced a similar effect as that of MFC‐CM on mMSCs. NF‐κB p65 was validated as a target of mmu‐miR‐155‐5p, which also negatively regulated NF‐κB activation. Inhibition of NF‐κB activation by PDTC abolished the effect of the miRNA inhibitor on mMSCs. mmu‐miR‐155‐5p overexpression partially blocked the effect of MFC‐CM in educating mMSCs, while PDTC treatment completely eliminated MFC‐CM activity. These results indicate that miR‐155‐5p is not the sole miRNA mediating the education of BM‐MSCs by gastric cancer cells, but downstream NF‐κB signaling is indispensable for this process.
A case report of chromosome 17q22‐qter trisomy with distinct clinical presentation and review of the literature
Authors: Upadia Jariya , Philips Joseph B. , Robin Nathaniel H. , Lose Edward J. , Mikhail Fady M.
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

Terminal 17q trisomy is very rare but a recognizable genetic syndrome. The majority of cases reported are inherited from a balanced translocation carrier. This syndrome involves many organs and the severity ranges from mild to severe depending on the size of the 17q gain.
Giant cell myocarditis causing refractory ventricular tachycardia in a pediatric patient
Authors: Panchal Apurva , Okojie Obehioye , Slagle Brittany , Tawfik Ossama
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

Giant cell myocarditis should be considered in all pediatric patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmia. Endomyocardial biopsy should be obtained to confirm the diagnosis of giant cell myocarditis.
Low‐pitch peripheral systolic murmur associated with pulmonary embolism in the acute phase: a report of two cases
Authors: Jingi Ahmadou Musa , Amougou Sylvie Ndongo , Jemea Bonaventure , Ouankou Christian Ngongang , Foutko Armelle , Ateba Narcisse Assene , Nkoke Clovis
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

Acute pulmonary embolism with significant right ventricular strain could be associated with a low‐pitch peripheral systolic murmur radiating to the axillae.
Simultaneous finding of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and residual hairy cell leukemia using a lymphocyte‐binding anti‐CD antibody microarray
Authors: Khvastunova Alina N. , Al‐Radi Liubov S. , Fedyanina Olga S. , Kuznetsova Sofya A.
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

The morphologic diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia coexisting with another lymphoproliferative disorder is hindered by the small size of hairy cell population. It can be simplified by presorting peripheral blood mononuclear cell using an anti‐CD antibody microarray on transparent support (including anti‐CD11c, CD25, CD103, and CD123) before their morphology analysis.
Intrasinusoidal pattern of bone marrow infiltration by hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Butler Liesl Ann , Juneja Surender
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

Hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma is a rare, aggressive form of extranodal lymphoma, which frequently involves the bone marrow. An intrasinusoidal pattern of infiltration is characteristic of the disease and is often best appreciated on immunohistochemical staining. Bone marrow biopsy can be a useful diagnostic tool.
Highly Dispersed Mo2C Anchored on N,P‐Codoped Graphene as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhu Shengdong , Tsubaki Noritatsu , Wu Mingbo
Published: February 2018

Uniformly dispersed Mo2C were anchored on N, P‐codoped graphene (Mo2C‐N,P‐rGO) by a facile method, during which phytic acid was employed as cross‐linker to bridge the polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified graphene oxide (PEI‐GO) and Mo ions through electrostatic adsorption and coordination bonding. Thanks to this ingenious strategy, the aggregation of Mo2C that usually occurs at high calcination temperature was effectively suppressed. This well‐defined nanohybrid exhibits an excellent activity and high stability in hydrogen evolution reactions both in acidic and basic media due to the synergistic effects of the heteroatoms doped, accessibility of active sites, and conductivity of the two‐dimensional (2D) structure. The obtained Mo2C‐N,P‐rGO requires only small overpotentials of 71 and 95 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline and acidic solution, respectively. Benefiting from the protective effect of the coated carbon layers on the Mo2C surface, no obvious degradation was detected after 20 h of operation. This facile strategy may provide new opportunities for the precise design of functional 2D materials with unique properties.
Pd Nanoparticles Encapsulated in FER Zeolite through a Layer Reassembling Strategy as Shape‐selective Hydrogenation Catalyst
Authors: Zhao Zhenchao , Li Yanlu , Feyen Mathias , McGuire Robert , Müller Ulrich , Zhang Weiping
Published: February 2018

Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated in zeolites bearing distinct shape‐selective properties at molecular level expand their new applications in catalysis. Here we report a synthesis strategy for the encapsulation of Pd NPs inside FER zeolite via a layer reassembling process. Pd precursors were introduced by swelling FER layers in RUB‐36 through the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium cations (CTA+) and then an ion‐exchange process at ambient temperature. Pd@FER was formed with a uniform diameter distribution of Pd NPs at about 1.4 nm during the topotactic transformation from layered zeolite precursors to 3‐dimensional zeolites followed by calcination. The as‐prepared Pd@FER catalyst exhibits distinct shape‐selective properties in hydrogenation reactions. It has relatively lower activity for 1‐hexene and almost no activity for 1‐phenyl‐1‐cyclohexene compared with Pd/RUB‐37 catalyst prepared via wet impregnation due to the restrictions of channels in the FER zeolite. On the contrary, Pd@FER shows very high hydrogenation activity for benzaldehyde and very low activity for diphenylmethanone hydrogenation, while Pd/RUB‐37 exhibits high hydrogenation activity for both benzaldehyde and diphenylmethanone. This synthesis strategy may be extended to other noble metals or two‐dimensional layered zeolite systems for size‐selective hydrogenation reactions.
Benzoimidazole‐Pyridylamido Zirconium and Hafnium Alkyl Complexes as Homogeneous Catalysts for Tandem Carbon Dioxide Hydrosilylation to Methane
Authors: Luconi Lapo , Rossin Andrea , Tuci Giulia , Gafurov Zufar , Lyubov Dmitrii M. , Trifonov Alexander A. , Cicchi Stefano , Ba Housseinou , Pham‐Huu Cuong , Yakhvarov Dmitry , Giambastiani Giuliano
Published: February 2018

Neutral ZrIV and HfIV alkyl/amido complexes stabilized by a tridentate N ligand that contains a “rolling” heterodentate benzoimidazole fragment have been prepared and characterized. The ultimate nature of the ligand denticity, the electronic properties of the ligand binding pocket and the metal coordination environment are controlled by the protection/deprotection of the benzoimidazole NH group. The metal precursor used [MIV(Bn)4 or MIV(NMe2)4] also has an influence on the final coordination sphere of the complex; indeed, a permanent central pyridine dearomatization occurs in the presence of dimethylamido ancillary groups. DFT calculations on the real system have been used to elucidate the mechanism. Selected alkyl species from this series have been scrutinized for the tandem hydrosilylation of CO2 to CH4 in combination with the strong Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 using a variety of hydrosilanes. A positive effect of the hardness modification of the ligand donor atom set is observed in the catalytic outcomes. Indeed, κ3{N−,N,N−}ZrIV(Bn)2 catalyzes the process to methane selectively with a turnover frequency as high as 272 h−1 (at 96 % substrate conversion) almost twice as much as that claimed for the benchmark κ3{O−,O,O−}ZrIV(Bn)2 complex under similar experimental conditions.
Sustainable Manganese‐Catalyzed C−H Activation/Hydroarylation of Imines
Authors: Liang Yu‐Feng , Massignan Leonardo , Ackermann Lutz
Published: February 2018

Expedient C−H additions of heteroarenes onto aldimines were realized by a sustainable manganese catalysis manifold within a removable directing group strategy. The C−H activation features most user‐friendly reaction conditions, excellent chemo‐ and position‐selectivity as well as ample substrate scope. Detailed experimental mechanistic studies suggest an organometallic C−H manganesation mode of action.
Modification of Activated Carbon by the Basic Ionic Liquid [Bmim]OH: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Yan Jia-Yu , Shang Jian-Jiang , Fu Ye , Li De-Qiang , Liu Zhi-Yong
Published: February 2018

The large amount of dye wastewater requires efficient techniques, e.g., adsorption by activated carbon (AC), for removal of dyes to decrease water pollution. AC was modified by the basic ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hydroxide. The surface functional groups of AC changed evidently as detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Boehm titration. To evaluate the influence of functional group change on adsorption performance, AC and modified activated carbon (MAC) were employed to remove methylene blue. The results indicated an increase of adsorbance with lapse of contact time. The adsorption capability of AC was distinctly higher than that of MAC. From kinetic studies it follows that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model can well describe the adsorption process.
Effect of Alcohol Addition to Gasoline on Soot Distribution Characteristics in Laminar Diffusion Flames
Authors: Liu Fushui , Hua Yang , Wu Han , Lee Chia-fon , He Xu
Published: February 2018

Alcohols are widely used as alternative fuel for spark ignition engines to reduce soot emission. 2D soot distributions of alcohols‐gasoline blends were studied in laminar diffusion flames by two‐color laser‐induced incandescence technique. The soot volume fraction decreases significantly with the alcohol blending ratio. At the same blending ratio, the soot‐reducing ability declined with the carbon length of the alcohol, but the reducing effect for short‐chain alcohols, i.e., methanol and ethanol, deteriorated at high blending ratio while it remained constant for the long‐chain alcohol n‐butanol. At fixed oxygen content, the soot‐reducing ability of a short‐chain alcohol is still higher than that of a long‐chain alcohol, i.e., not only the oxygen content but also the molecular structure dominates the soot‐reducing ability.
An RF‐gated wireless power transfer system for wireless MRI receive arrays
Authors: Byron Kelly , Robb Fraser , Stang Pascal , Vasanawala Shreyas , Pauly John , Scott Greig
Published: February 2018

In MRI systems, cable‐free receive arrays would simplify setup while reducing the bulk and weight of coil arrays and improve patient comfort and throughput. Since battery power would limit scan time, wireless power transfer (WPT) is a viable option to continuously supply several watts of power to on‐coil electronics. To minimize added noise and decouple the wireless power system from MRI coils, restrictions are placed on the coil geometry of the wireless power system, which are shown to limit its efficiency. Continuous power harvesting can also cause a large increase in the background noise of the image due to diode rectifier up‐conversion of noise around the frequency of the transmitted power. However, by RF gating the transmitted power off during the MRI receive time while continuing to supply power from a storage capacitor, WPT is demonstrated to have minimal impact on image quality at received power levels up to 11 W. The integration of WPT with a 1.5T scanner is demonstrated.
Genotyping validates photo‐identification by the head scale pattern in a large population of the European adder (Vipera berus)
Authors: Bauwens Dirk , Claus Katja , Mergeay Joachim
Published: February 2018

Capture‐mark‐recapture procedures are a basic tool in population studies and require that individual animals are correctly identified throughout their lifetime. A method that has become more and more popular uses photographic records of natural markings, such as pigmentation pattern and scalation configuration. As with any other marking tool, the validity of the photographic identification technique should be evaluated thoroughly. Here, we report on a large‐scale double‐marking study in which European adders (Vipera berus) were identified by both microsatellite genetic markers and by the pattern of head scalation. Samples that were successfully genotyped for all nine loci yielded 624 unique genotypes, which matched on a one‐to‐one basis with the individual assignments based on the head scalation pattern. Thus, adders considered as different individuals by their genotypes were also identified as different individuals by their head scalation pattern, and vice versa. Overall, variation in the numbers, shape, and arrangement of the head scales enabled us to distinguish among 3200+ photographed individual snakes. Adders that were repeatedly sequenced genetically over intervals of 2–3 years showed no indication whatsoever for a change in the head scale pattern. Photographic records of 900+ adders that were recaptured over periods of up to 12 years showed a very detailed and precise match of the head scale characteristics. These natural marks are thus robust over time and do not change during an individual's lifetime. With very low frequency (0.3%), we detected small changes in scalation that were readily discernible and could be attributed to physical injury or infection. Our study provides a conclusive validation for the use of photo‐identification by head scale patterns in the European adder.
No strict requirement for eosinophils for bone marrow plasma cell survival
Authors: Bortnick Alexandra , Chernova Irene , Spencer Sean P. , Allman David
Published: February 2018

Lasting antibody responses are maintained by long‐lived plasma cells, which are thought to lodge in the BM in specialized survival niches. Eosinophils have been reported to function as a critical component of the BM survival niche where they are thought to provide pro‐survival signals to nearby plasma cells. Recent study shows that many BM plasma cells are recently generated and chiefly short‐lived cells, raising the possibility that rare plasma cell–eosinophil interactions are a rate‐limiting step needed to establish lasting humoral immunity. To address these issues, we examined the impact of eosinophil depletion on short‐ and long‐lived BM plasma cells in the context of antibody responses induced by both T‐cell dependent and T‐cell independent antigens. Surprisingly, our results failed to support a role for eosinophils in either plasma cell generation or survival. These studies included examination of plasma cell frequencies in mice lacking eosinophils either after antibody‐mediated depletion, or due to mutation of the GATA1 locus.
Grindability and combustion behavior of raw and thermally treated different ages of Bambusa balcooa
Authors: Bada Samson O. , Makwarela Moyahabo O. , Falcon Rosemary M. S. , Sutton Adrian
Published: February 2018

Different ages of Bambusa balcooa (bamboo) were treated and tested for grindability and combustion behavior in support of a co‐firing research program. The bamboo samples (1, 3, and 4+ years old) were subjected to thermal pre‐treatment methods, that is, torrefaction at 250 and 280°C and low temperature carbonization at 350 and 400°C to improve their combustion and physicochemical properties. The grindability of bamboo was improved by thermal treatment, indicated by an increase in HGI value. In all bamboo samples (1, 3, and 4+ years old), the grindability was found to be easier as the treatment temperature increased. The raw bamboo samples exhibited calorific values ranging from 17 to 18 MJ/kg and these increased to 25–30 MJ/kg, by torrefaction and carbonization. Both raw and thermally treated bamboo had higher reactivities, and lower ignition and burnout temperatures compared with that for coal during combustion. The carbonized 4‐year‐old bamboo forms appear to be more suited to, and possibly the preferred alternative source of fuel for, firing alone or co‐fired with coal in pulverized coal boilers such as those used in large scale power generation in South Africa. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Comparison of lipid peroxidation and catalase response in invasive dreissenid mussels exposed to single and multiple stressors
Authors: Nowicki Carly J. , Kashian Donna R.
Published: February 2018

Dreissenid mussels Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel) and Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) are prolific invasive species to the freshwaters of the United States and Western Europe. In the Great Lakes, D. polymorpha has initially dominated the system since its invasion in the mid-1980s; however, recently D. bugensis has displaced D. polymorpha as the dominant species. Dreissena bugensis has several competitive advantages over D. polymorpha, including greater tolerances to deeper and colder waters and lower respiration rates. Nevertheless, physiological differences between the species remain largely unknown. The oxidative stress response is a mechanism used by all organisms to mitigate environmental stress by reducing oxygen radicals in the body, and comparing this mechanism between similar species can be useful for understanding how different species compete in aquatic environments. We compared oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid peroxidation [LPO] and catalase [CAT] activity) in mussels after exposure to 4 stressors (i.e., high densities, temperature, hypoxia, and polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs]) independently and in combinations of 2 stressors. Overall, D. bugensis had lower LPO and CAT activity than D. polymorpha when exposed to single stressors; however, in multiple stressor treatments D. bugensis had increased LPO, especially with high temperatures and PCBs. The lower lipid damage in D. bugensis compared with D. polymorpha under single stressor conditions may come at the cost of the ability to respond to multiple stressors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1643–1654. © 2018 SETAC
Identification of α‐fetoprotein‐specific T‐cell receptors for hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy
Authors: Zhu Wei , Peng Yibing , Wang Lan , Hong Yuan , Jiang Xiaotao , Li Qi , Liu Heping , Huang Lei , Wu Juan , Celis Esteban , Merchen Todd , Kruse Edward , He Yukai
Published: February 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major form of liver cancer for which there is no effective therapy. Genetic modification with T‐cell receptors (TCRs) specific for HCC‐associated antigens, such as α‐fetoprotein (AFP), can potentially redirect human T cells to specifically recognize and kill HCC tumor cells to achieve antitumor effects. In this study, using lentivector and peptide immunization, we identified a population of cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8) T cells in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A2 transgenic AAD mice that recognized AFP158 epitope on human HCC cells. Adoptive transfer of the AFP158‐specific mouse CD8 T cells eradicated HepG2 tumor xenografts as large as 2 cm in diameter in immunocompromised nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient gamma knockout (NSG) mice. We then established T‐cell hybridoma clones from the AFP158‐specific mouse CD8 T cells and identified three sets of paired TCR genes out of five hybridomas. Expression of the murine TCR genes redirected primary human T cells to bind HLA‐A2/AFP158 tetramer. TCR gene‐engineered human T (TCR‐T) cells also specifically recognized HLA‐A2+AFP+ HepG2 HCC tumor cells and produced effector cytokines. Importantly, the TCR‐T cells could specifically kill HLA‐A2+AFP+ HepG2 tumor cells without significant toxicity to normal primary hepatocytes in vitro. Adoptive transfer of the AFP‐specific TCR‐T cells could eradicate HepG2 tumors in NSG mice. Conclusion: We have identified AFP‐specific murine TCR genes that can redirect human T cells to specifically recognize and kill HCC tumor cells, and those AFP158‐specific TCRs have a great potential to engineer a patient's autologous T cells to treat HCC tumors. (Hepatology 2018).
Cu(OAc)2·H2O/NH2OH·HCl/CH3COONa: A Facile and Efficient Catalyst System for Copper‐catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Click Reactions in Water
Authors: Jiang Yu‐Qin , Wu Kai , Fan Li‐Ming , Zhao Jing‐Lin , Yang Yu‐Qing , Zhang Wei‐Wei , Xu Gui‐Qing
Published: February 2018

A facile and efficient protocol has been developed for synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles in good to excellent yields using Cu(OAc)2·H2O (0.5 mol%)/NH2OH·HCl (0.5 mol%)/CH3COONa (1.0 mol%) as the catalyst system. The presence of CH3COONa (2 equiv) could ensure the in situ generation of Cu2O as the active catalyst instead of CuCl from Cu(OAc)2·H2O (1 equiv)/NH2OH·HCl (1 equiv). This protocol could be carried out in water under mild conditions.
Enzymatic detoxification: a sustainable means of degrading toxic organophosphate pesticides and chemical warfare nerve agents
Authors: Manco Giuseppe , Porzio Elena , Suzumoto Yoko
Published: February 2018

Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are highly toxic molecules mainly used as pesticides. OP compounds also include nerve gases used in the past as chemical warfare agents and collectively OP pesticides and nerve gases are referred to as nerve agents (NA). An intensive, widespread use of pesticides since the 20th century has resulted in the emergence of an urgent global issue concerning both environment and human health. In addition, past terroristic acts and the recent dramatic events in Syria highlighted more than ever the need to explore applicable strategies for the sensing, decontamination and detoxification of these compounds in stored bulks, on critical surfaces and media (food, water and air) and for in vivo prophylaxes and therapies.

OP compounds, act as covalent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the nerve system of vertebrates, thus posing a substantial threat to the ecosystem. In order to address a strong demand for the establishment of an environmental monitoring system and remediation process for NA, an increasing number of studies have been focused on the enzymatic degradation in vitro. Use of enzymes for detoxification and decontamination of toxic NA could provide a long‐term benefit as it is environmentally friendly compared with conventional methods such as chemical treatments and incineration. This review presents an overview of the current state of enzymatic detoxification research against NA. This includes the detailed characterization and protein engineering for the improvement in NA‐degrading activities of such enzymes. Research on biosensors for NA detection and identification, although important in the field, has not been treated in this review. Instead special attention has been paid to the Phosphotriesterase‐Like‐Lactonase (PLL) enzyme family. Several PLL enzymes have been isolated from hyperthermophilic Archaea or thermophilic/extremophilic Bacteria, and exhibit exceptional thermal stability. Extremophilic PLLs therefore hold promise for potential industrial application towards NA detoxification. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The influence of diet on masticatory motor patterns in musteloid carnivorans: An analysis of jaw adductor activity in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) and kinkajous (Potos flavus)
Authors: Davis Jillian S. , Williams Susan H.
Published: February 2018

Broad similarities in the timing of jaw adductor activity driving jaw movements across distantly related and morphologically disparate species have led to the hypothesis that mammalian masticatory motor patterns are conserved. However, some quantitative analyses also suggest that masticatory motor patterns have evolved in concert with dietary and/or morphological specialization. Here, we assess this relationship in two closely related carnivoran species with divergent diets and morphology: carnivorous ferrets and frugivorous kinkajous. Using electromyography to characterize jaw adductor activity during rhythmic mastication, we test the hypotheses that (1) carnivoran masticatory motor patterns differ from those of non‐carnivorans based on previously published data, and (2) differences between ferret and kinkajou motor patterns are associated with dietary and morphological differences. We find that both species exhibit highly synchronous jaw adductor activity that is likely typical of most carnivorans. Kinkajous differ from ferrets, however, in having a balancing‐side zygomaticomandibularis that is active later than all other adductors. The significance of these different masticatory motor patterns may relate to morphological differences in the dentition of ferrets and kinkajous. Whereas ferret cheek teeth have vertical occlusal surfaces that limit jaw closing to a primarily dorsally directed movement, kinkajous have relatively flat occlusal surfaces that allow more transverse movement, which may be essential for processing fruits. Our results suggest that some aspects of masticatory motor patterns are highly conserved yet some components are modified in concert with functional and morphological evolution of the masticatory apparatus.
Identification and characterization of homeobox (Hox) genes and conservation of the single Hox cluster (324.6 kb) in the water flea Daphnia magna
Authors: Kim Duck‐Hyun , Lee Bo‐Young , Kim Hui‐Su , Jeong Chang‐Bum , Hwang Dae‐Sik , Kim Il‐Chan , Lee Jae‐Seong
Published: February 2018

We report the complete sequence analysis of the entire complement of eight typical homeobox (Hox) genes (Lab, Pb, Dfd, Scr, Antp, Ubx, Abd‐A, and Abd‐B) and two other genes (Hox3 and Ftz) in a 324.6‐kb region in the water flea Daphnia magna. In the cluster of D. magna Hox genes, we found one long interspersed nuclear element (LINE)/R2‐NeSL between Ubx and Abd‐A that was not present in Daphnia pulex Hox genes. In basal expression of Hox genes at different developmental stages, biothorax complex genes (Ubx, Abd‐A, and Abd‐B) and some antennapedia complex genes (Lab, Scr, Antp) were moderately expressed, but the Hox3 gene was barely expressed. Three homeobox genes (Antp, Ubx, Abd‐A) were highly expressed at 6–7 days after release from the brood chamber and/or in the adult stage. The structural array and transcribed orientation of Dm‐Hox genes were identical to those of the sister species D. pulex (∼340 kb), indicating that the Hox gene structure in daphnids is highly conserved. However, Dm‐ and Dp‐Hox3, ‐deformed (Dfd), and ‐fushi tarazu (Ftz) genes varied from orthologous genes in pancrustacean species.
Model transfer for Raman‐spectroscopy‐based bacterial classification
Authors: Guo Shuxia , Heinke Ralf , Stöckel Stephan , Rösch Petra , Popp Jürgen , Bocklitz Thomas
Published: February 2018

Raman spectroscopy has gained increasing attention in biomedical diagnostics thanks to instrumental developments and chemometric models that enhance the accuracy and speed of this technique. In particular, a model transfer procedure is needed if the chemometric models are utilized to predict a new dataset measured under (secondary) conditions different to the training data (primary). The model transfer methods try to achieve satisfactory prediction on the secondary dataset with minimal or no training samples measured under secondary conditions. Model transfer methods that have been reported are mostly applied for near‐infrared spectroscopy and in regression problems. The investigation of model transfer in Raman spectroscopy and classification is rare. Our recently reported Tikhonov regularization based on partial least squares regression (TR‐PLSR) was utilized for model transfer of Raman‐based classification models for spore species. In the present work, we show that the TR‐PLSR also works for Raman spectra of vegetative bacteria, even though the Raman spectra of 3 species of bacteria were acquired on 3 different Raman spectrometers. Additionally, we report 2 newly developed model transfer methods for Raman spectra: movement of principal components scores and spectral augmentation. Both methods were validated based on the Raman spectra of bacterial spores and vegetative bacteria, where a significant improvement of the model transferability was observed. The movement of principal components scores method yielded results comparable with those of the TR‐PLSR. However, the new methods are superior to TR‐PLSR in 2 ways: No training samples in the secondary conditions are necessary, and the methods are not restricted to partial least squares regression but can also be applied to other models. Both advantages are important in real‐world applications and represent a large step for improving the model transfer of Raman spectra.
Evaluation of hollow copper strands corrosion behavior in stator cooling water using response surface methodology
Authors: Zhang Ruiyuan , Cao Shun'an , Pan Haowei
Published: February 2018

Generator hollow copper strands are frequently subjected to plug and flow restriction caused by copper oxide deposition. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the three key independent operating parameters, namely temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen, to decrease copper corrosion. The characterization of chemical features was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optimum condition was obtained as temperature 60 °C, pH 8.5, and dissolved oxygen 0.04 mg/L. At this applied optimum condition, the corrosion rate and the content of dissolved copper ions could be lower than 0.005 mm y−1 and 25 µg/L, respectively. Increasing pH could decrease both the corrosion rate and the content of dissolved copper ions owing to enhance the height of layer and varied the composition of the film.
Strong acid resistance from electrochemical deposition of WO3 on super‐hydrophobic CuO‐coated copper surface
Authors: Dou Wenwen , Wang Peng , Wu Jiajia , Gu Tingyue , Zhang Dun
Published: February 2018

In marine and industrial environments, salts and aggressive contaminants in water may cause corrosion and degradation, including acid corrosion and erosion. Super‐hydrophobic (SH) metal oxide films can keep surfaces dry by expelling water droplets. This inhibits corrosion. However, acid rain can dissolve the metal oxide films. Thus, it is necessary to protect SH films against acid erosion. In this work, a WO3 film was added on top of CuO‐coated SH copper surface using electrochemical deposition. The composite SH CuO‐WO3 film exhibited a strong acid resistance. After 48 h immersion in 0.2 N sulfuric acid, the film retained its nearly perfect micro‐nano structure with a static water contact angle of 160 ± 2°. After acid erosion, the corrosion rate in a 3.5% (w/w) NaCl solution was tested using potentiodynamic polarization curves. Its corrosion current density was found to be four orders of magnitude lower compared with CuO‐coated copper. This kind of acid resistant SH surfaces with much enhanced ability against atmospheric oxygen corrosion in the presence of salty water have potential applications in marine and other industrial environments.
Presynaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome with altered synaptic vesicle homeostasis linked to compound heterozygous sequence variants in RPH3A
Authors: Maselli Ricardo A. , Vázquez Jessica , Schrumpf Leah , Arredondo Juan , Lara Marian , Strober Jonathan B. , Pytel Peter , Wollmann Robert L. , Ferns Michael
Published: February 2018

Background

Monogenic defects of synaptic vesicle (SV) homeostasis have been implicated in many neurologic diseases, including autism, epilepsy, and movement disorders. In addition, abnormal vesicle exocytosis has been associated with several endocrine dysfunctions.

Methods

We report an 11 year old girl with learning disabilities, tremors, ataxia, transient hyperglycemia, and muscle fatigability responsive to albuterol sulfate. Failure of neuromuscular transmission was confirmed by single fiber electromyography. Electron microscopy of motor nerve terminals revealed marked reduction in SV density, double‐membrane‐bound sacs containing SVs, abundant endosomes, and degenerative lamellar bodies. The patient underwent whole exome sequencing (WES) and relevant sequence variants were expressed and studied in a mammalian cell line.

Results

Chromosomal microarray studies and next generation sequencing (NGS) of mitochondrial DNA were unrevealing; however, NGS of genomic DNA showed two rare sequence variants in the gene encoding rabphilin 3a (RPH3A). The paternally inherited variant c.806 G>A (p.Arg269Gln) involves a substitution of a conserved residue in the linker region, while the maternally inherited variant c.1390 G>T (p.Val464Leu) involves a conserved amino acid substitution in the highly conserved C2A region. Expression studies revealed that p.Arg269Gln strongly impairs the binding of rabphilin 3a to 14‐3‐3, which is a proposed regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity. In contrast, the binding of rabphilin 3a to 14‐3‐3 is only marginally impaired by p.Val464Leu; thus, the pathogenic role of p.Val464Leu remains unclear.

Conclusion

In summary, we report a patient with a multisystem neurologic disorder and altered SV regulation attributed to defects in RPH3A, which grants further studies of this gene in human disorders of synaptic transmission.
Familial aortic disease and a large duplication in chromosome 16p13.1
Authors: Erhart Philipp , Brandt Tobias , Straub Beate K. , Hausser Ingrid , Hentze Sabine , Böckler Dittmar , Grond‐Ginsbach Caspar
Published: February 2018

Background and purpose

A recurrent duplication of chromosome 16p13.1 was associated with aortic dissection as well as with cervical artery dissection. We explore the segregation of this duplication in a family with familial aortic disease.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis was performed in a patient with a family history of aortic diseases and ischemic stroke due to an aortic dissection extending into both carotid arteries.

Results

The index patient, his affected father, and an affected sister of his father carried a large duplication of region 16p13.1, which was also verified by quantitative PCR. The duplication was also found in clinically asymptomatic sister of the index patient. WES did not detect pathogenic variants in a predefined panel of 11 genes associated with aortic disease, but identified rare deleterious variants in 14 genes that cosegregated with the aortic phenotype.

Conclusions

The cosegregation of duplication 16p13.1 with the aortic phenotype in this family suggested a causal relationship between the duplication and aortic disease. Variants in known candidate genes were excluded as disease‐causing in this family, but cosegregating variants in other genes might modify the contribution of duplication 16p13.1 on aortic disease.
Predictors of early left ventricular systolic dysfunction in duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Cirino Raphael Henrique Déa , Scola Rosana Herminia , Ducci Renata Dal‐Prá , Wermelinger Ana Cristina Camarozano , Kay Claudia Suemi Kamoi , Lorenzoni Paulo José , Werneck Lineu Cesar , Carmes Eliane Ribeiro , Da Cunha Claudio Leinig Pereira
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Early detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is important for therapeutic strategies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. We analyzed myocardial strain using echocardiography for early detection of LVSD and determined the predictors of early LVSD. Methods: This investigation was a cross‐sectional study of 40 DMD patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was used to analyze subtle disturbances in longitudinal contraction of the myocardium. Patients were determined to have early LVSD (GLS > –18) or normal left ventricular systolic function (GLS ≤ –18). Results: Patients who had early LVSD were older and had a higher frequency of corticosteroid therapy and of mutations in exons 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, and 52. Discussion: Myocardial strain measurements are useful for the early diagnosis of LVSD in DMD patients. Older age, use of corticosteroids, and mutations within the “hot‐spot” region of the DMD gene are associated with early LVSD. Muscle Nerve 58: 84–89, 2018
Synergistic flame retardant mechanism of lanthanum phenylphosphonate and decabromodiphenyl oxide in polycarbonate
Authors: Ran Shiya , Ye Runfeng , Cai Yingfeng , Shen Huiyuan , He Yang , Fang Zhengping , Guo Zhenghong
Published: February 2018

Lanthanum phenylphosphonate (LaHPP) was synthesized through solution reflux method with a hydrothermal reaction. The synergistic effect of decabromodiphenyl oxide (DBDPO) and LaHPP on thermal stability and flame retardancy of polycarbonate (PC) were investigated. Transmission electron microscope graphs showed that LaHPP dispersed well in the PC matrix. Thermogravimetric analyses indicated that the addition of LaHPP into PC/DBDPO composites led to better thermal stability. An appropriate content (1 wt%) of LaHPP could improve the UL94 rating (from V‐2 to V‐0) and limiting oxygen index value (from 32.8 to 40.5%) dramatically, and also brought an effective reduction in peak heat release rate and smoke release rate in cone calorimeter. Investigation of gaseous pyrolysis products and char residues demonstrated that LaHPP promoted the formation of more compact and solid chars, which acted as physical barriers to inhibit heat and oxygen transfer. The inside char layers also provided more space and time for DBDPO to play its flame retardant role in gaseous phases. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:986–999, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development and characterization of zinc‐incorporated montmorillonite/poly(ε‐caprolactone) composite scaffold for osteogenic tissue‐engineering applications
Authors: Koç Demir Aysel
Published: February 2018

This article reveals the potential use of a macroporous 3D poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐zinc montmorillonite (PCL‐ZnMMT) composite scaffold as a bone tissue engineering template. The zinc‐incorporated porous scaffold was prepared by combining solvent casting and particulate leaching technique. Later, PCL‐ZnMMT composite scaffolds were characterized for their physicochemical, mechanical and in vitro biological properties. Human adipose stem cells (hASCs) were utilized for in vitro cell culture studies. Cell viability and proliferation of cell‐scaffold constructs were investigated using the Alamar Blue and Live/Dead‐staining assays. The osteogenic differentiation potential of hASCs on PCL‐ZnMMT scaffolds was evaluated by the alkaline phosphatase assay; Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize mineral accumulation. X‐ray diffraction results indicate that the incorporation of MMT into polymer matrix. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the presence of clay improves thermal stability of polymeric matrix. ICP findings showed that Zn ion concentration in the cell culture medium was at a sustainable range up to 7 days. SEM micrographs reveal that scaffold had a highly porous morphology and also the infiltration of cells into the porous structure. In vitro studies showed that the incorporation of Zn into the PCL‐MMT system stimulated the in vitro proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Findings indicate that PCL‐ZnMMT scaffold composite may be a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E601–E608, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Methods for addressing “innocent bystanders” when evaluating safety of concomitant vaccines
Authors: Wang Shirley V. , Abdurrob Abdurrahman , Spoendlin Julia , Lewis Edwin , Newcomer Sophia R. , Fireman Bruce , Daley Matthew F. , Glanz Jason M. , Duffy Jonathan , Weintraub Eric S. , Kulldorff Martin
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The need to develop methods for studying the safety of childhood immunization schedules has been recognized by the Institute of Medicine and Department of Health and Human Services. The recommended childhood immunization schedule includes multiple vaccines in a visit. A key concern is safety of concomitant (same day) versus separate day vaccination. This paper addresses a methodological challenge for observational studies using a self‐controlled design to investigate the safety of concomitant vaccination.

Methods

We propose a process for distinguishing which of several concomitantly administered vaccines is responsible for increased risk of an adverse event while adjusting for confounding due to relationships between effect modifying risk factors and concomitant vaccine combinations. We illustrate the approach by re‐examining the known increase in risk of seizure 7 to 10 days after measles‐mumps‐rubella (MMR) vaccination and evaluating potential independent or modifying effects of other vaccines.

Results

Initial analyses suggested that DTaP had both an independent and potentiating effect on seizure. After accounting for the relationship between age at vaccination and vaccine combination, there was little evidence for increased risk of seizure with same day administration of DTaP and MMR; incidence rate ratio, 95% confidence interval 1.2 (0.9–1.6), P value = θ.226.

Conclusion

We have shown that when using a self‐controlled design to investigate safety of concomitant vaccination, it can be critically important to adjust for time‐invariant effect modifying risk factors, such as age at time of vaccination, which are structurally related to vaccination patterns due to recommended immunization schedules.
Improvement of Amorphous InGaZnO Thin‐Film Transistor Using High‐k SrTa2O6 as Gate Insulator Deposited by Sputtering Method
Authors: Takahashi Takanori , Hoga Takeshi , Miyanaga Ryoko , Oikawa Kento , Fujii Mami N. , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Uraoka Yukiharu , Uchiyama Kiyoshi
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the InGaZnO‐based thin‐film transistors (TFT) with the sputtered high‐k SrTa2O6 (STA) as a gate insulator are fabricated. The IGZO‐TFT with STA show low voltage operation below 5 V with good TFT performances, i.e., filed effect mobility of 11.1 cm2 V−1 s−1, threshold voltage of 0.6 V, sub‐threshold swing of 163 mV/decade, and on/off ratio of 7.8 × 109. Compared to the thermally grown SiO2 gate insulator, the sub‐threshold swing is improved by use of STA gate insulator. In addition, the high on‐current and low gate leakage current are obtained. These characteristics are attributable to the sufficient electrical properties of STA, i.e., high dielectric constant of 30 and low leakage current density of 2.6 × 10−8 A cm−2 at 300 kV cm−1.
Template‐Free Formation of Uniform Fe3O4 Hollow Nanoflowers Supported on Reduced Graphene Oxide and Their Excellent Microwave Absorption Performances
Authors: Zeng Xiaojun , Zhu Lingyu , Jiang Guangming , Wang Chenyu , Xia Zhouhui , Yu Ronghai
Published: February 2018

Iron oxides (Fe2O3, Fe3O4) are highly desirable for electromagnetic (EM) microwave absorption applications because of their high magnetization, low toxicity and good magnetic loss. Herein, we repot an effective strategy to improve the reflection loss (RL) of iron oxides‐based materials via a delicate design of distinctive hybrid nanostructures, where uniform magnetite (Fe3O4) hollow nanoflowers organized from ultrathin nanosheets are supported on the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) matrix (MHF‐rGO). The designed MHF‐rGO exhibits excellent microwave absorption performance with a low RL of −53.3 dB at 4.96 GHz and a wide bandwidth of 5.68 GHz (< − 10 dB). The top level microwave absorption properties are associated with the high surface areas, ultrathin nanosheets and hollow structures of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoflowers, which present a good synergetic role with lightweight rGO. Furthermore, the controllable permittivity in MHF‐rGO is developed by adjusting the rGO content, which can balance the permeability to obtain a good impedance matching. This study paves an effective way to improve and extend the microwave absorption performances of iron oxides‐based materials through a delicate hybrid nanostructures design strategy.