bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Systolic Extinction Training in Fibromyalgia Patients With Elevated Blood Pressure Response to Stress: A Tailored Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Thieme Kati , Meller Tina , Evermann Ulrika , Malinowski Robert , Mathys Marc G. , Graceley Richard H. , Maixner William , Turk Dennis C.
Published: June 2018

Objective

An intrinsic pain regulatory system is modulated by both cardiovascular dynamics that influence baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and is diminished in fibromyalgia (FM). Baroreceptors relay cardiovascular output to the dorsal medial nucleus tractus solitarius reflex arcs that regulate pain, sleep, anxiety, and blood pressure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of systolic extinction training (SET), which combines operant treatment (OT) with baroreflex training (BRT). BRT delivers peripheral electrical stimulation within a few milliseconds of the systolic or diastolic peak in the cardiac cycle. In addition, we compared SET to OT–transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) independent of the cardiac cycle and aerobic exercise (AE)–BRT in FM patients with elevated blood pressure responses to stress.

Methods

Sixty‐two female patients with FM were randomized to receive either SET (n = 21), OT‐TENS (n = 20), or AE‐BRT (n = 21). Outcome assessments were performed before treatment (T1), after 5 weeks of treatment (T2), and after the 12‐month follow‐up (T3).

Results

In contrast to patients receiving OT‐TENS or AE‐BRT, those receiving SET reported a significantly greater reduction in pain and pain interference (all P < 0.01) that was maintained at the 12‐month follow‐up. Clinically meaningful pain reduction at T3 was achieved in 82% of patients in the SET group, 39% of those in the OT‐TENS group, and only 14% of those in the AE‐BRT group. Patients in the SET group showed a significant increase (57%) in BRS following treatment, while neither the AE‐BRT group or the OT‐TENS group showed significant changes over time.

Conclusion

SET resulted in statistically significant, clinically meaningful, and long‐lasting pain remission and interference compared to OT‐TENS and AE‐BRT. These results suggest that BRS modification is the primary mechanism of improvement. Replication of our results using larger samples and extension to other chronic pain conditions appear to be warranted.
Single‐Crystalline Nanobelts Composed of Transition Metal Ditellurides
Authors: Kwak Jinsung , Jo Yongsu , Song Seunguk , Kim Jung Hwa , Kim Se‐Yang , Lee Jae‐Ung , Lee Sungwoo , Park Jungmin , Kim Kangwon , Lee Gun‐Do , Yoo Jung‐Woo , Kim Sung Youb , Kong Young‐Min , Lee Gwan‐Hyoung , Lee Wan‐Gyu , Park Jucheol , Xu Xiaodong , Cheong Hyeonsik , Yoon Euijoon , Lee Zonghoon , Kwon Soon‐Yong
Published: June 2018

Following the celebrated discovery of graphene, considerable attention has been directed toward the rich spectrum of properties offered by van der Waals crystals. However, studies have been largely limited to their 2D properties due to lack of 1D structures. Here, the growth of high‐yield, single‐crystalline 1D nanobelts composed of transition metal ditellurides at low temperatures (T ≤ 500 °C) and in short reaction times (t ≤ 10 min) via the use of tellurium‐rich eutectic metal alloys is reported. The synthesized semimetallic 1D products are highly pure, stoichiometric, structurally uniform, and free of defects, resulting in high electrical performances. Furthermore, complete compositional tuning of the ternary ditelluride nanobelts is achieved with suppressed phase separation, applicable to the creation of unprecedented low‐dimensional materials/devices. This approach may inspire new growth/fabrication strategies of 1D layered nanostructures, which may offer unique properties that are not available in other materials.
Grain‐Boundary “Patches” by In Situ Conversion to Enhance Perovskite Solar Cells Stability
Authors: Liu Lang , Huang Sheng , Lu Yue , Liu Pengfei , Zhao Yizhou , Shi Congbo , Zhang Siyu , Wu Jiafeng , Zhong Haizheng , Sui Manling , Zhou Huanping , Jin Haibo , Li Yujing , Chen Qi
Published: June 2018

The power conversion efficiency of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells has increased rapidly, but the device stability remains a big challenge. Previous studies show the grain boundary (GB) can facilitate ion migration and initiate device degradation. Herein, methimazole (MMI) is employed for the first time to construct a surface “patch” by in situ converting residual PbI2 at GBs. The resultant MMI–PbI2 complex can effectively suppress ion migration and inhibit diffusion of the metal electrodes. The origin of the surface “patch” effect and their working mechanisms are investigated experimentally and theoretically at the microscopic level. It hence demonstrates a simple and effective method to prolong the device stability in the context of GB engineering, which could be extensively applied to perovskite‐based optoelectronics.
An Artificial Sensory Neuron with Tactile Perceptual Learning
Authors: Wan Changjin , Chen Geng , Fu Yangming , Wang Ming , Matsuhisa Naoji , Pan Shaowu , Pan Liang , Yang Hui , Wan Qing , Zhu Liqiang , Chen Xiaodong
Published: June 2018

Sensory neurons within skin form an interface between the external physical reality and the inner tactile perception. This interface enables sensory information to be organized identified, and interpreted through perceptual learning—the process whereby the sensing abilities improve through experience. Here, an artificial sensory neuron that can integrate and differentiate the spatiotemporal features of touched patterns for recognition is shown. The system comprises sensing, transmitting, and processing components that are parallel to those found in a sensory neuron. A resistive pressure sensor converts pressure stimuli into electric signals, which are transmitted to a synaptic transistor through interfacial ionic/electronic coupling via a soft ionic conductor. Furthermore, the recognition error rate can be dramatically decreased from 44% to 0.4% by integrating with the machine learning method. This work represents a step toward the design and use of neuromorphic electronic skin with artificial intelligence for robotics and prosthetics.
Highly Efficient 2D/3D Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells via Low‐Pressure Vapor‐Assisted Solution Process
Authors: Li Ming‐Hsien , Yeh Hung‐Hsiang , Chiang Yu‐Hsien , Jeng U‐Ser , Su Chun‐Jen , Shiu Hung‐Wei , Hsu Yao‐Jane , Kosugi Nobuhiro , Ohigashi Takuji , Chen Yu‐An , Shen Po‐Shen , Chen Peter , Guo Tzung‐Fang
Published: June 2018

The fabrication of multidimensional organometallic halide perovskite via a low‐pressure vapor‐assisted solution process is demonstrated for the first time. Phenyl ethyl‐ammonium iodide (PEAI)‐doped lead iodide (PbI2) is first spin‐coated onto the substrate and subsequently reacts with methyl‐ammonium iodide (MAI) vapor in a low‐pressure heating oven. The doping ratio of PEAI in MAI‐vapor‐treated perovskite has significant impact on the crystalline structure, surface morphology, grain size, UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence spectra, and the resultant device performance. Multiple photoluminescence spectra are observed in the perovskite film starting with high PEAI/PbI2 ratio, which suggests the coexistence of low‐dimensional perovskite (PEA2MAn−1PbnI3n+1) with various values of n after vapor reaction. The dimensionality of the as‐fabricated perovskite film reveals an evolution from 2D, hybrid 2D/3D to 3D structure when the doping level of PEAI/PbI2 ratio varies from 2 to 0. Scanning electron microscopy images and Kelvin probe force microscopy mapping show that the PEAI‐containing perovskite grain is presumably formed around the MAPbI3 perovskite grain to benefit MAPbI3 grain growth. The device employing perovskite with PEAI/PbI2 = 0.05 achieves a champion power conversion efficiency of 19.10% with an open‐circuit voltage of 1.08 V, a current density of 21.91 mA cm−2, and a remarkable fill factor of 80.36%.
Self‐Destructing Secured Microchips by On‐Chip Triggered Energetic and Corrosive Attacks for Transient Electronics
Authors: Pandey Shashank S. , Banerjee Niladri , Xie Yan , Mastrangelo Carlos H.
Published: June 2018

The paper presents two techniques of triggered chip self‐destruction or transience toward realization of highly secured microchips. Both methods are developed to affect a surface transience where the chip surface is destroyed on trigger. The first transience method utilizes a solid‐state energetic exothermal energy release that melts the surface of the microchips and the second method involves release of a corrosive chemical agent on the target chip from a microfluidic plane that dissolves the surface of the chip. The exothermic energy release layer was developed as a spinnable nanothermite thin film with a self‐assembled CuO/Al nanothermite mixture densely dispersed in a Napalm‐B gelling agent. This thin film could be ignited through resistive heating or through an electric spark. In the other method, a microfluidic plane is fabricated over the target chip and demonstrably containing perfectly sealed reservoirs of different acidic agents is equipped to release them on being triggered on the chip to execute transience action. Both methods are developed as an add‐on technique without requiring any specialized chip design and are shown to successfully destroy silicon test microchips with electrical components in a short time ranging from less than a second to within 13 s of trigger activation.
Synthesis and Adsorption Properties for Cationic Dyes of Acrylic Acid/Vermiculite Hydrogel Initiated by Glow‐Discharge‐Electrolysis Plasma
Authors: Lu Quanfang , Zheng Jidong , Yu Jie , Yang Shuxiu , Ma Deli , Yang Wu , Gao Jinzhang
Published: June 2018

In this work, an acrylic acid/vermiculite (AA/VMT) hydrogel was prepared by glow‐discharge‐electrolysis plasma initiated graft copolymerization, in which N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide was used as a cross‐linker. The structure, thermal stability, morphology and surface area of AA/VMT hydrogel were characterized by FT‐IR, TG, SEM, and automated porosimeter. Cationic dyes such as Crystal violet (CV) and Methylene blue (MB) were used for testing the adsorption property. Factors influencing adsorption such as pH, contact time, concentration were investigated by batch experiments. Adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms were employed to illustrate the hydrogel‐dye interaction. The results showed that the best parameters for the adsorption of dyes were pH = 6 and contact time 2 h. The adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo‐second‐order model with multi‐step diffusion process. Both Langmuir and Redlich‐Peterson isotherms were well agreed with the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacities of CV and MB on AA/VMT hydrogel were 2575.2 and 2674.0 mg g−1, respectively.
Nutrient intake and balancing among femaleColobus angolensis palliatusinhabiting structurally distinct forest areas: Effects of group, season, and reproductive state
Authors: Dunham Noah T. , Rodriguez‐Saona Luis E.
Published: June 2018

Understanding intraspecific behavioral and dietary variation is critical for assessing primate populations’ abilities to persist in habitats characterized by increasing anthropogenic disturbances. While it is evident that some species exhibit considerable dietary flexibility (in terms of species‐specific plant parts) in relation to habitat disturbance, it is unclear if primates are characterized by similar variation and flexibility regarding nutrient intake. This study examined the effects of group, season, and reproductive state on nutrient intake and balancing in adult femaleColobus angolensis palliatusin the Diani Forest, Kenya. During July 2014 to December 2015, estimates of nutrient intake were recorded for eight females from three groups inhabiting structurally and ecologically distinct forest areas differing in tree species composition and density. There were differences in metabolizable energy (ME) and macronutrient intakes among groups, seasons, and reproductive states. Most notably, females inhabiting one of the more disturbed forest areas consumed less ME and macronutrients compared to females in the more intact forest area. Contrary to prediction, females in early lactation consumed significantly less ME and macronutrients compared to non‐lactating and late lactation females. Despite differences in macronutrient intake, the relative contribution of macronutrients to ME were generally more conservative among groups, seasons, and reproductive states. Average daily intake ratios of non‐protein energy to available protein ranged from approximately 3.5:1–4.3:1 among groups. These results indicate that femaleC. a. palliatusdemonstrate a consistent nutrient balancing strategy despite significant intergroup differences in consumption of species‐specific plant parts. Data from additional colobine species inhabiting different forest types are required to assess the extent to which nutrient balancing is constrained by phylogeny or is more flexible to local ecological conditions.
Influence of annealing time on linear rheology and morphology of silica filled polyisoprene rubber and ethylene‐propylene rubber
Authors: Xie Zhou , Xu Yiting , Song Yihu , Zheng Qiang
Published: June 2018

Dynamic rheology in combination of fluorescence and molecular weight analysis was carried out to explore annealing‐induced structural evolutions in silica filled polyisoprene rubber (IR) and ethylene‐propylene rubber compounds containing rhodamine B modified silica of 2.5% in volume fraction. The results show that storage modulus of the ethylene‐propylene rubber compounds increases slightly with increasing annealing time while that of the IR compounds exhibits a peaking behavior at mediate silica contents. Fluorescence tests reveal that the silica agglomerates in both compounds while the agglomeration is more significant in the IR ones. Molecular weight analysis shows that IR in the compounds undergoes degradation during the annealing. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46679.
Methylated Nucleobases: Synthesis and Evaluation for Base Pairing In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Jabgunde Amit M. , Jaziri Faten , Bande Omprakash , Froeyen Matheus , Abramov Mikhail , Nguyen Hoai , Schepers Guy , Lescrinier Eveline , Pinheiro Vitor B. , Pezo Valérie , Marlière Philippe , Herdewijn Piet
Published: June 2018

The synthesis, base pairing properties and in vitro (polymerase) and in vivo (E. coli) recognition of 2′‐deoxynucleotides with a 2‐amino‐6‐methyl‐8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydro‐purine (X), a 2‐methyl‐6‐thiopurine (Y) and a 6‐methyl‐4‐pyrimidone (Z) base moiety are described. As demonstrated by Tm measurements, the X and Y bases fail to form a self‐complementary base pair. Despite this failure, enzymatic incorporation experiments show that selected DNA polymerases recognize the X nucleotide and incorporate this modified nucleotide versus X in the template. In vivo, X is mainly recognized as a A/G or C base; Y is recognized as a G or C base and Z is mostly recognized as T or C. Replacing functional groups in nucleobases normally involved in W−C recognition (6‐carbonyl and 2‐amino group of purine; 6‐carbonyl of pyrimidine) readily leads to orthogonality (absence of base pairing with natural bases).
Sulfonated Hollow Covalent Organic Polymer: Highly‐Selective Adsorption toward Cationic Organic Dyes over Anionic Ones in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Jian‐Hong , Zhang Yue , An Lian‐Cai , Wang Wen‐He , Zhang Ying‐Hui , Bu Xian‐He
Published: June 2018

A sulfonated hollow covalent organic polymer (sh‐COP‐P) was prepared by post sulfonation of hollow covalent organic polymer (h‐COP‐P) synthesized through poly‐condensation of tetrabiphenylporphyrin (TBPP). In comparison with h‐COP‐P, sh‐COP‐P exhibits significantly enhanced adsorption capacity of organic cationic dyes in aqueous solutions accompanied with notably reduced adsorption capacity of anionic dyes. This gives sh‐COP‐P a satisfactory performance in selectively separating cationic organic dyes from anionic ones, mainly attributed to the electrostatic interaction between polymer backbone and the guest molecules.
A Tiered Approach for the Evaluation of the Safety of Botanicals Used as Dietary Supplements: An Industry Strategy
Authors: Roe Amy L. , McMillan Donna A. , Mahony Catherine
Published: June 2018

Exposure to botanicals in dietary supplements is increasing across many geographies; with increased expectations from consumers, regulators, and industry stewards centered on quality and safety of these products. We present a tiered approach to assess the safety of botanicals, and an in silico decision tree to address toxicity data gaps. Tier 1 describes a Threshold of Toxicologic Concern (TTC) approach that can be used to assess the safety of conceptual levels of botanicals. Tier 2 is an approach to document a history of safe human use for botanical exposures higher than the TTC. An assessment of botanical‐drug interaction (BDI) may also be necessary at this stage. Tier 3 involves botanical chemical constituent identification and safety assessment and the in silico approach as needed. Our novel approaches to identify potential hazards and establish safe human use levels for botanicals is cost and time efficient and minimizes reliance on animal testing.
A novel architecture of Proxy‐LMA mobility management scheme for software‐based smart factory networking
Authors: Cho Chulhee , Chung Tai‐Myoung
Published: June 2018

Mobile users expect a network service, in which seamless handoff occurs while moving on a next generation wireless network. In addition, in smart factories (SFs), communication is required between factory floor and manufacturing zone, as well as connectivity towards office IT, or remote production facilities that are connected via wide area network or internet. For this purpose, interworking between heterogeneous networks is important, but there has been little research on global mobility support. Therefore, this paper proposes Proxy‐LMA technology, a mobile IP‐based global internetworking system, to improve global mobility and interoperability in the SFs network environment. The purpose of the proposed Proxy‐LMA system is to support global mobility by using mobility management protocols such as PMIPv6 and MIPv6 in heterogeneous network environment. As a result of the performance evaluation, Proxy‐LMA system is more efficient than other methods in terms of signaling cost and response delay in heterogeneous network environment. Software‐based networking in SFs enables them to easily adapt the communication network to changing requirements. Similar to cloud‐based systems, such SFs could be seen as production clusters that could be rented and configured as needed. The SF network uses software‐defined networking combined with network functions virtualization, to achieve the required flexibility. Despite the fact that the technology is nowadays not yet ready for deployment in today's manufacturing networks, a novel network architecture for SFs based on software‐defined networking and network virtualization is here proposed, to support smart services, especially for Industrie 4.0.
Association of circulating proinflammatory marker, leucine‐rich‐α2‐glycoprotein (LRG1), following metabolic/bariatric surgery
Authors: Pek Sharon Li Ting , Cheng Anton Kui Sing , Lin Michelle Xueqin , Wong Moh Sim , Chan Eric Zit Liang , Moh Angela Mei Chung , Sum Chee Fang , Lim Su Chi , Tavintharan Subramaniam
Published: June 2018

Background

Obesity confers substantial excess risk for morbidity and mortality, especially for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Leucine‐rich‐α2‐glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), a novel proinflammatory factor, was recently reported to be higher in patients with T2D with complications of peripheral arterial disease. Association of LRG1, obesity, and weight loss is unknown. We examined whether plasma LRG1 is associated with obesity in health screening participants and if it predicts future weight loss in morbidly obese patients after metabolic/bariatric surgery.

Methods

Cohort 1 was a cross‐sectional study from a Health Screening program (n = 616) in a tertiary hospital. Cohort 2 was a prospective study of morbidly obese patients (n = 231) who underwent metabolic/bariatric surgery with follow‐up weight measurements. Anthropometric data, baseline fasting glucose, plasma adiponectin, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (HsCRP), and LRG1 were measured. Postsurgery blood, after metabolic/bariatric surgery, were available for LRG1and HsCRP measurements in 57 patients.

Results

In the group with highest tertile of LRG1, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and HsCRP were significantly higher, while total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, and adiponectin were lower than tertiles 1 and 2. Generalized linear model analysis showed that female gender (P < .0001), non‐Chinese ethnicity (P < .019), and higher HsCRP (P < .0001) levels were independent and significant determinants of higher plasma LRG1 levels. After adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, and baseline BMI, female gender (P = .020), higher presurgery BMI (P = .001), and lower presurgery LRG1 (P = .002) remained statistically significant predictors for greater weight loss. Plasma LRG1 increased significantly [from 28.2 (21.9‐36.8) to 34.9 (22.6‐49.5)] μg/mL (P = .003) within 1.5 months, after metabolic/bariatric surgery.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that LRG1 level is positively associated with obesity and a lower level of plasma LRG1 predicts weight loss in metabolic/bariatric surgery. Our novel findings suggest LRG1, itself or in combination with other known factors, is a potential biomarker of inflammation and obesity.
Ultrafine CoP Nanoparticles Anchored on Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheets as Anodes for Sodium Ion Batteries with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Li Qun , Dong Shihua , Zhang Yanan , Feng Shuai , Wang Qingzhao , Yuan Jianjun
Published: June 2018

Cobalt phosphide/reduced graphene oxide (CoP/RGO) nanohybrid materials have been prepared by a simple chemical precipitation method and a low‐temperature phosphorization process. Ultrafine CoP nanoparticles are loaded uniformly onto RGO nanosheets. The diameter of the CoP particle decreases to about 6–8 nm. Sodium ion battery anodes based on the CoP/RGO nanohybrids display significantly improved sodium ion storage performance. These electrode materials demonstrate a large capacity of about 490 mA h g–1, at a current density of 100 mA g–1, after 100 cycles. They also deliver good rate performance, demonstrating about 381 mA h g–1 specific capacity when the current density reaches 2.0 A g–1. The ultrafine nanoparticles, interconnected porous structure, large surface area, and good electrical conductivity are the major reasons for the excellent electrochemical performance. The synthesis method presented here is general, easy, and efficient, and can be developed for other metal phosphide–graphene composites.
Synthesis of a Fluorescent Probe for Sensing Multiple Protein States
Authors: Kucherak Oleksandr A. , Shvadchak Volodymyr V. , Kyriukha Yevhenii A. , Yushchenko Dmytro A.
Published: June 2018

We synthesized solvatochromic thiol‐reactive fluorescent probes 6FM‐M and 7AFM‐M possessing two‐band emission. 7AFM‐M was designed to have a smaller dipole moment than 6FM‐M and as a result it showed better separation of the two emission bands. Both probes were used to label a cysteine mutant of α‐synuclein (αSyn), a presynaptic neuronal protein associated with Parkinson's disease. We investigated the ability of the probes to sense αSyn binding to lipid membranes and αSyn fibrillization, and compared their sensitivity with that of one‐band solvatochromic probes. We found that while all the tested probes can discriminate two αSyn states, only the 7AFM‐M probe is able to clearly discriminate all three protein states of αSyn: unstructured, membrane‐bound and fibrillar αSyn. Finally, using αSyn labelled with 7AFM‐M, we demonstrated that high density of αSyn on lipid membranes may lead to the partial membrane destruction with a formation of lipoprotein particles.
Rh‐Catalyzed Carboxylates Directed C–H Activation for the Synthesis of ortho‐Carboxylic 2‐Arylethenesulfonyl Fluorides: Access to Unique Electrophiles for SuFEx Click Chemistry
Authors: Wang Shi‐Meng , Moku Balakrishna , Leng Jing , Qin Hua‐Li
Published: June 2018

The first RhIII‐catalyzed activation of ortho‐C–H bonds of arylcarboxylic esters for monoselective coupling with ethenesulfonyl fluoride (ESF) was developed. This protocol provides a convenient access to a class of otherwise difficult to access 2‐arylethenesulfonyl fluorides possessing ortho‐carboxylic esters functionality. The synthesized 25 examples in up to 99 % isolated yields of 2‐arylethenesulfonyl fluorides bearing versatile carboxylic groups make this method remarkably applicable in developing biologically and pharmacologically active ethenesulfonyl fluorides, which are potential covalent drug candidates.
Sunlight‐Driven Synthesis of Triarylethylenes (TAEs) via Metal‐Free Mizoroki–Heck‐Type Coupling
Authors: Onuigbo Louis , Raviola Carlotta , Di Fonzo Andrea , Protti Stefano , Fagnoni Maurizio
Published: June 2018

A protocol for the preparation of substituted triarylethylenes (TAEs) was developed by using arylazo sulfones as substrates in the presence of 1,1‐diarylethylenes. The process took place efficiently in the absence of any (photo)catalyst upon exposure of the reaction mixture to (simulated) sunlight.
Upconversion nanoparticle bioconjugates characterized by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Vaneckova Tereza , Smerkova Kristyna , Zitka Jan , Hynek David , Zitka Ondrej , Hlavacek Antonin , Foret Frantisek , Adam Vojtech , Vaculovicova Marketa
Published: June 2018

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are an emerging class of optical materials with high potential in bioimaging due to practically no background signal and high penetration depth. Their excellent optical properties and easy surface functionalization make them perfect for conjugation with targeting ligands. In this work, capillary electrophoretic (CE) method with laser‐induced fluorescence detection was used to investigate the behavior of carboxyl‐silica‐coated UCNPs. Folic acid, targeting folate receptor overexpressed by wide variety of cancer cells, was used for illustrative purposes and assessed by CE under optimized conditions. Peptide‐mediated bioconjugation of antibodies to UCNPs was also investigated. Despite the numerous advantages of CE, this is the first time that CE was employed for characterization of UCNPs and their bioconjugates. The separation conditions were optimized including the background electrolyte concentration and pH. The optimized electrolyte was 20 mM borate buffer with pH 8.
Chronology of an ancient water reservoir and the history of human activity in the Negev Highlands, Israel
Authors: Junge Andrea , Lomax Johanna , Shahack‐Gross Ruth , Finkelstein Israel , Fuchs Markus
Published: June 2018

In antiquity, the development of techniques to collect and store water was fundamental to sustain life in arid regions. One way to overcome the problem of water supply in the desert was to construct water reservoirs and cisterns which collect surface runoff during rare rain events. Indeed, open reservoirs and rock‐cut cisterns are widely spread over the arid zone of the Negev Highlands. They were an important component of human activity in the area. Today, they can serve as sedimentary archives for archaeological and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. To shed more light on this valuable archive, the chronology of an ancient stone‐lined, open reservoir was established by optically stimulated luminescence dating. By determining the age of the deposition of sediments associated with the reservoir, it was possible to constrain its construction (8th–11th centuries C.E.), duration of use (up to ca. 15th century C.E.), and final refilling (from the 15th century C.E. to the modern era). These results indicate that most human activity related to the reservoir occurred between the 8th‐to‐11th and the 15th centuries C.E., when permanent settlements are not recorded archaeologically in the region, suggesting that the studied water reservoir was primarily utilized by pastoral nomads.
Emergency departments key performance indicators: A unified framework and its practice
Authors: Núñez Alicia , Neriz Liliana , Mateo Ricardo , Ramis Francisco , Ramaprasad Arkalgud
Published: June 2018

Context

An emergency department (ED) in a hospital provides 24‐hour care for the injured/severely ill patients. EDs are essential in any health care system. However, they face many challenges to provide timely treatment such as shortage of specialists, inadequate infrastructure, and unavailability of hospital beds, among others. These challenges are worldwide and undermine the effectiveness of operations and quality of services throughout the hospital.

Methods

This study aims to improve the performance of EDs using key performance indicators (KPIs). The KPIs will help decision makers to monitor and manage the performance of EDs systematically. Based on an in‐depth field study, expert opinions, and literature review, we propose 5 categories of KPIs regarding Capacity for, Temporality of, Quality of, Outcomes of, and Economics of emergency care. The KPIs are applicable to the basic stages of emergency care. The achievement of the KPIs in each stage will be a function of (1) how the KPIs are used, (2) resources for achieving the KPIs, and (3) management of the resources. The unified systemic framework to manage EDs is presented as an ontology that articulates the very large number of potential ways of ED performance management.

Results

Seventy‐five KPIs were defined for monitoring purposes. The KPIs and the proposed framework were validated and applied in 2 EDs at a public children's hospital and a medium size clinic in Chile.

Conclusions

Based on the study, we propose to standardize the essential information necessary to assess the performance of EDs in Chile using KPIs for their continuous improvement.
Radiative nanofluid flow and heat transfer between parallel disks with penetrable and stretchable walls considering Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model
Authors: Dogonchi A.S. , Chamkha Ali J. , Seyyedi S.M. , Ganji D.D.
Published: June 2018

In this work, we explore the unsteady squeezing flow and heat transfer of nanofluid between two parallel disks in which one of the disks is penetrable and the other is stretchable/shrinkable, in the presence of thermal radiation and heat source impacts, and considering the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model instead of the more conventional Fourier's law of heat conduction. A similarity transformation is utilized to transmute the governing momentum and energy equations into nonlinear ordinary differential equations with the proper boundary conditions. The achieved nonlinear ordinary differential equations are solved by the Duan–Rach Approach (DRA). This method modifies the standard Adomian Decomposition Method by evaluating the inverse operators at the boundary conditions directly. The impacts of diverse active parameters, such as the suction/injection parameter, the solid volume fraction, the heat source parameter, the thermal relaxation parameter, and the radiation parameter on flow and heat transfer traits are examined. In addition, the value of the Nusselt number is calculated and portrayed through figures.
N‐propylbenzoguanamine sulfonic acid‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles: A novel and magnetically retrievable catalyst for the synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives
Authors: Gholami Dehbalaei Masoumeh , Foroughifar Naser , Khajeh‐Amiri Alireza , Pasdar Hoda
Published: June 2018

The catalytic activity of N‐propylbenzoguanamine sulfonic acid stabilized on silica‐coated nano‐Fe3O4 particles (Fe3O4/SiO2‐N‐propyl‐benzoguanamine‐SO3H) were proven to be as a novel magnetic solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives in a one‐pot pseudo‐four‐component condensation reaction of barbituric acid, aromatic aldehydes, and ammonium acetate or aniline with high yield and short reaction times. The structure and magnetic properties of the obtained nanoparticles were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDXA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). The results demonstrated that the average size of the synthesized magnetite nanoparticles is about 25 nm. In addition, the heterogeneous catalyst can be easily recovered magnetically and can be reused for further runs without significant loss of its catalytic activity.
Design, Synthesis and Computational Studies of Novel Carbazole N‐phenylacetamide Hybrids as Potent Antibacterial, Anti‐inflammatory, and Antioxidant Agents
Authors: Pattanashetty Shivarudrappa H. , Hosamani K. M. , Shettar Arun Kashivishwanath , Mohammed Shafeeulla R.
Published: June 2018

The present study deals with the synthesis of N‐phenylacetamide‐functionalized carbazole derivatives and their antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant assays. In vitro antibacterial studies of synthesized compounds shows prominent activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, in silico molecular docking studies corroborated that the methyl substituent (3g), (3h), and (3i) showed promising activity with lower ∆G (kcal/mol) values. This study envisages that these compounds can serve as a new leading template in the chemotherapy of various bacterial ailments.
Galectin-3-binding protein: A multitask glycoprotein with innate immunity functions in viral and bacterial infections
Authors: Loimaranta Vuokko , Hepojoki Jussi , Laaksoaho Olli , Pulliainen Arto T
Published: June 2018

Galectin-3-binding protein (Gal-3BP) is a ubiquitous and multifunctional secreted glycoprotein originally identified and mainly studied in the context of neoplastic transformation and cancer progression. However, Gal-3BP expression is induced in viral infection and by a multitude of molecules that either mimic or are characteristic for an ongoing inflammation and microbial infection, such as IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, poly(I:C), dsRNA, and dsDNA. Furthermore, Gal-3BP belongs to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domain-containing protein family, by virtue of its N-terminal SRCR domain. The SRCR domain is found in soluble or membrane-associated innate immunity-related proteins and is implicated in self-nonself discrimination. This review summarizes the current knowledge of structural features of Gal-3BP and its proposed intracellular and extracellular innate immunity functions with special emphasis on viral and bacterial infections.

Review on structural features of Gal-3BP and its proposed innate immunity functions with special emphasis on viral and bacterial infections.
Tracing the developmental origin of a lizard skull: Chondrocranial architecture, heterochrony, and variation in lacertids
Authors: Yaryhin Oleksandr , Werneburg Ingmar
Published: June 2018

The sand lizard, Lacerta agilis, is a classical model species in herpetology. Its adult skull anatomy and its embryonic development are well known. The description of its fully formed primordial skull by Ernst Gaupp, in 1900, was a key publication in vertebrate morphology and influenced many comparative embryologists. Based on recent methodological considerations, we restudied the early cranial development of this species starting as early as the formation of mesenchymal condensations up to the fully formed chondrocranium. We traced the formation of the complex chondrocranial architecture in detail, clarified specific homologies for the first time, and uncovered major differences to old textbook descriptions. Comparison with other lacertid lizards revealed a very similar genesis of the primordial skull. However, we detected shifts in the developmental timing of particular cartilaginous elements, mainly in the nasal region, which may correlate to specific ecological adaptation in the adults. Late timing of nasal elements might be an important innovation for the successful wide range distribution of the well‐known sand lizard.
Shared leadership: A state‐of‐the‐art review and future research agenda
Authors: Zhu Jinlong , Liao Zhenyu , Yam Kai Chi , Johnson Russell E.
Published: June 2018

The traditional “great man” approaches to leadership emphasize qualities of individual leaders for leadership success. In contrast, a rapidly growing body of research has started to examine shared leadership, which is broadly defined as an emergent team phenomenon whereby leadership roles and influence are distributed among team members. Despite the progress, however, the extant literature on shared leadership has been fragmented with a variety of conceptualizations and operationalizations. This has resulted in little consensus regarding a suitable overarching theoretical framework and has undermined developing knowledge in this research domain. To redress these problems, we provide a comprehensive review of the growing literature of shared leadership by (a) clarifying the definition of shared leadership; (b) conceptually disentangling shared leadership from other theoretically overlapping constructs; (c) addressing measurement issues; and (d) developing an integrative framework of the antecedents, proximal and distal consequences, and boundary conditions of shared leadership. We end our review by highlighting several new avenues for future research.
Isolation of high‐quality RNA from intervertebral disc tissue via pronase predigestion and tissue pulverization
Authors: Caprez Stephanie , Menzel Ursula , Li Zhen , Grad Sibylle , Alini Mauro , Peroglio Marianna
Published: June 2018

The isolation of high‐quality RNA from the intervertebral disc and especially from the nucleus pulposus is challenging due to the low cellularity and high proteoglycan content of this tissue. In this study, we report a simple modification of the standard guanidinium thiocyanate‐phenol‐chloroform extraction method, which involves enzymatic predigestion of the tissue prior to standard RNA isolation. Yield, purity and integrity of RNA isolated from bovine nucleus pulposus, inner annulus fibrosus and outer annulus fibrosus were compared among complete matrix digestion, predigestion and pulverization, pulverization alone, and pulverization followed by on‐column purification. With predigestion, the average yield of RNA obtained from bovine nucleus pulposus was 8.82 ± 2.05 ng/mg of wet tissue with 260/280 and 260/230 optical density ratios of 1.91 ± 0.15 and 1.84 ± 0.30, respectively. RIN analysis indicated that RNA quality was best preserved with the predigestion method (RNA integrity number > 7), and the extracted RNA was suitable for real‐time polymerase chain reaction. This method is of importance for gene expression studies on intervertebral disc development, degeneration and repair, and we anticipate that it may be further applied to other tissues rich in proteoglycans.
Generalized contact model for polyhedra in three‐dimensional discontinuous deformation analysis
Authors: Zheng Fei , Jiao Yu‐Yong , Sitar Nicholas
Published: June 2018

We present a generalized contact computation model for arbitrarily shaped polyhedra to simplify the contact analysis in discontinuous deformation analysis. A list of generalized contact constraints can be established for contacting polyhedra during contact detection. Each contact constraint contains information for 2 contact points, unique contact plane, and related contact modes (open, locked, or sliding). Computational aspects of the generalized contact model include identification of contact positions and contact modes, uniform penalty formulation of generalized contact constraint, and uniform updating of contact modes and contact planes in the open‐close iteration. Compared with previous strategies, the generalized contact computation model has a simpler data structure and fewer memory requirements. Meanwhile, it simplifies the penalty formulation and facilitates the open‐close iteration check while producing enough accuracy. Illustrative examples show the ability of the method to handle the full range of polyhedral shapes.
Priority issues for pressure injury research: An Australian consensus study
Authors: Haesler Emily , Carville Keryln , Haesler Paul
Published: June 2018

Pressure injuries are a significant health concern in all clinical settings. The current body of research on pressure injuries reported in the literature presents primarily low level evidence. The purpose of the current study was to identify and prioritize pressure injury research issues. The approach entailed evidence scoping and implementing a formal consensus process using a modified nominal group technique based on the Research and Development/University of California at Los Angeles appropriateness method. Sixteen Australian pressure injury experts participated in five consensus voting rounds in May to June 2015. From 60 initial research issues, the experts reached agreement that 26 issues are a priority for future pressure injury research. The highest priorities were strategies to assess skin and tissues, appropriate outcome measures for indicators of pressure injury healing and recurrence, heel pressure off‐loading and shear reduction strategies, economic cost of pressure injuries and their management and effectiveness of skin moisturizers and barrier products. Developing a prioritized research agenda, informed by clinical and academic pressure injury experts, can assist in reducing the burden of pressure injuries by identifying topics of the highest need for further research. A web‐based nominal group voting process was successful in engaging expert decision‐making and has wide‐reaching international appeal in facilitating cost‐effective consensus methodologies. The priority list generated from this research is currently used in Australia to inform government investment in pressure injury research.
Innovative Use of Novel Biomarkers to Improve the Safety of Renally Eliminated and Nephrotoxic Medications
Authors: Barreto Erin F. , Rule Andrew D. , Voils Stacy A. , Kane‐Gill Sandra L.
Published: June 2018

Over the last decade, the discovery of novel renal biomarkers and research on their use to improve medication effectiveness and safety has expanded considerably. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to leverage this new technology for renal assessment to improve medication dosing and monitoring. Serum cystatin C is a relatively new, inexpensive, functional renal biomarker that responds more quickly to changing renal function than creatinine and is not meaningfully affected by age, sex, skeletal muscle mass, dietary intake, or deconditioning. Cystatin C has been proposed as an adjunct or alternative to creatinine for glomerular filtration rate assessment and estimation of drug clearance. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2·insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 7 ([TIMP‐2]·[IGFBP7]) is a composite of two damage biomarkers released into the urine at a checkpoint in mitosis when renal cells undergo stress or sense a future risk of damage. Concentrations of [TIMP‐2]·[IGFBP7] increase before a rise in serum creatinine is evident, thus providing insightful information for evaluation in the context of other patient data to predict the risk for impending kidney injury. This article provides a brief overview of novel renal biomarkers being used as a mechanism to improve medication safety including a discussion of cystatin C, as part of drug‐dosing algorithms and specifically for vancomycin dosing, and the use of [TIMP‐2]·[IGFBP7] for risk prediction in acute kidney injury and drug‐induced kidney disease. Select cases of clinical experience with novel renal biomarkers are outlined, and lessons learned and future applications are described.
Strategies for Managing Smart Pump Alarm and Alert Fatigue: A Narrative Review
Authors: Shah Parth K. , Irizarry Jamie , O'Neill Sean
Published: June 2018

Although smart infusion pumps are intended to prevent medication errors by alerting users about doses that exceed set thresholds, a large number of clinically insignificant alarms and alerts create the potential for alert and alarm fatigue. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases for peer‐reviewed literature (January 1, 2004–August 31, 2017) on managing smart pump alerts, alarms, and related fatigue. Twenty‐nine articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed and organized into themes. Smart pumps give users two types of signals: alarms that indicate mechanical issues such as occlusion, air in the line, or low battery; and clinical alerts that indicate that a programmed dose exceeds a predefined safety limit. Mechanical alarms occur with greater frequency than clinical alerts, but alarms and alerts vary widely by pump model, patient population, time of day, month, and type of drug. Several causes of clinically insignificant alerts and alarms may be actionable, and strategies proposed in the literature include development of a multidisciplinary team to oversee the quality improvement effort with involvement of end users, standardization of medication administration practices, widening of drug limit library thresholds when clinically appropriate, maintaining up‐to‐date drug limit libraries, and interoperability. Whereas many strategies have been proposed, and case studies have been reported, none have been rigorously evaluated. In addition, more research is needed related to managing occlusion and air‐in‐line alarms, especially for complicated infusions. Future work should focus on the evaluation of specific and replicable alert and alarm reduction strategies with a greater emphasis on quantitative metrics.
Future Prospects of Spectral Clustering Approaches in Proteomics
Authors: Perez‐Riverol Yasset , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Griss Johannes
Published: June 2018

In this article, current and future applications of spectral clustering are discussed in the context of mass spectrometry‐based proteomics approaches. First of all, the main algorithms and tools that can currently be used to perform spectral clustering are introduced. In addition, its main applications and their use in current computational proteomics workflows are explained, including the generation of spectral libraries and spectral archives. Finally, possible future directions for spectral clustering, including its potential use to achieve a deeper coverage of the proteome and the discovery of novel post‐translational modifications and single amino acid variants.
White paper on the future of plasma science and technology in plastics and textiles
Authors: Cvelbar Uroš , Walsh James L. , Černák Mirko , de Vries Hindrik W. , Reuter Stephan , Belmonte Thierry , Corbella Carles , Miron Camelia , Hojnik Nataša , Jurov Andrea , Puliyalil Harinarayanan , Gorjanc Marija , Portal Sabine , Laurita Romolo , Colombo Vittorio , Schäfer Jan , Nikiforov Anton , Modic Martina , Kylian Ondrej , Polak Martin , Labay Cedric , Canal Jose M. , Canal Cristina , Gherardi Matteo , Bazaka Kateryna , Sonar Prashant , Ostrikov Kostya K. , Cameron David , Thomas Sabu , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter
Published: June 2018

This white paper considers the future of plasma science and technology related to the manufacturing and modifications of plastics and textiles, summarizing existing efforts and the current state‐of‐art for major topics related to plasma processing techniques. It draws on the frontier of plasma technologies in order to see beyond and identify the grand challenges which we face in the following 5–10 years. To progress and move the frontier forward, the paper highlights the major enabling technologies and topics related to the design of surfaces, coatings and materials with non‐equilibrium plasmas. The aim is to progress the field of plastics and textile production using advanced plasma processing as the key enabling technology which is environmentally friendly, cost‐efficient, and offers high‐speed processing.