bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pore growth and stabilization in uniaxial stretching polypropylene microporous membrane processed by heat‐setting
Authors: Ruijie Xu , Jiayi Xie , Ziqin Tian , Henghui Huang , Xiande Chen , Caihong Lei , Xingqi Zhu
Published: October 2018

To clarify the pore growth and stabilization process, the heat‐setting process during the preparation of polypropylene microporous membranes was followed. It was found that pore size increasing during heat‐setting was attributed to the stabilization of stretching‐induced connecting bridges through crystallization and lateral shrinkage within amorphous region. The stretching‐induced stable connecting bridges came from the secondary crystallization of stretched tie chains and the conversion of some unstable lamellae to fiber crystals through melting and recrystallization behavior. After stretching, during the heating process to heat‐setting temperature, it was mainly the melting and recrystallization behavior that decreased the retraction of bridges. During the following heat‐setting, the secondary crystallization of stretched tie chains further stabilized the connecting bridges. At the same time, the lateral shrinkage within amorphous region during heating and heat‐setting further lead to the pore size increasing. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1604–1614
Patient‐reported health‐related quality of life outcomes in supportive‐care interventions for adults with brain tumors: A systematic review
Authors: Pan‐Weisz Tonya M. , Kryza‐Lacombe Maria , Burkeen Jeffrey , Hattangadi‐Gluth Jona , Malcarne Vanessa L. , McDonald Carrie R.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The objectives of this systematic review were to (a) identify supportive‐care (psychosocial/behavioral, pharmacological, complementary, or alternative) interventions that have been evaluated via randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to improve patient‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among adults with brain tumors, (b) evaluate the quality of the intervention studies, and (c) evaluate if developed interventions have been efficacious at improving HRQoL, as compared with control conditions in RCTs.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Four databases were searched for RCTs of supportive‐care interventions for adults with brain tumors, primary or metastatic, that included a patient‐reported HRQoL outcome. Quality of the included studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.

Results

Ten RCTs involving 640 patients with either a primary or metastatic brain tumor investigating supportive‐care interventions with a HRQoL outcome were identified. In terms of quality, three of the studies received a “strong” rating, three received a “moderate” rating, and four of the studies received a “weak” rating. Only two of the interventions (ie, a home‐based psychosocial intervention and individualized acupuncture with standard rehabilitation) demonstrated improvements in HRQoL over control conditions.

Conclusions

HRQoL is of the utmost importance when treating patients with brain tumors. Yet there is a notable paucity of research to inform clinical decisions and evidence‐based practice. More high‐quality studies of interventions aimed at improving HRQoL are needed.
A Quantitative Individual Risk Assessment Method in Process Facilities with Toxic Gas Release Hazards: A Combined Scenario Set and CFD Approach
Authors: Zhang Bo , Liu Yue , Qiao Shen
Published: October 2018

Individuals working in process facilities containing toxic gases may face gas releases and poisoning risks. Many studies regarding individual risk (IR) have been carried out on a worst scenario basis. However, the worst scenario‐based approach cannot represent realistic release risks and may overestimate the IR. In this study, an approach based on complete accident scenario set (CASS) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is proposed to quantitatively assess IR of toxic gas release in process facilities. By combining the gas leakage probability and joint distribution probability of the wind direction and speed, a CASS can be built. The CFD method is used to predict the concentration field of gas release and dispersion. Then, the toxic gas concentration can be converted to poisoning fatality probabilities according to the dose–response model. A virtual IR contour can finally be defined by the accumulative assessment of all release scenarios. A case study of an IR area classification in a natural gas process and carbon dioxide recycle terminal processing facility that contains an ammonia refrigeration system is also investigated. With the proposed methodology, the quantitatively classified IR level in process facilities can provide scientific references for safety decision makers. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 38: 52–60, 2019
Risk and efficiency analysis of dual mixed refrigerant liquefaction process configurations for floating liquefied natural gas at conceptual design stage
Authors: You Wonwo , Park Jaeuk , Jung Seungho , Lim Youngsub
Published: October 2018

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating production storage offloading, or floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG), is an offshore unit used to produce LNG from offshore gas reservoirs. The liquefaction is critical process for liquefying natural gas (NG) into LNG. Among NG liquefaction technologies used in the industry, single mixed refrigerant, dual mixed refrigerant (DMR), and the nitrogen expansion liquefaction process have been considered for FLNG on account of its space limitations and higher safety standards. In particular, the DMR liquefaction process is preferred for a large FLNG because of its high efficiency. Many studies have been suggested about an efficiency of DMR, but a few studies have been conducted on their process safety although different configurations in process concepts can cause meaningful differences in operating conditions and safety. In this study, two DMR process configurations were optimized to maximize the efficiency and conceptual explosion risk was analyzed to compare their risk at the conceptual design stage. The results showed a difference between the explosion risks by the differences in the optimal mixed refrigerant compositions and number of devices, with similar efficiencies. These results can provide insight for a risk management strategy at the conceptual design stage, to minimize the unexpected cost generation. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 38: 87–98, 2019
Procedural management of safety regulations and rules for the chemical industry
Authors: Gao Yuan , Fan Yunxiao , Wang Jing , Pei Jingjing
Published: October 2018

In recent years, the chemical companies in different countries have realized the significance of managing within safety regulations and rules. In China, investigation reports of major accidents showed that Chinese chemical companies often failed to comply with regulations before the accident. In fact, a majority of chemical companies are simultaneously regulated by different regulatory agencies. They must comply with an excess of safety regulations and standards promulgated by various regulatory agencies. A huge compliance burden for chemical companies is the result. To solve this problem, this article proposes a new classification method combining administrative ranks and scopes of chemical safety activities. This new classification helps chemical companies to identify and understand external regulations faster and more easily. A chemical industry park in Dalian was taken as an example to collect materials. It was found that there were 658 regulations and standards covering safety, environment and health. In addition, this article establishes a procedural framework for rules management that guides users of rules, which demonstrates the process of compliance management. It helps companies deal with situations where external regulations are absent or unreasonable. This article also suggests that regulators establish good communication with companies and increase the discretionary power of companies to promote the implementation of this framework. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 38: e11999, 2019
How to conduct a dust hazards analysis
Authors: Murphy Michelle R. , Borene Matthew J.
Published: October 2018

Dust hazards analyses (DHAs) are required to be completed for all existing facilities, per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 652. This paper compares and contrasts the similarities and differences between chemical process hazard analysis and DHA. It discusses the basic dust characteristics and how to apply the information during the DHA. It provides methodologies for conducting DHAs that will make the most efficient use of team time. Potential ignition sources to be considered during the DHA are presented. An explanation of dust hazard assessment, how it differs from DHA, and how it can be utilized during the process is provided. Application of a typical risk‐ranking matrix approach to prioritizing recommendations is demonstrated. The reader will gain an understanding of what information is needed before undertaking a DHA, what tools are needed to successfully complete a DHA, and what to expect after the DHA is complete. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 38: e12004, 2019
A novel genomic approach to herbicide and herbicide mode of action discovery
Authors: Duke Stephen O , Stidham Mark A , Dayan Franck E
Published: October 2018

A herbicide with a new mode of action has not been commercialized for more than 30 years. A recent paper describes a novel genomic approach to herbicide and herbicide mode of action discovery. Analysis of a microbial gene cluster revealed that it encodes genes for both the biosynthetic pathway for production of the sesquiterpene aspterric acid and an aspterric acid‐resistant form of dihydroxy acid dehydratase (DHAD), its target enzyme. Aspterric acid is weak compared with commercial synthetic herbicides, and whether DHAD is a good herbicide target is unclear from this study. Nevertheless, this genomic approach provides a novel strategy for the discovery of herbicides with new modes action. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Oligonol, a low‐molecular‐weight polyphenol derived from lychee peel, attenuates diabetes‐induced pancreatic damage by inhibiting inflammatory responses via oxidative stress‐dependent mitogen‐activated protein kinase/nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling
Authors: Park Chan Hum , Park Kyeong Hun , Hong Seung Gil , Lee Jae Su , Baek Jeong Hyun , Lee Gong In , Heo Jeong Wook , Yokozawa Takako
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the effects of oligonol, a low‐molecular‐polyphenol derived from lychee peel, against diabetes‐induced pancreatic damage via oxidative stress‐induced inflammation. Oligonol was orally administered at 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight/day for 10 days to streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, and the rats were compared with nondiabetic and diabetic control rats. The diabetic rats showed loss of body weight and increased pancreatic weight, and the oral administration of oligonol attenuated these parameters. Moreover, the administration of oligonol caused a significant decrease in the serum glucose level and a significant increase in the serum and pancreatic insulin and C‐peptide levels in the diabetic rats. Oligonol also significantly reduced the enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species and 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, which are oxidative stress biomarkers, in the serum and pancreas. Oligonol treatment reduced the overexpression of phospho‐p38, phospho‐ERK1/2, phospho‐inhibitor of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), NF‐κBp65, and NF‐κBp65‐induced inflammatory protein such as cyclooxygenase‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6. Furthermore, oligonol treatment led to significantly attenuated histological damage in the pancreas. On the basis of these results, we conclude that a plausible mechanism of oligonol's antidiabetic action may be its antioxidative stress‐related anti‐inflammatory action.
Kubo formulas for thermodynamic transport coefficients
Authors: Kovtun Pavel , Shukla Ashish
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Uncharged relativistic fluids in 3+1 dimensions have three independent thermodynamic transport coefficients at second order in the derivative expansion. Fluids with a single global U(1) current have nine, out of which seven are parity preserving. We derive the Kubo formulas for all nine thermodynamic transport coefficients in terms of equilibrium correlation functions of the energy-momentum tensor and the current. All parity-preserving coefficients can be expressed in terms of two-point functions in flat space without external sources, while the parity-violating coefficients require three-point functions. We use the Kubo formulas to compute the thermodynamic coefficients in several examples of free field theories.
The Cost of War: Attachment and MMO Gamers' Online and Offline Relationships
Authors: Limke-McLean Alicia
Published: October 2018

This study examined attachment styles, online behaviours, offline relationships, and sexuality of individuals engaged in a popular massive multiplayer online (MMO) game (Game of War: Fire Age). 178 players currently involved in romantic relationships completed surveys for in-game currency. Time spent gaming predicted less time with others, less relationship satisfaction, more relationship uncertainty, more sexual anxiety, and more external sexual control. However, attachment avoidance partially mediated the relationship between time spent online gaming and time spent with immediate family and friends; relationship satisfaction; self-partner, and relationship uncertainty; sexual anxiety; and external sexual control.
Is it worth door-knocking? Evidence from a United Kingdom-based Get Out The Vote (GOTV) field experiment on the effect of party leaflets and canvass visits on voter turnout
Authors: Townsley Joshua
Published: October 2018

What impact do party leaflets and canvass visits have on voter turnout? Get Out The Vote (GOTV) experiments consistently find that campaigning needs to be personal in order to be effective. However, the imbalance between United States and European-based studies has led to recent calls for further European GOTV experiments. There are also comparatively few partisan experiments. I report the findings of a United Kingdom-based field experiment conducted with the Liberal Democrats in 2017. Results show that party leaflets boost turnout by 4.3 percentage points, while canvassing has a small additional effect (0.6 percentage points). The study also represents the first individual level experiment to compare GOTV effects between postal voters and in-person voters outside the United States.
A randomized controlled trial of working memory and processing speed training in schizophrenia
Authors: Cassetta B.D. , Tomfohr-Madsen L.M. , Goghari V.M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Although prior research has shown that cognitive training may improve cognition for schizophrenia patients, it is currently unclear which domains of cognition should be targeted in training. One suggestion is to target low- or mid-level cognitive processes. In particular, working memory (WM) and processing speed (PS) have been named as two key areas of impairment in schizophrenia, and two domains of cognition that are linked to higher-order cognition and daily functioning. This study aimed to investigate the near-transfer (transfer of gains to related contexts), far-transfer (transfer of gains to unrelated contexts), and real-world gains associated with WM and PS training in schizophrenia.

Methods

Eighty-three participants with schizophrenia were recruited and randomly assigned to computerized WM training, PS training, or a no-training control group. Outcome measures included WM, PS, fluid intelligence, executive functioning, social cognition, and daily functioning and symptoms.

Results

PS training led to significant gains in untrained PS tasks, as well as gains in far-transfer tasks that required speed of processing. WM training did not lead to gains in untrained WM tasks and showed inconsistent effects on some far-transfer tasks.

Conclusions

These results suggest some benefit of domain-specific cognitive training, specifically PS training, in schizophrenia. Far-transfer of gains to other cognitive domains and to real-world functioning may not occur after targeted WM or PS training, though non-specific effects (e.g. through behavioral activation, increased motivation) may lead to improvements in some tasks. Future studies should continue to investigate the mechanisms by which cognitive training may enhance cognition and functioning in schizophrenia.
The Pragmatics of English as a Lingua Franca: Research and Pedagogy in the Era of Globalization
Authors: Taguchi Naoko , Ishihara Noriko
Published: October 2018

In step with advancing globalization, applied linguists are compelled to reconsider established assumptions about language use and learning (Kramsch, 2014). Focusing on English as a lingua franca (ELF), this article illustrates how realities of globalization have challenged our conventional ways of researching and teaching second language (L2) pragmatics. In the context of ELF where English is used as a medium of communication among nonnative speakers as well as between native and nonnative speakers, researchers need to examine pragmatic competence based on how L2 learners can navigate communicative demands by using communication strategies skillfully while negotiating their identities. At the same time, it is tenable for teachers to move away from the sole dependence on idealized native-speaker models of appropriateness, politeness, and formality in their pedagogical practice and instead incorporate a nonessentialist viewpoint into formal instruction. This article discusses these recent trends in researching and teaching pragmatics under the lingua franca framework.
East African Transnational Adolescents and Cross-Border Education: An Argument for Local International Learning
Authors: King Kendall A. , Bigelow Martha
Published: October 2018

This contribution outlines the current research on many of the positive benefits of cross-border education as well as some of what we know about student experiences. The authors also highlight some of the limitations of the study-abroad research to date (too White, too American, too European), and suggest that it is time to consider different sorts of “international” experiences; these potentially include crossing into local multilingual and multicultural communities as well as examining a fuller range of experiences for members of diaspora communities. By challenging common ideologies about international education, they suggest that it might be pedagogically better, more practical, and more ethical to find local international sites for all, and for future educators in particular.
Anxiety: Stress, Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety, and Enjoyment During Study Abroad in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Dewey Dan P. , Belnap R. Kirk , Steffen Patrick
Published: October 2018

Anxiety is among the most frequently studied emotions in second language acquisition (SLA). Study abroad (SA) researchers have examined its effects on SLA in that setting in a number of studies. The current study goes beyond previous SA research by examining how anxiety develops and connects with language proficiency development over SA. Specifically, it uses anxiety-related measures of foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA), foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and a physiological manifestation of anxiety (hair cortisol). As far as the classroom is concerned, learners grew more comfortable, experiencing less anxiety and more enjoyment over the period of SA. However, learners showed physiological signs of overall elevated anxiety despite these increasing classroom comfort levels. Two key factors that may have influenced their anxiety levels abroad were tendency toward anxiety prior to SA and language proficiency upon departure for SA. The latter provides support for having students more proficient prior to SA, since doing so may lead to less anxiety during SA.
Management of Herbicide-Resistant Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) under Different Tillage Systems Does Not Change the Frequency of Resistant Plants
Authors: Torra Joel , Royo-Esnal Aritz , Rey-Caballero Jordi , Recasens Jordi , Salas Marisa
Published: October 2018

Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeasL.) is the most widespread broadleaf weed species infesting winter cereals in Europe. Biotypes that are resistant to both 2,4-D and tribenuron-methyl, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, have evolved in recent decades, thus narrowing the options for effective chemical control. Though the effectiveness of several integrated weed management (IWM) strategies have been confirmed, none of these strategies have been tested to manage multiple herbicide–resistantP. rhoeasunder no-till planting. With the expansion of no-till systems, it is important to prove the effectiveness of such strategies. In this study, a field experiment over three consecutive seasons was conducted to evaluate and compare the effects of different weed management strategies, under either direct drilling (i.e., no-till) or intensive tillage, on a multiple herbicide–resistantP. rhoeaspopulation. Moreover, evaluations were carried out as to whether the proportions of ALS inhibitor–resistant individuals were affected by the tillage systems for each IWM strategy at the end of the 3-yr period. The IWM strategies tested in this research included crop rotation, delayed sowing, and different herbicide programs such as PRE plus POST or POST. All IWM strategies greatly reduced the initial density ofP. rhoeaseach season (≥ 95%) under either direct drilling or intensive tillage. After 3 yr, the IWM strategies were very effective in both tillage systems, though the effects were stronger under direct drilling (~95%) compared with intensive tillage (~86%). At the end of the study, the proportion of ALS inhibitor–resistant plants was not different between the IWM strategies in both tillage systems (94% on average). Therefore, crop rotation (with sunflower [Helianthus annuusL.]), delayed sowing, or a variation in the herbicide application timing are effective under direct drilling to manage herbicide-resistantP. rhoeas. Adoption of IWM strategies is necessary to mitigate the evolution of resistance in both conventional and no-till systems.
CME: Ethylenglykol-Intoxikation
Authors: Ringler Sandra , Gmuer Roman , Faber Katrin , Bleisch Jörg , Müggler Simon Andreas
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. Ethylenglykol ist ein süsslich schmeckender Alkohol (einfachster zweiwertiger Alkohol, Synonym «Glykol»), der in handelsüblichen Frostschutzmitteln und anderen industriellen Lösungen verwendet wird. Ohne adäquate Therapiemassnahmen kann eine Intoxikation mit Ethylenglykol zu einer schweren metabolischen Azidose, zum akuten Nierenversagen und zum Tod führen. Nach gastrointestinaler Resorption findet die Metabolisierung überwiegend hepatisch, unter anderem durch die Alkoholdehydrogenase, statt und resultiert in einer schweren metabolischen Azidose mit Anionenlücke und der Bildung von Kalziumoxalat-Kristallen, die sich in verschiedenen Geweben ablagern können. In der Niere führt dies zur akuten Tubulusnekrose mit potenziell reversiblem Nierenversagen. Therapeutisch entscheidend ist die schnellstmögliche Inhibition der Alkoholdehydrogenase durch Fomepizol oder Ethanol, um die Bildung toxischer Metaboliten zu verhindern. Die Hämodialyse bietet die effektivste Methode der sekundären Dekontamination. Bei frühem Therapiebeginn ist die Prognose günstig.
Le lipœdème: quelles pistes étiologiques ?
Authors: Favre Lucie
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. Pathogenese und Epidemiologie des Lipödems sind ungewiss, die Diagnose wird oft verspätet gestellt. Es handelt sich um eine Pathologie des Fettgewebes, die fast ausschliesslich Frauen betrifft. Es besteht wahrscheinlich eine Verbindung zu den Sexualhormonen. Das metabolische Risiko dieser Fettansammlung in den unteren Extremitäten ist nicht bekannt, Gewichtsverlust oder Gewichtskontrolle ist wichtig, hat jedoch keinen Einfluss auf die Morphologie der unteren Extremitäten. Das ästhetische Unbehagen, das das Lipödem hervor ruft, sowie die oft fehlerhafte Anfangsdiagnose, können Ursache eines grossen psychischen Leidens sein. Ein besseres Verständnis dieser Krankheit ist wesentlich, um diese Patienten zu begleiten, zu führen und zu behandeln.
Die etwas andere Gastroenteritis
Authors: Steinegger Lukas , Voss Moritz , Schneemann Markus
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. Wir berichten über eine 81-jährige Patientin mit Symptomen einer Gastroenteritis und Laborkonstellation einer hämolytischen Anämie, Thrombozytopenie und akutem Nierenversagen mit tödlichem Ausgang. Grund dafür war ein hämolytisch-urämisches Syndrom im Rahmen einer EHEC-Infektion. Komplizierend lag ein Harnwegsinfekt mit Klebsiella pneumoniae vor.
Advance Care Planning in schweizerischen Alters- und Pflegeheimen: Ergebnisse einer Fokusgruppenstudie
Authors: Hecht Karoline , Krones Tanja , Otto Theodore , Karzig-Roduner Isabelle , Loupatatzis Barbara
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. Advance Care Planning (ACP) ist ein standardisierter Gesprächsprozess, bei dem Patienten mit Hilfe einer qualifizierten Gesundheitsfachperson ihre Therapieziele für zukünftige medizinische Behandlungen festlegen. Grundlage für die Vorausplanung nach ACP ist eine Standortbestimmung, in der die eigenen Wertvorstellungen und Einstellungen zum Leben, zu schwerer Krankheit und zum Sterben im gemeinsamen Gespräch dokumentiert werden. Das Konzept ACP stellt sicher, dass der Patientenwille auch im Falle der Urteilsunfähigkeit bekannt ist und umgesetzt werden kann. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, ein in der Schweiz bereits evaluiertes ACP-Programm in zwei Alters- und Pflegeheimen zu implementieren und die dabei entstehenden Prozesse, Chancen und Schwierigkeiten besser zu verstehen. Zu diesem Zweck wurden nach den ersten Implementierungsschritten Fokusgruppeninterviews durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine ACP-Implementierung einen das gesamte Gesundheitssystem umfassenden Ansatz braucht und koordiniert werden muss.
Basal and starvation-induced autophagy mediates parasite survival during intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Joy Shiny , Thirunavukkarasu Lavanya , Agrawal Palak , Singh Archana , Sagar B. K. Chandrasekhar , Manjithaya Ravi , Surolia Namita
Published: October 2018

The precise role of autophagy in P. falciparum remains largely unknown. Although a limited number of autophagy genes have been identified in this apicomplexan, only PfAtg8 has been characterized to a certain extent. On the basis of the expression levels of PfAtg8 and the putative PfAtg5, we report that the basal autophagy in this parasite is quite robust and mediates not only the intraerythrocytic development but also fresh invasion of red blood cells (RBCs) in the subsequent cycles. We demonstrate that the basal autophagy responds to both inducers and inhibitors of autophagy. In addition, the parasite survival upon starvation is temporally governed by the autophagy status. Brief periods of starvation, which induces autophagy, help survival while prolonged starvation decreases autophagy leading to stalled parasite growth and reduced invasion. Thus, starvation-induced autophagy is context dependent. Importantly, we report characterization of another autophagy marker in this parasite, the putative PfAtg5 (Pf3D7_1430400). PfAtg5 is expressed in all the intraerythrocytic stages and partially colocalizes with ER, mitochondria, apicoplast and PfAtg8. It is also present on the double membrane bound vesicles. Altogether, these studies pave way for the detailed dissection of P. falciparum autophagy machinery and insights into molecular and functional characterization of its players for developing new therapeutics as antimalarials.
Stabilizing black phosphorus nanosheets via edge-selective bonding of sacrificial C60 molecules
Authors: Zhu Xianjun , Zhang Taiming , Jiang Daochuan , Duan Hengli , Sun Zijun , Zhang Mengmeng , Jin Hongchang , Guan Runnan , Liu Yajuan , Chen Muqing , Ji Hengxing , Du Pingwu , Yan Wensheng , Wei Shiqiang , Lu Yalin , Yang Shangfeng
Published: October 2018

Few-layer black phosphorus (BP) with an anisotropic two-dimensional (2D)-layered structure shows potential applications in photoelectric conversion and photocatalysis, but is easily oxidized under ambient condition preferentially at its edge sites. Improving the ambient stability of BP nanosheets has been fulfilled by chemical functionalization, however this functionalization is typically non-selective. Here we show that edge-selective functionalization of BP nanosheets by covalently bonding stable C60 molecules leads to its significant stability improvement. Owing to the high stability of the hydrophobic C60 molecule, C60 functions as a sacrificial shield and effectively protects BP nanosheets from oxidation under ambient condition. C60 bonding leads to a rapid photoinduced electron transfer from BP to C60, affording enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activities. The selective passivation of the reactive edge sites of BP nanosheets by sacrificial C60 molecules paves the way toward ambient processing and applications of BP.
Characterization of Nigerian breast cancer reveals prevalent homologous recombination deficiency and aggressive molecular features
Authors: Pitt Jason J. , Riester Markus , Zheng Yonglan , Yoshimatsu Toshio F. , Sanni Ayodele , Oluwasola Olayiwola , Veloso Artur , Labrot Emma , Wang Shengfeng , Odetunde Abayomi , Ademola Adeyinka , Okedere Babajide , Mahan Scott , Leary Rebecca , Macomber Maura , Ajani Mustapha , Johnson Ryan S. , Fitzgerald Dominic , Grundstad A. Jason , Tuteja Jigyasa H. , Khramtsova Galina , Zhang Jing , Sveen Elisabeth , Hwang Bryce , Clayton Wendy , Nkwodimmah Chibuzor , Famooto Bisola , Obasi Esther , Aderoju Victor , Oludara Mobolaji , Omodele Folusho , Akinyele Odunayo , Adeoye Adewunmi , Ogundiran Temidayo , Babalola Chinedum , MacIsaac Kenzie , Popoola Abiodun , Morrissey Michael P. , Chen Lin S. , Wang Jiebiao , Olopade Christopher O. , Falusi Adeyinka G. , Winckler Wendy , Haase Kerstin , Van Loo Peter , Obafunwa John , Papoutsakis Dimitris , Ojengbede Oladosu , Weber Barbara , Ibrahim Nasiru , White Kevin P. , Huo Dezheng , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Barretina Jordi
Published: October 2018

Racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer mortality continue to widen but genomic studies rarely interrogate breast cancer in diverse populations. Through genome, exome, and RNA sequencing, we examined the molecular features of breast cancers using 194 patients from Nigeria and 1037 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Relative to Black and White cohorts in TCGA, Nigerian HR + /HER2 − tumors are characterized by increased homologous recombination deficiency signature, pervasiveTP53mutations, and greater structural variation—indicating aggressive biology.GATA3mutations are also more frequent in Nigerians regardless of subtype. Higher proportions of APOBEC-mediated substitutions strongly associate withPIK3CAandCDH1mutations, which are underrepresented in Nigerians and Blacks.PLK2,KDM6A, andB2Mare also identified as previously unreported significantly mutated genes in breast cancer. This dataset provides novel insights into potential molecular mechanisms underlying outcome disparities and lay a foundation for deployment of precision therapeutics in underserved populations.
Microglia innately develop within cerebral organoids
Authors: Ormel Paul R. , Vieira de Sá Renata , van Bodegraven Emma J. , Karst Henk , Harschnitz Oliver , Sneeboer Marjolein A. M. , Johansen Lill Eva , van Dijk Roland E. , Scheefhals Nicky , Berdenis van Berlekom Amber , Ribes Martínez Eduardo , Kling Sandra , MacGillavry Harold D. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Kahn René S. , Hol Elly M. , de Witte Lot D. , Pasterkamp R. Jeroen
Published: October 2018

Cerebral organoids are 3D stem cell-derived models that can be utilized to study the human brain. The current consensus is that cerebral organoids consist of cells derived from the neuroectodermal lineage. This limits their value and applicability, as mesodermal-derived microglia are important players in neural development and disease. Remarkably, here we show that microglia can innately develop within a cerebral organoid model and display their characteristic ramified morphology. The transcriptome and response to inflammatory stimulation of these organoid-grown microglia closely mimic the transcriptome and response of adult microglia acutely isolated from post mortem human brain tissue. In addition, organoid-grown microglia mediate phagocytosis and synaptic material is detected inside them. In all, our study characterizes a microglia-containing organoid model that represents a valuable tool for studying the interplay between microglia, macroglia, and neurons in human brain development and disease.
Primary care cohort study in the sequence of diagnosing chronic respiratory diseases and prescribing inhaled corticosteroids
Authors: Geraets Ilja , Schermer Tjard , Kocks Janwillem W. H. , Akkermans Reinier , Bischoff Erik , van den Bemt Lisette
Published: October 2018

To prevent unnecessary use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), ICS treatment should only be started when the diagnostic process of asthma and COPD is completed. Little is known about the chronological order between these diagnoses and the start of ICS. We performed a retrospective cohort study, based on electronic medical records of 178 Dutch general practices, to explore the temporal relations between starting continuous use of ICS and receiving a diagnosis of asthma and/or COPD. The database included information of patients who were registered with a diagnosis of asthma and/or COPD in one of the practices during January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Two or more successive prescriptions of ICS within 6 months were considered as continuous ICS treatment. The chronological order of events based on available dates were analysed using descriptive analyses. For 8507 patients with asthma, 4024 patients with COPD, and 801 patients with asthma–COPD overlap (ACO), the order of events could be analysed. In total, 1857 (14.4%) patients started ICS prior to their diagnosis, 11.5, 20.8, and 10.0% of patients with asthma, COPD, and ACO, respectively. In 53.4% of the patients, the first prescription of ICS was a combination inhaler with a long-acting bronchodilator. In this real-life primary care cohort, one in seven patients started ICS treatment prior to their diagnosis and approximately half of the patients started with a combination inhaler. Our findings suggest that there is relevant room for improvement in the pharmaceutical management of patients with these chronic respiratory diseases.
Review of the sustainability of food systems and transition using the Internet of Food
Authors: Holden Nicholas M. , White Eoin P. , Lange Matthew. C. , Oldfield Thomas L.
Published: October 2018

Many current food systems are unsustainable because they cause significant resource depletion and unacceptable environmental impacts. This problem is so severe, it can be argued that the food eaten today is equivalent to a fossil resource. The transition to sustainable food systems will require many changes but of particular importance will be the harnessing of internet technology, in the form of an ‘Internet of Food’, which offers the chance to use global resources more efficiently, to stimulate rural livelihoods, to develop systems for resilience and to facilitate responsible governance by means of computation, communication, education and trade without limits of knowledge and access. A brief analysis of the evidence of resource depletion and environmental impact associated with food production and an outline of the limitations of tools like life cycle assessment, which are used to quantify the impact of food products, indicates that the ability to combine data across the whole system from farm to human will be required in order to design sustainable food systems. Developing an Internet of Food, as a precompetitive platform on which business models can be built, much like the internet as we currently know it, will require agreed vocabularies and ontologies to be able to reason and compute across the vast amounts of data that are becoming available. The ability to compute over large amounts of data will change the way the food system is analysed and understood and will permit a transition to sustainable food systems.
Working Memory Training Improves Emotion Regulation Ability
Authors: Xiu Lichao , Wu Jie , Chang Lei , Zhou Renlai
Published: October 2018

Emotion regulation deficits are associated with various emotional disorders. Therefore, studies have attempted to improve emotion regulation ability to prevent psychopathological symptoms. Studies have revealed that working memory training—specifically attention control—can promote emotion regulation. In the present study, participants completed a running memory task in a 20-day training period. The participants’ pre- and post-test data on attention network functions and late positive potential (LPP) were assessed and analyzed. Compared with the control group, the training group’s orientation function improved markedly. In addition, LPP in relation to emotion regulation decreased during the 20-day training period. These results suggest that working memory training can improve emotion regulation ability, and the orientation function in the attention network may also contribute to this improvement.
Author Correction: Impact of pore anisotropy on the thermal conductivity of porous Si nanowires
Authors: Ferrando-Villalba P. , D’Ortenzi L. , Dalkiranis G. G. , Cara E. , Lopeandia A. F. , Abad Ll. , Rurali R. , Cartoixà X. , De Leo N. , Saghi Z. , Jacob M. , Gambacorti N. , Boarino L. , Rodríguez-Viejo J.
Published: October 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Understanding the transfer reaction network behind the non-processive synthesis of low molecular weight levan catalyzed by Bacillus subtilis levansucrase
Authors: Raga-Carbajal Enrique , López-Munguía Agustín , Alvarez Laura , Olvera Clarita
Published: October 2018

Under specific reaction conditions, levansucrase from Bacillus subtilis (SacB) catalyzes the synthesis of a low molecular weight levan through the non-processive elongation of a great number of intermediates. To deepen understanding of the polymer elongation mechanism, we conducted a meticulous examination of the fructooligosaccharide profile evolution during the levan synthesis. As a result, the formation of primary and secondary intermediates series in different reaction stages was observed. The origin of the series was identified through comparison with product profiles obtained in acceptor reactions employing levanbiose, blastose, 1-kestose, 6-kestose, and neo-kestose, and supported with the isolation and NMR analyses of some relevant products, demonstrating that all of them are inherent products during levan formation from sucrose. These results allowed to establish the network of fructosyl transfer reactions involved in the non-processive levan synthesis. Overall, our results reveal how the relaxed acceptor specificity of SacB during the initial steps of the synthesis is responsible for the formation of several levan series, which constitute the final low molecular weight levan distribution.
A Pre-Clinical Large Animal Model of Sustained Liver Injury and Regeneration Stimulus
Authors: Inomata Kenta , Tajima Kazuki , Yagi Hiroshi , Higashi Hisanobu , Shimoda Hirofumi , Matsubara Kentaro , Hibi Taizo , Abe Yuta , Tsujikawa Hanako , Kitago Minoru , Shinoda Masahiro , Obara Hideaki , Itano Osamu , Soto-Gutierrez Alejandro , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: October 2018

A feasible large animal model to evaluate regenerative medicine techniques is vital for developing clinical applications. One such appropriate model could be to use retrorsine (RS) together with partial hepatectomy (PH). Here, we have developed the first porcine model using RS and PH. RS or saline control was administered intraperitoneally to Göttingen miniature pigs twice, two weeks apart. Four weeks after the second dose, animals underwent PH. Initially, we tested different doses of RS and resection of different amounts of liver, and selected 50 mg/kg RS with 60% hepatectomy as our model for further testing. Treated animals were sacrificed 3, 10, 17 or 28 days after PH. Blood samples and resected liver were collected. Serum and liver RS content was determined by Liquid Chromatograph-tandem Mass Spectrometer. Blood analyses demonstrated liver dysfunction after PH. Liver regeneration was significantly inhibited 10 and 17 days after PH in RS-treated animals, to the extent of 20%. Histological examination indicated hepatic injury and regenerative responses after PH. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated accumulation of Cyclin D1 and suppression of Ki-67 and PCNA in RS-treated animals. We report the development of the first large animal model of sustained liver injury with suppression of hepatic regeneration.
Ultrafast polarization control by terahertz fields via π-electron wavefunction changes in hydrogen-bonded molecular ferroelectrics
Authors: Miyamoto T. , Hata D. , Morimoto T. , Yamakawa H. , Kida N. , Terashige T. , Iwano K. , Kishida H. , Horiuchi S. , Okamoto H.
Published: October 2018

Rapid polarization control by an electric field in ferroelectrics is important to realize high-frequency modulation of light, which has potential applications in optical communications. To achieve this, a key strategy is to use an electronic part of ferroelectric polarization. A hydrogen-bonded molecular ferroelectric, croconic acid, is a good candidate, since π-electron polarization within each molecule is theoretically predicted to play a significant role in the ferroelectric-state formation, as well as the proton displacements. Here, we show that a sub-picosecond polarization modulation is possible in croconic acid using a terahertz pulse. The terahertz-pulse-pump second-harmonic-generation-probe and optical-reflectivity-probe spectroscopy reveal that the amplitude of polarization modulation reaches 10% via the electric-field-induced modifications of π-electron wavefunctions. Moreover, the measurement of electric-field-induced changes in the infrared molecular vibrational spectrum elucidates that the contribution of proton displacements to the polarization modulation is negligibly small. These results demonstrate the electronic nature of polarization in hydrogen-bonded molecular ferroelectrics. The ultrafast polarization control via π-electron systems observed in croconic acid is expected to be possible in many other hydrogen-bonded molecular ferroelectrics and utilized for future high-speed optical-modulation devices.
Deletion of exon 4 in LAMA2 is the most frequent mutation in Chinese patients with laminin α2-related muscular dystrophy
Authors: Ge Lin , Liu Aijie , Gao Kai , Du Renqian , Ding Juan , Mao Bing , Hua Ying , Zhang Xiaoli , Tan Dandan , Yang Haipo , Fu Xiaona , Fan Yanbin , Zhang Ling , Song Shujuan , Wu Jian , Zhang Feng , Jiang Yuwu , Wu Xiru , Xiong Hui
Published: October 2018

Although recessive mutations in LAMA2 are already known to cause laminin α2-related muscular dystrophy, a rare neuromuscular disorder, large deletions or duplications within this gene are not well-characterized. In this study, we applied next-generation sequencing-based copy number variation profiling in 114 individuals clinically diagnosed with laminin α2-related muscular dystrophy, including 96 who harboured LAMA2 mutations and 34 who harboured intragenic rearrangements. In total, we detected 18 distinct LAMA2 copy number variations that have been reported only among Chinese, 10 of which are novel. The frequency of CNVs in the cohort was 19.3%. Deletion of exon 4 was detected in 10 alleles of eight patients, accounting for 27% of all copy number variations. These patients are Han Chinese and were found to have the same haplotype and sequence at the breakpoint junction, suggesting that exon 4 deletion is a founder mutation in Chinese Han and a mutation hotspot. Moreover, the data highlight our approach, a modified next-generation sequencing assay, as a robust and sensitive tool to detect LAMA2 variants; the assay identifies 85.7% of breakpoint junctions directly alongside sequence information. The method can be applied to clinical samples to determine causal variants underlying various Mendelian disorders.
Superiority of SpiroZin2 Versus FluoZin-3 for monitoring vesicular Zn2+ allows tracking of lysosomal Zn2+ pools
Authors: Han Yu , Goldberg Jacob M. , Lippard Stephen J. , Palmer Amy E.
Published: October 2018

Small-molecule fluorescent probes are powerful and ubiquitous tools for measuring the concentration and distribution of analytes in living cells. However, accurate characterization of these analytes requires rigorous evaluation of cell-to-cell heterogeneity in fluorescence intensities and intracellular distribution of probes. In this study, we perform a parallel and systematic comparison of two small-molecule fluorescent vesicular Zn2+ probes, FluoZin-3 AM and SpiroZin2, to evaluate each probe for measurement of vesicular Zn2+ pools. Our results reveal that SpiroZin2 is a specific lysosomal vesicular Zn2+ probe and affords uniform measurement of resting Zn2+ levels at the single cell level with proper calibration. In contrast, FluoZin-3 AM produces highly variable fluorescence intensities and non-specifically localizes in the cytosol and multiple vesicular compartments. We further applied SpiroZin2 to lactating mouse mammary epithelial cells and detected a transient increase of lysosomal free Zn2+ at 24-hour after lactation hormone treatment, which implies that lysosomes play a role in the regulation of Zn2+ homeostasis during lactation. This study demonstrates the need for critical characterization of small-molecule fluorescent probes to define the concentration and localization of analytes in different cell populations, and reveals SpiroZin2 to be capable of reporting diverse perturbations to lysosomal Zn2+.
The Tsunami Threat to Sydney Harbour, Australia: Modelling potential and historic events
Authors: Wilson Kaya M. , Allen Stewart C. R. , Power Hannah E.
Published: October 2018

Tsunami modelling of potential and historic events in Australia’s Sydney Harbour quantifies the potentially damaging impacts of an earthquake generated tsunami. As a drowned river valley estuary exposed to distant source zones, these impacts are predominantly high current speeds (>2 m/s), wave amplification and rapid changes in water level. Significant land inundation only occurs for scenarios modelled with the largest waves (9.0 MW source). The degree of exposure to the open ocean and the geomorphology of locations within the Harbour determine the relative level of these impacts. Narrow, shallow channels, even those sheltered from the open ocean, create a bottleneck effect and experience the highest relative current speeds as well as elevated water levels. The largest maximum water levels (>8 m) occur in exposed, funnel-shaped bays and wave amplification is greatest at locations exposed to the open ocean: >7 times deep water wave heights for 9.0 MW source waves. Upstream attenuation rates of runup and maximum water level show a linear correlation with wave height parameters at the 100 m depth contour and may provide some predictive capabilities for potential tsunami impacts at analogous locations. In the event of a tsunami in Sydney Harbour, impacts may threaten marine traffic and infrastructure.