bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accretion Product Formation from Self‐ and Cross‐Reactions of RO2 Radicals in the Atmosphere
Authors: Berndt Torsten , Scholz Wiebke , Mentler Bernhard , Fischer Lukas , Herrmann Hartmut , Kulmala Markku , Hansel Armin
Published: February 2018

Hydrocarbons are emitted into the Earth's atmosphere in very large quantities by human and biogenic activities. Their atmospheric oxidation processes almost exclusively yield RO2 radicals as reactive intermediates whose atmospheric fate is not yet fully unraveled. Herein, we show that gas‐phase reactions of two RO2 radicals produce accretion products composed of the carbon backbone of both reactants. The rates for accretion product formation are very high for RO2 radicals bearing functional groups, competing with those of the corresponding reactions with NO and HO2. This pathway, which has not yet been considered in the modelling of atmospheric processes, can be important, or even dominant, for the fate of RO2 radicals in all areas of the atmosphere. Moreover, the vapor pressure of the formed accretion products can be remarkably low, characterizing them as an effective source for the secondary organic aerosol.
Double CH Activation of a Masked Cationic Bismuth Amide
Authors: Ritschel Benedikt , Poater Jordi , Dengel Hannah , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Lichtenberg Crispin
Published: February 2018

The transformation of C−H bonds into more reactive C−M bonds amenable to further functionalization is of fundamental importance in synthetic chemistry. We demonstrate here that the transformation of neutral bismuth compounds into their cationic analogues can be used as a strategy to facilitate CH activation reactions. In particular, the double CH activation of bismuth‐bound diphenyl amide, (NPh2)−, is reported along with simple one‐pot procedures for the functionalization of the activated positions. The organometallic products of the first and second CH activation steps were isolated in high yields. Analysis by NMR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and DFT calculations revealed unusual ground‐state properties (e.g., ring strain, moderate heteroaromaticity), and provided mechanistic insight into the formation of these compounds.
The effect of electrical poling conditions on the microstructure and performance of PVC/nano‐ZnO ion exchange membranes
Authors: Parvizian Fahime , Hosseini SayedMohsen , Hamidi Alireza
Published: February 2018

The effect of electrical poling on microstructure and performance of a typical ion exchange membrane was studied. Polyvinyl chloride‐based cation exchange membranes containing ZnO nanoparticle were prepared via phase inversion method and then exposed to intense electric fields with different conditions. Potential, transport number, permselectivity, and flux of treated membranes were examined. Results exhibit an acceptable improvement for treated membranes' properties. The electrical resistance of membranes declined sharply by 30% with voltage increasing. Two‐phase model showed the heterogeneity of poled membranes enhanced under poling conditions. The results can be considered for modification of piezoelectric membranes in many cases.
Oscillatory structure–property correlation in azelate polyols and thermoplastic polyurethanes
Authors: Tuan Ismail Tuan Noor Maznee , Azowa Ibrahim Nor , Sendijarevic Aisa , Sendijarevic Ibrahim , Schiffman Christi M. , Hoong Seng Soi , Mohd Noor Mohd Azmil , Poo Palam Kosheela Devi , Yeong Shoot Kian , Idris Zainab , Abd. Malek Emilia , Zainuddin Norhazlin , Sendijarevic Vahid
Published: February 2018

Azelate polyols of 2000 g mol−1 have been successfully prepared via esterification of renewable azelaic acid with linear diols containing different number of CH2 repeating units. Structure–property correlation of the azelate polyols had been evaluated in thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). TPUs based on azelate polyols of longer chained linear diols with >4 CH2 repeat units retained higher degrees of crystallinity associated with the polyol soft segment. The ratio of hydrogen bonded urethane in the hard segment to free urethane phase mixed with the soft segment in the TPUs showed a complex oscillating dependence with increased number of CH2 repeating unit in the linear diols of azelate polyols. Correspondingly, static and dynamic properties of TPUs also showed the oscillatory dependence, whereby dynamic properties maximized with odd number of CH2 repeating unit and material strength maximized with even number of CH2 repeating unit. The results therefore can be used as guide to select appropriate azelate polyols to target specific TPU performance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46258.
A thin film composite membrane supported by a hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) nanofiber membrane: Preparation, characterization, and application in nanofiltration
Authors: Li Ruipeng , Li Mufang , Li Zheng , Zhu Qing , Zhong Weibing , Liu Ke , Wang Dong
Published: February 2018

In this study, a fabricated hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) (PVA‐co‐PE) nanofiber membrane was used as the middle support layer to prepare thin film composite (TFC) membranes for nanofiltration. The effects of the supporting nonwoven layer, grams per square meter (GSM) of nanofiber, reaction time, heat treatment, monomer concentration, operating pressure, and pH value on the separation performance of the TFC membranes were analyzed. These results show that the TFC membranes prepared with the PVA‐co‐PE nanofiber membrane can be used to filtrate different metal ions. For NaCl, Na2SO4, CaCl2, CuCl2, CuSO4, and methyl orange solutions, the rejection rates of the TFC membrane with nonwoven polyester as the supporting layer and a nanofiber GSM of 12.8 g/m2 are 87.9%, 93.4%, 92.0%, 93.1%, 95.8%, and 100%, respectively. This indicates the potential application of the PVA‐co‐PE nanofiber membrane in the preparation of nanofiltration and reverse‐osmosis TFC membranes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46261.
Exome sequencing in syndromic brain malformations identifies novel mutations in ACTB, and SLC9A6, and suggests BAZ1A as a new candidate gene
Authors: Weitensteiner Valerie , Zhang Rong , Bungenberg Julia , Marks Matthias , Gehlen Jan , Ralser Damian J. , Hilger Alina C. , Sharma Amit , Schumacher Johannes , Gembruch Ulrich , Merz Waltraut M. , Becker Albert , Altmüller Janine , Thiele Holger , Herrmann Bernhard G. , Odermatt Benjamin , Ludwig Michael , Reutter Heiko
Published: February 2018

Background

Syndromic brain malformations comprise a large group of anomalies with a birth prevalence of about 1 in 1,000 live births. Their etiological factors remain largely unknown. To identify causative mutations, we used whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in aborted fetuses and children with syndromic brain malformations in which chromosomal microarray analysis was previously unremarkable.

Methods

WES analysis was applied in eight case‐parent trios, six aborted fetuses, and two children.

Results

WES identified a novel de novo mutation (p.Gly268Arg) in ACTB (Baraitser‐Winter syndrome‐1), a homozygous stop mutation (p.R2442*) in ASPM (primary microcephaly type 5), and a novel hemizygous X‐chromosomal mutation (p.I250V) in SLC9A6 (X‐linked syndromic mentaly retardation, Christianson type). Furthermore, WES identified a de novo mutation (p.Arg1093Gln) in BAZ1A. This mutation was previously reported in only one allele in 121.362 alleles tested (dbSNP build 147). BAZ1A has been associated with neurodevelopmental impairment and dysregulation of several pathways including vitamin D metabolism. Here, serum vitamin‐D (25‐(OH)D) levels were insufficient and gene expression comparison between the child and her parents identified 27 differentially expressed genes. Of note, 10 out of these 27 genes are associated to cytoskeleton, integrin and synaptic related pathways, pinpointing to the relevance of BAZ1A in neural development. In situ hybridization in mouse embryos between E10.5 and E13.5 detected Baz1a expression in the central and peripheral nervous system.

Conclusion

In syndromic brain malformations, WES is likely to identify causative mutations when chromosomal microarray analysis is unremarkable. Our findings suggest BAZ1A as a possible new candidate gene.
Shades of grey; Assessing the contribution of the magno‐ and parvocellular systems to neural processing of the retinal input in the human visual system from the influence of neural population size and its discharge activity on the VEP
Authors: Marcar Valentine L. , Baselgia Silvana , Lüthi‐Eisenegger Barbara , Jäncke Lutz
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Retinal input processing in the human visual system involves a phasic and tonic neural response. We investigated the role of the magno‐ and parvocellular systems by comparing the influence of the active neural population size and its discharge activity on the amplitude and latency of four VEP components.

Method

We recorded the scalp electric potential of 20 human volunteers viewing a series of dartboard images presented as a pattern reversing and pattern on‐/offset stimulus. These patterns were designed to vary both neural population size coding the temporal‐ and spatial luminance contrast property and the discharge activity of the population involved in a systematic manner.

Results

When the VEP amplitude reflected the size of the neural population coding the temporal luminance contrast property of the image, the influence of luminance contrast followed the contrast response function of the parvocellular system. When the VEP amplitude reflected the size of the neural population responding to the spatial luminance contrast property the image, the influence of luminance contrast followed the contrast response function of the magnocellular system. The latencies of the VEP components examined exhibited the same behavior across our stimulus series.

Conclusions

This investigation demonstrates the complex interplay of the magno‐ and parvocellular systems on the neural response as captured by the VEP. It also demonstrates a linear relationship between stimulus property, neural response, and the VEP and reveals the importance of feedback projections in modulating the ongoing neural response. In doing so, it corroborates the conclusions of our previous study.
One‐pot strategy for on‐site enzyme production, biomass hydrolysis, and ethanol production using the whole solid‐state fermentation medium of mixed filamentous fungi
Authors: Maehara Larissa , Pereira Sandra C. , Silva Adilson J. , Farinas Cristiane S.
Published: February 2018

The efficient use of renewable lignocellulosic feedstocks to obtain biofuels and other bioproducts is a key requirement for a sustainable biobased economy. This requires novel and effective strategies to reduce the cost contribution of the cellulolytic enzymatic cocktails needed to convert the carbohydrates into simple sugars, in order to make large‐scale commercial processes economically competitive. Here, we propose the use of the whole solid‐state fermentation (SSF) medium of mixed filamentous fungi as an integrated one‐pot strategy for on‐site enzyme production, biomass hydrolysis, and ethanol production. Ten different individual and mixed cultivations of commonly used industrial filamentous fungi (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma harzianum, and Trichoderma reesei) were performed under SSF and the whole media (without the extraction step) were used in the hydrolysis of pretreated sugarcane bagasse. The cocultivation of T. reesei with A. oryzae increased the amount of glucose released by around 50%, compared with individual cultivations. The release of glucose and reducing sugars achieved using the whole SSF medium was around 3‐fold higher than obtained with the enzyme extract. The addition of soybean protein (0.5% w/w) during the hydrolysis reaction further significantly improved the saccharification performance by blocking the lignin and avoiding unproductive adsorption of enzymes. The results of the alcoholic fermentation validated the overall integrated process, with a volumetric ethanol productivity of 4.77 g/L.h, representing 83.5% of the theoretical yield. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed one‐pot integrated strategy using the whole SSF medium of mixed filamentous fungi for on‐site enzymes production, biomass hydrolysis, and ethanol production. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:671–680, 2018
Safety and efficacy of ulnar artery approach for percutaneous cardiac catheterization: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fernandez Ritin , Zaky Fady , Ekmejian Avedis , Curtis Elizabeth , Lee Astin
Published: February 2018

Background

Trans‐radial access has rapidly become the standard for percutaneous coronary procedures in the last decade. As proceduralists overcome the learning curve and become more competent in trans‐radial access, alternative safe access sites such as the ulnar artery have been increasingly used for emergent and elective procedures. The aim of this study was to synthesize the best available evidence of the impact on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) of ulnar artery compared to radial artery cardiac catheterization.

Methods

This review considered randomized controlled trials that included adult patients who had a percutaneous coronary procedure via the radial or ulnar artery. The intervention of interest was the use of ulnar compared to radial artery for cardiac catheterization. An extensive search was undertaken for published and unpublished trials up to May 2017. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta‐Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI‐MAStARI) checklist. Data were analyzed using Review Manager.

Results

A total of six trials were included in the review. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of MACE between patients who underwent trans‐ulnar or trans‐radial artery catheterization (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.65–1.25). Complications associated with access including hematoma formation, (n = 6 trials) pseudo‐aneurysm, and arterio‐venous fistulae formation (n = 5 trials), were investigated in a total of 5,276 patients, with no difference in these complications noted between the two groups. There were no differences in arterial access time, fluoroscopy time, and contrast load between the two groups.

Conclusions

There is evidence to support safe use of the ulnar artery as an alternative to the radial artery for access for cardiac catheterization.
Long‐term survival after transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: A meta‐analysis of observational comparative studies with a propensity‐score analysis
Authors: Takagi Hisato , Mitta Shohei , Ando Tomo ,   for the ALICE (All‐Literature Investigation of Cardiovascular Evidence) group
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To synthesize evidence regarding long‐term survival after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for severe aortic stenosis (AS) from real‐world clinical practice, we performed a meta‐analysis of observational studies with a propensity‐score analysis and ≥3‐year follow‐up.

Methods

Databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through April 2017 using PubMed and OVID. Eligible studies were observational comparative studies with a propensity‐score analysis of TAVI versus SAVR enrolling patients with severe AS and reporting ≥3‐year all‐cause mortality as an outcome. A hazard ratio (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) of follow‐up (including early) mortality for TAVI versus SAVR was extracted from each individual study.

Results

Our search identified 14 eligible studies enrolling a total of 4,197 patients. A pooled analysis of all the 14 studies demonstrated a statistically significant 54% increase in mortality with TAVI relative to SAVR (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.31–1.81;Pfor effect < 0.00001;Pfor heterogeneity = 0.14;I2 = 30%). Several sensitivity analyses did not substantially change the statistically significant benefit for SAVR. There was no evidence of significant publication bias.

Conclusions

On the basis of a meta‐analysis of 14 observational comparative studies with a propensity‐score analysis including a total of ≥4,000 patients, TAVI is associated with worse ≥3‐year overall survival than SAVR.
Catalytic Etching of Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Controlled by Oxygen Gas Pressure
Authors: Yoshida Kaname , Arai Shigeo , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Shirai Manabu , Tanaka Nobuo
Published: February 2018

We examined the catalytic behavior of platinum nanoparticles supported directly on a multi‐walled carbon nanotube with environmental scanning transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic etching behavior of the platinum nanoparticles toward the carbon nanotube was found to depend on the oxygen gas pressure. We supposed that direction of catalytic etching could be involved with amount of adsorbed oxygen onto catalytic nanoparticles. In situ observations give new insight of morphological control of carbon nanotube etched by catalytic nanoparticles.
From Remote Alkenes to Linear Silanes or Allylsilanes depending on the Metal Center
Authors: Azpeitia Susan , Rodriguez‐Dieguez Antonio , Garralda María A. , Huertos Miguel A.
Published: February 2018

The selective synthesis of linear silanes or allylsilanes from remote alkenes was explored. The cationic, unsaturated, 16‐electron hydrido–silyl–RhIII complex was found to be an efficient catalyst for a tandem catalytic alkene isomerization–hydrosilylation reaction at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions. The analogous hydrido–silyl–IrIII complex was selective for dehydrogenative silylation, which led to the formation of terminal allylsilanes.
Anodic Stability of New Sulfone‐Based Electrolytes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Flamme Benjamin , Haddad Mansour , Phansavath Phannarath , Ratovelomanana‐Vidal Virginie , Chagnes Alexandre
Published: February 2018

Twenty‐two new bifunctional sulfones containing ester, ether and carbonate moieties have been synthesized in the present work. Their physicochemical properties [dynamic viscosity, ionic conductivity in the presence of lithium bis‐trifluoromethanesulfonimidate (LiTFSI), boiling and melting points] and their anodic stability have been investigated. Major drawbacks for the use of these sulfones in lithium‐ion batteries (LiBs) are their high viscosities and high melting points. Nevertheless, these solvents exhibit high anodic stability at platinum, glassy carbon, and NMC (LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3) electrodes and their ionic conductivities in the presence of LiTFSI remain high enough to envisage their use in LiBs despite their high viscosities. In particular, 3‐methoxytetrahydrothiophene 1,1‐dioxide (MESL) is the most interesting among the 22 synthesized sulfones, because MESL exhibits an oxidation potential at a NMC cathode in the presence of LiTFSI of 4.9 V vs. Li/Li+, an ionic conductivity equal to 1 mS cm−1, and a low melting point as well as a high boiling point.
Ensemble learning model based on selected diverse principal component analysis models for process monitoring
Authors: Li Zhichao , Yan Xuefeng
Published: February 2018

Principal component analysis (PCA) is extensively applied in industrial process monitoring. For optimal performance monitoring, different faults may require different principal components (PCs). However, at present, it only selects PCs of the highest variance to create a single PCA model, thereby leading to information loss and poor monitoring performance. For the solution of this problem, a method based on ensemble learning and Bayesian inference is presented in this paper. First, numerous models are generated according to the randomly selected PCs. Next, the model with the lowest false alarm rate is retained to ensure good model performance. A novel pruning algorithm is then employed to obtain several models comprising great difference (“great difference” means the smaller similarity of the selected PCs when building different PCA models). This method enables the identification of models that can effectively predict various faults, thereby improving the monitoring performance of the ensemble model. Bayesian inference is adopted to determine the final monitoring indicator. Finally, a numerical example was used, and the Tennessee Eastman benchmark process was applied to evaluate monitoring effectiveness and illustrate the excellent performance of ensemble learning and Bayesian inference.
Synergistically Active NiCo2S4 Nanoparticles Coupled with Holey Defect Graphene Hydrogel for High‐Performance Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Tiruneh Sintayehu Nibret , Kang Bong Kyun , Kwag Sung Hoon , Lee YoungHun , Kim MinSeob , Yoon Dae Ho
Published: February 2018

Nickel cobalt sulfide nanoparticles embedded in holey defect graphene hydrogel (HGH) that exhibit highly porous structures and uniform nickel cobalt sulfide nanoparticle sizes are successfully prepared by a facile solvothermal–hydrothermal method. As an electrode material for supercapacitors, the as‐prepared NiCo2S4@HGH shows ultra‐high specific capacitances of 1000 F g−1 and 800 F g−1 at 0.5 and 6 A g−1, respectively, owing to the outstanding electrical conductivity of HGH and high specific capacitance of NiCo2S4. After 2100 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 6 A g−1, 96.6 % of the specific capacitance was retained, signifying the superb durability of NiCo2S4@HGH. Moreover, remarkable specific capacitance (312.6 F g−1) and capacity retention (87 % after 5000 cycles) at 6 A g−1 were displayed by the symmetric solid‐state supercapacitor fabricated by using NiCo2S4@HGH electrodes. These auspicious supercapacitor performances demonstrate that the as‐developed solvothermal–hydrothermal approach can be widely used to prepare graphene‐coupled binary metal sulfides for high‐performance supercapacitor applications.
Umpolung at Boron: Ancillary‐Ligand‐Induced Formation of Boron‐Based Donor Ligands from Phosphine‐Boranes
Authors: Vondung Lisa , Alig Lukas , Ballmann Monika , Langer Robert
Published: February 2018

Easy‐to‐prepare η2‐coordinated phosphine‐borane ligands are demonstrated to liberate hydrogen upon treatment with different σ‐donor/π‐acceptor ligands (CO, tBuNC, CN−). Depending on the utilized ancillary ligand, different reaction pathways are observed, ranging from simple hydride protonation to iron–boron bond formation and subsequent rearrangement to pincer‐type ligands based on a tricoordinate boron centre. The last‐named reactivity is in line with a formal umpolung at the boron centre from a Lewis acidic borane to a Lewis basic boron‐based donor ligand.
Which Factors Control the Nucleophilic Reactivities of Enamines?
Authors: Timofeeva Daria S. , Mayer Robert J. , Mayer Peter , Ofial Armin R. , Mayr Herbert
Published: February 2018

Changes in rate constants, equivalent to changes in Gibbs energies of activation ΔG≠, are commonly referred to as kinetic effects and differentiated from thermodynamic effects (ΔrG°). Often, little attention is paid to the fact that structural effects on ΔG≠ are composed of a thermodynamic (ΔrG°) and a truly kinetic (intrinsic) component (ΔG0≠), as expressed by the Marcus equation. Rate and equilibrium constants have been determined for a number of reactions of enamines with benzhydrylium ions (Aryl2CH+), which has allowed the determination of Marcus intrinsic barriers and a differentiated analysis of structure–reactivity relationships. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which the Lewis basicity of a πCC bond towards carbon‐centered Lewis acids (for example, carbenium ions) has quantitatively been determined. The synthesis, structures, and properties of deoxybenzoin‐derived enamines ArCH=C(Ph)NR2, which have been designed as reference nucleophiles for the future quantification of electrophilic reactivities, are explicitly described.
Procedure Model for Standardization and Classification of Modules in Plant Engineering
Authors: Lier Stefan , Grütering Hans‐Dieter , Denker Jan‐Niklas
Published: February 2018

Die Prozessindustrie steht im intensivierten, globalen Wettbewerb der Herausforderung zunehmender Marktdynamiken gegenüber. Modular aufgebaute, wandlungsfähige Produktionskonzepte versprechen eine verbesserte Anpassung an diese in den Dimensionen Mengenausbringung, Produktmix und Produktionsort. Zur Unterstützung der Anlagenplanung wird zum einen eine Moduldefinition mit den zugehörigen intensiven und extensiven Größen gegeben und zum anderen ein Vorgehensmodell vorgestellt, das Module für eine Anlage klassifiziert und standardisiert. Dieses wird anhand eines generischen Fallbeispiels demonstriert.
Study of the Crystallization and Melting Behavior of a Latent Heat Storage by Computed Tomography
Authors: Kohler Tobias , Kögl Thilo , Müller Karsten
Published: February 2018

Thermal energy storage based on phase changes is a promising technology. However, heat transfer can often be problematic. A latent heat storage based on the single tube design is analyzed in a computer tomograph. The different densities of the solid and liquid phase change material (PCM) MgCl2·6H2O enable a clear identification of the phases in the computer tomographic images. No supercooling or phase segregation of water from the PCM was observed during melting or crystallization. The volume change, though often neglected, seems to be the biggest issue of the design of latent heat storage systems.
Transparent Wood Smart Windows: Polymer Electrochromic Devices Based on Poly(3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(Styrene Sulfonate) Electrodes
Authors: Lang Augustus W. , Li Yuanyuan , De Keersmaecker Michel , Shen D. Eric , Österholm Anna M. , Berglund Lars , Reynolds John R.
Published: February 2018

Transparent wood composites, with their high strength and toughness, thermal insulation, and excellent transmissivity, offer a route to replace glass for diffusely transmitting windows. Here, conjugated‐polymer‐based electrochromic devices (ECDs) that switch on‐demand are demonstrated using transparent wood coated with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as a transparent conducting electrode. These ECDs exhibit a vibrant magenta‐to‐clear color change that results from a remarkably colorless bleached state. Furthermore, they require low energy and power inputs of 3 mWh m−2 at 2 W m−2 to switch due to a high coloration efficiency (590 cm2 C−1) and low driving voltage (0.8 V). Each device component is processed with high‐throughput methods, which highlights the opportunity to apply this approach to fabricate mechanically robust, energy‐efficient smart windows on a large scale.
Multi‐level model of radiation transport in inhomogeneous plasma
Authors: Marenkov E. , Krasheninnikov S. , Pshenov A.
Published: February 2018

Radiation transport in plasma can be important for a number of problems, for example, first wall‐shielding effects or influence of hydrogen isotope radiation on tokamak edge plasma. Existing calculations in the field employ many simplifying assumptions. For example, the model of radiation transport in one of the most used codes, SOLPS, suggests that photoexcitation can be ignored for all transitions, not including the ground level. We develop a collisional radiative model of radiation transport in a multi‐level system, fully accounting for all transitions between levels. The role of the Stark effect in line shape is taken into account. The validity of some of the approximations made in SOLPS is analysed for detached divertor plasma in DIII‐D‐like tokamak geometry. It is shown that total radiation flux is directed away from the divertor target due to nonuniform plasma temperature and density.
Diet selectivity in a terrestrial forest invertebrate, the Auckland tree wētā, across three habitat zones
Authors: Brown Matthew B. G. J. , Gemmill Chrissen E. C. , Miller Steven , Wehi Priscilla M.
Published: February 2018

Insects are important but overlooked components of forest ecosystems in New Zealand. For many insect species, information on foraging patterns and trophic relationships is lacking. We examined diet composition and selectivity in a large‐bodied insect, the Auckland tree wētā Hemideina thoracica, in three habitat zones in a lowland New Zealand forest. We asked whether H. thoracica selectively forage from available plant food sources, and whether these choices were lipid‐rich compared to nonpreferred available plants. We also identified the proportion of invertebrates in their frass as a proxy for omnivory. From reconnaissance plot sampling, together with fecal fragment analysis, we report that more than 93% of individual tree wētā had eaten invertebrates before capture. Additionally, wētā in the highest elevation hillslope habitat zone consumed significantly fewer species of plants on average than wētā on the low‐elevation terrace habitat. Upper hillslope wētā also had the highest average number of invertebrate fragments in their frass, significantly more than wētā in the low‐elevation terrace habitat zone. Wētā showed high variability in the consumption of fruit and seeds across all habitat zones. Generally, we did not observe diet differences between the sexes (although it appears that male wētā in the mid‐hillslope habitat ate fruits and seeds more voraciously than females), suggesting that the sexes have similar niche breadths and display similar degrees of omnivorous behavior. Extraction of leaf lipids demonstrated a range of lipid content values in available plants, and Ivlev's Electivity Index indicated that plant species which demonstrated high electivity tended to have higher concentrations of lipids in their leaves. Our findings indicate that H. thoracica forage omnivorously and selectively, and hence play multiple roles in native ecosystems and food webs.
Worsening renal function definition is insufficient for evaluating acute renal failure in acute heart failure
Authors: Shirakabe Akihiro , Hata Noritake , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Okazaki Hirotake , Matsushita Masato , Shibata Yusaku , Nishigoori Suguru , Uchiyama Saori , Asai Kuniya , Shimizu Wataru
Published: February 2018

Aims

Whether or not the definition of a worsening renal function (WRF) is adequate for the evaluation of acute renal failure in patients with acute heart failure is unclear.

Methods and results

One thousand and eighty‐three patients with acute heart failure were analysed. A WRF, indicated by a change in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/mL during the first 5 days, occurred in 360 patients while no‐WRF, indicated by a change <0.3 mg/dL, in 723 patients. Acute kidney injury (AKI) upon admission was defined based on the ratio of the serum creatinine value recorded on admission to the baseline creatinine value and placed into groups based on the degree of AKI: no‐AKI (n = 751), Class R (risk; n = 193), Class I (injury; n = 41), or Class F (failure; n = 98). The patients were assigned to another set of four groups: no‐WRF/no‐AKI (n = 512), no‐WRF/AKI (n = 211), WRF/no‐AKI (n = 239), and WRF/AKI (n = 121). A multivariate logistic regression model found that no‐WRF/AKI and WRF/AKI were independently associated with 365 day mortality (hazard ratio: 1.916; 95% confidence interval: 1.234–2.974 and hazard ratio: 3.622; 95% confidence interval: 2.332–5.624). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the rate of any‐cause death during 1 year was significantly poorer in the no‐WRF/AKI and WRF/AKI groups than in the WRF/no‐AKI and no‐WRF/no‐AKI groups and in Class I and Class F than in Class R and the no‐AKI group.

Conclusions

The presence of AKI on admission, especially Class I and Class F status, is associated with a poor prognosis despite the lack of a WRF within the first 5 days. The prognostic ability of AKI on admission may be superior to WRF within the first 5 days.
A Perylene‐Triazine‐Based Star‐Shaped Green Light Emitter for Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Ulla Hidayath , Satyanarayan M. N. , Sudhakar Achalkumar Ammathnadu
Published: February 2018

A star‐shaped molecule with a central electron‐deficient triazine ring connected to three electron‐rich N‐annulated perylene tetraesters was synthesized. Its application as an emissive layer in the fabrication of a sole and host–guest solution processable OLED, exhibiting bright green emission with good electroluminescence efficiency is demonstrated.
Top‐down and bottom‐up characterization of nitrated birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a with CZE hyphenated to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer
Authors: Gusenkov Sergey , Stutz Hanno
Published: February 2018

Tyrosine (Tyr) residues of the major pollen allergen of birch Betula verrucosa, Bet v 1a, were nitrated by peroxynitrite. This modification enhances the allergenicity. Modified tyrosines were identified by analyzing intact allergen variants in combination with top‐down and bottom‐up approaches. Therefore, a laboratory‐built sheath‐liquid assisted ESI interface was applied for hyphenation of CE to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer to localize individual nitration sites. The major focus was on identification of primary nitration sites. The top‐down approach unambiguously identified Tyr 5 as the most prominent modification site. Fragments from the allergen core and the C‐terminal part carried up to three potential nitration sites, respectively. Thus, a bottom‐up approach with tryptic digest was used as a complementary strategy which allowed for the unambiguous localization of nitration sites within the respective peptides. Nitration propensity for individual Tyr residues was addressed by comparison of MS signals of nitrated peptides relative to all cognates of homolog primary sequence. Combined data identified surface exposed Tyr 5 and Tyr 66 as major nitration sites followed by less accessible Tyr 158 whereas Tyr 81, 83 and 150 possess a lower nitration tendency and are apparently modified in variants with higher nitration levels.
Role of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in liver fibrosis with transient myeloproliferative disorder in down syndrome
Authors: Kobayashi Kenichiro , Yoshioka Takako , Miyauchi Jun , Nakazawa Atsuko , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Maihara Toshiro , Usami Ikuya
Published: February 2018

Liver fibrosis is a common complication associated with transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) in Down syndrome (DS). The exact molecular pathogenesis that regulates disease progression is largely unknown. We recently found serum and/or urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) as a novel biomarker of liver fibrosis. This study was an in vitro analysis to investigate the fibrogenic activity of MCP‐1 using the collagen‐producing LX‐2 human hepatic stellate cell line. We also examined the fibrogenic activity of serum from a male neonate with DS in whom late‐onset liver fibrosis developed even after the resolution of TMD. MCP‐1 stimulated both cell growth and collagen synthesis of LX‐2 in a dose‐dependent manner. Patient serum obtained during the active disease phase significantly up‐regulated fibrogenic activity, which was suppressed in the presence of MCP‐1‐blocking antibody. Transient transforming growth factor beta 1 stimulation primed LX‐2 to induce prolonged hypersecretion of MCP‐1 in the culture supernatant and in collagen synthesis, which was suppressed with MCP‐1 blocking antibody as well. Conclusion: MCP‐1 accounts for the prolonged activation of collagen‐producing hepatic stellate cells in both a paracrine and autocrine manner, thereby promoting liver fibrosis. Anti‐cytokine therapy targeting the fibrogenic cytokines of MCP‐1, for example, herbal medicine, could provide a new therapeutic intervention for liver fibrosis associated with TMD in DS. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:230‐236)
Effects of rock fragment cover on hydrological processes under rainfall simulation in a semi‐arid region of China
Authors: Xia Lu , Song Xiaoyu , Fu Na , Cui Shengyu , Li Lanjun , Li Huaiyou , Li Yaolin
Published: February 2018

Rock fragment cover has long been an important agricultural crop production technique on the Loess Plateau, China. Although this approach plays an important role in controlling hydrological processes and preventing soil erosion, inconsistent results have been recovered in this field. In this study, we investigated the effects of rock fragment cover on infiltration, run‐off, soil erosion, and hydraulic parameters using rainfall simulation in the field in a semi‐arid region of China. Two field plots encompassing 6 rock fragment coverages (0%, 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 40%), as well as 2 rock fragment positions and sizes were exposed to rainfall at a particular intensity (60 mm h−1). The results of this study showed that increasing the rock fragment coverage with rock fragments resting on the soil surface increased infiltration but decreased run‐off generation and sediment yield. A contrasting result was found, however, when rock fragments were partially embedded into the soil surface; in this case, a positive relationship between rock fragment coverage and run‐off rate as well as a nonmonotonic relationship with respect to soil loss rate was recovered. The size of rock fragments also exerted a positive effect on run‐off generation and sediment yield but had a negative effect on infiltration. At the same time, both mean flow velocity and Froude number decreased with increasing rock fragment coverage regardless of rock fragment position and size, whereas both Manning roughness and Darcy–Weisbach friction factor were positively correlated. Results show that stream power is the most sensitive hydraulic parameter affecting soil loss. Combined with variance analysis, we concluded that the order of significance of rock fragment cover variables was position followed by coverage and then size. We also quantitatively incorporated the effects of rock fragment cover on soil loss via the C and K factors in the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation. Overall, this study will enable the development of more accurate modelling approaches and lead to a better understanding of hydrological processes under rock fragment cover conditions.
Contemporary Issues in Women's Health
Authors: Boama Vincent , Guinto Valerie T. , Sosa Claudio G.
Published: February 2018

Use of intrapartum ultrasound as a decision tool for operative vaginal deliveries

Testing for Zika virus infection during pregnancy

WHO recommendations on intravenous tranexamic acid for the treatment of post‐partum hemorrhage

Resources for Women's Health
Comparison of dual trigger with combination GnRH agonist and hCG versus hCG alone trigger of oocyte maturation for normal ovarian responders
Authors: Zhou Xingyu , Guo Pingping , Chen Xin , Ye Desheng , Liu Yudong , Chen Shiling
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate whether dual triggering of oocyte maturation with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and standard dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can improve clinical outcomes for normal ovarian responders in GnRH antagonist cycles.

Methods

The present retrospective cohort study included women aged up to 40 years with normal ovarian response who underwent in vitro fertilization and/or intracytoplasmic sperm injection under the GnRH antagonist protocol at Nanfang Hospital, China, between January 1 and December 31, 2015. Patients were grouped by whether oocyte maturation was triggered with GnRH agonist plus 5000–10 000 IU of hCG (dual trigger) or hCG alone. The primary outcome was live delivery rate.

Results

There were 325 women included; 224 in the dual trigger group and 101 in the hCG alone group. The live delivery rate did not differ significantly between the groups (P=0.083). The mean number of retrieved oocytes was similar in the two groups (P=0.719), but the mean number of two‐pronuclear embryos (P=0.004), the mean number of embryos available (P=0.001), and the mean number of high‐quality embryos (P=0.011) was higher in the dual trigger group.

Conclusions

Dual trigger of oocyte maturation was not associated with any change in the live delivery rate but was associated with improvements in the quantity and quality of embryos; it could optimize pregnancy outcomes for normal ovarian responders.
The feasibility and safety of transvaginal bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy
Authors: Sewell Thomas , Courtney Hannah , Tawfeek Sherif , Afifi Reda
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and safety of transvaginal bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (BSO).

Methods

The present retrospective case series included consecutive women who underwent transvaginal BSO at a single general gynecology unit at Weston General Hospital, Weston‐super‐Mare, UK, between February 1, 2011, and July 31, 2014. Transvaginal BSO procedures were performed by an experienced surgeon. Feasibility and safety outcomes were reviewed from patient case notes.

Results

There were 127 patients included in the analysis. In all, 109 patients underwent transvaginal BSO at the time of vaginal hysterectomy, whereas 18 women underwent this procedure following a previous vaginal hysterectomy. Transvaginal BSO was successful in 126 (99.2%) patients; adverse events occurred among nine (7.1%) patients, including a single occurrence of ureteric injury that was detected and repaired intraoperatively.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that transvaginal BSO was a feasible and safe procedure when conducted by an experienced surgeon.
Bare laser‐synthesized Au‐based nanoparticles as nondisturbing surface‐enhanced Raman scattering probes for bacteria identification
Authors: Kögler Martin , Ryabchikov Yury V. , Uusitalo Sanna , Popov Alexey , Popov Anton , Tselikov Gleb , Välimaa Anna‐Liisa , Al‐Kattan Ahmed , Hiltunen Jussi , Laitinen Riitta , Neubauer Peter , Meglinski Igor , Kabashin Andrei V.
Published: February 2018

The ability of noble metal‐based nanoparticles (NPs) (Au, Ag) to drastically enhance Raman scattering from molecules placed near metal surface, termed as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), is widely used for identification of trace amounts of biological materials in biomedical, food safety and security applications. However, conventional NPs synthesized by colloidal chemistry are typically contaminated by nonbiocompatible by‐products (surfactants, anions), which can have negative impacts on many live objects under examination (cells, bacteria) and thus decrease the precision of bioidentification. In this article, we explore novel ultrapure laser‐synthesized Au‐based nanomaterials, including Au NPs and AuSi hybrid nanostructures, as mobile SERS probes in tasks of bacteria detection. We show that these Au‐based nanomaterials can efficiently enhance Raman signals from model R6G molecules, while the enhancement factor depends on the content of Au in NP composition. Profiting from the observed enhancement and purity of laser‐synthesized nanomaterials, we demonstrate successful identification of 2 types of bacteria (Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli). The obtained results promise less disturbing studies of biological systems based on good biocompatibility of contamination‐free laser‐synthesized nanomaterials.

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Design and optimization of biocompatible polycaprolactone/poly (l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) scaffolds with and without microgrooves for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Alvim Valente Cristhiane , Cesar Chagastelles Pedro , Fontana Nicoletti Natália , Ramos Garcez Giovanna , Sgarioni Bruna , Herrmann Fábio , Pesenatto Gustavo , Goldani Eduardo , Zanini Mara Lise , Campos Maria Martha , Meurer Papaléo Ricardo , Braga da Silva Jefferson , de Souza Basso Nara Regina
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the effects of smooth and microgrooved membrane blends, with different polycaprolactone (PCL)/ poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) ratios on the viability, proliferation, and adhesion of different mammalian cell types. The polymer matrices with and without microgrooves, obtained by solvent casting, were characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle and Young's modulus. Blend characterization showed an increase in roughness and stiffness of membranes with 30% PLGA, without any effect on the contact angle value. Pure PCL significantly decreased the viability of Vero, HaCaT, RAW 264.7, and human fetal lung and gingival fibroblast cells, whereas addition of increasing concentrations of PLGA led to a reduced cytotoxicity. Increased proliferation rates were observed for all cell lines. Fibroblasts adhered efficiently to smooth membranes of the PCL70/PLGA30 blend and pure PLGA, compared to pure PCL and silicone. Microgrooved membranes promoted similar cell adhesion for all groups. Microstructured membranes (15 and 20‐μm wide grooves) promoted suitable orientation of fibroblasts in both PCL70/PLGA30 and pure PLGA, as compared to pure PCL. Neuronal cells of the dorsal root ganglion exhibited an oriented adhesion to all the tested microgrooved membranes. Data suggest a satisfactory safety profile for the microgrooved PCL70/PLGA30 blend, pointing out this polymer combination as a promising biomaterial for peripheral nerve regeneration when cell orientation is required. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1522–1534, 2018.
Silibinin protects human endothelial cells from high glucose‐induced injury by enhancing autophagic response
Authors: Rezabakhsh Aysa , Fathi Farzaneh , Bagheri Hesam Saghaei , Malekinejad Hassan , Montaseri Azadeh , Rahbarghazi Reza , Garjani Alireza
Published: February 2018

Silibin, a flavonoid from the seeds of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (Asteraceae) has been reported to produce curative properties in diabetes. Autophagy is generated by a vast array of insults for removal of damaged proteins and organelles from the cell. Inadequate autophagy promotes endothelial cells dysfunction and delays in diabetic ulcers recovery. We hypothesized that silibinin could protect endothelial cells against high glucose‐induced damage by engaging autophagic responses. HUVECs viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The Griess method and TBARS assay were used to monitor changes in the levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, respectively. ROS generation was recorded in DCFDA‐stained cells analyzed by flow cytometry. To investigate the role of silibinin on migration, we used scratch test. The level of autophagy proteins LC3, Becline‐1, and P62 were measured by Western blotting. Our data showed that silibinin had potential to increase cell survival after exposure to high glucose condition. Total levels of oxidative stress markers were profoundly reduced and the activity of GSH was increased by silibinin. High glucose suppressed HUVECs migration to the scratched area. However, a significant increase in cell migration was observed after exposure to silibinin. Autophagy was blocked at the late stage by high glucose concentration and silibinin initiated an autophagic response by reducing P62 and enhancing Beclin‐1 and LC3‐II‐LC3‐I ratio. These effects were blocked by autophagy inhibitor of 3‐Methyladenine. These observations suggest that silibinin could protect HUVECs from high glucose induced‐damage possibly by activation of autophagy pathway.
Bulleyaconitine A prevents Ti particle‐induced osteolysis via suppressing NF‐κB signal pathway during osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Feng Mingxuan , Li Zhiyan , Zhu Min , Fan Yongyong , Chu Binxiang , Yuan Chiting , Chen Lihua , Lv Haiyan , Hong Zhenghua , Hong Dun
Published: February 2018

Balanced bone resorption and bone formation are vital for bone homeostasis. Excessive osteoclastic bone resorption in this process can cause a variety of bone disorders including osteoporosis, aseptic prosthetic loosening and tumor associated bone destruction. Bulleyaconitine A (BLA) is a natural compound that has been widely used for pain treatment but its role in osteolysis has not yet been investigated. In this study, we verified for the first time that BLA inhibited osteoclast formation, the mRNA expression of osteoclast‐related genes and osteoclastic bone resorption by inhibiting NF‐κB signal pathway and downstream NFATc1 expression. Meanwhile, BLA had a stimulatory effect in osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Furthermore, BLA showed preventive effect in Ti particle‐induced osteolysis model in vivo. Together, all our data demonstrated that BLA suppressed osteoclastogenesis and promoted osteoblastogenesis via suppressing NF‐κB signal pathway and could be an alternative therapeutic choice against bone loss.