bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of high crystallinity type‐I cellulose from Komagataeibacter hansenii JR‐02 isolated from Kombucha tea
Authors: Li Jue , Chen Guiguang , Zhang Ren , Wu Hao , Zeng Wei , Liang Zhiqun
Published: October 2018

In this study, a bacterial cellulose (BC) producing strain was isolated from Kombucha tea and identified as Komagataeibacter hansenii JR‐02 by morphological, physiological, and biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA sequence. Then, the media components and culture conditions for BC production were optimized. Result showed that the highest BC yield was 3.14 ± 0.22 and 8.36 ± 0.19 g/L after fermentation for 7 days under shaking and static cultivation, respectively. Moreover, it was interesting that JR‐02 could produce BC in nitrogen‐free medium with the highest yield of 0.76 ± 0.06 g/L/7days, and the possible nitrogen fixation gene nifH was cloned from its genomic DNA. The BC produced by JR‐02 was type‐I cellulose with high crystallinity and thermodynamic stability, which was revealed from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis methods. The crystallinity of static and shaking cultured BC were 91.76% and 90.69%, respectively. The maximum rate of weight loss of static and shaking BC occurred at temperature of approximately 373.1 °C and 369.1 °C, respectively. Overall, these results indicated that K. hansenii JR‐02 had great potential to produce high crystallinity type‐I BC in manufacture.
Systematic review of shared decision-making in surgery
Authors: de Mik S M L , Stubenrouch F E , Balm R , Ubbink D T
Published: October 2018

Background

Multiple treatment options are generally available for most diseases. Shared decision-making (SDM) helps patients and physicians choose the treatment option that best fits a patient's preferences. This review aimed to assess the extent to which SDM is applied during surgical consultations, and the metrics used to measure SDM and SDM-related outcomes.

Methods

This was a systematic review of observational studies and clinical trials that measured SDM during consultations in which surgery was a treatment option. Embase, MEDLINE and CENTRAL were searched. Study selection, quality assessment and data extraction were conducted by two investigators independently.

Results

Thirty-two articles were included. SDM was measured using nine different metrics. Thirty-six per cent of 13 176 patients and surgeons perceived their consultation as SDM, as opposed to patient- or surgeon-driven. Surgeons more often perceived the decision-making process as SDM than patients (43·6 versus 29·3 per cent respectively). SDM levels scored objectively using the OPTION and Decision Analysis System for Oncology instruments ranged from 7 to 39 per cent. Subjective SDM levels as perceived by surgeons and patients ranged from 54 to 93 per cent. Patients experienced a higher level of SDM during consultations than surgeons (93 versus 84 per cent). Twenty-five different SDM-related outcomes were reported.

Conclusion

At present, SDM in surgery is still in its infancy, although surgeons and patients both think of it favourably. Future studies should evaluate the effect of new interventions to improve SDM during surgical consultations, and its assessment using available standardized and validated metrics.
Factors associated with physical inactivity in adult breast cancer survivors—A population‐based study
Authors: Huneidi Salam A. , Wright Nicole C. , Atkinson Arnisha , Bhatia Smita , Singh Purnima
Published: October 2018

Background

Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer‐specific mortality. Although factors associated with physical inactivity in breast cancer survivors have been studied, a detailed examination at the population level is still lacking.

Methods

We addressed this gap in 1236 women with a diagnosis of breast cancer from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Cancer Survivorship module. Physical inactivity was defined as self‐reported absence of leisure time physical activity. Factors examined in the multivariable logistic regression model included sociodemographic, behavioral factors, access to health care, health history, current cancer treatment, and pain from cancer or treatment.

Results

Overall, older age (≥65 years: OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.25‐5.55) and being underweight (BMI <18.5: OR = 6.11, 95% CI: 1.35‐27.66), were identified as significant factors associated with physical inactivity. In models adjusting for sociodemographics (Model 1), and the prior plus behavioral factors (Model 2), pain from cancer or treatment was significantly associated with physical inactivity (Model 2: OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.16‐4.28); however, after fully adjusting for all variables (Model 3), there was no longer evidence of a significant association between pain from cancer and physical activity in female survivors with breast cancer.

Conclusions

We identified demographic (older age) and physical (low BMI and pain) factors to be significantly associated with physical inactivity among breast cancer survivors. Future interventions to promote physical activity in breast cancer survivors could benefit by taking into account these factors to develop tailored recommendations for increasing activity.
Modulating Schottky Barrier of MoS2 to Enhance Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity by Incorporating with Vertical Graphene Nanosheets Derived from Organic Liquid Waste
Authors: Wu Angjian , Xu Aoni , Yang Jian , Li Xiaodong , Wang Li , Wang Jingfan , Macdonald Digby , Yan Jianhua
Published: October 2018

The lack of theoretical understanding of the reaction kinetics and the overall electrochemical system of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is the major bottleneck for the design of highly efficient electrocatalysts. Here, we demonstrate that the current barrier between catalyst and current collector is strongly influencing the kinetic activation barrier at the catalyst‐electrolyte interface, and thus, equally important for the overall HER activity. Modulating the current collector/catalyst interface via introducing a layer of vertical graphene nanosheets (VGNS) derived from organic liquid waste is proposed as a feasible modification to lower the current barrier, while applying the concept of waste valorization. Benefiting from the intrinsically good electronic conductivity and low contact resistance at heterojunctions, VGNS plays an effective role in modulating the Schottky barrier contact to enhance HER activity. The enhancing effect is investigated by combining characterization, electrochemical measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. By incorporating MoS2 with VGNS, the overpotential is reduced by ∼50 mV with a Tafel slope of 38 mV per decade. This is in accordance with the reduction of Schottky barrier height (SBH) from 0.52 to 0.23 eV in the model. Our results provide a new perspective into the role of Schottky barrier (contact resistance) on the activity origin of HER, which facilitates to establish a rational guidance for optimizing future electrocatalysts.
Tuning the NiO Thin Film Morphology on Carbon Nanotubes by Atomic Layer Deposition for Enzyme‐Free Glucose Sensing
Authors: Raza Muhammad H. , Movlaee Kaveh , Wu Yanlin , El‐Refaei Sayed M. , Karg Matthias , Leonardi Salvatore G. , Neri Giovanni , Pinna Nicola
Published: October 2018

Nanocomposites made of stacked‐cup carbon nanotubes coated with NiO (NiO/SCCNTs) via atomic layer deposition (ALD) were synthesized in order to obtain a material exhibiting enhanced and optimized electrochemical performance towards detections of glucose. The structure and morphology were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). NiO deposited as nanocrystalline particles in the cubic modification, were well dispersed and directly anchored on SCCNTs forming a smooth particulate thin film, which becomes more dense with the increase of the number of ALD cycles. The NiO/SCCNTs samples with various thicknesses of the NiO coating (0.8 nm, 1.7 nm, 4.0 nm, 6.5 nm, 14.0 nm and 21.8 nm) were applied for enzyme‐free glucose sensing. Their electrochemical performance strongly depends on the thickness of the deposited NiO thin film. The best performing glucose sensors respond over a wide concentration range from 2 μM to 2.2 mM (R2=0.9979) with remarkably enhanced sensitivity (1252.3 μA cm−2 mM−1), with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.10 μM (S/N=3) and with a fast response time (lower than 2 s). The significant performance improvement can be attributed to the conformal NiO coating, high surface to volume ratio and to the optimized thickness of the NiO thin film. The advantage of our sensors is also associated with the conductive supporting material (SCCNTs), simplicity of fabrication, high sensitivity, selectivity, stability and reproducibility for the rapid quantification of glucose.
An Approach towards the Synthesis of the Spiroimine Fragment of 13‐Desmethylspirolide C and Gymnodimine A
Authors: Guthertz Alexandre , Lusseau Jonathan , Desvergnes Valérie , Massip Stéphane , Landais Yannick
Published: October 2018

A general access to the spiroimine skeleton of gymnodimine and spirolides is described, relying on the construction of the cyclohexene fragment using an enantiocontrolled Diels–Alder reaction, the installation of the all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter through a stereocontrolled alkylation or aldolisation and the elaboration of the lateral chains at C7 and C22 using Wittig–Horner olefinations. The spiroimine core of gymnodimine is made available through a 16‐step linear sequence in a 21 % overall yield.
Reaction engineering of the emulsion homopolymerization of vinylidene fluoride: Progress and challenges
Authors: Mendez Ecoscia Ana Carolina , Sheibat‐Othman Nida , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: October 2018

The emulsion polymerization of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) is used to produce a range of commercially important products. Despite this, the current review article will show that very little is known about the kinetics of polymerization, particle nucleation, and role of chain transfer reactions. This is at least in part due to the extreme conditions needed for the polymerization, which can significantly limit the number of academic laboratories able to enable such reactions.
Effort of ionic liquids with [HSO4]‐ on oxidative desulphurization of coal
Authors: Wang Lanyun , Li Zhendong , Jin Guosong , Zuo Ning , Xu Yongliang
Published: October 2018

Sulphur dioxide and soot produced during coal combustion are the main air pollution sources and increased emission of PM2.5 (particle matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 µm) in China. In this investigation, two imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs), namely, 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium bisulphate ([C4C1im][HSO4]) and 1‐carboxymethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bisulphate([HOOCCH2mim][HSO4]), were used to remove sulphur from coal combined with 30 % hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) based on chemically oxidative desulphurization. The experimental results indicate that H2O2 played a dominant role in removing inorganic sulphur but only partially decreased organic sulphur. The [C4C1im][HSO4]‐H2O2 solution is able to remove 47.44 % of the total sulphur in coal and nearly 100 % of the inorganic sulphur while the [HOOCCH2mim][HSO4]‐H2O2 solution can remove 16.76 % of organic sulphur with a weaker ability to reduce inorganic components. According to the FTIR spectra analysis, the results show that the proportion of –SH, –CH3, –CH2–, and‐OH declined, while −COOH increased after the IL‐H2O2 treatment due to the oxidation enhancement in the presence of ionic liquids. Sulphur element compositions were measured using XPS, and the results also show that ionic liquids are favourable for improving the oxidation of –SH, –S–, and thiophene into sulphoxide and sulphone, which were extracted during the ionic liquid phase.
An Investigation into Rigidity–Activity Relationships in BisQAC Amphiphilic Antiseptics
Authors: Kontos Renee C. , Schallenhammer Stephanie A. , Bentley Brian S. , Morrison Kelly R. , Feliciano Javier A. , Tasca Julia A. , Kaplan Anna R. , Bezpalko Mark W. , Kassel W. Scott , Wuest William M. , Minbiole Kevin P. C.
Published: October 2018

Twenty‐one mono‐ and biscationic quaternary ammonium amphiphiles (monoQACs and bisQACs) were rapidly prepared in order to investigate the effects of rigidity of a diamine core structure on antiseptic activity. As anticipated, the bioactivity against a panel of six bacteria including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains was strong for bisQAC structures, and is clearly correlated with the length of non‐polar side chains. Modest advantages were noted for amide‐containing side chains, as compared with straight‐chained alkyl substituents. Surprisingly, antiseptics with more rigidly disposed side chains, such as those in DABCO‐12,12, showed the highest level of antimicrobial activity, with single‐digit MIC values or better against the entire bacterial panel, including sub‐micromolar activity against an MRSA strain.
Targeting Protein Kinase CK1δ with Riluzole: Could It Be One of the Possible Missing Bricks to Interpret Its Effect in the Treatment of ALS from a Molecular Point of View?
Authors: Bissaro Maicol , Federico Stephanie , Salmaso Veronica , Sturlese Mattia , Spalluto Giampiero , Moro Stefano
Published: October 2018

Riluzole, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995, is the most widespread oral treatment for the fatal neurodegenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The drug, whose mechanism of action is still obscure, mitigates progression of the illness, but unfortunately with only limited improvements. Herein we report the first demonstration, using a combination of computational and in vitro studies, that riluzole is an ATP‐competitive inhibitor of the protein kinase CK1 isoform δ, with an IC50 value of 16.1 μm. This allows us to rewrite its possible molecular mechanism of action in the treatment of ALS. The inhibition of CK1δ catalytic activity indeed links the two main pathological hallmarks of ALS: transactive response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) proteinopathy and glutamate excitotoxicity, exacerbated by the loss of expression of glial excitatory amino acid transporter‐2 (EAAT2).
A conceptual framework and metrics for evaluating multicomponent interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening within an organized screening program
Authors: Subramanian Sujha , Hoover Sonja , Tangka Florence K. L. , DeGroff Amy , Soloe Cynthia S. , Arena Laura C. , Schlueter Dara F. , Joseph Djenaba A. , Wong Faye L.
Published: October 2018

Background

Multicomponent, evidence‐based interventions are viewed increasingly as essential for increasing the use of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening to meet national targets. Multicomponent interventions involve complex care pathways and interactions across multiple levels, including the individual, health system, and community.

Methods

The authors developed a framework and identified metrics and data elements to evaluate the implementation processes, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of multicomponent interventions used in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program.

Results

Process measures to evaluate the implementation of interventions to increase community and patient demand for CRC screening, increase patient access, and increase provider delivery of services are presented. In addition, performance measures are identified to assess implementation processes along the continuum of care for screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Series of intermediate and long‐term outcome and cost measures also are presented to evaluate the impact of the interventions.

Conclusions

Understanding the effectiveness of multicomponent, evidence‐based interventions and identifying successful approaches that can be replicated in other settings are essential to increase screening and reduce CRC burden. The use of common framework, data elements, and evaluation methods will allow the performance of comparative assessments of the interventions implemented across CRCCP sites to identify best practices for increasing colorectal screening, particularly among underserved populations, to reduce disparities in CRC incidence and mortality.
Evaluation of patient‐focused interventions to promote colorectal cancer screening among New York State Medicaid managed care patients
Authors: L. M. Dacus Heather , L. Wagner Victoria , A. Collins Elisè , M. Matson Jacqueline , Gates Margaret , Hoover Sonja , K. L. Tangka Florence , Larkins Teri , Subramanian Sujha
Published: October 2018

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate an ongoing initiative to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake in the New York State (NYS) Medicaid managed care population.

Methods

Patients aged 50 to 75 years who were not up to date with CRC screening and resided in 2 NYS regions were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 cohorts: no mailed reminder, mailed reminder, and mailed reminder + incentive (in the form of a $25 cash card). Screening prevalence and the costs of the intervention were summarized.

Results

In total, 7123 individuals in the Adirondack Region and 10,943 in the Central Region (including the Syracuse metropolitan area) were included. Screening prevalence in the Adirondack Region was 7.2% in the mailed reminder + incentive cohort, 7.0% in the mailed reminder cohort, and 5.8% in the no mailed reminder cohort. In the Central Region, screening prevalence was 7.2% in the mailed reminder cohort, 6.9% in the mailed reminder + incentive cohort, and 6.5% in the no mailed reminder cohort. The cost of implementing interventions in the Central Region was approximately 53% lower than in the Adirondack Region.

Conclusions

Screening uptake was low and did not differ significantly across the 2 regions or within the 3 cohorts. The incentive payment and mailed reminder did not appear to be effective in increasing CRC screening. The total cost of implementation was lower in the Central Region because of efficiencies generated from lessons learned during the first round of implementation in the Adirondack Region. More varied multicomponent interventions may be required to facilitate the completion of CRC screening among Medicaid beneficiaries.
Feasibility of fine‐needle aspiration for assessing responses to chemotherapy in metastatic nodes marked with clips in breast cancer: A prospective registry study
Authors: Caudle Abigail S. , Kuerer Henry M. , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Shin Kyungmin , Hobbs Brian P. , Ma Junsheng , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Washington Ashley C. , DeSnyder Sarah M. , Black Dalliah M. , Hunt Kelly K. , Yang Wei T.
Published: October 2018

Background

Clips are often placed to mark axillary nodes with biopsy‐confirmed metastases in patients with breast cancer. The evaluation of clipped nodes after chemotherapy can identify patients who have eradication of nodal disease. The goal of this study was to determine whether preoperative fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of clipped nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) could predict the presence of residual disease.

Methods

This prospective registry study enrolled 50 patients with a clip placed to mark nodes with biopsy‐confirmed metastases who had completed NAC. Participants underwent FNA of the clipped node before seed‐localized lymph node excision. FNA pathology was compared with surgical pathology.

Results

There were 36 patients (72%) with residual disease on surgical pathology: 3 (8%) had a nondiagnostic aspirate, carcinoma was seen in 14 (39%), and 19 (53%) had a false‐negative result. The sensitivity of FNA was 42.4%, its specificity was 100%, and its negative predictive value was 40.6%. In a univariate analysis, the odds of a true‐positive result increased significantly with the mean initial size of the clipped node (odds ratio [OR], 4.3; P = .004) and the size of the metastatic focus after NAC (OR, 1.3; P = 0.003), whereas normalization of nodes after chemotherapy (OR, 0.1) and a lack of response on ultrasound (OR, 0.11) were associated with a false‐negative result (P = .01).

Conclusions

FNA of marked nodes after chemotherapy has a high false‐negative rate. This highlights the need for surgical staging of the axilla after NAC to assess the response.
Birth control and breast cancer: An unclear connection
Authors: Nelson Bryn
Published: October 2018

This news section is written by a medical journalist and offers Cancer Cytopathology readers timely information on events, issues, and personalities of interest to the subspecialty. This edition explores the potential effects of hormone ‐based contraception on breast cancer and the risk ‐benefit analysis involved in deciding whether or not to use hormone ‐based contraception.
Matrix‐free mass spectrometry imaging of mouse brain tissue sections on silicon nanopost arrays
Authors: Fincher Jarod A. , Dyer Jacqueline E. , Korte Andrew R. , Yadavilli Sridevi , Morris Nicholas J. , Vertes Akos
Published: October 2018

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is capable of detection and identification of diverse classes of compounds in brain tissue sections, whereas simultaneously mapping their spatial distributions. Given the vast array of chemical components present in neurological systems, as well as the innate diversity within molecular classes, MSI platforms capable of detecting a wide array of species are useful for achieving a more comprehensive understanding of their biological roles and significance. Currently, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is the method of choice for the molecular imaging of brain samples by mass spectrometry. However, nanostructured laser desorption ionization platforms, such as silicon nanopost arrays (NAPA), are emerging as alternative MSI techniques that can provide complementary insight into molecular distributions in the central nervous system. In this work, the molecular coverage of mouse brain lipids afforded by NAPA‐MSI is compared to that of MALDI‐MSI using two common MALDI matrices. In positive ion mode, MALDI spectra were dominated by phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidic acids. NAPA favored the ionization of phosphatidylethanolamines and glycosylated ceramides, which were poorly detected in MALDI‐MSI. In negative ion mode, MALDI favored sulfatides and free fatty acids, whereas NAPA spectra were dominated by signal from phosphatidylethanolamines. The complementarity in lipid coverages between the NAPA‐ and MALDI‐MSI platforms presents the possibility of selective lipid analysis and imaging dependent upon which platform is used. Nanofabrication of the NAPA platform offers better uniformity compared to MALDI, and the wider dynamic range offered by NAPA promises improved quantitation in imaging.
A computational model for microcirculation including Fahraeus‐Lindqvist effect, plasma skimming and fluid exchange with the tissue interstitium
Authors: Possenti Luca , di Gregorio Simone , Gerosa Fannie Maria , Raimondi Giorgio , Casagrande Giustina , Costantino Maria Laura , Zunino Paolo
Published: October 2018

We present a two‐phase model for microcirculation that describes the interaction of plasma with red blood cells. The model takes into account of typical effects characterizing the microcirculation, such as the Fahraeus‐Lindqvist effect and plasma skimming. Besides these features, the model describes the interaction of capillaries with the surrounding tissue. More precisely, the model accounts for the interaction of capillary transmural flow with the surrounding interstitial pressure. Furthermore, the capillaries are represented as one‐dimensional channels with arbitrary, possibly curved configuration. The latter two features rely on the unique ability of the model to account for variations of flow rate and pressure along the axis of the capillary, according to a local differential formulation of mass and momentum conservation. Indeed, the model stands on a solid mathematical foundation, which is also addressed in this work. In particular, we present the model derivation, the variational formulation, and its approximation using the finite element method. Finally, we conclude the work with a comparative computational study of the importance of the Fahraeus‐Lindqvist, plasma skimming, and capillary leakage effects on the distribution of flow in a microvascular network.
Relative analysis of the dependency of spectrophotometric data on temperature using textiles, ceramics, plastics, paints, and printed materials
Authors: Che Jiangning
Published: October 2018

It is generally known that the color of an object changes with the change of its surface temperature. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relative dependency of measured colorimetric data on the temperature variation of an object for different types of colored materials. Specifically, textile fabrics, ceramic tiles, plastic plaques, ink‐printed paper cards, and paint‐coated cards were utilized, and the results were evaluated. The impacts of temperature alteration on the CIELAB colorimetric data were examined and evaluated. The total color difference and differences in the CIE coordinates of each colored sample, compared with the measured color data at 20°C, are presented. The results reveal how each measured CIE colorimetric coordinate, as well as color difference, varies with the surface temperature of the object for samples of different types of colored materials.
Interacting Quantum Atoms Approach and Electrostatic Solvation Energy: Assessing Atomic and Group Solvation Contributions
Authors: Jiménez‐Grávalos Fernando , Díaz Natalia , Francisco Evelio , Martín‐Pendás Ángel , Suárez Dimas
Published: October 2018

The interacting quantum atoms (IQA) method decomposes the total energy of a molecular system in terms of one‐ and two‐center (atomic) contributions within the context of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules. Here we incorporate electrostatic continuum solvent effects into the IQA energy decomposition. To this end, the interaction between the solute electrostatic potential and the solvent screening charges as defined within the COSMO solvation model is now included in a new version of the PROMOLDEN code, allowing thus to apply IQA in combination with COSMO‐quantum chemical methods as well as to partition the electrostatic solvation energy into effective atomic and group contributions. To test the robustness of this approach, we carry out COSMO‐HF/aug‐cc‐pVTZ calculations followed by IQA calculations on more than 400 neutral and ionic solutes extracted from the MNSol database. The computational results reveal a detailed atomic mapping of the electrostatic solvation energy that is useful to assess to what extent the solvation energy can be decomposed into atomic and group contributions of various parts of a solute molecule, as generally assumed by empirical methodologies that estimate solvation energy and/or logP values.
Pparα deficiency inhibits the proliferation of neuronal and glial precursors in the zebrafish central nervous system
Authors: Hsieh Yen‐Che , Chiang Ming‐Chang , Huang Yin‐Cheng , Yeh Tu‐Hsueh , Shih Hung‐Yu , Liu Han‐Fang , Chen Hao‐Yuan , Wang Chien‐Ping , Cheng Yi‐Chuan
Published: October 2018

Background: Many molecules and signaling pathways involved in neural development play a role in neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumor progression. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) proteins regulate the differentiation of tissues and the progression of many diseases. However, the role of these proteins in neural development is unclear. Results: We examined the function of Pparα in the neural development of zebrafish. Two duplicate paralogs for mammalian PPARA/Ppara, namely pparaa and pparab, are present in the zebrafish genome. Both pparaa and pparab are expressed in the developing central nervous system in zebrafish embryos. Inhibiting the function of Pparα by using either the PPARα/Pparα antagonist GW6471 or pparaa or pparab truncated constructs produced identical phenotypes, which were sufficient to reduce the proliferation of neuronal and glial precursor cells without affecting the formation of neural progenitors. Conclusions: We demonstrated that both Pparαa and Pparαb proteins are essential regulators of the proliferation of neuronal and glial precursors. This study provides a better understanding of the functions of PPARα/Pparα in neural development and further expands our knowledge of the potential role of PPARα/Pparα in neurological disorders and brain tumors. Developmental Dynamics 247:1264–1275, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular Systems for the Quantification of London Dispersion Interactions
Authors: Strauss Marcel A. , Wegner Hermann A.
Published: October 2018

In recent years the importance of London dispersion forces as the attractive part of the van der Waals potential has been recognized for structural stability, catalysis and chemical reactivity. Though known for decades, the determination of the strength of dispersive interactions between certain groups remains a challenging task. Geometrically well‐defined molecular model systems offer the possibility to systematically examine and quantify the London dispersion contribution to interaction energies. The incorporation of control systems in the analysis allows dissecting the interaction of interest from other effects. The knowledge gained from these endeavours will provide the necessary basis to include London dispersion in the design of chemical processes and functional materials.
Domino Bischler–Napieralski – Michael Reaction and Oxidation – New Route to Coumarin‐Pyrrole‐Isoquinoline Fused Pentacycles
Authors: Mandrekar Ketan S. , Kadam Hari K. , Tilve Santosh G.
Published: October 2018

Lamellarin scaffold is synthesized by a metal free convergent route involving domino Bischler–Napieralski reaction – Michael reaction – oxidation sequence. Six lamellarin analogues were synthesised having substituent on aryl as well as coumarin ring A.
Adsorption of plantaricin Q7 on montmorillonite and application in feedback regulation of plantaricin Q7 synthesis by Lactobacillus plantarum Q7
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Yi Huaxi , Gong Pimin , Lin Kai , Chen Shiwei , Han Xue , Zhang Lanwei
Published: October 2018

Kieselguhr, bentonite, and montmorillonite were investigated as potential carriers of plantaricin Q7. Highest level of adsorption of plantaricin Q7 was obtained with montmorillonite. Meanwhile, visible inhibition zones were observed against Listeria monocytogenes for montmorillonite adsorbed with plantaricin Q7. Adsorption kinetics showed that the adsorption behaviour followed the pseudo‐first‐order and Weber's intra‐particle diffusion models, suggesting two steps had taken place during the adsorption process. X‐ray diffraction assays revealed that plantaricin Q7 was intercalated into the interlayer space of montmorillonites. Electrostatic, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions proved to play important roles in the mechanisms of interaction between montmorillonite and plantaricin Q7, as shown by infrared spectroscopy analysis. In addition, plantaricin Q7 production was inhibited by feedback regulation with its high concentrations. In order to remove product feedback inhibition in plantaricin Q7 production, a strategy was implemented for its adsorption onto montmorillonite during fermentation. The final plantaricin Q7 output reached 3713.40 IU/mL during fermentation using montmorillonite to adsorb plantaricin Q7, 41.61% higher than that of non‐ montmorillonite. These results indicate that montmorillonites are suitable carriers for plantaricin Q7 adsorption, and the adsorption of plantaricin Q7 onto montmorillonite during fermentation could be a good method to increase final plantaricin Q7 production.
Monthly and seasonal modeling of municipal waste generation using radial basis function neural network
Authors: Abbasi Maryam , Rastgoo Mohammad Naim , Nakisa Bahareh
Published: October 2018

Accurate modeling of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is vital as a reliable support for decision‐making processes ensuring the success of the future development and management of wastes. The present study aims to forecast monthly and seasonal MSW generation using radial basis function (RBF) neural network and assess the effect of the gender of educated people with a combination of meteorological, socioeconomic, and demographic variables on waste generation. The study was implemented on data obtained from a megacity for the period of 1991–2013. Cross validation technique was employed to evaluate modeling performance. Performance of the RBF model were also compared with adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN) models. The results proved that the number of educated women was highly associated with MSW generation while the number of educated men was not a significant factor. Modeling outputs demonstrated that the RBF neural network model could successfully predict both monthly and seasonal variations of MSW generation. Compared to ANFIS and ANN, RBF was the best‐performing model for monthly and seasonal forecasting of MSW generation. The results suggested that soft computing methods like RBF improve the estimate of MSW generation in metropolises. Hence, RBF network can be applied for forecasting and modeling MSW generation on a national scale. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13033, 2019
Food and nutrition security and sustainability transitions in food systems
Authors: El Bilali Hamid , Callenius Carolin , Strassner Carola , Probst Lorenz
Published: October 2018

The concepts of food security and food sustainability are two main paradigms in the food system discourse—however, they are often addressed separately in the scientific literature. We argue that this disconnect hinders a coherent discussion of sustainability transitions, which will be necessary to solve problems (environmental, social, economic, and health) generated by conventional food systems. Our review highlights linkages between sustainability transitions and food and nutrition security using the perspective of sustainable food systems. We explore the diversity of food security narratives and food sustainability paradigms in the agro‐food arena, analyze relations between food security and food systems sustainability, and suggest options to foster a transition toward sustainable food systems. It is widely acknowledged that food systems sustainability must entail long‐term food and nutrition security in its availability, access, utilization, and stability dimensions. For food systems to deliver food and nutrition security for present and future generations, all their components need to be sustainable, resilient, and efficient. These linkages between food sustainability and food and nutrition security intersect at global, national, local, and household levels. Different strategies can be pursued to foster sustainability transitions in food systems: efficiency increase (e.g., sustainable intensification), demand restraint (e.g., sustainable diets), and food systems transformation (e.g., alternative food systems). Creating sustainable food systems requires moving from an agriculture‐centered to a food system policy and research framework. This will be fundamental to foster the complex and holistic transformation necessary to achieve sustainable food systems, which is, in turn, a prerequisite to achieving sustainable food and nutrition security.
Use of scenario planning as a theory‐driven evaluation tool
Authors: Derbyshire James
Published: October 2018

Theory‐driven evaluation (TDE) is an approach for prescribing an evaluation’s purposes, users and uses, general activities, strategies, and methods in the form of a “program theory.” While widely used, the literature highlights a number of common deficiencies in TDEs, among which is the tendency for underdeveloped program theories because of a lack of specificity on the theory‐creation process, and because the emergent nature of change renders it difficult to identify relevant theory a priori, leading to uncertainty. Theoretical underdevelopment may reduce the effectiveness of change initiatives and make their evaluation problematic due to a lack of clarity regarding what the program was originally expected to achieve, and how. This paper addresses this issue by showing that scenario planning can assist TDE by (a) making explicit initial causal logic and theory; (b) facilitating useful debate and discussion among multiple stakeholders; and (c) facilitating consideration of how contingent and complex causation may lead to unexpected outcomes, allowing for consideration of adaptations that may be needed as a program unfolds. This paper shows that scenario planning is highly congruent with a complex‐realist understanding of evaluation that emphasizes causal indeterminism. In sum, we show how scenario planning can be used as a TDE tool.
Rice Husk‐Derived Activated Carbons for Adsorption of Phenolic Compounds in Water
Authors: Shen Yafei
Published: October 2018

Activated carbons are synthesized from rice husk by one‐ and two‐step pyrolysis. In general, two‐step pyrolysis produces a higher yield of activated carbons. The yield of activated carbon decreases with the increase of mass ratio of KOH and biomass, which has a significant impact on the development of surface area and porosity. The maximum S
BET (2138 m2 g−1) is achieved with micro‐ and mesoporous structures, which is favored for the adsorption process. The activated carbons can efficiently remove phenol from water by a few minutes. In particular, the maximum adsorption capacity (201 mg g−1) is achieved due to the excellent surface textural properties. The Langmuir model can better define the adsorption isotherm. The high correlation coefficient value (R
2 = 0.9991) indicates a monolayer adsorption behavior. The adsorption process can be well‐fitted by the pseudo‐second‐order model. Herein, the phenol molecules pass into the internal surface via liquid‐film‐controlled diffusion, so the behavior of phenol adsorption onto activated carbons is mainly controlled via chemisorption. In addition, the functional groups on the outer surfaces of activated carbons can attract the phenol molecules onto their internal surface via the “π–π dispersion interaction” and “donor–acceptor effect.”
Mars Colonization: Beyond Getting There
Authors: Levchenko Igor , Xu Shuyan , Mazouffre Stéphane , Keidar Michael , Bazaka Kateryna
Published: October 2018

Colonization of Mars: As humans gradually overcome technological challenges of deep space missions, the possibility of exploration and colonization of extraterrestrial outposts is being seriously considered by space agencies and commercial entities alike. But should we do it just because we potentially can? Is such an undoubtedly risky adventure justified from the economic, legal, and ethical points of view? And even if it is, do we have a system of instruments necessary to effectively and fairly manage these aspects of colonization? In this essay, a rich diversity of current opinions on the pros and cons of Mars colonization voiced by space enthusiasts with backgrounds in space technology, economics, and materials science are examined.
Effects of the Structure of TiO2 Nanotube Arrays on Its Catalytic Activity for Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Guo Tao , Wang Changzheng , Xu Ping , Feng Cuimin , Si Shuai , Zhang Yajun , Wang Qiang , Shi Mengtong , Yang Fengnan , Wang Jingxiao , Zhang Yang
Published: October 2018

To enhance the microbial fuel cell (MFC) for wastewater treatment and chemical oxygen demand degradation, TiO2 nanotubes arrays (TNA) are successfully synthesized on Ti foil substrate by the anodization process in HF and NH4F solution, respectively (hereafter, denoted as TNA‐HF and TNA‐NF). The differences between the two kinds of TNA are revealed based on their morphologies and spectroscopic characterizations. It should be highlighted that 3D TNA‐NF with an appropriate dimension can make a positive contribution to the high photocatalytic activity. In comparison with the TNA‐HF, the 3D TNA‐NF sample exhibits a significant enhancement in current generation as the MFC anode. In particular, the TNA‐NF performs nearly 1.23 times higher than the TNA‐HF, and near twofold higher than the carbon felt. It is found that the two kinds of TiO2‐based anodes have different conductivities and corrosion potentials, which are responsible for the difference in their current generation performances. Based on the experimental results, excellent stability, reliability, and low cost, TNA‐NF can be considered a promising and scalable MFC bioanode material.
Stable between‐subject statistical inference from unstable within‐subject functional connectivity estimates
Authors: Vidaurre Diego , Woolrich Mark W. , Winkler Anderson M. , Karapanagiotidis Theodoros , Smallwood Jonathan , Nichols Thomas E.
Published: October 2018

Spatial or temporal aspects of neural organization are known to be important indices of how cognition is organized. However, measurements and estimations are often noisy and many of the algorithms used are probabilistic, which in combination have been argued to limit studies exploring the neural basis of specific aspects of cognition. Focusing on static and dynamic functional connectivity estimations, we propose to leverage this variability to improve statistical efficiency in relating these estimations to behavior. To achieve this goal, we use a procedure based on permutation testing that provides a way of combining the results from many individual tests that refer to the same hypothesis. This is needed when testing a measure whose value is obtained from a noisy process, which can be repeated multiple times, referred to as replications. Focusing on functional connectivity, this noisy process can be: (a) computational, for example, when using an approximate inference algorithm for which different runs can produce different results or (b) observational, if we have the capacity to acquire data multiple times, and the different acquired data sets can be considered noisy examples of some underlying truth. In both cases, we are not interested in the individual replications but on the unobserved process generating each replication. In this note, we show how results can be combined instead of choosing just one of the estimated models. Using both simulations and real data, we show the benefits of this approach in practice.
Purchases of antidepressants after cancer at a young age in Finland
Authors: Ahomäki Ritva , Kero Andreina , Koivisto Mari , Madanat‐Harjuoja Laura , Malila Nea , Lähteenmäki Päivi M.
Published: October 2018

According to previous studies, childhood cancer survivors have an elevated risk for late mental health effects. However, only few studies exist on young adulthood (YA) cancer survivors’ mental health outcomes. In our study, we examined first time antidepressant (AD) medication purchases of childhood and YA cancer patients compared to siblings. The first time AD medication purchases of 7,093 cancer patients aged 0–34 years at diagnosis and a sibling cohort (N = 26,882) were retrieved from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) since 1.1.1993. Cancer patients diagnosed between 1.1.1994 and 31.12.2004 were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry and sibling controls via the Population Registry Centre. Statistical analyses were performed via the Cox regression model, and the hazard ratios (HR) were adjusted for age and gender. Increased hazard ratios for AD purchases were found in the younger (0–19 years at cancer diagnosis) [HR 5.2, 95%CI (3.7–7.2)] and older (age 20–34 years at cancer diagnosis) [HR 4.5, 95%CI (3.9–5.2)] cancer patient groups compared to siblings. The gender effect was similar in patients and controls, showing that females have higher risk for AD purchases than males. Males in the younger patient group had highest HR (5.6) for AD purchases compared to siblings. Patients with sarcoma or CNS tumor in the younger age group and leukemia or CNS malignancy in the older age group had the highest risk for AD medication purchases. The frequency and risk for AD purchases has been increasing during recent decades in both cancer patient age groups compared to siblings. Thus, cancer patients’ psychological support should be properly assessed already after primary treatment. Certain diagnostic groups as well as female patients may require more psychological support than others.
The impact of changing the prevalence of overweight/obesity and physical inactivity in Australia: An estimate of the proportion of potentially avoidable cancers 2013–2037
Authors: Wilson Louise F. , Baade Peter D. , Green Adele C. , Jordan Susan J. , Kendall Bradley J. , Neale Rachel E. , Olsen Catherine M. , Youlden Danny R. , Webb Penelope M. , Whiteman David C.
Published: October 2018

Globally, 39% of the world's adult population is overweight or obese and 23% is insufficiently active. These percentages are even larger in high‐income countries with 58% overweight/obese and 33% insufficiently active. Fourteen cancer types have been declared by the World Cancer Research Fund to be causally associated with being overweight or obese: oesophageal adenocarcinoma, stomach cardia, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, breast, endometrium, ovary, advanced/fatal prostate, kidney, thyroid and multiple myeloma. Colon, postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancers have also been judged causally associated with physical inactivity. We aimed to quantify the proportion of cancer cases that would be potentially avoidable in Australia if the prevalence of overweight/obesity and physical inactivity in the population could be reduced. We used the simulation modelling software PREVENT 3.01 to calculate the proportion of avoidable cancers over a 25‐year period under different theoretical intervention scenarios that change the prevalence of overweight/obesity and physical inactivity in the population. Between 2013 and 2037, 10–13% of overweight/obesity‐related cancers in men and 7–11% in women could be avoided if overweight and obesity were eliminated in the Australian population. If everyone in the population met the Australian physical activity guidelines for cancer prevention (i.e. engaged in at least 300 min of moderate‐intensity physical activity per week), an estimated 2–3% of physical inactivity‐related cancers could be prevented in men (colon cancer) and 1–2% in women (colon, breast and endometrial cancers). This would translate to the prevention of up to 190,500 overweight/obesity‐related cancers and 19,200 inactivity‐related cancers over 25 years.
Electroactive Metalorganic Frameworks
Authors: Medina Dana D. , Mähringer Andre , Bein Thomas
Published: October 2018

Crystalline and porous framework materials with appreciable charge carrier mobility hold promise as a new semiconducting platform. Through the concepts of reticular chemistry, numerous two‐ and three‐dimensional crystalline and porous frameworks with encoded properties enabling significant electrical conductivity are in reach. Prominent members of this group are the metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), which recently created scientific excitement as highly conductive materials. Herein, we discuss the recent prominent examples reported for electrically conducting MOFs with regards to their synthesis, structural and electronic properties and possible applications. We frame our discussion according to structural features of the MOFs, covering both layered 2D and 3D frameworks.
Transforming Teaching and Learning: A Review of No More Telling as Teaching: Less Lecture, More Engaged Learning
Authors: Waymouth Heather
Published: October 2018

This forum reviews a mix of resources to inform pedagogy and related educational practices that foreground representations of youths and their literacy practices within and outside of school.
Multilingual Writers in College Contexts
Authors: Alvarez Sara P.
Published: October 2018

The authors featured in this department column share instructional practices that support transformative literacy teaching and disrupt “struggling reader” and “struggling writer” labels.