bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evolutionary compass for detecting signals of polygenic selection and mutational bias
Authors: Uricchio Lawrence H. , Kitano Hugo C. , Gusev Alexander , Zaitlen Noah A.
Published: January 2019

Selection and mutation shape the genetic variation underlying human traits, but the specific evolutionary mechanisms driving complex trait variation are largely unknown. We developed a statistical method that uses polarized genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from a single population to detect signals of mutational bias and selection. We found evidence for nonneutral signals on variation underlying several traits (body mass index [BMI], schizophrenia, Crohn's disease, educational attainment, and height). We then used simulations that incorporate simultaneous negative and positive selection to show that these signals are consistent with mutational bias and shifts in the fitness-phenotype relationship, but not stabilizing selection or mutational bias alone. We additionally replicate two of our top three signals (BMI and educational attainment) in an external cohort, and show that population stratification may have confounded GWAS summary statistics for height in the GIANT cohort. Our results provide a flexible and powerful framework for evolutionary analysis of complex phenotypes in humans and other species, and offer insights into the evolutionary mechanisms driving variation in human polygenic traits.
Fruit and vegetable consumption, leisure‐time physical activity, and sedentary behavior among children and adolescent students in Uganda
Authors: Ndagire Catherine T. , Muyonga John H. , Nakimbugwe Dorothy
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and participation in leisure‐time physical activity (PA) and in sedentary behavior in accordance with the recommendations are met in a minority of populations including children and adolescents.

Objective

To describe the frequency of FV intake, leisure‐time PA, and sedentary behavior, assess compliance with international recommendations, and how selected factors are associated with these recommendations.

Methods

The FV consumption and PA questionnaire items previously assessed for reliability in a Ugandan setting were used to gather information about FV consumption, PA, and sedentary behavior among 621 children and adolescents attending schools in Kampala Uganda. The results of FV consumption and PA were categorized as adequate or inadequate while sedentary behavior was categorized as adequate or excess. The relationship between FV consumption, PA, and sedentary behavior with selected independent variables was verified by chi‐square test statistic.

Results

Half of the participants (50%) reported inadequate fruit consumption, and 76% of them reported inadequate vegetable consumption. More children (68%) than young adolescents (52%) and older adolescents (44%) met their daily recommendation for fruit consumption. A similar trend was observed for vegetable consumption. Adequacy of FV intake was significantly associated with participant's age, level of education, school ownership, and type of school. Less of 8‐ to 17‐year‐olds (14%) than 18 years and above olds (41%) met their weekly recommendation for leisure‐time PA. Majority of participants (54%) participated in acceptable levels of sedentary behaviors. Leisure‐time PA was significantly associated with age category and school ownership while sedentary behavior was significantly associated with participant's age and education level.

Conclusions

The intake of FV and participation in leisure‐time PA was not adequate in the study population. A significant proportion of participants engaged in excess sedentary behavior. Developing and implementing strategies to increase FV intake and PA among children and adolescents in schools should be a national priority.
Changes in lipids distribution and fatty acid composition during soy sauce production
Authors: Zou Mouyong , Zhu Xingui , Li Xuewei , Zeng Xiaobo
Published: January 2019

Distribution of lipids morphology and evolution of lipids during soy sauce production were studied. It was found that oil bodies fused and migrated to the outside of soybean cells after steamed, and further fused to cystidiums. And the model of soybean lipids distribution in soy sauce production was presented. Acid value increased to 34.4 mg KOH/g after koji fermentation, and it gradually decreased in the following fermentation. Linoleic acid (C18:2) decreased from 59.35% to 47.75% after 30 days of moromi fermentation. The contents of fatty acids from neutral lipids and free fatty acids increased to 20.98 and 13.47 mg/g, respectively, after moromi fermentation. Fatty acid of phospholipids increased to 8.34 mg/g during koji fermentation and reduced in the prior phase of moromi fermentation. The lipids model and analysis provide new insights into improving aroma of soy sauce and extraction lipids from soy sauce residue.
Optimization on production of konjac oligo‐glucomannan and their effect on the gut microbiota
Authors: Ariestanti Catarina Aprilia , Seechamnanturakit Vatcharee , Harmayani Eni , Wichienchot Santad
Published: January 2019

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a polysaccharide extracted from Amorphophallus konjac, and its degradation product is konjac oligo‐glucomannan (KOG). The aim of this study was to produce KOG from KGM and to evaluate its effect on the gut microbiota in fecal batch culture. KOG was produced by enzymatic hydrolysis using β‐mannanase. The optimum conditions were as follows: reaction temperature of 48°C, reaction time of 4 hr, pH of 5.5 and E/S of 0.05% followed by purification step using 3,000 NMWC ultrafiltration (UF) membrane pore size. The effect of KOG on changes in human fecal bacterial populations and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production was evaluated. The results showed that low‐molecular weight KOG (LKOG) from purification step with concentration of 9.54 mg/ml, and a prebiotic index (PI) of 0.76 was successfully produced. LKOG can enhance the production of butyric acid in the colon with the highest concentration (8.24 mM) found at 72 hr fermentation.
Perceptions regarding vasopressin use and practices in septic shock, and cost containment strategies
Authors: Hammond Drayton A. , Rech Megan A. , Daley Mitchell J. , Devlin John W. , Hodge Emily K. , Kooda Kirstin J. , Lat Ishaq , Personett Heather A. , Roberts Russel , Sacha Gretchen , Stollings Joanna L. , Swanson Joseph M. , Bauer Seth R.
Published: January 2019

Background

Clinician preferences and practices regarding appropriate vasopressin use in light of its increased acquisition cost secondary to rebranding has not been evaluated or described since the most recent iteration of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guideline was published.

Objective

To assess vasopressin cost containment initiatives and pharmacists' opinions regarding appropriate vasopressin use.

Methods

A scenario‐based survey was distributed to critical care and emergency medicine pharmacists. Responses were characterized using frequency and descriptive statistics. Categorical variables between those who implemented changes (Vasopressin Cost Consideration) and those who did not (Usual Care) were compared using chi‐square or Fisher's exact tests. McNemar's test was used to compare responses in clinical scenarios between Vasopressin Cost Consideration and Usual Care groups.

Results

Among 1757 pharmacists surveyed, 200 (11.3%) responded. When respondents considered vasopressin cost and evidence (vs evidence alone), fewer respondents would use vasopressin adjunctively with norepinephrine (21% vs 26.6%, P = 0.031), to raise mean arterial pressure compared with epinephrine (65.2% vs 72.3%, P = 0.012), or to reduce norepinephrine infusion rates (71.4% vs 81.4%, P < 0.001), but would use with steroids (62.4% vs 28.3%, P < 0.001). Most (72%) respondents had implemented vasopressin cost containment and/or education initiatives. The Vasopressin Cost Consideration group respondents were more likely to initiate vasopressin at 0.03 units/minute without titrating (47.9% vs 33.9%, P = 0.045).

Conclusion

Since vasopressin was generically rebranded, most institutions have implemented at least one initiative to reduce vasopressin use and/or educate clinicians about its appropriate use. When vasopressin acquisition costs were considered, pharmacists recommended its use less frequently, particularly in clinical scenarios where its use is controversial.
Solubility of aminotriethylene glycol functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes: A density functional based tight binding molecular dynamics study
Authors: Mananghaya Michael R. , Santos Gil N. , Yu Dennis
Published: January 2019

Pristine CNTs are exemplary hydrophobic solutes; properly functionalized CNTs can be seen as hydrophilic ones. The solubility of aminotriethylene glycol (ATG) functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes (fSWCNTs) were examined using density functional based tight binding method. According to the dynamics study, the ATG‐fSWCNTs interaction energies (IE) and diffusion coefficients (D) are diameter dependent. As the diameter of the (n,0) tube is incrementally increased, a distinguishable pattern is observed, specifically the IE of the ATG‐fSWCNT in water is quite higher for n that is an integral multiple of three (n = 9,12,15) while the D is lower due to its π bonding structures. In general, the metallic ATG functionalized nanotube possess a higher IE and a much lower D in aqueous media. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Body weight changes and incidence of cachexia after stroke
Authors: Scherbakov Nadja , Pietrock Charlotte , Sandek Anja , Ebner Nicole , Valentova Miroslava , Springer Jochen , Schefold Joerg C. , von Haehling Stephan , Anker Stefan D. , Norman Kristina , Haeusler Karl Georg , Doehner Wolfram
Published: January 2019

Background

Body weight loss is a frequent complication after stroke, and its adverse effect on clinical outcome has been shown in several clinical trials. The purpose of this prospective longitudinal single‐centre observational study was to investigate dynamical changes of body composition and body weight after ischemic stroke and an association with functional outcome.

Methods

Sixty‐seven consecutive patients (age 69 ± 11 years, body mass index 27.0 ± 4.1 kg/m2, 42% female patient, mean ± SD) with acute ischemic stroke with mild to moderate neurological deficit (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale median 4, ranged 0–12) were analysed in the acute phase (4 ± 2 days) and at 12 months (389 ± 26 days) follow‐up. Body composition was examined by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Cachexia was defined according to the consensus definition by body weight loss ≥5% within 1 year and additional clinical signs. Lean tissue wasting was considered if a ratio of upper and lower limbs lean mass sum to squared height (kg/m2) was ≤5.45 kg/m2 for female patient and ≤7.25 kg/m2 for male patient.

Results

According to the body weight changes after 12 months, 42 (63%) patients had weight gain or stable weight, 11 (16%) patients had moderate weight loss, and 14 (21%) patients became cachectic. A relative decline of 19% of fat tissue and 6.5% of lean tissue was observed in cachectic patients, while no changes of lean tissue were observed in non‐cachectic patients after 12 months. The modified Rankin Scale was 48% higher (2.1 ± 1.6, P < 0.05), Barthel Index was 22% lower (71 ± 39, P < 0.01), and handgrip strength was 34% lower (21.9 ± 13.0, P < 0.05) in cachectic compared to non‐cachectic patients after 12 months.

The low physical performance if defined by Barthel Index <60 points was linked to the lean tissue wasting (OR 44.8, P < 0.01), presence of cachexia (OR 20.8, P < 0.01), and low body mass index <25 kg/m2 (OR 11.5, P < 0.05). After adjustment for cofounders, lean tissue wasting remained independently associated with the low physical performance at 12 months follow‐up (OR 137.9, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In this cohort study, every fifth patient with ischemic stroke fulfilled the criteria of cachexia within 12 months after index event. The incidence of cachexia was 21%. Cachectic patients showed the lowest functional and physical capacity.
Choline‐related‐inherited metabolic diseases—A mini review
Authors: Wortmann Saskia B. , Mayr Johannes A.
Published: January 2019

In humans, the important water soluble, vitamin‐like nutrient choline, is taken up with the diet or recycled in the liver. Deficiencies of choline have only been reported in experimental situations or total parenteral nutrition. Currently, no recommended dietary allowances are published; only an adequate daily intake is defined. Choline is involved in three main physiological processes: structural integrity and lipid‐derived signaling for cell membranes, cholinergic neurotransmission, and methylation. Choline is gaining increasing public attention due to studies reporting a relation of low choline levels to subclinical organ dysfunction (nonalcoholic fatty liver or muscle damage), stunting, and neural tube defects. Furthermore, positive effects on memory and a lowering of cardiovascular risks and inflammatory markers have been proposed. On the other hand, dietary choline has been associated with increased atherosclerosis in mice. This mini review will provide a summary of the biochemical pathways, in which choline is involved and their respective inborn errors of metabolism (caused by mutations in SLC5A7, CHAT, SLC44A1, CHKB, PCYT1A, CEPT1, CAD; DHODH, UMPS, FMO3, DMGDH, and GNMT). The broad phenotypic spectrum ranging from malodor, intellectual disability, to epilepsy, anemia, or congenital myasthenic syndrome is presented, highlighting the central role of choline within human metabolism.
Disorders of riboflavin metabolism
Authors: Balasubramaniam Shanti , Christodoulou John , Rahman Shamima
Published: January 2019

Riboflavin (vitamin B2), a water‐soluble vitamin, is an essential nutrient in higher organisms as it is not endogenously synthesised, with requirements being met principally by dietary intake. Tissue‐specific transporter proteins direct riboflavin to the intracellular machinery responsible for the biosynthesis of the flavocoenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). These flavocoenzymes play a vital role in ensuring the functionality of a multitude of flavoproteins involved in bioenergetics, redox homeostasis, DNA repair, chromatin remodelling, protein folding, apoptosis, and other physiologically relevant processes. Hence, it is not surprising that the impairment of flavin homeostasis in humans may lead to multisystem dysfunction including neuromuscular disorders, anaemia, abnormal fetal development, and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we provide an overview of riboflavin absorption, transport, and metabolism. We then focus on the clinical and biochemical features associated with biallelic FLAD1 mutations leading to FAD synthase deficiency, the only known primary defect in flavocoenzyme synthesis, in addition to providing an overview of clinical disorders associated with nutritional deficiency of riboflavin and primary defects of riboflavin transport. Finally, we give a brief overview of disorders of the cellular flavoproteome. Because riboflavin therapy may be beneficial in a number of primary or secondary disorders of the cellular flavoproteome, early recognition and prompt management of these disorders is imperative.
Laboratory‐based investigation of fever with rash cases in the Maharashtra State ‐ India, 2014 to 2017
Authors: Vaidya Sunil R. , Kamble Madhukar B. , Kumbhar Neelakshi S.
Published: January 2019

The Maharashtra State (MS), India, launched measles surveillance in the year 2013. From 2014 to 2017, specimens from the patients presenting with fever and skin rashes were received at the National Institute of Virology, Pune. From 36 districts of the MS, 2795 cases (1428 males and 1367 females) were referred for the laboratory diagnosis of measles and rubella using immunoglobulin M enzyme immunoassay and/or RT‐PCRs. The majority of the cases (93.3%, n = 2609) were under 15 years of age. About 17.7% (494) cases had a history of measles immunization (one dose) during their childhood. Virus isolation was attempted from 107 throat swabs and 84 urine samples obtained from 191 cases using Vero hSLAM cells. The results confirmed measles in 1756 and rubella in 282 fever with rash cases by serological and molecular tools. Precisely, 170 of 382 and 35 of 149 specimens were positive for measles and rubella RT‐PCRs, respectively. Sequencing of the representative PCR products showed the circulation of measles virus genotypes D4 (n = 26) and D8 (n = 107), and rubella virus genotype 2B (n = 1). Twenty‐three measles viruses were isolated and genotyped, of which, 6 were D4 and 17 were D8 genotypes. Amongst the measles‐immunized individuals, 51.2% (253/494) had laboratory‐confirmed measles. Overall, 72.9% fever with skin rash cases (n = 2038) from the MS was laboratory confirmed for either measles or rubella. The contribution of measles was higher than rubella in the fever with rash cases. As expected, more fever with rash cases were documented in children compared with adults and highlighted the need to increase measles‐rubella immunization coverage.
Purification and biochemical characterization of extracellular glucoamylase from Paenibacillus amylolyticus strain
Authors: Lincoln Lynette , More Veena S. , More Sunil S.
Published: January 2019

In the present study, glucoamylase produced from a soil bacterium Paenibacillus amylolyticus NEO03 was cultured under submerged fermentation conditions. The extracellular enzyme was purified by starch adsorption chromatography and further by gel filtration, with 2.73‐fold and recovery of 40.02%. The protein exhibited molecular mass of ∼66,000 Da as estimated by SDS–PAGE and depicted to be a monomer. The enzyme demonstrated optimum activity at pH range 6.0–7.0 and temperature range 30–40 °C. Glucoamylase was mostly activated by Mn2+ metal ions and depicted no dependency on Ca2+ ions. The enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed all the starch substrates. High substrate specificity was demonstrated towards soluble starch and kinetic values Km and Vmax were 2.84 mg/ml and 239.2 U/ml, respectively. The products of hydrolysis of soluble starch were detected by thin layer chromatography which showed only D‐glucose, indicating a true glucoamylase. The secreted glucoamylase from P. amylolyticus strain possesses properties suitable for saccharification processes such as biofuel production.
Effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extracts and dry ice on the physicochemical stability of omega‐3 fatty‐acid‐fortified surimi‐like meat products
Authors: Wang Yu‐Zhu , Wang Sheng‐Yao , Fu Shih‐Guei , Yang Deng‐Jye , Yu Yu‐Shan , Chen Jr‐Wei , Chen Yi‐Chen
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Lipid peroxidation entails major quality degradation in omega‐3 (ω‐3) fatty‐acid‐fortified surimi‐like meat products upon storage. Currently, the use of label‐friendly alternatives to synthetic antioxidants is encouraged in the industry. Hence, we aimed to examine the applicability of the hurdle‐technology concept, using an 80% (v/v) ethanol solution to obtain rosemary extracts (REs) containing substantial amounts of polyphenol, and dry ice (DI) which can create a cryogenic environment, on the physicochemical stabilities of ω‐3 fatty‐acid (FA)‐fortified meat products after manufacturing and storage periods. The polyphenolic profiles of the REs were also investigated.

RESULTS

Carnosol and rosmarinic acid are major phenolic components in REs. Furthermore, DI addition during the chopping procedure increased (P < 0.05) whiteness values and hardness of products, while total ω‐3 and ω‐6 FAs were relatively well preserved (P < 0.05) in products with flaxseed oil premixed with RE. During 14‐day storage at 4 °C, combined treatment with RE and DI decreased (P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels and the centrifugation loss of products. Single or combined treatment with RE and/or DI decreased (P < 0.05) TBARS levels in products after 60 days of storage at −20 °C.

CONCLUSION

Due to the antioxidant‐polyphenol profile of REs and a possible oxygen exclusion of DI treatment under atmospheric pressure during food manufacturing, application of the hurdle‐technology concept, using treatment with both RE and DI, can reduce lipid peroxidation and maintain a greater water‐holding capacity of ω‐3 FA‐fortified meat products upon storage. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Storage stability of soluble pigments, chlorophylls, and carotenoids in electron‐beam‐irradiated edible lavers (Porphyra umbilicalis) with impact on microbial safety and sensory characteristics
Authors: Lee Eun‐Jin , Ramakrishnan Sudha Rani , Kim Gui‐Ran , Kwon Joong‐Ho
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

In this study, we investigated whether electron beam (e‐beam) irradiation can inactivate microbial populations, including aerobic bacteria plate count, fungi, and coliforms, in two types of lavers (dried and roasted). The impact of e‐beam doses of 4 and 7 kGy on microbial populations, color values, total soluble pigments, chlorophylls, and carotenoid content immediately and after storage at 4, 15, 25, and 35 °C for 4, 8, and 12 weeks was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The initial microbial load of approximately 106 and 105 CFU g−1 in both dried and roasted lavers was reduced to 104 and 101 CFU g−1, respectively, after irradiation at 7 kGy. No further proliferation was observed in irradiated dried lavers during 4 weeks of storage at 4 and 15 °C. When stored at low temperature, the shelf‐life was extended for up to 12 weeks in 7 kGy irradiated dried and roasted lavers. High amounts of soluble pigments and carotenoids were observed during storage in the 7 kGy irradiated dried laver samples at the end of 12 weeks irrespective of temperature. Although the chlorophyll content decreased under the storage conditions, it was comparatively stable in the 7 kGy‐irradiated dried laver. Maximum degradation of color was observed in laver samples subjected to the roasting process.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study indicated that e‐beam irradiation of laver at 7 kGy maintains microbial safety as well as quality attributes during storage for up to 12 weeks. Further, dried laver had more essential compounds than roasted laver. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
An in situ electrochemical fabrication of layer by layer graphenized graphite polyaniline as a stable solid‐phase microextraction fiber coating for trace environmental analysis
Authors: Razmi Habib , Manafi Khoshmanesh Sara
Published: January 2019

A layer by layer graphenized graphite/polyaniline coating was fabricated on commercial pencil lead substrate by an in situ facile, fast and efficient electrochemical procedure. The electrodeposited polyaniline film on surface‐confined graphene structure can integrate the advantages of the both layers and was used for solid‐phase microextraction. Effective experimental parameters in electrochemical production of graphene nanosheets and electropolymerization of aniline were optimized. The prepared fiber was used for extraction and determination of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene and pyrene in aqueous samples by high performance liquid chromatography. The fiber coating was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Under the optimized conditions, the coating provided good linear ranges (0.10–25 μg/L for phenanthrene, 0.05–12.5 μg/L for anthracene, 0.825–99 μg/L for fluoranthene and 0.625–75 μg/L for pyrene (R2 = 0.999)) and limits of detection, 0.016 to 0.275 μg/L. The produced coating has several attractive features such as high stability, low cost and long operation time.
Rapid analysis of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline in biological samples by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry and a silica hydride column
Authors: Naffa Rafea , Watanabe Seiichiro , Zhang Wenkai , Maidment Catherine , Singh Preet , Chamber Paul , Matyska Maria T. , Pesek Joseph J.
Published: January 2019

Pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline crosslinks are biomarkers found in urine for collagen degradation in bone turnover. For the first time, a rapid, sensitive, and ion‐pairing free method is described for the analysis of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with Cogent Diamond Hydride column and detection by Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole‐orbitrap high resolution accurate mass spectrometry. The separation was achieved using both isocratic and gradient conditions and run time <5 min under isocratic conditions of 20% acetonitrile in water containing 0.1% formic acid. Pyridoxine was used as an internal standard and relative standard deviation of the retention times of both pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline were <1%. The limit of detection was 0.082 ± 0.023 μM for pyridinoline and 0.118 ± 0.052 μM for deoxypyridinoline. The limit of quantitation was 0.245 ± 0.070 μM for pyridinoline and 0.354 ± 0.157 μM for deoxypyridinoline. The method was validated by the detection and quantitation of both pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline in skin and urine samples.
A hybrid triazine‐imine core‐shell magnetic covalent organic polymer for analysis of pesticides in fruit samples by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liang Ruiyu , Peng Yi , Hu Yuling , Li Gongke
Published: January 2019

A novel hybrid triazine‐imine core‐shell magnetic covalent organic polymer with high adsorption capacity and excellent stability was fabricated by surface‐assisted in situ growth technique. The composite possesses porous and extended π‐conjugated system, and was applied as the magnetic sorbent for efficient enrichment and rapid separation of pesticides. A new analytical method for simultaneous determination of eight pesticides in fruit samples was developed by magnetic solid phase extraction combined with ultra high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. The effect of extraction time, desorption time, and the type of desorption solvent on the extraction efficiency were evaluated. The established method shows good repeatability and high sensitivity. The repeatability of this method was estimated with relative standard deviations in the range of 0.7–7.0% (n = 5) for the same batch, and 1.7–10% (n = 3) for batch to batch. Good linearity for eight pesticides was obtained with coefficient of determination in the range of 0.9942–0.9990. Limit of detections ranged from 0.4 to 1.2 ng/L. Real sample determination showed that four and two pesticides were detected in strawberry and grape, respectively. The results demonstrated that the established method was efficient, sensitive, and convenient for trace determination of pesticides in fruit samples.
EIS study of oxidation heat‐treatment effects on corrosion behavior of Ni10Cu11Fe6Al metallic inert anode inside molten calcium chloride salt
Authors: Alzamani Mehdi , Jafarzadeh Kourosh , Fattah‐Alhosseini Arash
Published: January 2019

In this research, the effects of oxidation heat‐treatment on the high‐temperature corrosion behavior of Ni10Cu11Fe6Al (wt%) alloy was investigated as a new inert anode in titanium electrolytic production. The alloys were prepared using vacuum induction melting (VIM) process and then exposed to the electrolysis in calcium chloride molten salt at 900 °C at −1.6 V versus graphite reference electrode for different immersion times. The cross‐section and surface of the alloys were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their electrochemical behavior was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that the oxidized alloys have the greater number of porosities compared to those of the unoxidized alloys. Thus, the nickel‐based alloy became more sensitive to pitting resulting from oxidation. The corrosion penetration depth reached about 400 µm after 16 h of electrolysis for the oxidized alloys while being nearly 213 µm for the unoxidized alloys, which indicates the corrosion penetration depth increased by oxidation. Therefore, the oxidation during the electrolysis inside the molten salt offers better results for this alloy.
Comparison of test methods used to analyze stress corrosion cracking of differently tempered 7xxx alloys
Authors: Magaji Neeta , Mayrhofer Robert , Kröger Benjamin , Schnatterer Christian , Zander Daniela
Published: January 2019

This paper compares and critically analyzes various test methods used to assess stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of the alloy EN AW‐7075 (Al‐Zn‐Mg‐Cu) in various temper conditions. Constant load test in an alternating immersion environment was used as the standard reference test. Constant displacement tests in the form of U‐bend specimens and four‐point loaded bend specimens was conducted in a neutral and acidic salt‐spray fog test environment, an alternating salt‐spray fog environment and alternating immersion environment. A novel incremental step load test was also carried out, in a continuous immersion environment. It was observed that the susceptibility ranking from U‐bend test and the standard constant load test correlated well, while the ranking obtained by the 4‐point loaded bend test, showed lower correlation. The same susceptibility ranking was observed in all the test environments. It was shown that the neutral salt‐spray fog test environments could potentially substitute the alternating immersion test for testing SCC susceptibility. The T4 treated material showed maximum SCC susceptibility followed by T6 treated and the overaged T7 showed least susceptibility.
Preparation of Light‐Responsive Aliphatic Polycarbonate via Versatile Polycondensation for Controlled Degradation
Authors: Sun Jingjiang , Anderski Juliane , Picker Marie‐Theres , Langer Klaus , Kuckling Dirk
Published: January 2019

Starting from (2,2,5‐trimethyl‐1,3‐dioxan‐5‐yl)methanamine with light‐responsive 4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl protecting groups, a variety of light‐responsive copolycarbonates (LrPCs) are synthesized by a general two‐step polycondensation using lithium acetylacetonate (LiAcac) as catalyst. UV/Vis, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) confirm the rapid decomposition of these polymers in response to irradiation with UV light. Stable and monodisperse nanoparticles with hydrodynamic diameters of 100 nm, formulated from 25% LrPC and 75% poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), undergo rapid disruption upon triggering with UV light, while standard PLGA nanoparticles remain stable. Moreover, differing from the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of trimethylene carbonate‐based monomers, direct polycondensation of 1,3‐propanediol‐based monomers with pendent functional groups and other diols will enable the introduction of various properties into the polycarbonate backbone, and expand the family of biodegradable synthetic polymers for potential biomedical applications.
Preparation of Anti‐Nonspecific Adsorption Chitosan‐Based Bovine Serum Albumin Imprinted Polymers with Outstanding Adsorption Capacity and Selective Recognition Ability Based on Magnetic Microspheres
Authors: Wang Yufei , Zhou Jingjing , Gu Huimin , Jia Xiangkun , Su Kehe , Zhang Baoliang , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: January 2019

Bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐imprinted magnetic microspheres are successfully fabricated by a precipitation copolymerization, in which 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and water‐soluble chitosan separately work as functional monomers and cross‐linking agents. Hydroxyl derived from HEA as well as hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl groups, originating from chitosan on the surface of the prepared imprinted microspheres, can form hydrogen bonds and extra electrostatic interaction with proteins. The sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) is introduced into the imprinted polymer as an anti‐protein segment to reduce the nonspecific adsorption and improve the selectivity. Detailed characterization demonstrates that the imprinted layer is about 10 nm, which is extremely beneficial for BSA identification and quality transmission. Furthermore, these microspheres also display an excellent selective adsorption of BSA (IF = 5.0). The results reveal that the prepared imprinted materials can be used as BSA biosensor or separation materials.
Vascular access infection by Staphylococcus aureus from removed dialysis accesses
Authors: Chu Chishih , Wong Min Yi , Tseng Yuan‐Hsi , Lin Chun‐Liang , Tung Chun‐Wu , Kao Chih‐Chen , Huang Yao‐Kuang
Published: January 2019

Hemodialysis patients are particularly vulnerable to Staphylococcus aureus infection, with the vascular access serving as the site of entry for this formidable pathogen. Patients with arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) and tunneled‐cuffed catheters (TCCs) are at elevated risk of S. aureus infection. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the clinical characteristics of S. aureus vascular access infection (VAI), molecular profiles, and the biofilm formation abilities of clinical isolates of S. aureus. We collected samples of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), and methicillin‐sensitive S. argenteus (MSSAg) from patients with S. aureus VAI and patients with other infections. The molecular profiles of the clinical isolates were determined using disk diffusion testing and molecular typing. The biofilm formation ability was determined by microtiter plate assay. In total, 63 S. aureus and 10 S. argenteus isolates were identified: 40 MRSA, 23 MSSA, and ten MSSAg. MRSA was highly prevalent (77.8%) in TCC isolates and was multidrug resistant. Of the 40 MRSA isolates, ST239‐SCCmec III was the predominant clone. SCCmec type IV was the predominant type (35%) in isolates from AVGs, while SCCmec type III was prevalent in TCC infection and showed significantly higher biofilm formation ability than types IV and V. In dialysis VAI by S. aureus, patients with TCC were more often infected with MRSA than patients with AVG, and MRSA in TCC–VAI was predominantly SCCmec type III, which had the strongest drug resistance and biofilm formation ability.
Electrophysiological determinants of the clinical severity of axonal peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Zis Panagiotis , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Rao Dasappaiah Ganesh , Sarrigiannis Ptolemaios Georgios
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Electrophysiological diagnosis of axonal peripheral neuropathy (PN) is based on the attenuated amplitudes of nerve conduction studies (NCS), or a reduced sural/radial amplitude ratio (SRAR). We aimed to identify the electrophysiological determinants of the clinical severity of PN. Methods: Patients with chronic axonal PN underwent detailed NCS. The clinical severity of PN was determined based upon the overall neuropathy limitations scale (ONLS). Results: Ninety‐five patients (71.6% males, mean age 71.9 ± 9.0 years) were recruited. Significant correlations were observed between the radial sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) and the ONLS total score (Spearman's rho ‐0.382, p < 0.001); and between the tibial compound muscle action potential and the ONLS leg score (Spearman's rho ‐0.283, p = 0.005). No correlations between the SRAR and the ONLS scores were found. Discussion: The radial SNAP is the strongest electrophysiological determinant of PN severity and might be useful for monitoring disease progression or response to treatment. Muscle Nerve 59:491–493, 2019
Normative data of muscle fiber diameter of vastus lateralis during childhood: a field test
Authors: Valentine Jane , Dyke Jason , Ward Rosyln , Thornton Ashleigh , Blair Eve , Stannage Katherine , Elliott Catherine , Fabian Vicki
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Currently, our knowledge of standard data for muscle morphology in children is largely limited to the 1969 article by Brooke and Engel (BE). In 2016, we reported normal muscle morphology from vastus lateralis biopsies in ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP). This report compares our normal biopsy results against BE standard value criteria. Methods: Single‐blind prospective cross‐sectional study design. Results: Results of biopsies taken in ambulant children with CP were normal according to morphometry and light and electron microscopy; however, only 5 of 10 fulfilled the BE standard value criteria. Discussion: This short report highlights the requirement for contemporary age‐specific normative data from a larger number of biopsies, including typically developing children. Review of the literature suggests that biopsy material may be available from typically developing children who were control patients in research trials. This morphometric data could contribute to expanding the normative data set. Muscle Nerve 59:590–590, 2019
An analytical continuum model for axially loaded end‐bearing piles in inhomogeneous soil
Authors: Anoyatis George , Mylonakis George , Tsikas Aggelos
Published: January 2019

An approximate static solution is derived for the elastic settlement and load‐transfer mechanism in axially loaded end‐bearing piles in inhomogeneous soil obeying a power law variation in shear modulus with depth. The proposed generalised formulation can handle different types of soil inhomogeneity by employing pertinent eigenexpansions of the dependent variables over the vertical coordinate, in the form of static soil “modes”, analogous to those used in structural dynamics. Contrary to available models for homogeneous soil, the associated Fourier coefficients are coupled, obtained as solutions to a set of simultaneous algebraic equations of equal rank to the number of modes considered. Closed‐form solutions are derived for the (1) pile head stiffness; (2) pile settlement, axial stress, and side friction profiles leading to actual, depth‐dependent Winkler moduli, (3) displacement and stress fields in the soil; and (4) average, depth‐independent Winkler moduli to match pile head settlement. The predictive power of the model is verified via comparisons against finite element analyses. The applicability to inhomogeneous soil of an existing regression formula for the average Winkler modulus is explored.
Enhancing thermal conductivity and near‐infrared radiation reflectance of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid)‐based nanocomposites by incorporating hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Decol Marindia , Pachekoski Wagner M. , Becker Daniela
Published: January 2019

This work aims to develop multifunctional biodegradable ternary nanocomposites with heat dissipation capability. The effects of adding hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), regarding phase morphology, near‐infrared radiation (NIR) reflectance and thermal conductivity of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends were investigated. The hBN nanoparticles were selectively localized in the PCL phase. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the increased hBN concentration in the PCL/PLA blend led to a more fibrillar PLA phase and, after compression molding, its morphology presented a co‐continuous structure. Adding hBN nanoplatelets increased the reflectance in the NIR region by 184%, the thermal conductivity of the PCL/PLA by 400%, and increased the blend's thermal stability. The co‐continuous morphology could favor the heat flow, because it promotes the confinement of the hBN nanoplatelets in the PCL phase, favoring the conductive thermal pathway formation. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3464–3471, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
School psychology interns’ characterizations of family–school partnerships
Authors: Soutullo Olivia R. , Sanders‐Smith Stephanie C. , Smith‐Bonahue Tina M.
Published: January 2019

School psychologists are encouraged to establish family–school partnerships with culturally and linguistically diverse families across the spectrum of child development. Partnerships and collaborations have been described in prior literature as bidirectional, nonhierarchical relationships between families and schools, expanding on the more traditional but limited concept of unidirectional parent involvement in school. This qualitative study describes five specialist‐level school psychology interns’ experiences facilitating family–school partnerships with culturally diverse families during their internship year. Findings focus on defining and identifying characteristics of family–school partnerships from interns’ recollections of their lived experiences. Five salient elements characterized the practical experience of a partnership: requisite situations for partnering, stakeholder involvement, intern's actions, intern's emotional responses, and the outcome or quality of the family–school partnership. These findings have implications for the training of school psychologists and the ways that family–school interactions are conceptualized both in training programs and in school settings.
Correlates of light physical activity among cancer survivors
Authors: Johnson Rakiyah S. , Fallon Elizabeth A. , Berg Carla J.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Emerging evidence demonstrates the positive health benefits of light physical activity (LPA) for cancer survivors. Yet, little research has explored modifiable factors that facilitate or hinder LPA behavior in this population. Correlates of LPA among cancer survivors were examined, and stratified by moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) status.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis using the American Cancer Society's Studies of Cancer Survivors‐I (N = 1751) was conducted. Correlates of interest were health‐care provider support for physical activity, perceived health competence, perceived social support, unsupportive partner behaviors, and perceived susceptibility to cancer recurrence. The primary outcome was self‐reported LPA categorized at 0, 1‐59, 60‐119, and 120+ minutes per week. Multivariable ordinal regressions using forced entry were conducted, stratified by MVPA status.

Results

Adjusted multivariable models revealed that, among those reporting no MVPA (n = 757), greater provider support for physical activity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.05‐2.17; P = 0.03), greater perceived health competence (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.10‐1.88; P = 0.01), and greater unsupportive partner behaviors (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.12; P = 0.03) were significantly correlated with higher LPA. No social cognitive constructs were correlated with LPA among those already engaging in MVPA (n = 994).

Conclusions

LPA interventions targeting cancer survivors not engaging in any MVPA are warranted and may optimize limited intervention resources. Furthermore, interventions may be more efficacious by applying behavior change techniques that incorporate health‐care provider support and improves health competence and positive interpersonal skills.
Exposure to cyantraniliprole causes mortality and disturbs behavioral and respiratory responses in the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei)
Authors: Plata‐Rueda Angelica , Martínez Luis Carlos , Da Silva Brenda Karina R , Zanuncio José C , Fernandes Maria Elisa de S , Guedes Raul Narciso C , Fernandes Flávio L
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the main pest of coffee due to the damage caused to coffee berries. Effective management methods and prevention of insecticide resistance are urgently needed against this insect. Bioassays were conducted to assess the effects of the diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole on H. hampei. Cyantraniliprole is the most recent compound registered against this species after the phasing out of endosulfan, the main insecticide historically used against the coffee borer for the past 30 years. Toxicity, survival, progeny production, respiration rate, and behavioral responses to cyantraniliprole were evaluated.

RESULTS

Cyantraniliprole was toxic to adult H. hampei (LC50 = 0.67 mg mL−1 and LC90 = 1.71 mg mL−1). Adult survival was 95% without exposure to cyantraniliprole, decreasing to 52% in insects exposed to LC50 cyantraniliprole and 27% in insects treated with LC90 cyantraniliprole. Furthermore, H. hampei showed reduced mobility on insecticide‐treated surfaces. The insecticide also led to a decrease in the respiration rate of H. hampei for up to 3 h after exposure, altering behavioral responses and locomotor activity.

CONCLUSION

Cyantraniliprole exhibits lethal and sublethal effects on H. hampei and can be used in rotation in integrated pest management programs for control of this species in coffee cultivation systems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of n‐type Mg3Sb2 by Excess Magnesium and Tellurium Doping
Authors: Wang Yangzhong , Zhang Xin , Wang Yang , Liu Hongliang , Zhang Jiuxing
Published: January 2019

Mg3Sb2 shows poor comprehensive thermoelectric properties mainly because its conductivity is very poor, despite it has very low thermal conductivity. Excess Mg combined with small amount of Te doping can control carrier type and carrier concentration. The semiconductor and metallic transport mechanism coordinate to control the electrical transport characteristics and improve the electrical transport performance. The lattice thermal conductivity of Mg3Sb2 decreases after Te doping. The maximum ZT value is 0.78 for Mg3.2Sb1.99Te0.01 at 773 K.
Multiple huge “cluster” and “galaxy” signs on chest radiography in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Oda Miku , Saraya Takeshi , Shirai Tatsuya , Ishikawa Narishige , Fujiwara Masachika , Takizawa Hajime
Published: January 2019

A 62‐year‐old healthy man presented to our hospital due to a persistent fever of up to 38°C for one week. Thoracic computed tomography showed right pleural effusion with multiple large nodules up to 7 cm in diameter composed of numerous discrete small nodules like fireworks, the so‐called “cluster” signs. Some of the large nodules had a hyper‐dense portion centrally surrounded by partially discrete small nodules, not as densely assembled, suggestive of the “galaxy” sign. The repeated acid‐fast sputum smears and both bronchial washings were all negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but the acid‐fast culture of sputum taken soon after the first bronchoscopy, and pleural fluid, turned out to be positive for M. tuberculosis at six weeks after admission. The present case clearly demonstrates that the “galaxy” and “cluster” signs are red herring signs of the low rates of isolating M. tuberculosis, which should be differentiated from pulmonary sarcoidosis.
Upper triangular matrix walk: Cutoff for finitely many columns
Authors: Ganguly Shirshendu , Martinelli Fabio
Published: January 2019

We consider random walk on the space of all upper triangular matrices with entries in which forms an important example of a nilpotent group. Peres and Sly proved tight bounds on the mixing time of this walk up to constants. It is well known that the column projection of this chain is the one dimensional East process. In this article we complement the Peres‐Sly result by proving a cutoff result for the mixing of finitely many columns in the upper triangular matrix walk at the same location as the East process of the same dimension. The proof is based on a recursive argument which uses a local version of a dual process appearing in a previous study, various combinatorial consequences of mixing and concentration results for the movement of the front in the one dimensional East process.
Introduction of a New Magnetic Nanocatalyst as an Organic‐inorganic Hybrid Framework for the Synthesis of Pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinone(thione)s and Pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines
Authors: Karimi‐Chayjani Reyhaneh , Daneshvar Nader , Tajik Hassan , Shirini Farhad
Published: January 2019

In this work, the preparation of bis‐[(3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane]dichloride immobilized on magnetic nano γ‐Fe2O3@SiO2 is reported. This reagent can be obtained via the reaction of two molecules of 3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane with 1,4‐dichlorobutane followed by immobilization of the resulted di‐cationic compound on silica coated nano γ‐Fe2O3. After characterization using FT‐IR, XRD, FE‐SEM and TGA techniques, the prepared reagent was used as a highly efficient catalyst for the promotion of the synthesis of pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinones (thiones) and pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine derivatives. The rates and especially the yields of the reactions were excellent in comparison to the reported catalyst for these reactions. Also, the recovery and reusability of the catalyst were excellent for both of the reactions using an external magnet.