bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Li+ Ion Conductors with Adamantane‐Type Nitridophosphate Anions β‐Li10P4N10 and Li13P4N10X3 with X=Cl, Br
Authors: Bertschler Eva‐Maria , Dietrich Christian , Leichtweiß Thomas , Janek Jürgen , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: October 2017

β‐Li10P4N10 and Li13P4N10X3 with X=Cl, Br have been synthesized from mixtures of P3N5, Li3N, LiX, LiPN2, and Li7PN4 at temperatures below 850 °C. β‐Li10P4N10 is the low‐temperature polymorph of α‐Li10P4N10 and crystallizes in the trigonal space group R3. It is made up of non‐condensed [P4N10]10− T2 supertetrahedra, which are arranged in sphalerite‐analogous packing. Li13P4N10X3 (X=Cl, Br) crystallizes in the cubic space group
. Both isomorphic compounds comprise adamantane‐type [P4N10]10−, Li+ ions, and halides, which form octahedra. These octahedra build up a face‐centered cubic packing, whose tetrahedral voids are occupied by the [P4N10]10− ions. The crystal structures have been elucidated from X‐ray powder diffraction data and corroborated by EDX measurements, solid‐state NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, we have examined the phase transition between α‐ and β‐Li10P4N10. To confirm the ionic character, the migration pathways of the Li+ ions have been evaluated and the ion conductivity and its temperature dependence have been determined by impedance spectroscopy. XPS measurements have been carried out to analyze the stability with respect to Li metal.
Structures of a Complex Hydrazinium Lead Iodide, (N2H5)15Pb3I21, Possessing [Pb2I9]5−, [PbI6]4−, and I− Ions and α‐ and β‐(N2H5)PbI3
Authors: Campbell Eric V. , Dick Brandon , Rheingold Arnold L. , Zhang Chuang , Liu Xiaojie , Vardeny Zeev V. , Miller Joel S.
Published: October 2017

Photovoltaic perovskites, most notably methylammonium lead triiodide, (NH3Me)PbI3, have recently attracted considerable attention, and based upon the modified “Goldschmidt” as well as a “revised” tolerance factors, hydrazinium should be able to occupy the same cation site as methylammonium, and form a cubic unit cell. The reaction of N2H5+I− with PbI2 in dimethylformamide results in three types of yellow crystals; hexagonal, needle‐like, and rod‐like, the structures of which were determined at 100 K. The hexagonal (P63/m: a=10.8906(10) Å; b=37.845(5) Å) crystals possess isolated face‐sharing octahedral [Pb2I9]5−, [PbI6]4−, and I− ions. IR spectroscopy indicates the presence of hydrogen‐bonded N2H5+ and the composition was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, density measurements, combustion elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis to be (N2H5)15Pb3I21, which is photoluminescent at 50 K, but not at room temperature. The needle and rod crystals have an orthorhombic (Pnma: a=11.1385(7) Å; b=4.4806(3) Å; c=17.6241(11) Å) and hexagonal (P63/mmc: a=8.7386(9) Å; b=8.2006(9) Å) unit cells, respectively, possessing the perovskite ABX3 composition of (N2H5)PbI3, but neither exhibits the cubic Perovskite structure type. The structures of α‐ and β‐(N2H5)PbI3 possess parallel ribbons of Pb2I4 and chains of PbI2, respectively. Strong inter‐hydrazinium hydrogen bonding due to it possessing both hydrogen bonding donor and acceptor sites (unlike NH3Me+) appear to stabilize the observed extended ribbon motif for (N2H5)15Pb3I21 and α‐(N2H5)PbI3. (N2H5)15Pb3I21 has a band‐gap‐like absorption of 2.34 eV, and both α‐ and β‐(N2H5)PbI3 have a 2.70 eV band‐gap‐like absorptions.
Predictive Performance of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling of Drugs Extensively Metabolized by Major Cytochrome P450s in Children
Authors: Zhou Wangda , Johnson Trevor N. , Bui Khanh H. , Cheung S.Y. Amy , Li Jianguo , Xu Hongmei , Al‐Huniti Nidal , Zhou Diansong
Published: October 2017

The accuracy of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model prediction in children, especially those younger than 2 years old, has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study was to characterize the pediatric predictive performance of the PBPK approach for 10 drugs extensively metabolized by CYP1A2 (theophylline), CYP2C8 (desloratidine, montelukast), CYP2C9 (diclofenac), CYP2C19 (esomeprazole, lansoprazole), CYP2D6 (tramadol), and CYP3A4 (itraconazole, ondansetron, sufentanil). Model performance in children was evaluated by comparing simulated plasma concentration–time profiles with observed clinical results for each drug and age group. PBPK models reasonably predicted the pharmacokinetics of desloratadine, diclofenac, itraconazole, lansoprazole, montelukast, ondansetron, sufentanil, theophylline, and tramadol across all age groups. Collectively, 58 out of 67 predictions were within 2‐fold and 43 out of 67 predictions within 1.5‐fold of observed values. Developed PBPK models can reasonably predict exposure in children age 1 month and older for an array of predominantly CYP metabolized drugs.
BER analysis and interference mitigation for GO‐OFDMA transmission
Authors: Khan Abdul Rauf , Kumar Preetam
Published: October 2017

Carrier frequency offset (CFO) results in multiaccess interference and intersymbol interference and degrades the bit error rate performance. Mitigating the effects of CFO always burdens the receiver with respect to architecture and power. This disadvantage increases with increase in number of users. In the present work, bit error rate analysis of multiuser group orthogonal–orthogonal frequency division multiple access scheme for variable rate and single rate over pedestrian channel in the presence of CFO is presented. Through analysis, it is proved that by incorporating carrier interferometry codes in the scheme, CFO effects can be removed without burdening receiver. It is also shown by analysis that effect of CFO is rate dependent. Finally, simulation results are provided to confirm the analytical results.
Aerobic C–C Bond Cleavage of Indoles by Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis with Ru(bpy)32+
Authors: Ji Xiaochen , Li Dongdong , Wang Zhongzhen , Tan Muyun , Huang Huawen , Deng Guo‐Jun
Published: October 2017

Photoredox catalysis with Ru(bpy)32+ (2,2′‐bipyridine) has been used to enable the activation of oxygen in the aerobic C–C cleavage/oxygenation reaction of indoles. A number of indole substrates that contain various functional groups were successfully employed in the reaction to give a wide range of ortho‐aminobenzaldehyde derivatives. These products can then be used as versatile building blocks for further synthetic modifications. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through a radical pathway.
Atrazine feminizes sex ratio in Blanchard's cricket frogs (Acris blanchardi) at concentrations as low as 0.1 μg/L
Authors: Hoskins Tyler D. , Boone Michelle D.
Published: October 2017

We exposed Blanchard's cricket frogs (Acris blanchardi) to ecologically relevant concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 μg/L) of a commercial formulation of atrazine throughout the larval period to determine effects on survival, somatic growth and development (time to metamorphosis and mass at metamorphosis), and gonadal development (sex ratio at metamorphosis and the prevalence of testicular ova in phenotypic males). We tested the following hypotheses: 1) atrazine feminizes the sex ratio, 2) atrazine increases the proportion of phenotypic males with testicular ova, and 3) atrazine differentially affects somatic growth (mass at metamorphosis) and development (time to metamorphosis) for males and females. Although the control sex ratio was male-biased, exposure to 0.1 and 10 μg/L atrazine feminized sex ratios, because these treatments produced 51 and 55% fewer males than the control, respectively. We did not observe testicular ova. Atrazine did not impact survival or metamorphosis, and we did not detect sexually dimorphic impacts on time to metamorphosis or mass at metamorphosis. However, males metamorphosed 2.3 d later than females, regardless of treatment. Sex biases in timing of metamorphosis are underexplored in anurans, but if prevalent, could have important implications for theory surrounding the impact of environmental factors on metamorphosis. Our data suggest that cricket frog sex ratios are sensitive to environmentally relevant concentrations of atrazine and that feminization in the field is likely. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:427–435. © 2017 SETAC
Demic and cultural diffusion in prehistoric Europe in the age of ancient genomes
Authors: Harris Eugene E.
Published: October 2017

Ancient genomes can help us detect prehistoric migrations, population contractions, and admixture among populations. Knowing the dynamics of demography is invaluable for understanding culture change in prehistory, particularly the roles played by demic and cultural diffusion in transformations of material cultures. Prehistoric Europe is a region where ancient genome analyses can help illuminate the interplay between demography and culture change. In Europe, there is more archeological evidence, in terms of detailed studies, radiometric dates, and explanatory hypotheses that can be evaluated, than in any other region of the world. Here I show some important ways that ancient genomes have given us insights into population movements in European prehistory. I also propose that studies might be increasingly focused on specific questions of culture change, for example in evaluating the makers of “transitional” industries as well as the origins of the Gravettian and spread of the Magdalenian. I also discuss genomic evidence supporting the large role that demic expansion has played in the Neolithization of Europe and the formation of the European population during the Bronze Age.
Preparation of hydrophilic blood compatible polypropylene/pluronics F127 films
Authors: Hakani Mahsa , Haddadi‐Asl Vahid , Zargarian Seyed Shahrooz , Moghadasi Mohamad Hossein
Published: October 2017

In order to improve surface hydrophilicity, blood compatibility and cell‐antiadhesion of polypropylene (PP) film, polypropylene oxide (PPO)‐polyethylene oxide‐PPO used as macromolecular surface modifier through physical blending. Surface properties of blended PP/Pluronic F127 (PF127) samples were investigated by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. Results demonstrated that PF127 migrated to the surface. Thus, mechanical properties of blended PP/PF127 samples with the aim of the revealing the effects of the presence of modifier in the bulk were investigated through differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and tensile tests. The biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of modified PP films were evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, platelet‐rich plasma, and hemolysis tests. These results showed excellent anticell and antiplatelet adhesion which deems the prepared blended films proper biomaterials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 652–662, 2018.
Acquired factor XI deficiency and therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Wool Geoffrey D. , Treml Angela , Miller Jonathan L.
Published: October 2017

Congenital factor XI (FXI) deficiency is associated with a variable bleeding phenotype. Recent reports have documented the use of therapeutic plasma exchange to rapidly and isovolumetrically increase FXI levels before invasive procedures in patients with congenital FXI deficiency.

We report a case of acquired FXI deficiency in a pregnant woman with lupus. We proved that the inhibitor was an IgG, therefore potentially capable of crossing the placenta. While immune suppression eliminated detectable circulating inhibitor, the woman's FXI remained quite low. A multi‐disciplinary team was formed and therapeutic plasma exchange with 100% plasma replacement was performed when the patient went into labor, to acutely raise her FXI level and remove any potential non‐neutralizing inhibitor. The mother had a controllable level of bleeding during post‐TPE cesarean section; the baby had no bleeding and the baby's FXI levels were not overtly abnormal.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in acquired FXI deficiency (or other acquired hemophilias) can both acutely isovolumetrically raise factor levels and remove any circulating inhibitor.
Regional citrate anticoagulation with calcium replacement in pediatric apheresis
Authors: Sigler Katie , Lee Ji , Srivaths Poyyapakkam
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The objective of this retrospective analysis was to present our single‐center experience with intravenous (IV) calcium replacement and regional citrate anticoagulation in pediatric apheresis therapy with the aim of developing a standard operating procedure to minimize symptomatic hypocalcemia.

Methods

We analyzed apheresis procedures in patients <18 years of age over a 2‐year time period (Jan 2012 to Dec 2014). Procedures in tandem with other extracorporeal therapies, including continuous renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal liver support, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, were excluded.

Results

Two‐hundred and six patients underwent 1176 procedures. All procedures were performed with acid citrate dextrose formula A (ACD‐A) for anticoagulation and IV calcium replacement. The majority of procedures (56.7%) were therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The average rate of IV calcium chloride (2.16 mg/mL of elemental calcium) was 60.4 ± 21.4 mL/h while inlet flow rate was 43.7 ± 16.3 mL/min. Patients experienced hypocalcemia in 63 of 1176 procedures (5.3%), including 48 episodes (4.1%) of hypocalcemia during apheresis treatment. Two procedures with hypocalcemia had symptoms: one slight lip twitch and one patient with abdominal pain. No hemodynamic alterations were noted in any procedure associated with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia was seen the least with RCE. For patients with hypocalcemia prior to the apheresis session, we used a calcium infusion running at 1.6 times the inlet flow rate.

Conclusion

Running IV calcium at 1.4 times the inlet flow rate resulted in a lower incidence of hypocalcemia than reported in literature describing other approaches to apheresis. It nearly eliminated episodes of symptomatic hypocalcemia.
Improving the photo‐reduction of CO2 to fuels with catalysts synthesized under high pressure: Cu/TiO2
Authors: Camarillo Rafael , Tostón Susana , Martínez Fabiola , Jiménez Carlos , Rincón Jesusa
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

In previous studies the enhanced activity of TiO2‐based catalysts synthesized in supercritical medium for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 was proved.

RESULTS

In this study, Cu/TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized by hydrothermal methods in supercritical CO2. Two titanium precursors [titanium tetraisopropoxide and diisopropoxititanium bis(acetylacetonate)], two alcohols (ethanol and isopropyl alcohol), and one metal precursor (Cu (II) acetylacetonate) were used in the synthesis. Catalysts produced showed improved properties in comparison with the commercial reference catalyst (Degussa P‐25, Evonik).

CONCLUSIONS

Specifically, it has been found that Cu/TiO2 catalysts may yield methane production rates 20 times larger than that of commercial TiO2 catalyst without diminishing CO production rate (about 5 times higher than that of commercial catalyst). This result has been mainly imputed to both the formation of oxygen vacancies during the synthesis in supercritical medium and the high capacity of copper to adsorb and activate CO2 molecules, while preventing CO molecules from reoxidation, and avoiding the competitive reaction of hydrogen formation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of Purine‐based Triazoles by Copper (I)‐catalyzed Huisgen Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Kapadiya Khushal , Jadeja Yashwantsinh , Khunt Ranjan
Published: October 2017

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of substituted 1,2,3‐triazol‐9H‐purines via copper (I)‐catalyzed click chemistry of 2,6‐dichloropurine with aromatic azide has been reported. A wide range of 1,4‐disubstituted triazoles (N‐9 substituted purines) was accessible in good‐to‐excellent yields with remarkable functional group tolerance. The base‐catalyst ratio was tuned to achieve optimum reaction condition (>95% conversion and purity in most cases). Furthermore, the structure of 4i has been unambiguously assigned by X‐ray crystallographic study to yield structural information on the 1,3‐dipoles entering the reaction.
Developing strategic leaders: Three studies of wicked problem‐solving
Authors: Hornett Andrea , Lee Peggy Daniels
Published: October 2017

Those charged with developing and educating leaders need to look beyond current theories about thinking and learning, the tenets of action learning and situated learning, and Bloom's taxonomy of learning domains. An examination of three cases involving strategic problem‐solving in virtual environments provides empirical evidence of high‐level learning in situations involving seemingly unsolvable, or wicked, problems. It also offers guidance for the creation of lesson plans that encourage the self‐understanding, group collaboration, and critical thinking skills that are essential to success in addressing the challenges of contemporary business.
Expansion of mesenchymal stem cells on electrospun scaffolds maintains stemness, mechano‐responsivity, and differentiation potential
Authors: Heo Su‐Jin , Szczesny Spencer E. , Kim Dong Hwa , Saleh Kamiel S. , Mauck Robert L.
Published: October 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great promise for regenerative therapies and tissue engineering applications given their multipotential differentiation capacity. However, MSC isolation and expansion are typically performed on super‐physiologically stiff tissue culture plastic (TCP), which may alter their behavior and lead to unintended consequences upon implantation. In contrast, electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds possess physical and mechanical properties that are similar to that of native tissue. In this study, we investigated whether isolation and expansion of juvenile bovine MSCs directly onto electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds better preserves MSC phenotype and stemness compared to TCP. Our data show that culture of MSCs on electrospun scaffolds reduces proliferation, decreases cellular senescence, and better maintains stemness compared to cells isolated and expanded on TCP, likely due to a reduction in cell contractility. Furthermore, in contrast to electrospun scaffolds, TCP biased MSCs towards a fibrotic phenotype that persisted even after the cells were reseeded onto a different substrate. Cells pre‐cultured on electrospun scaffolds exhibited a heightened response to mechanical stimuli and greater chondrogenesis in methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogels. These data suggest that alternative substrates that better approximate the native cell environment should be used to preserve endogenous MSC behavior and may improve their success in tissue engineering applications. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:808–815, 2018.
Dispensing pattern for acute non‐infectious diarrhoea in children at community pharmacies in Thailand
Authors: Jaisue Siriluk , Phomtavong Sommaly , Eua‐anant Sasithorn , Borlace Glenn N.
Published: October 2017

Background

In cases of non‐infectious diarrhoea in children, the WHO and the Thai Antibiotic Smart Use (ASU) project recommend that no antibiotics should be given and drinking water should be replaced with oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution until the diarrhoea is finished.

Aim

To survey the dispensing pattern for non‐infectious diarrhoea treatment in children in Thailand.

Methods

Simulated clients visited 91 Class I community pharmacies in five districts in Khon Kaen province and asked for advice to treat non‐infectious diarrhoea in a 14‐month‐old child. The patient history questions asked by the dispensers, the medications dispensed and non‐pharmacological advice given were recorded by the simulated clients immediately after leaving the pharmacy.

Results

In this study, ORS solution was correctly dispensed to the simulated clients in only 7.7% of pharmacies with 68.1% incorrectly dispensing antibiotics. More than half of the dispensers (57.1%) did not give any advice regarding non‐pharmacological treatment.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate the need to implement a program to emphasise the importance of providing ORS and discourage the dispensing of antibiotics in this circumstance.
Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for recognition and enrichment of polysaccharides from seaweed
Authors: Li Guizhen , Row Kyung Ho
Published: October 2017

New magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers with two templates were fabricated for the recognition of polysaccharides (fucoidan and alginic acid) from seaweed by magnetic solid‐phase extraction, and the materials were modified by seven types of deep eutectic solvents. It was found that the deep eutectic solvents magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers showed stronger recognition and higher recoveries for fucoidan and alginic acid than magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers, and the deep eutectic solvents‐4‐magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers had the best effects. The practical recovery of the two polysaccharides (fucoidan and alginic acid) purified with deep eutectic solvents‐4‐magnetic molecular imprinted polymers in seaweed under the optimal conditions were 89.87, and 92.0%, respectively, and the actual amounts extracted were 20.6 and 18.7 μg/g, respectively. To sum up, the developed method proved to be a novel and promising method for the recognition of complex polysaccharide samples from seaweed.
Evaluation of Carotid Plaque Neovascularization in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease on Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography
Authors: Qin Chuan , Zhang Li , Wang Xinfang , Duan Yilian , Ye Zhou , Xie Mingxing
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To examine the repeatability of quantitative time‐intensity curve analysis of neovascularization within carotid plaques with contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (US) and to investigate carotid plaque neovascularization in patients with coronary heart disease using contrast‐enhanced US and the correlation between risk factors and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

Sixty patients with ACS and 60 with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent conventional carotid and contrast‐enhanced US, and plaque enhancement was observed and analyzed quantitatively. Carotid contrast‐enhanced US was performed within 1 month of ACS occurrence. Interobserver and intraobserver variability of the measurements was assessed. The peak signal intensity was the maximum number of contrast microbubbles that local tissues could accumulate, reflecting the local microvascular density and representing the capillary volume.

Results

The ACS group had higher low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean ± SD, 3.21 ± 0.75 versus 2.53 ± 0.71 mmol/L; P < .01) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP; 3.76 ± 0.19 versus 2. 93 ± 0.15 mg/L; P < .01) levels than the stable CAD group. The proportion of soft plaques in the ACS group (81%) was higher than in the stable CAD group (53%). The proportion of plaque enhancement, peak signal intensity, and plaque‐to‐carotid lumen enhancement intensity ratio were higher in the ACS group than the stable CAD group. The peak signal intensity was correlated with the high‐sensitivity CRP value. Logistic regression analyses indicated that age (65–74 years), high‐sensitivity CRP, and enhancement intensity were correlated with the occurrence of ACS. The sensitivity and specificity of the peak signal intensity in carotid plaques were 80.0% and 88.3%, respectively (cutoff value, 9.97 dB; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.865). The time‐intensity curve measurements had good repeatability.

Conclusions

Carotid plaque enhancement is a potential independent risk factor for ACS occurrence. These results illustrate the correlation of carotid plaque vulnerability with the coronary artery symptomatic state according to the common pathogenetic mechanism of atherosclerosis.
The brown tide algae, Aureococcus anophagefferens and Aureoumbra lagunensis (Pelagophyceae), allelopathically inhibit the growth of competing microalgae during harmful algal blooms
Authors: Kang Yoonja , Gobler Christopher J.
Published: October 2017

Allelopathy is an ecological strategy that can facilitate the occurrence of algal blooms. Here, we describe the ability of the harmful pelagophytes, Aureoumbra lagunensis isolated from coastal waters of Cuba, Florida, and Texas and Aureococcus anophagefferens (CCMP1785, CCMP1984) isolated from New York, U.S.A., to inhibit the growth of potentially co‐occurring phytoplankton. The allelopathic effects of brown tide algae were broad and strong with both whole cells and culture filtrate causing 10–96% reductions in cell abundance relative to controls in 10 phytoplankton strains originating from nine species and eight classes. The inhibition of target phytoplankton was dose‐dependent with Aureococcus and Aureoumbra cell densities exceeding 2.5 × 105 cell mL−1 causing significant reductions in abundance of competing phytoplankton. Recently isolated strains of Aureoumbra (2012–2013) were more allelopathically potent than a strain isolated 20 yr ago. Passage of culture filtrate through hydrophobic resins nearly eliminated the effects of allelochemicals on eukaryotic, but not prokaryotic phytoplankton. Allelochemicals were heat‐stable, but degraded at 20°C over 2 weeks. Filtrate of each pelagophyte was capable of reciprocally inhibiting the growth of the other pelagophyte indicating each alga synthesizes a unique set of allelochemicals. Filtrate from brown tide cultures and bloom events were capable of significantly reducing densities of natural assemblages of eukaryotic and prokaryotic phytoplankton from bloom‐prone waters in New York and Florida, respectively. Collectively, these findings suggest that allelopathic inhibition of competing phytoplankton is an important process that facilitates intensification and persistence of harmful brown tide blooms caused by Aureococcus and Aureoumbra.
Novel BeZnO Based Self‐Powered Dual‐Color UV Photodetector Realized via a One‐Step Fabrication Method
Authors: Su Longxing , Chen Hongyu , Xu Xiaojie , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: October 2017

In this work, we fabricated a novel BeZnO based dual‐color UV photodetector through a one‐step electron beam evaporation of asymmetric Ti/Au pair. A dual‐phase BeZnO alloy film with dual bandgap of ∼3.5 eV (∼355 nm) and ∼4.6 eV(∼270 nm) was artfully utilized as active layer to realize dual‐color response. This photodetector shows a noticeable photovoltaic characteristic and can be utilized as an excellent self‐powered device. The device exhibits two cut‐off response wavelengths at ∼275 nm and ∼360 nm under zero bias, which are corresponding to UVA and UVC region, respectively. According to the dynamic response spectra under UV radiation, the device presents excellent stability and reproducibility without external power supply. In addition, the device has an ultrafast response speed, with a rise time of ∼35 μs and a decay time of ∼880 μs. Finally, a physical model based on energy band theory is proposed to demonstrate that the self‐powered behavior is attributed to the asymmetric Schottky barrier heights caused by the hole‐trapping process occurred in electrode/BeZnO interface. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on BeZnO based self‐powered UV photodetector. Our findings demonstrate a novel and facile route to realize high performance self‐powered UV photodetectors for multipurposes.
Toward fault‐tolerant multi‐robot networks
Authors: Ghedini Cinara , Ribeiro Carlos , Sabattini Lorenzo
Published: October 2017

Applications based on groups of self‐organized mobile robots are becoming pervasive in communication networks, monitoring, traffic, and transportation systems. Their advantage is the possibility of providing services without the existence of a previously defined infrastructure. However, physical agents are prone to failures that add uncertainty and unpredictability in the environments in which they operate. Therefore, a robust topology regarding failures is an imperative requirement. In this article, we show that mechanisms based solely on connectivity maintenance are not enough to obtain a sufficiently resilient network, and a robustness‐oriented approach is necessary. Thus, we propose a local combined control law that aims at maintaining the overall network connectivity while improving the network robustness via actions that reduce vulnerability to failures that might lead to network disconnection. We demonstrate, from a theoretical point of view, that the combined control law maintains connectivity, and experimentally validate it under diverse failure distributions, from two perspectives: as a reactive and as a proactive mechanism. As a reactive mechanism, it was able to accommodate ongoing failures and postpone or avoid network fragmentation, including cases where failures are concentrated over short time spans. As a proactive mechanism, the network topology was able to evolve from potentially vulnerable with respect to failures to a more robust one. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 70(4), 388–400 2017
Pattern of in‐hospital changes in drug use in the older people from 2010 to 2016
Authors: Franchi C. , Ardoino I. , Nobili A. , Pasina L. , Mannucci P.M. , Marengoni A. , Perticone F. ,   REPOSI investigators
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To assess the pattern of in‐hospital changes in drug use in older patients from 2010 to 2016.

Methods

People aged 65 years or more acutely hospitalized in those internal medicine and geriatric wards that did continuously participate to the REgistro POliterapie Società Italiana di Medicina Interna register from 2010 to 2016 were selected. Drugs use were categorized as 0 to 1 drug (very low drug use), 2 to 4 drugs (low drug use), 5 to 9 drugs (polypharmacy), and 10 or more drugs (excessive polypharmacy). To assess whether or not prevalence of patients in relation to drug use distribution changed overtime, adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) was estimated with log‐binomial regression models.

Results

Among 2120 patients recruited in 27 wards continuously participating to data collection, 1882 were discharged alive and included in this analysis. The proportion of patients with very low drug use (0‐1 drug) at hospital discharge increased overtime, from 2.7% in 2010 to 9.2% in 2016. Results from a log‐logistic adjusted model confirmed the increasing PR of these very low drug users overtime (particularly in 2014 vs 2012, PR 1.83 95% CI 1.14‐2.95). Moreover, from 2010 to 2016, there was an increasing number of patients who, on polypharmacy at hospital admission, abandoned it at hospital discharge, switching to the very low drug use group.

Conclusion

This study shows that in internal medicine and geriatric wards continuously participating to the REgistro POliterapie Società Italiana di Medicina Interna register, the proportion of patients with a very low drug use at hospital discharge increased overtime, thus reducing the therapeutic burden in this at risk population.
Trends in utilization of benzodiazepine and Z‐drugs in Israel
Authors: Berman Erez , Eyal Sara , Marom Eli
Published: October 2017

Background

Studies on benzodiazepine (BZDs) as well as Zopiclone and Zolpidem (Z‐drugs) utilization are important for estimating the prevalence of medical conditions, providing the basis for pharmacovigilance, and identifying temporal trends of consumption. Such studies that involve the Israeli population have not been conducted yet.

Purpose

Identify trends over time in utilization of BZDs and Z‐drugs in a nationwide population in Israel.

Methods

Data on BZD and Z‐drugs utilization (for all indications) for the period 2005 to 2013 were obtained from pharmaceutical companies that distribute BZDs in Israel. Prevalence of BZD utilization was reported as defined daily doses (DDD)/1000 inhabitants/day.

Results

The utilization of BZDs and Z‐drugs aimed to treat sleeping disorders increased over the period of the study from 10.22 to 22.49 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day. The greatest increases in utilization of drugs established in Israel were observed for brotizolam (83%), zopiclone (59%), and zolpidem (94%). Decreases in use were recorded for lorazepam (14%), diazepam (16%), and oxazepam (27%). Use of hypnotic BZDs appeared to be relatively high, compared with the use of non‐BZD hypnotics (“Z‐drugs”) such as zolpidem or zopiclone. Nationwide stressful conditions did not appear to be reflected in the annual BZD sales.

Conclusions

Conventional BZDs and Z‐drugs remained the treatment of choice for sleeping disorders in Israel during the study period. These results are, in certain cases, in contrast to current practice recommendations and guidelines and point at a need in better dissemination of these guidelines among prescribers in Israel.
Design of biobased poly(butylene succinate) foams by single‐screw extrusion: Identification of relevant rheological parameters controlling foam morphologies
Authors: Duborper C. , Samuel C. , Akue‐Asseko A.‐C. , Loux C. , Lacrampe M.‐F. , Krawczak P.
Published: October 2017

Key relationships between foam morphologies and melt‐state rheological parameters are here exposed for biobased poly(butylene‐succinate) (PBS) and standard petrobased polyethylene (PE) foams processed by single‐screw extrusion. Scanning electron microscopy followed by image analysis revealed cell diameters and densities in the range of 250–700 µm and 3–4.104 cells/cm3, respectively. PBS and PE have similar morphologies except for cell diameters which are slightly higher for PBS foams. The melt index roughly controls foam microstructures but deeper insights are obtained through correlations with shear/extensional rheology experiments. In particular, the melt strength and the strain hardening control the cell growth mechanisms. Concerning the cell density, the shear viscosity in the die plays a key role and agreements with nucleation theories can be discussed based on simulated pressure–velocity profiles using finite element software. In our extrusion conditions, the residence time comes out to have a crucial role with distinct behaviors between PE and PBS indicating a potential modification of the polymer/CO2 interfacial tension. Consequently, an accurate control of the foam morphology seems achievable via a careful selection of the polymer grades and PBS represents a promising alternative to PE for further developments of biobased foams. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:503–512, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparison of Treatment Persistence with Dabigatran or Rivaroxaban versus Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A Competing Risk Analysis in the French National Health Care Databases
Authors: Maura Géric , Billionnet Cécile , Alla François , Gagne Joshua J. , Pariente Antoine
Published: October 2017

Background

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been proposed as a more convenient alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), which are commonly associated with poor treatment persistence in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (nv‐AF).

Methods

Using data from the French national health care databases (Régime Général, 50 million beneficiaries), a cohort study was conducted to compare the 1‐year non‐persistence rates in nv‐AF patients initiating dabigatran (N=11,141) or rivaroxaban (N=11,126) versus VKA (N=11,998). Treatment discontinuation was defined as a switch between oral anticoagulant (OAC) classes or a 60‐day gap with no medication coverage, with the additional criterion of no reimbursement for international normalized ratio monitoring during this gap for VKA patients. Considering death as a competing risk, differences between 1‐year discontinuation rates were used to compare each DOAC versus VKA. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated via bootstrapping. Baseline patient characteristics were adjusted using inverse probability of treatment weighting. Subgroup analyses considered DOAC dose at initiation, age, risk of stroke, and bleeding.

Results

Adjusted 1‐year discontinuation rates were higher for dabigatran than for VKA new users (36.8% vs 30.2%; difference: 6.6% [95% CI, 5.5–7.6]) and for rivaroxaban versus VKA new users (33.4% vs 30.4%; 3.0% [1.9–4.1]). Similar differences were found in all subgroup analyses, except in dabigatran and rivaroxaban patients <75 years (dabigatran vs VKA: 0.3% [−1.4 to 1.8]; rivaroxaban vs VKA: −2.6% [−4.3 to −0.9]) and dabigatran 150 mg new users (−1.1% [−3.1 to 0.7]). Consistent results were obtained when considering both switches between OAC classes and death as competing risks of treatment discontinuation.

Conclusion

Results from this nationwide cohort study showed high non‐persistence levels with all OACs and suggest that persistence with both dabigatran and rivaroxaban therapy is not better than persistence with VKA therapy. Hospitalizations for bleeding among non‐persistent patients were unlikely to explain these high non‐persistence rates.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphism in Egyptian children with CAP: A case‐control study
Authors: Abouzeid Heba , Alkholy Usama M. , Abdou Mohammed A. , Morsy Saeed M. , Abdelrahman Hind M. , Sherif Ashraf M. , Abdalmonem Nermin , Hamed Mohammed E. , Allah Mayy A.N. , Al Morshedy Salah , Elashkar Shaimaa S.A. , Noah Maha A. , Hegab Mohamed S. , Akeel Nagwa E. , Hashem Mustafa I.A. , Gawish Heba H. , Fattah Lobna Abdel
Published: October 2017

Background

Community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. The angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene is a potential candidate gene for CAP risk.

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism (rs4340) could be a genetic marker for CAP susceptibility in Egyptian children, and we also measured the serum ACE level to assess its relation to such polymorphism.

Methods

This was a prospective case‐control study included 300 patients with CAP, and 300 age, gender, and ethnicity matched healthy controls. The ACE I/D polymorphism (rs4340) at intron 16 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP), while the serum ACE levels were measured by ELISA.

Results

Compared to the controls subjects, the frequencies of the ACE DD genotype and D allele were overrepresented in patients with CAP (OR = 3.05; [95%CI: 2.14‐4.35] for the DD genotype; P < 0.001) and (OR: 1.8; [95%CI: 1.42‐2.29]; for the D allele; P < 0.01, respectively). Patients with the DD genotype had significantly higher mean serum ACE levels (45.6 ± 11.4 U/L) compared to those with ID genotype (36.5 ± 8.3 U/L) and II genotype (21.6 ± 5.7 U/L); P < 0.01, respectively.

Conclusion

The ACE I/D polymorphism (rs4340) may contribute to the genetic susceptibility of CAP in Egyptian children. The ACE D allele and DD genotype were associated with higher serum ACE levels among studied CAP patients.
Serologically diagnosed acute human bocavirus 1 infection in childhood community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Nascimento‐Carvalho Amanda C. , Vilas‐Boas Ana‐Luisa , Fontoura Maria‐Socorro H. , Xu Man , Vuorinen Tytti , Söderlund‐Venermo Maria , Ruuskanen Olli , Nascimento‐Carvalho Cristiana M. ,   the PNEUMOPAC‐Efficacy Study Group
Published: October 2017

Aim

To assess the role of human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) as a causative agent of non‐severe community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children.

Methods

Patients aged 2‐59 months with non‐severe CAP (respiratory complaints and radiographic pulmonary infiltrate/consolidation) attending a University Hospital in Salvador, Brazil were enrolled in a prospective cohort. From 820 recruited children in a clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01200706), nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA), and acute and convalescent serum samples were obtained from 759 (92.6%) patients. NPAs were tested for 16 respiratory viruses by PCR. Acute HBoV1 infection was confirmed by measuring specific IgM and IgG responses in paired serum samples.

Results

Respiratory viruses were detected in 693 (91.3%; 95%CI: 89.1‐93.2) CAP cases by PCR. HBoV1‐DNA was detected in 159 (20.9%; 95%CI: 18.2‐24.0) cases. Of these 159 PCR positive cases, acute HBoV1 infection was confirmed serologically in 38 cases (23.9%; 95%CI: 17.8‐31.0). Overall, acute HBoV1 infection was confirmed in 5.0% (38/759) of non‐severe CAP patients. HBoV1 was detected in 151 cases with at least one other virus making 31.7% of all multiple virus (n = 477) detections. Among all 759 cases, 216 had one respiratory virus detected, and sole HBoV1 was detected in only 8 (3.7%). Acute HBoV1 infection was serologically diagnosed in 34 (22.5%) HBoV1‐DNA‐positive cases with another virus, compared to 4 (50.0%) cases with sole virus detection (p = 0.09).

Conclusion

HBoV1 was detected by PCR in one fifth of the children with non‐severe CAP and acute HBoV1 infection was serologically confirmed in one quarter of these cases.
Early Detection of Urinary Proteome Biomarkers for Effective Early Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Rat Model
Authors: Wu Jianqiang , Li Xundou , Zhao Mindi , Huang He , Sun Wei , Gao Youhe
Published: October 2017

Scope

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive and devastating lung disease. With limited effective treatments available in the late stage, PF has a very poor prognosis. Molecular biomarkers are highly desired for PF, especially for its early phase.

Materials and methods

Urine is a good biomarker source, and accumulates systemic changes in the body especially in the early‐stage of diseases. In this study, a bleomycin (BLM)‐induced rat model is used to mimic PF. Using labeled proteome quantitation, some urinary proteins are identified as candidate biomarkers of PF for early detection and disease monitoring. Then, prednisone treatment is administered at different phases of fibrosis.

Results

Our results suggested that urine proteins could enable early detection and monitoring of both disease progression and treatment efficacy in the BLM‐induced PF model. Early prednisone treatment effectively inhibited pulmonary fibrosis, whereas the same treatment at a later phase had very limited effects. Meanwhile, five proteins showed the potential for monitoring therapeutic response.

Conclusion

Urinary proteomics has been underutilized in respiratory diseases. These findings will improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of PF and accelerate biomarker discovery in respiratory diseases.
A Parallel Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometric Method for Analysis of Potential CSF Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Brinkmalm Gunnar , Sjödin Simon , Simonsen Anja Hviid , Hasselbalch Steen Gregers , Zetterberg Henrik , Brinkmalm Ann , Blennow Kaj
Published: October 2017

Scope

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (PRM‐MS) assay consisting of a panel of potential protein biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Experimental design

Thirteen proteins were selected based on their association with neurodegenerative diseases and involvement in synaptic function, secretory vesicle function, or innate immune system. CSF samples were digested and two to three peptides per protein were quantified using stable isotope‐labeled peptide standards.

Results

Coefficients of variation were generally below 15%. Clinical evaluation was performed on a cohort of 10 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 15 healthy subjects. Investigated proteins of the granin family exhibited the largest difference between the patient groups. Secretogranin‐2 (p<0.005) and neurosecretory protein VGF (p<0.001) concentrations were lowered in AD. For chromogranin A, two of three peptides had significantly lowered AD concentrations (p<0.01). The concentrations of the synaptic proteins neurexin‐1 and neuronal pentraxin‐1, as well as neurofascin were also significantly lowered in AD (p<0.05). The other investigated proteins, β2‐microglobulin, cystatin C, amyloid precursor protein, lysozyme C, neurexin‐2, neurexin‐3, and neurocan core protein, were not significantly altered.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

PRM‐MS of protein panels is a valuable tool to evaluate biomarker candidates for neurodegenerative disorders.
Effects of Aluminum Particle Size on the Detonation Pressure of TNT/Al
Authors: Zhou Zhengqing , Chen Jianguo , Yuan Hongyong , Nie Jianxin
Published: October 2017

To better understand the influence of the aluminum particle size on the detonation pressure of TNT/Al, electrical conductivity experiment and detonation pressure experiment were performed in this study. Four types of TNT/Al were considered, in which the particle size of aluminum was 50 nm, 100 nm, 1.50 μm, and 9.79 μm, respectively. The combustion process of Al in TNT/Al was detected by electrical conductivity experiment, and the detonation pressures of TNT/Al were measured by using the manganin pressure sensors. According to the experimental results, the Chapman Jouguet (CJ) pressure of the explosive containing nano‐sized aluminum is higher than the explosive containing micron‐sized aluminum powder because of the combustion of nano‐sized aluminum in the detonation reaction zone. In addition, a smaller aluminum particle size in TNT/Al is associated with a slower detonation pressure attenuation. This study gives a clearer picture of how aluminum particle size contributes to detonation pressure on timescales from 0 to 0.82 μs.
Investigating the bifunctionality of cyclizing and “classical” 5‐aminolevulinate synthases
Authors: Liu Joyce , Kaganjo James , Zhang Wenjun , Zeilstra‐Ryalls Jill
Published: October 2017

The precursor to all tetrapyrroles is 5‐aminolevulinic acid, which is made either via the condensation of glycine and succinyl‐CoA catalyzed by an ALA synthase (the C4 or Shemin pathway) or by a pathway that uses glutamyl‐tRNA as a precursor and involves other enzymes (the C5 pathway). Certain ALA synthases also catalyze the cyclization of ALA‐CoA to form 2‐amino‐3‐hydroxycyclopent‐2‐en‐1‐one. Organisms with synthases that possess this second activity nevertheless rely upon the C5 pathway to supply ALA for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis. The C5N units are components of a variety of secondary metabolites. Here, we show that an ALA synthase used exclusively for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis is also capable of catalyzing the cyclization reaction, albeit at much lower efficiency than the dedicated cyclases. Two absolutely conserved serines present in all known ALA‐CoA cyclases are threonines in all known ALA synthases, suggesting they could be important in distinguishing the functions of these enzymes. We found that purified mutant proteins having single and double substitutions of the conserved residues are not improved in their respective alternate activities; rather, they are worse. Protein structural modeling and amino acid sequence alignments were explored within the context of what is known about the reaction mechanisms of these two different types of enzymes to consider what other features are important for the two activities.
Current Status of Herbal Drug Standards in the Indian Pharmacopoeia
Authors: Prakash Jai , Srivastava Sushma , Ray R.S. , Singh Neha , Rajpali Roshni , Singh Gyanendra Nath
Published: October 2017

The benefits of herbal drugs were well understood way back. They have been used for the promotion of health and medical purposes – in disease conditions. It is a conventional belief that herbal drugs have no side effects, are cheaper and locally available. Among Indian systems of medicines, herbs/herbal formulations are used to a larger extent. The quality control of the marketed herbs/herbal formulations is important for acquiring optimum therapeutic benefit as well as for expanding global outreach. Therefore, herbal drug standards are important. Reference standards, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference Substances especially the botanical reference substances and the phytochemical reference substances are required for comparison of quality of herbal drugs. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission has initiated the process of providing Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference Substances to the stakeholders. Therefore, this article provides an overview of the history and the status of herbal drug standards in the current and forthcoming issues of Indian Pharmacopoeia. In Indian Pharmacopeia, efforts have been made for the harmonization of standards with international counterparts wherever possible. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.