bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity‐Based Probes Developed by Applying a Sequential Dehydroalanine Formation Strategy to Expressed Proteins Reveal a Potential α‐Globin‐Modulating Deubiquitinase
Authors: Meledin Roman , Mali Sachitanand M. , Kleifeld Oded , Brik Ashraf
Published: March 2018

We report a general and novel semisynthetic strategy for the preparation of ubiquitinated protein‐activity‐based probes on the basis of sequential dehydroalanine formation on expressed proteins. We applied this approach to construct a physiologically and therapeutically relevant ubiquitinated α‐globin probe, which was used for the enrichment and proteomic identification of α‐globin‐modulating deubiquitinases. We found USP15 as a potential deubiquitinase for the modulation of α‐globin, an excess of which aggravates β‐thalassemia symptoms. This development opens new opportunities for activity‐based‐probe design to shed light on the important aspects underlying ubiquitination and deubiquitination in health and disease.
Charge Neutralization Drives the Shape Reconfiguration of DNA Nanotubes
Authors: Liu Pi , Zhao Yan , Liu Xiaoguo , Sun Jixue , Xu Dede , Li Yang , Li Qian , Wang Lihua , Yang Sichun , Fan Chunhai , Lin Jianping
Published: March 2018

Reconfiguration of membrane protein channels for gated transport is highly regulated under physiological conditions. However, a mechanistic understanding of such channels remains challenging owing to the difficulty in probing subtle gating‐associated structural changes. Herein, we show that charge neutralization can drive the shape reconfiguration of a biomimetic 6‐helix bundle DNA nanotube (6HB). Specifically, 6HB adopts a compact state when its charge is neutralized by Mg2+; whereas Na+ switches it to the expanded state, as revealed by MD simulations, small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and FRET characterization. Furthermore, partial neutralization of the DNA backbone charges by chemical modification renders 6HB compact and insensitive to ions, suggesting an interplay between electrostatic and hydrophobic forces in the channels. This system provides a platform for understanding the structure–function relationship of biological channels and designing rules for the shape control of DNA nanostructures in biomedical applications.
Proteases and nucleases involved in the biphasic digestion process of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Lomate Purushottam R. , Bonning Bryony C.
Published: March 2018

Management of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), an invasive, agricultural pest in the United States, has presented significant challenges. This polyphagous insect uses both extra‐oral and gut‐based digestion thwarting protein‐ or nucleotide‐based control strategies. The objective of this study was to biochemically characterize the digestive enzymes (proteases and nucleases) from the saliva, salivary gland and the gut of H. halys. Enzyme profiles for the two tissues and saliva radically differ: The pH optimum for proteases in the gut was six, with cysteine proteases predominant. In contrast, the alkaline pH optima for protease activity in the salivary gland (8–10) and saliva (7) reflected abundant serine protease and cathepsin activities. RNase enzymes were most abundant in saliva, while dsRNase and DNase activities were higher in the salivary gland and saliva compared to those in the gut. These very different enzyme profiles highlight the biphasic digestive system used by this invasive species for efficient processing of plant nutrients. Knowledge of H. halys digestive physiology will allow for counteractive measures targeting digestive enzymes or for appropriate protection of protein‐ or nucleotide‐based management options targeting this pest.
Retracted: Novel spiro‐thiazolidin‐4‐one and thioether derivatives of benzylidene flavanones: New leads in cancer and microbial chemotherapy
Authors: Mukhtar Sayeed , Alsharif Meshari A. , Alahmdi Mohammed I. , Parveen Humaira , Khan Asad U.
Published: March 2018

Retraction

The above article from Archiv der Pharmazie, published online on 12 March 2018 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Prof. Holger Stark, and Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. The retraction has been agreed due to errors in the spectroscopic data of the investigated new compounds.

Reference to Retraction

S. Mukhtar, M. A. Alsharif, M. I. Alahmdi, H. Parveen, A. U. Khan, Arch. Pharm. Chem. Life Sci. 2018;1–12. DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201700397
Ruthenium Tris‐bipyridine Single‐Molecule Junctions with Multiple Joint Configurations
Authors: Komoto Yuuki , Yamazaki Yasuomi , Tamaki Yusuke , Iwane Madoka , Nishino Tomoaki , Ishitani Osamu , Kiguchi Manabu , Fujii Shintaro
Published: March 2018

Single‐molecule junctions are of particular interest in molecular electronics. To realize molecular electronic devices, it is crucial that functional single‐molecule junctions are connected to each other by using joint units on the atomic scale. However, good joint units have not been reported because controlling the charge transport directions through the junctions is not trivial. Here, we report a joint unit that controls and changes the charge transport directions through the junctions, by using a ruthenium–tris‐bipyridine (RuBpy) complex. The RuBpy single‐molecule junction was fabricated with scanning tunnelling microscopy‐based break junction techniques. The RuBpy single‐molecule junction showed two distinct high and low conductance states. The two states were characterized by the conductance measurement, the correlation analysis, and the comparative experiment of bipyridine (Bpy), which is the ligand unit of RuBpy. We demonstrate that the Ru complex has multiple charge transport paths, where the charge is carried vertically and horizontally through the complex depending on the path.
Bromotryptophans and their incorporation in cyclic and bicyclic privileged peptides
Authors: García‐Pindado Júlia , Willemse Tom , Goss Rebecca , Maes Bert U. W. , Giralt Ernest , Ballet Steven , Teixidó Meritxell
Published: March 2018

While revisiting biologically active natural peptides, the importance of the tryptophan residue became clear. In this article, the incorporation of this amino acid, brominated at different positions of the indole ring, into cyclic peptides was successfully achieved. These products demonstrated improved properties in terms of passive diffusion, permeability across membranes, biostability in human serum and cytotoxicity. Moreover, these brominated tryptophans at positions 5, 6, or 7 proved to be compatible as building blocks to prepare bicyclic stapled peptides by performing on‐resin Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions.
Improving large class performance and engagement through student‐generated question banks
Authors: Hancock Dale , Hare Nicole , Denny Paul , Denyer Gareth
Published: March 2018

Disciplines such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which involve concepts not included in the high‐school curriculum, are very challenging for many first year university students. These subjects are particularly difficult for students accustomed to surface learning strategies involving memorization and recall of facts, as a deeper understanding of the relationship between concepts is needed for successful transfer to related areas and subsequent study. In this article, we explore an activity in a very large first year Molecular Biology course, in which students create multiple‐choice questions related to targeted learning outcomes, and then answer and evaluate one another's questions. This activity encompasses elements of both self‐ and peer‐assessment and the generative tasks of creating questions and producing written feedback may contribute to a deeper understanding of the material. We make use of a free online platform to facilitate all aspects of the process and analyze the effect of student engagement with the task on overall course performance. When compared to previous semester's cohorts, we observe a pronounced improvement in class performance on exam questions targeting similar concepts to the student‐generated questions. In addition, those students that engage to a greater extent with the activity perform significantly better on the targeted exam questions than those who are less active, yet all students perform similarly on a set of isolated control questions appearing on the same exam. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46:306–317, 2018.
How centers handle young patients who want to leave AMA
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2018

Residential treatment programs treating substance use disorders are not locked from the inside — for young adults and adolescents, as well as for adults. But when they want to leave against medical advice (AMA), what is the solution? Residential programs are not psychiatric facilities where people are locked in when they are deemed harmful to themselves (suicidal) or others. That said, parents with minor children — and parents of young adult children — want to know that their child is safe. They don't want to hear that their child has run away. We talked to two large programs about the best ways to handle young people who want to leave.
Guns, schools, and protecting children: AAP and teens call for action
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2018

On February 14, 17 children and adults were shot and killed and 15 were injured inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said this: “We find ourselves once again filled with grief and horror, and we mourn alongside all those impacted by the shooting. As our hearts are in Parkland, our eyes are on Congress.”
The Influence of Social and Family Backgrounds on College Transition Experiences of Foster Youth
Authors: Franco Joaquin , Durdella Nathan
Published: March 2018

Familial and social experiences shape college transitions of first‐year, first‐generation college students who are foster youth. This chapter describes these experiences and offers recommendations to enhance support for foster youth in college.
Ultrasound prenatal diagnosis of typical megacystis, microcolon, intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome
Authors: Buinoiu Natalia , Panaitescu Anca , Demetrian Mihaela , Ionescu Sebastian , Peltecu Gheorghe , Veduta Alina
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

In the presence of megacystis in the second half of pregnancy, with increased amniotic fluid, especially in a female fetus, the most likely diagnostic result is megacystis, microcolon, intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, MMIHS. In these cases, the diagnosis of MMIHS should be strongly considered instead of lower urinary tract obstruction.
Complex visual hallucinatory experience in an elderly blind woman with glaucoma: revisiting Charles Bonnet syndrome
Authors: Nyundo Azan A. , Mwombeki Innocent R.
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

For fear of being ridiculed, individuals with visual hallucinations hide their experiences and thus remain unrecognized and miss treatment. An elderly blind woman secondary to glaucoma experienced visual hallucinations accompanied by gross behavior disturbances. She improved with sodium valproate after haloperidol failed and remained relatively improved upon 3 months follow‐up.
Seesaw‐like movement of the chest wall
Authors: Niimi Nozomi , Mori Nobuaki
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

Examination of apical impulse is an important component of nonauscultatory cardiac examination. Seesaw‐like movements of the chest wall during the systolic phase suggest severe tricuspid regurgitation.
Graves’ orbitopathy after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in a patient with Fanconi anemia – side effect of alemtuzumab therapy?
Authors: Cima Luminita Nicoleta , Lambrescu Ioana Maria , Stejereanu Lavinia , Colita Anca , Or Reuven , Fica Simona
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

A few cases of thyroid eye disease following alemtuzumab therapy have been described in patients with multiple sclerosis. Our patient is the first case of Graves’ orbitopathy after alemtuzumab conditioning for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Triphasic Nature of Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity Induces Storage and Catalysis Effects in Hydrogen and Oxygen Reactivity at Electrode Surfaces
Authors: Madrid Elena , Lowe John P. , Msayib Kadhum J. , McKeown Neil B. , Song Qilei , Attard Gary A. , Düren Tina , Marken Frank
Published: March 2018

Hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction are two crucial energy conversion reactions, which are shown to be both strongly affected by the presence of intrinsically microporous polymer coatings on electrodes. Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are known to possess extremely high internal surface area and ability to bind gases under dry conditions. It is shown here that both, hydrogen‐ and oxygen gas binding into PIMs, also occurs under wet or “triphasic” conditions in aqueous electrolyte environments (when immersed in 0.01 M phosphate buffer at pH 7). For two known PIM materials (PIM‐1 and PIM‐PY), nanoparticles are formed by an anti‐solvent precipitation protocol and then cast as a film onto platinum or glassy carbon electrodes. Voltammetry experiments reveal evidence for hydrogen and oxygen binding. Both, PIM‐1 and PIM‐PY, locally store hydrogen or oxygen gas at the electrode surface and thereby significantly affect electrocatalytic reactivity. The onset of oxygen reduction on glassy carbon is shifted by 0.15 V in the positive direction.
2‐(Hydroxyimino)aldehydes: Photo‐ and Physicochemical Properties of a Versatile Functional Group for Monomer Design
Authors: Gentili Patrizia , Nardi Martina , Antignano Irene , Cambise Paolo , D'Abramo Marco , D'Acunzo Francesca , Pinna Alessandro , Ussia Emanuele
Published: March 2018

In the context of our research on stimuli‐responsive polymers bearing the 2‐(hydroxyimino)aldehyde (HIA) group, we have explored the photochemical behavior and physicochemical properties of a number of HIAs. Interpretation of the experimental data is supported by quantum mechanical calculations. HIAs are expected to undergo photoisomerization, chelate metal ions, yield hydrogen‐bonded dimers or oligomers, exhibit relatively low pKas, and form >C=NO. radicals through OH hydrogen abstraction or oxidation of the oximate ion. Besides the well‐established E/Z oxime photoisomerism, we observed a Norrish–Yang cyclization resulting in cyclobutanol oximes, to our knowledge not previously described in the literature. The acidity, bond dissociation enthalpies, and electrochemical properties of the HIAs are compared with literature data of simple oximes. The results are discussed in relation to the many potential applications for HIAs, with emphasis on the synthesis of novel HIA‐containing responsive polymers.
Computational Characterization of the Mechanism for the Oxidative Coupling of Benzoic Acid and Alkynes by Rhodium/Copper and Rhodium/Silver Systems
Authors: Funes‐Ardoiz Ignacio , Maseras Feliu
Published: March 2018

DFT calculations were applied to study the oxidative coupling between benzoic acid and 1‐phenyl‐1‐propyne catalyzed by [CpRhCl2]2 (Cp=cyclopentadienyl) by using either Cu(OAc)2(H2O) or Ag(OAc) as the terminal oxidant, a process that has been experimentally shown to have subtleties related to regioselectivity (placement of the phenyl substituent of the alkyne in the isocoumarin product) and chemoselectivity (isocoumarin or naphthalene derivatives). Calculations reproduced the experimental results and showed the involvement of the oxidant throughout the catalytic cycle. The regioselectivity was found to be decided in the alkyne insertion step, in particular by the relative arrangement of the two phenyl groups. The high chemoselectivity towards isocoumarin associated to Cu(OAc)2(H2O) could be explained by the fact that the copper moiety blocks the CO2 extrusion pathway, which would lead to naphthalene derivatives, something that does not happen if Ag(OAc) is used.
Synthesis and HNO Donating Properties of the Piloty's Acid Analogue Trifluoromethanesulphonylhydroxamic Acid: Evidence for Quantitative Release of HNO at Neutral pH Conditions
Authors: Adas Sonya K. , Bharadwaj Vinay , Zhou Yang , Zhang Jiuhong , Seed Alexander J. , Brasch Nicola E. , Sampson Paul
Published: March 2018

Trifluoromethanesulphonylhydroxamic acid, CF3SO2NHOH, is shown to release HNO under physiological pH conditions. A two‐step synthesis is presented with the first complete characterization of CF3SO2NHOH. This molecule rapidly decomposes in neutral aqueous solution to cleanly release HNO and CF3SO2−, which was demonstrated using the HNO traps TXPTS and HOCbl, and by 19F NMR spectroscopy.
Computational studies on the water‐catalyzed stereoinversion mechanism of glutamic acid residues in peptides and proteins
Authors: Nakayoshi Tomoki , Kato Koichi , Fukuyoshi Shuichi , Takahashi Ohgi , Kurimoto Eiji , Oda Akifumi
Published: March 2018

In contrast with the common belief that all the amino acid residues in higher organisms are l‐forms, d‐amino acid residues have been recently detected in various aging tissues. Aspartic acid (Asp) residues are known to be the most prone to stereoinvert via cyclic imide intermediate. Although the glutamic acid (Glu) is similar in chemical structure to Asp, little has been reported to detect d‐Glu residues in human proteins. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of the Glu‐residue stereoinversion catalyzed by water molecules using B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) density functional theory calculations. We propose that the Glu‐residue stereoinversion proceeds via a cyclic imide intermediate, i.e., glutarimide (GI). All calculations were performed by using a model compound in which a Glu residue was capped with acetyl and methylamino groups on the N‐ and C‐termini, respectively. We found that two water molecules catalyze the three steps involved in the GI formation: iminolization, cyclization, and dehydration. The activation energy required for the Glu residue to form a GI intermediate was estimated to be 32.3 kcal mol−1, which was higher than that of the experimental Asp‐residue stereoinversion. This calculation result suggests that the Glu‐residue stereoinversion is not favored under the physiological condition.
Isothermal titration calorimetry for chiral chemistry
Authors: Werber Liora , Mastai Yitzhak
Published: March 2018

One of the most powerful techniques that are currently available to measure thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy (ΔH), Gibbs free energy (ΔG), entropy changes (ΔS), and binding affinity in chemical reactions is isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Recent advances in instrumentation have facilitated the development of ITC as a very essential analytical tool in biology and chemistry. In this article, we will focus on a review of the literature on the application of ITC for the study of chiral systems and chiral interactions. We present studies in which the ITC technique is used to study chiral interactions, for instance in chiral solutions, chiral organometallic complexes, guest‐host chiral binding interactions, and biological macromolecules. Finally, we put strong emphasis on the most recent application of ITC for the study of chirality in nanosystems and at the nanoscale.
Estimation of transversely isotropic material properties from magnetic resonance elastography using the optimised virtual fields method
Authors: Miller Renee , Kolipaka Arunark , Nash Martyn P. , Young Alistair A.
Published: March 2018

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has been used to estimate isotropic myocardial stiffness. However, anisotropic stiffness estimates may give insight into structural changes that occur in the myocardium as a result of pathologies such as diastolic heart failure. The virtual fields method (VFM) has been proposed for estimating material stiffness from image data. This study applied the optimised VFM to identify transversely isotropic material properties from both simulated harmonic displacements in a left ventricular (LV) model with a fibre field measured from histology as well as isotropic phantom MRE data. Two material model formulations were implemented, estimating either 3 or 5 material properties. The 3‐parameter formulation writes the transversely isotropic constitutive relation in a way that dissociates the bulk modulus from other parameters. Accurate identification of transversely isotropic material properties in the LV model was shown to be dependent on the loading condition applied, amount of Gaussian noise in the signal, and frequency of excitation. Parameter sensitivity values showed that shear moduli are less sensitive to noise than the other parameters. This preliminary investigation showed the feasibility and limitations of using the VFM to identify transversely isotropic material properties from MRE images of a phantom as well as simulated harmonic displacements in an LV geometry.
Catalytic Hydrogen Production by Janus CuAg Nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Jin , Shao Qi , Wang Pengtang , Guo Jun , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: March 2018

Janus nanostructures comprising intimate interfaces can integrate distinct building blocks into a single unit and generate new synergetic effects and desirable functionality through the interfaces. Herein, we report a wet‐chemistry approach mediated by n‐butylamine to directly create heterogeneous CuAg nanoparticles (NPs). Such newly created heterostructures with unique interfaces between the Cu and Ag domains exhibit superior catalytic performance for the water‐gas shift (WGS) reaction to produce hydrogen (H2). By optimizing the composition of the heterogeneous CuAg NPs, the supports, as well as the reaction parameters, the CuAg NPs/ZnO can deliver a TOF value of 673.5 h−1 and a 198.1 μmol yield of H2, significantly outperforming Cu NPs, Ag NPs, mixed Cu/Ag NPs, as well as CuAg NPs without an interface. XPS analysis indicates that the excellent performance is attributed to a unique interface effect, which endows the optimized catalyst with an enhanced antioxidant ability and thus large ratio of metallic Cu. The catalyst also shows outstanding durability with a largely maintained interface and activity after nine runs.
Statistical analysis of Amazon EC2 cloud pricing models
Authors: Portella Gustavo , Rodrigues Genaina N. , Nakano Eduardo , Melo Alba C.M.A.
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we conduct statistical analyses for two Amazon cloud pricing models: on demand and spot. On demand cloud instances are charged a fixed price and can only be terminated by the user, with very high availability. On the other hand, spot instances are charged a dynamic price determined by a market‐driven model and can be revoked by the provider when the spot price becomes higher than the user‐defined price, having possibly low availability. Our analysis for on‐demand instances resulted in multiple linear regression equations that represent the influence of characteristics of the processor and RAM memory in the composition of the price of different types of instances available on the Amazon EC2 provider. In order to analyze the Amazon spot pricing, we used time‐smoothed moving averages by 12‐hour periods, aiming to provide a price‐availability trade‐off to the user. Our experiments with spot price histories from September to November 2016 show that the user's bid can be set at 30% of the on‐demand price, with an availability above of 90%, depending on instance type.
STMs in practice: Partial rollback vs pure abort mechanisms
Authors: Anand Anshu S. , Shyamasundar R. K. , Peri Sathya
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we propose an enhanced Automatic Checkpointing and Partial Rollback (CaPR++) algorithm to realize Software Transactional Memory (STM), that employs partial rollback mechanism for conflict resolution. We have comparatively evaluated the “Abort” and “Partial Rollback” mechanisms for STMs. For purposes of comparison, we have used the state‐of‐the‐art RSTM system and for the “Partial Rollback”, and we have used our earlier CaPR+ algorithm that has been enhanced for our requirements. Note that we have enriched the STAMP benchmarks with varied delayed transaction times. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of the Partial Rollback mechanism over pure abort mechanisms for applications consisting of large transaction delays, with up to 1.6x performance gain for applications with large transactional delays. Our study makes the case for a hybrid system of pure aborts and partial rollbacks, which can extract the benefits of both mechanisms. Keeping in line with our study, we have proposed a hybrid implementation where some of the transactions of an application subscribe to abort mechanisms and the rest to partial rollback. Our initial implementation demonstrates various scenarios where the hybrid approach outperforms the pure abort and partial rollback approaches.
Extended DC arc atmospheric pressure plasma source for large scale surface cleaning and functionalization
Authors: Kotte L. , Mäder G. , Roch J. , Kaskel S.
Published: March 2018

Plasma technologies at atmospheric pressure (AP) promise efficient integration into industrial manufacturing technology and save considerable investment and maintenance costs. The development of new fields of application of AP techniques increasingly requires the provision of adapted, large‐area plasma sources. The linearly extended direct current (DC) arc plasma source, long arc generator principle (LARGE) for short, with a working width of up to 350 mm was developed at the Fraunhofer IWS for the large area plasma surface treatment. In contrast to other jet‐based AP sources arrays, the LARGE plasma source has a very long afterglow flame length, which makes it possible to efficiently treat surfaces over the range ±40 mm. Especially for large‐area plasma applications, commercial jet nozzle arrays are very complex to control and require more than one power generators which increases the equipment cost. In this paper we discuss selected application fields, namely the rapid (up to 50 m/min) removal of oil films on aluminium sheets, the large‐area functionalization (removal of release agents) of carbon‐fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, and the deposition of SiO2 adhesive layers on titanium to improve adhesion in the structural bonding of these materials.
A Coulomb collision model for weighted particle simulations with energy and momentum conservation
Authors: Tanaka A. , Ibano K. , Takizuka T. , Ueda Y.
Published: March 2018

In PIC (particle‐in‐cell) simulations, the Takizuka–Abe (TA) model is widely used as a basic Coulomb collision model. For the weighted particle simulations, some collision models, such as the “rejection model” and the “merging model,” have been developed by expanding the TA model. These models do not conserve the total momentum or total energy, but can nearly conserve them, on average. We here develop a new model by expanding the TA model, which conserves both the total energy and total momentum in each time step. In the test simulations, the new model accomplishes the exact conservation of both energy and momentum. We examine the temperature relaxation and the velocity distribution function (VDF) for the model validation. In the merging model, temperature relaxation is inappropriate and the VDFs deviate from Maxwell distribution. In the new model, the temperature relaxation is correctly achieved and the VDFs are maintained Maxwellian.
Sibling experience modulates perceptual narrowing toward adult faces in the first year of life
Authors: Proietti Valentina , Rigoldi Marta , Croci Emanuela , Macchi Cassia Viola
Published: March 2018

During the first year of life face discrimination abilities narrow toward adult human faces of the most frequently encountered ethnic group/s. Earlier studies showed that perceptual learning under laboratory‐training protocols can modulate this narrowing process. Here we investigated whether natural experience acquired in everyday settings with an older sibling's face can shape the trajectory of perceptual narrowing towards adult faces. Using an infant‐controlled habituation procedure we measured discrimination of adult (Experiment 1) and child faces (Experiment 2) in 3‐ and 9‐ month‐old infants with and without a child sibling. Discrimination of adult faces was observed for infants at both ages, although accompanied by posthabituation preferences in opposite directions, whereas at both ages the discrimination of child faces critically depended on sibling experience. These results provide the first evidence that natural experience acquired with siblings affects the tuning properties of infant face representation.
Mapping floral resources for honey bees in New Zealand at the catchment scale
Authors: Ausseil Anne‐Gaelle E. , Dymond John R. , Newstrom Linda
Published: March 2018

Honey bees require nectar and pollen from flowers: nectar for energy and pollen for growth. The demand for nectar and pollen varies during the year, with more pollen needed in spring for colony population growth and more nectar needed in summer to sustain the maximum colony size and collect surplus nectar stores for winter. Sufficient bee forage is therefore necessary to ensure a healthy bee colony. Land‐use changes can reduce the availability of floral resources suitable for bees, thereby increasing the susceptibility of bees to other stressors such as disease and pesticides. In contrast, land‐based management decisions to protect or plant bee forage can enhance pollen and nectar supply to bees while meeting other goals such as riparian planting for water‐quality improvement. Commercial demand for honey can also put pressure on floral resources through over‐crowding of hives. To help understand and manage floral resources for bees, we developed a spatial model for mapping monthly nectar and pollen production from maps of land cover. Based on monthly estimated production data we mapped potential monthly supply of nectar and pollen to a given apiary location in the landscape. This is done by summing the total production within the foraging range of the apiary while subtracting the estimated nectar converted to energy for collection. Ratios of estimated supply over theoretical hive demand may then be used to infer a potential landscape carrying capacity to sustain hives. This model framework is quantitative and spatial, utilizing estimated flight energy costs for nectar foraging. It can contribute to management decisions such as where apiaries could be placed in the landscape depending on floral resources and where nectar limited areas may be located. It can contribute to planning areas for bee protection or planting such as in riparian vegetation. This would aid managed bee health, wild pollinator protection, and honey production. We demonstrate the methods in a case study in New Zealand where there is a growing demand for mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey production.
The Proposal of Isolated Single‐Stage AC‐DC Converter
Authors: MAEKAWA SARI , TAMADA SHUNSUKE , MOCHIKAWA HIROSHI , NAKAZAWA YOSUKE , USAMI YUTAKA , KUSAKA TOYOYASU
Published: March 2018

An isolated ac‐dc converter has been used in various applications, such as power supply and as a battery charger for electric vehicle. In conventional converters, a loss in each conversion stage can be reduced by applying a soft switching method. However, a conventional converter has many conversion stages including the rectifier stage, power factor correction, and dc/dc converter stages; thus, it is difficult to reduce the total converter loss and size. In this paper, we propose a novel isolated‐type ac‐dc converter with only one conversion stage; it can realize a zero‐voltage switching operation in all switching devices.
Physical Properties, Microstructure, Intermolecular Forces, and Oxidation Stability of Soybean Oil Oleogels Structured by Different Cellulose Ethers
Authors: Meng Zong , Qi Keyu , Guo Ying , Wang Yong , Liu Yuanfa
Published: March 2018

Edible oleogels are prepared by different kinds of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and methylcellulose (MC) through emulsion‐templated method. Physical properties of the oleogels such as rheological behavior and oil binding capacity are evaluated. Polarizing light microscopy (PLM) as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to gain information on the microstructure of the samples. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) are used to evaluate intermolecular forces between the polysaccharides in the oleogels. It is found that oil‐water interface layers of the emulsions are strengthened by polysaccharides (HPMC and xanthan gum [XG] or MC and XG), and it prohibits oil droplets from coalescing during drying. The formation of semi‐crystalline structure of oleogels to trap the oil is attributed to intramolecular/intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the polysaccharides. The higher viscosity grade results in better structure with respect to emulsions, vacuum dried emulsions, and oleogels compared to that of lower viscosity grade for HPMC or MC. The mechanical strengths of vacuum dried emulsions and oleogels stabilized by HPMC are harder compared to that of MC. The study will provide guidance for the production of functional fat products with zero trans and low saturated fatty acids.

Practical Applications: HPMC and MC, two types of dietary fiber, are two kinds of the most commonly used cellulose ethers which are food‐approved additives. The oleogels prepared by HPMC and MC using an emulsion‐templated method can be used to produce functional fat products with zero trans and low saturated fatty acids, which will be beneficial to human health. The properties of oleogels structured by different HPMC and MC with the different degree of polymerization (DP) and substitution (DS) are different. The physical properties, microstructure, and intermolecular forces for oleogels are evaluated in order to lay the basis for the application of the oleogels.

A schematic representation of the structure of oleogels stabilized by hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and xanthan gum (XG).
Novel Sensor Based on Poly (1,2‐Diaminoanthraquinone) for Individual and Simultaneous Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+
Authors: Hassan Khalid Mahmoud , Gaber Seleem Elsaid , Altahan Mahmoud Fatehy , Azzem Magdi Abdel
Published: March 2018

A novel electrochemical sensor based on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified by poly (1,2‐diaminoanthraquinone) (P1,2‐DAAQ) has been developed for individual and simultaneous determination of Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+ using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). P1,2‐DAAQ was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scan electron microscope (SEM). Several analytical parameters such as the type of electrolyte solution, polymer film thickness, metal deposition time and deposition potential were investigated and optimized. Optimal conditions were obtained by using five scan cycles for polymer synthesis and 120 seconds at −1.6 V for metal electrodeposition in acetate buffer solution. Good linear responses to Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+ in the concentration range from 0 to 120 μg/L were obtained. The limit of detections (LOD) for simultaneous determination of Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+ were 0.3 μg/L, 0.58 μg/L, 1.94 μg/L and 0.26 μg/L, respectively. The developed method was also applied for their detection in real water samples for which favorable results obtained compared with those obtained using inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES).
Body checking and body avoidance in eating disorders: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nikodijevic Alexandra , Buck Kimberly , Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz Matthew , de Paoli Tara , Krug Isabel
Published: March 2018

This review sought to systematically review and quantify the evidence related to body checking and body avoidance in eating disorders (EDs) to gauge the size of effects, as well as examine potential differences between clinical and nonclinical populations, and between different ED subtypes. PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, PsycEXTRA, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE databases were searched for academic literature published until October 2017. A grey literature search was also conducted. Fifty‐two studies were identified for the systematic review, of which 34 were eligible for meta‐analysis. Only female samples were included in the meta‐analysis. ED cases experienced significantly higher body checking (d = 1.26, p < .001) and body avoidance (d = 1.88, p < .001) overall relative to healthy controls, but neither behaviour varied by ED subtype. In nonclinical samples, body checking (r = .60) and body avoidance (r = .56) were significantly correlated with ED pathology (p < .001). These findings support transdiagnostic theoretical models and approaches to ED treatment and early intervention programmes.
Heritability of aggression following social evaluation in middle childhood: An fMRI study
Authors: Achterberg Michelle , van Duijvenvoorde Anna C. K. , van der Meulen Mara , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Crone Eveline A.
Published: March 2018

Middle childhood marks an important phase for developing and maintaining social relations. At the same time, this phase is marked by a gap in our knowledge of the genetic and environmental influences on brain responses to social feedback and their relation to behavioral aggression. In a large developmental twin sample (509 7‐ to 9‐year‐olds), the heritability and neural underpinnings of behavioral aggression following social evaluation were investigated, using the Social Network Aggression Task (SNAT). Participants viewed pictures of peers that gave positive, neutral, or negative feedback to the participant's profile. Next, participants could blast a loud noise toward the peer as an index of aggression. Genetic modeling revealed that aggression following negative feedback was influenced by both genetics and environmental (shared as well as unique environment). On a neural level (n = 385), the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex gyrus (ACCg) responded to both positive and negative feedback, suggesting they signal for social salience cues. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) were specifically activated during negative feedback, whereas positive feedback resulted in increased activation in caudate, supplementary motor cortex (SMA), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Decreased SMA and DLPFC activation during negative feedback was associated with more aggressive behavior after negative feedback. Moreover, genetic modeling showed that 13%–14% of the variance in dorsolateral PFC activity was explained by genetics. Our results suggest that the processing of social feedback is partly explained by genetic factors, whereas shared environmental influences play a role in behavioral aggression following feedback.
Task sharing in the eye care workforce: Screening, detection, and management of diabetic retinopathy in Pakistan. A case study
Authors: Shah Mufarriq , Noor Ayesha , Deverell Lil , Ormsby Gail M. , Harper C. Alex , Keeffe Jill Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a preventable cause of vision loss. Reducing vision loss due to DR and providing access to eye care services for people with diabetes have been severely constrained by a shortage in the number of ophthalmologists. This study aimed to explore the potential for task sharing in the eye care workforce for screening, detection, and management of DR.

Methods

Using purposive sampling, 24 participants were recruited from four selected hospitals in 2 provinces in Pakistan. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted to explore the potential for task sharing in DR management.

Results

Amongst 24 participants recruited, 22 (91.7%) including administrators (n = 3), ophthalmologists (n = 10), optometrists (n = 3), mid‐level eye care workers (n = 4), and endocrinologist (2) participated in the study. All participants indicated the need for an organised screening program for DR detection through task sharing. Participants suggested that people with diabetes can be sent directly to an optometrist for initial eye exams, rather than making them wait to be examined by an ophthalmologist. Factors favouring task sharing included the name task sharing rather than task shifting and a high demand for eye care services. Major barriers to implementation of task sharing included the lack of a trained eye care workforce in the healthcare system and the lack of coordination amongst health professionals and policy makers.

Conclusion

Participants were accepting task sharing approach and believed that task sharing could improve access to eye care services for people with diabetes and better utilise the services of eye and healthcare providers.
Using the Severity of Dependence Scale to screen for DSM‐5 khat use disorder
Authors: Duresso Samson W. , Matthews Allison J. , Ferguson Stuart G. , Bruno Raimondo
Published: March 2018

Objective

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) as a screening tool for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition‐defined khat use disorder.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, purposive sample of past‐year khat consumers aged 16 and above were recruited from khat markets and cafes from university and general community in Adama, Ethiopia. Participants self‐completed a survey comprising current substance use disorder.

Results

The SDS formed a unifactorial structure, consistent with the dependence construct. Almost three quarters (73%) of the sample were identified as experiencing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition khat use disorder. The SDS demonstrated excellent discrimination (area under the curve = 0.92) and an optimal cut‐off as a score of 3 or greater, with sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 96%. This classification validly identified a group with more frequent and higher dose khat use than participants that did not screen positive.

Conclusion

Although khat is a mild stimulant, there is clear evidence that some consumers are both concerned with their use and experience problems associated with their use. Consistent with its application for other drugs, the SDS is a brief and simple screening tool that appears to validly identify individuals experiencing a khat use disorder syndrome and experiencing high rates of adverse consequences in association with use.
Association between PLA2G12A polymorphism and patients with schizophrenia in a southern Chinese Han population
Authors: Hui Li , Yin Xiao Li , Chen Jie , Zhu Hong Liang , Zhang Guang Ya , Wang Xiao Qiong , Liu Jia Hong , Zhu Cheng , Xu Dong Wu , Yu Xin , Yin Guang Zhong
Published: March 2018

Background

Elevated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity is reported to be involved in the development of schizophrenia. Further study revealed an association between PLA2 groups XIIA (PLA2G12A) polymorphism and patients with schizophrenia in a northeast Chinese Han population.

Objective

This study will further examine whether PLA2G12A rs3087494 polymorphism is associated with patients with schizophrenia in a southern Chinese Han population.

Methods

This polymorphism was genotyped in 438 patients with schizophrenia (diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐IV) and 876 healthy controls using a case–control design. Demographic and clinical data were collected in all subjects.

Results

The allele and genotype frequencies of PLA2G12A rs3087494 polymorphism significantly differed between groups (both, p < .001). These differences still were significant by adjusting for sex and age. However, there was no difference in age at onset among 3 genotype groups in patients with schizophrenia by adjusting for the variables (F = 0.22, p = .80). Stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed that this polymorphism was not associated with age at onset in patients with schizophrenia (β = .008, t = .07, p = .94).

Conclusions

Our results indicated that even though PLA2G12A rs3087494 polymorphism did not influence age at onset in patients with schizophrenia, it may play an important role in the susceptibility to schizophrenia in a southern Chinese Han population.
Surface moisture area during rainfall–run‐off events to understand the hydrological dynamics of a basin in a plain region
Authors: Ares María Guadalupe , Holzman Mauro , Entraigas Ilda , Varni Marcelo , Fajardo Luisa , Vercelli Natalia
Published: March 2018

The understanding of the hydrology of plain basins may be improved by the combined analysis of rainfall–run‐off records and remote sensed surface moisture data. Our work evaluates the surface moisture area (SMA) produced during rainfall–run‐off events in a plain watershed of the Argentine Pampas Region, and studies which hydrological variables are related to the generated SMA. The study area is located in the upper and middle basins of the Del Azul stream, characterized by the presence of small gently hilly areas surrounded by flat landscapes. Data from 9 rainfall–run‐off events were analysed. MODIS surface reflectance data were processed to calculate SMA subsequent to the peak discharge (post‐SMA), and previous to the rainfall events (prev‐SMA), to consider the antecedent wetness. Rainfall–run‐off data included total precipitation depth (P), maximum intensity of rainfall over 6 hr (I6max), surface run‐off registered between the beginning of the event and the day previous to the analysed MODIS scene (R), peak flow (Qp), and flood intensity (IF). In contrast with other works, post‐SMA showed a negative relationship with the R. Three groups of cases were identified: (a) Events of low I6max, high prev‐SMA, and low R were associated with slow and weakly channelized flow over plain areas, leading to saturated overland flow (SOF), with large SMA; (b) events of high I6max, low prev‐SMA, and medium to high R were rapidly transported along the gentle slopes of the basin, related to Hortonian overland flow (HOF) and low post‐SMA; and (c) events of medium to high I6max and prev‐SMA with medium R were related to heterogeneous input‐antecedent‐run‐off conditions combined: Local spatial conditions may have produced HOF or SOF, leading to an averaged response with medium SMA. The interactions between the geomorphology of the basin, the characteristics of the events, and the antecedent conditions may explain the obtained results. This analysis is relevant for the general knowledge of the hydrology of large plains, whose functioning studies are still in their early stages.