bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Liver: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zhang Jianbo , Wang Yuanyuan , Cao Dengfeng
Published: July 2018

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon tumor primarily occurring in the salivary glands and is relatively rare in other sites. In the liver, only one primary adenoid cystic carcinoma has been reported in the English literature. Here we presented a primary hepatic adenoid cystic carcinoma in a 44 years old male. We described its histopathologic features and its immunohistochemical profile, and reviewed the literature. The surgical treatment and patient follow up information was also presented.
Tracking control and robustness study of shifting process
Authors: Zhao Xin-xin , Guan Chao
Published: July 2018

Heavy dump vehicles are usually working with big load changes and bad work environment, thus change the friction performance of transmission clutches, as well as great affect the shift quality seriously, which influence the vehicle performance. Many researchers developed a lot to design a useful automatic transmission control system. Using PID tracking control and Monte Carlo method, the controller based on an dynamic model was set up to analyze the shifting process of automatic transmission and its robustness in this paper．The shift process was divided into four stages, low-gear phase, torque phase, inertia phase and high-gear phase. The model presents the process from the first gear to the second gear when the torque has big change．Since the jerk and the friction work of clutch are both related to the speed of clutch which was easier to control, it was chose as the target to control the oil pressure for satisfying the requirement of shift quality．The simulation software, Maplesim and Simulink, were used to build the vehicle model and shifting controller for simulation under different working conditions, and the maximum jerk was changed from 34 m/s3 to 12 m/s3 after the optimization. In this paper the Monte Carlo has been used to quantize and evaluate the robustness of the closed-loop system for the friction coefficients and output torque of turbine variation leading by the friction feature parameters and throttle angle changed. Monte Carlo method was used to analyze the effectiveness and robustness of PID controller, which proves that it has good control effect when the throttle is ongoing minor fluctuations. When the throttle is full opening, a quadratic optimal controller based on disturbance is designed by the method of multi-objective optimization. When it changes within 20 percent, PID controller was designed under the guidance of tracking thoughts. The results also show that the controller could still obtain better effect when the friction coefficient ranged from -40 % to 40 % as well as engine torque changed from -20 % to 20 %, which indicates the robustness of controller.
Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Mortality in Patients with Cirrhosis and Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Authors: Hung Tsung-Hsing , Tseng Chih-Wei , Lee Hsing-Feng , Tsai Chih-Chun , Tsai Chen-Chi
Published: July 2018

Introduction and aim. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a life-threatening infection in patients with cirrhosis. However, it is unknown whether patients with SBP and cirrhosis who do not have active gastrointestinal bleeding have a poorer prognosis if treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Material and methods. We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database to identify 858 patients with SBP and cirrhosis who were administered PPIs and hospitalized between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2013. One-to-two propensity score matching was performed to select a comparison group based on age, gender, and comorbidities. All patients obtained follow-up for 1 year. Results: The overall 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality was 27.9%, 49.0%, and 73.7%, respectively, in the PPI group and 25.6%, 43.8%, and 67.2%, respectively, in the non-PPI group. After adjusting the Cox regression model for age, gender, and comorbidities, the hazard ratios for PPIs regarding 30-day, 30- to 90-day, and 90-day to 1-year mortality were 1.074 (95% CI 0.917-1.257, P = 0.377), 1.390 (95% CI 1.154-1.673, P = 0.001), and 1.297 (95% CI 1.099-1.531, P = 0.002), respectively. Conclusions: PPIs did not increase the short-term mortality of patients with SBP and cirrosis who did not have active gastrointestinal bleeding, but PPIs increased the long-term mortality risk. For these patients, physicians should discontinue PPIs as early as possible.
Predictors of 1-month and 3-months Hospital Readmissions in Decompensated Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study in a Large Asian Cohort
Authors: Patel Ruchir , Poddar Prateik , Choksi Dhaval , Pandey Vikas , Ingle Meghraj , Khairnar Harshad , Sawant Prabha
Published: July 2018

Introduction and aim. Considered as a healthcare quality indicator, hospital readmissions in decompensated cirrhosis predispose the patients and the society to physical, social and economic distresses. Few studies involving North American cohorts have identified different predictors. The aim of this study was to determine and validate the predictors of 1-month and 3-months readmission in an Asian cohort. Material and methods. We prospectively studied 281 hospitalised patients with decompensated cirrhosis at a large tertiary care public hospital in India between August 2014 and August 2016 and followed them for 3 months. Data regarding demographic, laboratory and disease related risk factors were compiled. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine predictors of readmission at 1-month and 3-months and receiver operating curves (ROC) for significant predictors to obtain the best cut-offs. Results. 1-month and 3-months readmission rates in our study were 27.8% and 42.3%, respectively. Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD) score at discharge (OR:1.24, p < 0.001) and serum sodium (OR:0.94, p-0.039) independently predicted 1- month and MELD score (OR:1.11, p-0.003), serum sodium (OR:0.94, p-0.027) and male gender (OR:2.19, p-0.008) independently predicted 3-months readmissions. Neither aetiology nor complications of cirrhosis emerged as risk factors. MELD score >14 at discharge and serum sodium < 133 mEq/L best predicted readmissions; MELD score being a better predictor than serum sodium (p - 0.0001). Conclusions. High rates of early and late readmissions were found in our study. Further, this study validated readmission predictors in Asian patients. Structured interventions targeting this risk factors may diminish readmissions in decompensated cirrhosis.
Lysosomal Acid Lipase: Can it be a New Non-Invasive Serum Biomarker of Cryptogenic Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis?
Authors: Gravito-Soares Marta , Gravito-Soares Elisa , Gomes Dário , Tomé Luis
Published: July 2018

Introduction and aim. The association between lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) activity and liver steatosis or fibrosis is poorly studied. The aim of our study was to determine the predictive power of LAL for cryptogenic liver steatosis and cryptogenic significant fibrosis/ cirrhosis. Material and methods. Cross-sectional observational study of 101 adult patients with unexplained elevated liver enzymes/hepatomegaly with or without dyslipidemia submitted to the determination of LAL activity and LIPA gene (E8SJMC. 894G→A) mutation. Seventy-one patients underwent liver biopsy or FibroScan®. Patients with an identifiable liver dysfunction
cause and well-stablished NAFLD/NASH risk factors were excluded. Predictors for liver steatosis, significant fibrosis (≥ F2) or cirrosis (F4) were evaluated. Results. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were mainly assessed by liver biopsy (74.6%; n = 53). Steatosis was present in 62.0% (n = 44), significant fibrosis in 47.9% (n = 34) and cirrhosis in 39.4% (n = 28). The median LAL was 0.36 (0.21-0.46)nmol/spot/h (vs. 0.29 (0.20-0.47); p = 0.558) for liver steatosis, 0.22 (0.11-0.29) nmol/spot/h (vs. 0.40 (0.34-0.51); p < 0.001) for significant fibrosis and 0.21 (0.11-0.27) nmol/spot/h (vs. 0.40 (0.32-0.52); p < 0.001) for cirrhosis. No LIPA gene mutations were found. LAL activity was the strongest predictor of significant fibrosis (AUROC: 0.833; p < 0.001) with a cut-off of 0.265 (sensitivity: 85.9%; specificity: 75.0%) and cirrhosis (AUROC: 0.859; p < 0.001) with a cut-off of 0.235 (sensitivity: 86.2%; specificity: 75.0%), being higher than FIB4, GUCI or APRI. However, LAL activity was not associated with liver steatosis (AUROC: 0.536; p = 0.558). Conclusion. LAL activity can be considered a non-invasive new marker of cryptogenic liver fibrosis with higher accuracy than other known biomarkers. LAL activity < 0.265 nmol/spot/h was strongly associated with cryptogenic significant fibrosis and < 0.235 nmol/spot/h with cryptogenic cirrhosis. LAL activity was not associated with cryptogenic liver steatosis.
Performance of Serum Glypican 3 in Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Dahai , Su Chang , Sun Liang , Gao Yuanyuan , Li Youjun
Published: July 2018

Introduction and aim. Serum glypican-3 (GPC3) has been explored as a non-invasive biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, controversy remains on its diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and metaanalysis to evaluate the differential diagnostic accuracy of serum GPC3 between HCC and liver cirrhosis (LC) cases. Material and methods. After the strict filtering and screening of studies from NCBI, PUBMED, Clinical Trials, Cochrane library, Embase, Prospero and Web of Science databases, 11 studies were selected. All studies provided the sensitivity and specificity of GPC3 and
the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the HCC and LC diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were determined and compared between GPC3 and AFP, which was set as a positive control. Results. Pooled sensitivity (95% CI) and specificity (95% CI) were 0.55 (0.52-0.58) and 0.58 (0.54-0.61) for GPC3, 0.54 (0.51-0.57) and 0.83 (0.80-0.85) for AFP, and 0.85 (0.81-0.89) and 0.79 (0.73-0.84) for GPC3 + AFP, respectively. The AUCs of GPC3, AFP and GPC3 + AFP were 0.7793, 0.7867 and 0.9366, respectively. GPC3 had a nearly similar sensitivity as AFP, while the specificity and AUC of GPC3 was lower than that of AFP. The combination of GPC3 and AFP yielded a better sensitivity and AUC than
GPC3 or AFP. Conclusion. Serum GPC3 is inferior to AFP in the differential diagnosis between HCC and LC. However, the combination of GPC3 and AFP exhibited a much better performance.
Determination of trans and Total Vitamin K1 in Infant, Pediatric, and Adult Nutritionals by HPLC with Post Column Reduction and Fluorescence Detection: Multilaboratory Testing Study, AOAC Final Action 2015.09
Authors: Schimpf Karen J , Butler Thompson Linda D , Pan Shang-Jing ,   Collaborators:, Delmonte P , Domer C , Joseph G , Malaviole I , Mittal A , Plaut T , Thompson M , Tian F
Published: July 2018

A multilaboratory study was completed with AOAC INTERNATIONAL First Action Official MethodSM 2015.09, “Determination of trans and Total (cis+trans) Vitamin K1 in Infant, Pediatric, and Adult Nutritionals by HPLC with Post Column Reduction and Fluorescence Detection.” Eight laboratories from six countries participated in the multilaboratory study. Each laboratory analyzed 19 infant, pediatric, and adult nutritionals in duplicate. The product matrixes analyzed included milk, soy, partially hydrolyzed milk, partially hydrolyzed soy, and elemental-based infant formula powders; milk-based infant formula ready-to-feed liquids; pediatric powders; adult low- and high-fat powders; and high-protein ready-to-drink nutritionals. Vitamin K1 was extracted from product matrixes with isooctane after precipitation of proteins and the release of lipids with methanol. Prepared samples were injected onto a silica HPLC column in which cis and trans vitamin K1 were separated with an isooctane–isopropanol mobile phase. The column eluent was mixed with a dilute ethanolic solution of zinc chloride, sodium acetate, and acetic acid, and cis and trans vitamin K1 were reduced to fluorescent derivatives in a zinc reactor column. Overall, trans vitamin K1 repeatability averaged 3.06% relative standard deviation (RSD) with a range of 0.99–7.16% RSD and reproducibility averaged 6.36% RSD with a range of 3.15–16.1% RSD. Repeatability Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR®) were met for all 19 matrixes, and reproducibility SMPRs were met for 18 of the 19 product matrixes analyzed. Repeatability and reproducibility for total (cis + trans) vitamin K1 averaged 3.15% RSD with a range of 1.06–6.87% RSD and 6.11% RSD with a range of 2.94–16.7% RSD, respectively.
Estudio piloto de la postura de pie en deportistas
Authors: Borràs Xantal , Marin F.
Published: July 2018

El objetivo de este estudio piloto es el de analizar la postura de pie en deportistas de diferentes modalidades. Participaron 6 estudiantes masculinos y 1 estudiante femenina, no lesionados. Se tomaron 4 fotografías de los diferentes perfiles que fueron procesadas mediante un programa de análisis postural (SAPO, Sao Paulo). Las referencias anatómicas a digitalizar fueron señalizadas mediante 27 marcadores. Los resultados muestran que, de media, los sujetos presentan desviaciones posturales leves respecto a los valores de referencia, sobretodo destaca la desviación en la alineación vertical de la cabeza (18º). La metodología permite identificar las desviaciones posturales y aplicarla a estudios con un mayor número de sujetos. Esto podría permitir identificar patrones de postura considerados factores de riesgo para padecer una lesión. Así mismo se podría conocer si se producen modificaciones de la postura en función del tipo de modalidad deportiva practicada.
Sky view factor and thermal comfort analysis using hemispheric images from Google Street View and wavelet in an urban ecosystem of the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Rocha Angela Fatima da , Silva Ernany Paranaguá da , Musis Carlo Ralph de , Nogueira Marta Cristina de Albuquerque
Published: July 2018

This article aims to analyse the sky view factor (SVF) in one of the hottest cities of the Brazilian Cerrado, and its correlation with thermal comfort in two urban sections with different characteristics, as well as the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) and predicted mean vote (PMV) indices, complemented by a characterisation in the frequency field for a 12-month cut-off in the same year of relative air temperature and humidity. The study area was located in the central region of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, due to the presence of regions with high urbanisation indices and small parks; one section composed of afforested area and second section composed of varied buildings. To obtain the SVF, the Google Street View image database was used, from which fisheye images were reconstructed and the SVF was determined using  RayMan  software. The PET and PMV indices were determined for the morning, afternoon, and evening, with comfort in the morning and discomfort in the afternoon and evening. Traditional Morlet wavelets were plotted for time series of relative air temperature and humidity for the year 2015, which qualitatively demonstrated some of the dynamics of these micrometeorological variables for tropical Cerrado climate.
Uma proposta para identificação de outliers multivariados
Authors: Barbosa Josino José , Pereira Tiago Martins , Oliveira Fernando Luiz Pereira de
Published: July 2018

In the last years several probability distributions have been proposed in the literature, especially with the aim of obtaining models that are more flexible relative to the behaviors of the density and hazard rate functions. For instance, Ghitany et al. (2013) proposed a new generalization of the Lindley distribution, called power Lindley distribution, whereas Sharma et al. (2015a) proposed the inverse Lindley distribution. From these two generalizations Barco et al. (2017) studied the inverse power Lindley distribution, also called by Sharma et al. (2015b) as generalized inverse Lindley distribution. Considering the inverse power Lindley distribution, in this paper is evaluate the performance, through Monte Carlo simulations, with respect to the bias and consistency of nine different methods of estimations (the maximum likelihood method and eight others based on the distance between the empirical and theoretical cumulative distribution function). The numerical results showed a better performance of the estimation method based on the Anderson-Darling test statistic. This conclusion is also observed in the analysis of two real data sets.
Structural characteristics and biotechnological applications of frutalin: lectin extracted from Artocarpus incisa
Authors: Silva Bianca Régia , Aguiar Franscisco Léo Nascimento de , Silva José Roberto Viana
Published: July 2018

Frutalin is a lectin extracted from the seeds of Artocarpus incisa, which belongs to the Moreacae family. This family consists of approximately 75 genera and 1,550 tropical species that commonly found in pan-tropical regions. Frutalin has attracted the attention of researchers due to its ability to recognize carbohydrates in cell membranes with modifications in the glycosylation pattern. Therefore, frutalin presents a striking potential to be used as biomarker of cancer cells. Despite having a great biotechnological potential, research involving this lectin is still limited. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the structural and functional characteristics of frutalin, properties, the mechanisms of action, as well as the biotechnological applications of this lectin.
Enseñar a pensar históricamente mediante los libros de texto. Implicaciones para la formación inicial del profesorado
Authors: Bernhard Roland
Published: July 2018

Este artículo refleja resultados de un Mixed
Methods research project CAOHT. En
el projecto, es investigado como libros
de textos de history se utilizan en escuelas
secondarias en Austria en el contexto
del cambio de paradigmas hacia orientación
en competencias que fue introducido
en 2008. Resultados de observación
participante qualitativa en 50 lecciones
de historia y entrevistas cualitativas y semistructuradas
con 50 profesores mustran
la crucail importancia de libros de textos
para profesores y la influencia grande que
tienen a la educación de la historia en los
colegios. No obstante, en la formación inical
del profesorado, el trabajo con libros
the textos juega un papel no decisivo. El el
artículo, se afirma por tanto que en la formación
inicial del profesorado, los futuros
profesores deberían aprender a trabajr con
libros de textos de forma reflectiva. Lo último
apoayaría los intentos de implementar
el pensiamiento histórico/científico en la
práctica de la educación de la historia en
Austria.
El desarrollo de la competencia narrativa en estudiantes nativos de español. Análisis e interpretación de una investigación con referentes fílmico-literarios
Authors: Martín Sánchez María Teresa
Published: July 2018

En este trabajo se presenta un modelo de
análisis de la competencia narrativa en estudiantes
de español como lengua madre.
El objetivo es diseñar y convalidar empíricamente
un modelo de producción y de
análisis de la competencia comunicativa
oral y escrita de nivel B2 de estudiantes
que aprenden español como lengua extranjera
y de estudiantes españoles que
estudian la propia lengua en Educación
Secundaria. La novedad de este trabajo
interdisciplinario consiste en el innovador
enfoque semiótico intertextual que se
obtiene gracias a la relación entre cine y
literatura, que desarrollan, gracias a diferentes
estrategias narratológicas, el mismo
referente semántico. Otro aspecto original
de este trabajo es el hecho de que no se

focaliza en compartimentos estancos (texto
literario / texto fílmico), sino que cultiva
un aspecto de correlato intertextual. Se ha
creado un modelo denominado COEN: se
trata de un modelo didáctico de desarrollo
de la Competencia oral y escrita de textos
narrativos en español. COEN se ha pensado
para poder aplicarlo posteriormente
a estudiantes de español como lengua
extranjera y a estudiantes nativos de Educación
Superior que poseen un nivel de
competencia B2. El modelo aúna la producción
y la evaluación de la competencia
discursiva oral y escrita de textos narrativos.
Por motivos de espacio se presentan
los resultados del análisis de las producciones
escritas de los discentes españoles.
Educadores militantes: Educar para la vida mediante el trabajo en empresas de inserción
Authors: Marhuenda Fluixá Fernando
Published: July 2018

Este artículo se centra en el derecho a la
educación para personas que viven en
contextos de vulnerabilidad, en sintonía
pero diferente a la aproximación de Escu-
dero: en primer lugar, es una mirada sobre
la educación no de jóvenes sino de perso-
nas adultas, muchas de ellas con trayecto-
rias educativas truncadas, y todas ellas tras
haber pasado por situaciones vitales que
bien pueden calificarse de marginación y
exclusión. En segundo lugar, ofrece una
mirada a la práctica educativa en un con-
texto no escolar, sino productivo, ya que
pone el foco de atención sobre el apren-
dizaje, tanto intencional como informal,
que tiene lugar en empresas de inserción.
En tercer lugar, nuestra perspectiva es la
de los educadores, que en este caso no
son docentes, sino personal de acompa-
ñamiento contratado en las empresas de
inserción con la doble función de educar
y promocionar al personal a su cargo a la
vez que contribuir a la producción de la
empresa.
A partir de tres casos cuya información se
ha recogido y analizado cualitativamente,
se exponen y discuten las funciones que
realiza este personal, cómo planifican el
itinerario y gestionan cada una de sus fa-
ses, en qué competencias y saberes ponen

los énfasis y, por último, y de ahí también
el título del artículo, en qué medida en-
tienden su trabajo como un compromiso
vital y cuál podría ser, por lo tanto, su en-
foque de enseñanza, sin perder de vista las
condiciones laborales ni a la precariedad
en el mundo del trabajo.
La “uberización” de los centros escolares: reorganización del trabajo pedagógico mediante las plataformas digitales de contenidos
Authors: Pardo Baldoví M. Isabel , Waliño-Guerrero María José , San Martín Alonso Ángel
Published: July 2018

El presente trabajo se inscribe en el marco
de un proyecto de investigación de I+D
que estudia los cambios producidos en
los centros de Primaria por la progresiva
sustitución de los libros de texto por los
materiales digitales. Uno de esos cambios
observados es que los materiales digitales
se hacen operativos mediante plataformas
digitales que, además, se hacen exten-
sibles a otras muchas tareas de centro. A
partir de esta constatación nos ocupamos
aquí del estudio de la “uberización” o
reestructuración organizativa del trabajo
en los centros que operan con estas pla-
taformas. Para alcanzar tal objetivo hemos
recurrido a una metodología de corte cualitativo, tanto para el análisis de la presen-
tación de 15 plataformas digitales como
para el estudio de 4 centros de Primaria
usuarios de estas herramientas. Los resul-
tados apuntan a la plena implantación en
los centros de algún tipo de plataforma.
Su presencia introduce en los centros la
flexibilización, la atomización o la inten-
sificación del trabajo, además de sutiles
dispositivos de control tanto del profeso-
rado como de estudiantes. La provisiona-
lidad de estos primeros datos, nos sugiere
continuar trabajando en esta dirección a
fin de comprender mejor la naturaleza del
fenómeno y sus repercusiones en el fun-
cionamiento de los centros de Primaria.
Miradas retro-prospectivas sobre las Tecnologías Educativas
Authors: Sancho Gil Juana M. , Alonso Cano Cristina , Sánchez Valero Joan-Anton
Published: July 2018

En este artículo compartimos un conjunto
de reflexiones y acciones que han jalo-
nado nuestra trayectoria académica. Un
recorrido entrecruzado que, durante más
de tres décadas, nos ha permitido asistir,
contribuir y analizar de forma crítica los
cambios que han tenido lugar en el ám-
bito de la Educación, en general, y el de
la Tecnología Educativa (TE), en particular.
Desde este panorama de partida, estable-
cemos un diálogo con las aportaciones
de Juan Manuel Escudero en torno a dos
temáticas: La Tecnología Educativa más
allá de las herramientas y Las Tecnologías
Educativas y la formación del profesorado.
El texto acaba con una reflexión prospec-
tiva sobre el futuro-presente de la TE vin-
culado a las ambivalencias, los retos, y los
sentidos de la educación.
El uso escolar de las TIC desde la visión del alumnado de Educación Primaria, ESO y Bachillerato
Authors: Area Moreira Manuel , Cepeda Romero Olga , Feliciano García Luis
Published: July 2018

En este artículo se presentan algunos de los
resultados más destacables sobre la visión
y opiniones que tienen los estudiantes de
Educación Primaria, de la Educación Se-
cundaria Obligatoria y el Bachillerado con
relación al uso escolar de las Tecnologías
de Información y Comunicación (TIC) en
los centros educativos. Para ello se diseñó
un estudio de encuesta en el que se utilizó
como instrumento de recogida de datos
un cuestionario online diseñado ad hoc.
La muestra estuvo constituida por más
de 4.000 estudiantes de todas las islas de
Canarias. Hemos encontrado diferencias
significativas en dichas visiones teniendo
en cuenta la etapa educativa, el género,
y la disponibilidad de tecnologías en el
hogar de los estudiantes. Concluimos en
que la inmensa mayoría del alumnado de
Educación Primaria y Secundaria es una
generación familiarizada con la tecnolo-
gía digital, que está motivada y demanda

el uso escolar continuado de las TIC, aun-
que mantiene una visión crítica hacia las
tareas escolares desarrolladas con las mis-
mas y del grado de competencia digital de
su profesorado.
Evolution of gene dosage on the Z-chromosome of schistosome parasites
Authors: Picard Marion A L , Cosseau Celine , Ferré Sabrina , Quack Thomas , Grevelding Christoph G , Couté Yohann , Vicoso Beatriz
Published: July 2018

XY systems usually show chromosome-wide compensation of X-linked genes, while in many ZW systems, compensation is restricted to a minority of dosage-sensitive genes. Why such differences arose is still unclear. Here, we combine comparative genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics to obtain a complete overview of the evolution of gene dosage on the Z-chromosome of Schistosoma parasites. We compare the Z-chromosome gene content of African (Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium) and Asian (S. japonicum) schistosomes and describe lineage-specific evolutionary strata. We use these to assess gene expression evolution following sex-linkage. The resulting patterns suggest a reduction in expression of Z-linked genes in females, combined with upregulation of the Z in both sexes, in line with the first step of Ohno's classic model of dosage compensation evolution. Quantitative proteomics suggest that post-transcriptional mechanisms do not play a major role in balancing the expression of Z-linked genes.
Developmentally regulated H2Av buffering via dynamic sequestration to lipid droplets in Drosophila embryos
Authors: Johnson Matthew Richard , Stephenson Roxan Amanda , Ghaemmaghami Sina , Welte Michael Andreas
Published: July 2018

Regulating nuclear histone balance is essential for survival, yet in early Drosophila melanogaster embryos many regulatory strategies employed in somatic cells are unavailable. Previous work had suggested that lipid droplets (LDs) buffer nuclear accumulation of the histone variant H2Av. Here, we elucidate the buffering mechanism and demonstrate that it is developmentally controlled. Using live imaging, we find that H2Av continuously exchanges between LDs. Our data suggest that the major driving force for H2Av accumulation in nuclei is H2Av abundance in the cytoplasm and that LD binding slows nuclear import kinetically, by limiting this cytoplasmic pool. Nuclear H2Av accumulation is indeed inversely regulated by overall buffering capacity. Histone exchange between LDs abruptly ceases during the midblastula transition, presumably to allow canonical regulatory mechanisms to take over. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the emerging role of LDs as regulators of protein homeostasis and demonstrate that LDs can control developmental progression.
A novel cecropin B-derived peptide with antibacterial and potential anti-inflammatory properties
Authors: Wang Jiarong , Ma Kun , Ruan Maosen , Wang Yujuan , Li Yan , Fu Yu V. , Song Yonghong , Sun Hongbin , Wang Junfeng
Published: July 2018

Cecropins, originally found in insects, are a group of cationic antimicrobial peptides. Most cecropins have an amphipathic N-terminal segment and a largely hydrophobic C-terminal segment, and normally form a helix-hinge-helix structure. In this study, we developed the novel 32-residue cecropin-like peptide cecropin DH by deleting the hinge region (Alanine-Glycine-Proline) of cecropin B isolated from Chinese oak silk moth,Antheraea pernyi. Cecropin DH possesses effective antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, with very low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Interactions between cecropin DH and the highly anionic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) component of the Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane indicate that it is capable of dissociating LPS micelles and disrupting LPS aggregates into smaller assemblies, which may play a vital role in its antimicrobial activity. Using LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells, we found that cecropin DH exerted higher potential anti-inflammatory activity than cecropin B, as demonstrated by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines nitric oxide production and secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α. In conclusion, cecropin DH has potential as a therapeutic agent for both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory applications.
Increased conspiracy beliefs among ethnic and Muslim minorities
Authors: van Prooijen Jan‐Willem , Staman Jaap , Krouwel André P.M.
Published: July 2018

In the present study, we tested whether Muslim minority members are more susceptible to conspiracy theories than majority members in the Netherlands. We examined conspiracy theories that are relevant (portraying the Muslim community as victim or Jewish people as perpetrators) and irrelevant for participants' Muslim identity (about the 2007 financial crisis, and other theories such as that the moon landings were fake). Results revealed that Muslims believed both identity‐relevant and irrelevant conspiracy theories more strongly than non‐Muslims. These differences could not be attributed to the contents of Muslim faith: Ethnic minority status exerted similar effects independent of Muslim identity. Instead, evidence suggested that feelings of both personal and group‐based deprivation independently contribute to belief in conspiracy theories. We conclude that feelings of deprivation lead marginalized minority members to perceive the social and political system as rigged, stimulating belief in both identity‐relevant and irrelevant conspiracy theories.
Association Between Quantitatively Measured Infrapatellar Fat Pad High Signal‐Intensity Alteration and Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Assessed Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Han Weiyu , Aitken Dawn , Zheng Shuang , Wluka Anita E. , Zhu Zhaohua , Blizzard Leigh , Winzenberg Tania , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme , Ding Changhai
Published: July 2018

Objective

To describe the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between quantitative measures of infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) signal‐intensity alteration and knee structural abnormalities in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A total of 261 patients (mean ± SD age 63.0 ± 7.2 years) with symptomatic knee OA were selected from a randomized controlled trial with a follow‐up of 2 years. IPFP signal‐intensity alterations at baseline were quantitatively measured on T2‐weighted fat‐saturated magnetic resonance imaging using MATLAB. These quantitative measures included the SD of whole IPFP signal intensity measurement, the upper quartile value of high signal intensity (UQH), the ratio of volume of high signal‐intensity alteration to volume of whole IPFP (percentageH), and the clustering effect of high signal intensity (clustering‐factorH). Cartilage volume and defects and bone marrow lesions (BMLs) were assessed using validated measures.

Results

Higher baseline SD of the IPFP, UQH, and clustering‐factorH were associated with greater loss of tibial cartilage volume and larger increases in tibiofemoral cartilage defects over 2 years. Patients with high and medium tertiles of clustering‐factorH had greater loss of cartilage volume per annum compared with those with a low tertile (for high 4.9%, for medium 4.6%, and for low 3.3% annually). Baseline percentageH and clustering‐factorH were positively and significantly associated with increases in tibiofemoral BMLs over 2 years. Cross‐sectional associations between IPFP measures and knee structures were similar but more consistent.

Conclusion

Quantitative measures of increased signal intensity in the IPFP were associated with knee structural abnormalities in the tibiofemoral compartment, suggesting that these measurements could be used as an additional entry criterion to enrich studies for faster progressors of knee OA.
2D Polymers as Emerging Materials for Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Ying , Chen Liang , Xu Hangxun , Xiong Yujie
Published: July 2018

Converting solar energy into storable and transportable chemical fuels using artificial photosynthetic systems can provide an alternative route to the current unsustainable use of fossil fuels, addressing the worldwide energy crisis and environmental issues. Recently, semiconducting polymers have emerged as a very promising class of photocatalysts for water splitting as their electronic and structural properties can be conveniently controlled and systematically designed at a molecular level. Among the various polymer photocatalysts that are reported so far, 2D polymer nanosheets are particularly interesting and gaining more attention. The 2D planar structure offers unique features such as high surface area, abundant surface active sites, efficient charge separation, and facile formation of heterostructures. The design and synthesis of 2D polymer nanosheets have greatly advanced the research in photocatalytic overall water splitting. Here, recent advances in developing photocatalysts based on 2D polymer nanosheets for photocatalytic overall water splitting are highlighted. Specifically, the existing approaches to tune their electronic structures and surface active sites for photocatalysis are discussed. Future opportunities and challenges for developing 2D polymers for photocatalytic overall water splitting are also included.
Low‐Power, Electrochemically Tunable Graphene Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Sharbati Mohammad Taghi , Du Yanhao , Torres Jorge , Ardolino Nolan D. , Yun Minhee , Xiong Feng
Published: July 2018

Brain‐inspired neuromorphic computing has the potential to revolutionize the current computing paradigm with its massive parallelism and potentially low power consumption. However, the existing approaches of using digital complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor devices (with “0” and “1” states) to emulate gradual/analog behaviors in the neural network are energy intensive and unsustainable; furthermore, emerging memristor devices still face challenges such as nonlinearities and large write noise. Here, an electrochemical graphene synapse, where the electrical conductance of graphene is reversibly modulated by the concentration of Li ions between the layers of graphene is presented. This fundamentally different mechanism allows to achieve a good energy efficiency (<500 fJ per switching event), analog tunability (>250 nonvolatile states), good endurance, and retention performances, and a linear and symmetric resistance response. Essential neuronal functions such as excitatory and inhibitory synapses, long‐term potentiation and depression, and spike timing dependent plasticity with good repeatability are demonstrated. The scaling study suggests that this simple, two‐dimensional synapse is scalable in terms of switching energy and speed.
Synthetic Methods for 3,4‐Fused Tricyclic Indoles via Indole Ring Formation
Authors: Nemoto Tetsuhiro , Harada Shingo , Nakajima Masaya
Published: July 2018

3,4‐Fused tricyclic indole frameworks are found in various bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals. The development of an efficient synthetic method for this structural motif has therefore attracted attention in the field of synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. Herein, we summarize recent advances in the synthesis of 3,4‐fused tricyclic indoles. This class of synthetic methods can be roughly classified into two categories: methods using functionalized indole derivatives as starting materials to construct a fused medium‐sized ring (Types A–D: Category I), and methods of constructing a 3,4‐fused tricyclic indole skeleton via indole ring formation (Types E–G: Category II). In this focus review, synthetic methods for 3,4‐fused tricyclic indoles classified as Category II methods are highlighted, following a brief overview of the Category I methods.
S−H⋅⋅⋅π Driven Anti‐Markovnikov Thiol‐Yne Click Reaction
Authors: Choudhuri Khokan , Pramanik Milan , Mandal Arkalekha , Mal Prasenjit
Published: July 2018

Herein we demonstrate that an anti‐Markovnikov selective thiol‐yne‐click (TYC) reaction could be achieved between phenyl acetylenes and thiophenols by exploiting a newly identified S−H⋅⋅⋅π non‐covalent interaction without using any catalysts, additives and solvents. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses also supported that S−H⋅⋅⋅π and cooperative π–π stacking interactions helped to promote this regioselective reaction. The hydrothiolated products were isolated in near quantitative yields. Also, the concept of self‐sorting was demonstrated when styrene, phenyl acetylene and thiophenols were reacted in one pot. Owing to the stronger S−H⋅⋅⋅π preference of ethynyl≡H over the vinyl=H hydrogen bond, selectively, TYC product formation was found to be dominating over the thiol‐ene‐click (TEC) product.
Three‐Dimensional Heterocycles by Iron‐Catalyzed Ring‐Closing Sulfoxide Imidation
Authors: Yu Hao , Li Zhen , Bolm Carsten
Published: July 2018

A general and atom‐economical method for the synthesis of cyclic sulfoximines by intramolecular imidations of azido‐containing sulfoxides using a commercially available FeII phthalocyanine (FeIIPc) as catalyst has been developed. The method conveys a broad functional group tolerance and the resulting three‐dimensional heterocycles can be modified by cross‐coupling reactions.
The Broad Aryl Acid Specificity of the Amide Bond Synthetase McbA Suggests Potential for the Biocatalytic Synthesis of Amides
Authors: Petchey Mark , Cuetos Anibal , Rowlinson Benjamin , Dannevald Stephanie , Frese Amina , Sutton Peter W. , Lovelock Sarah , Lloyd Richard C. , Fairlamb Ian J. S. , Grogan Gideon
Published: July 2018

Amide bond formation is one of the most important reactions in pharmaceutical synthetic chemistry. The development of sustainable methods for amide bond formation, including those that are catalyzed by enzymes, is therefore of significant interest. The ATP‐dependent amide bond synthetase (ABS) enzyme McbA, from Marinactinospora thermotolerans, catalyzes the formation of amides as part of the biosynthetic pathway towards the marinacarboline secondary metabolites. The reaction proceeds via an adenylate intermediate, with both adenylation and amidation steps catalyzed within one active site. In this study, McbA was applied to the synthesis of pharmaceutical‐type amides from a range of aryl carboxylic acids with partner amines provided at 1–5 molar equivalents. The structure of McbA revealed the structural determinants of aryl acid substrate tolerance and differences in conformation associated with the two half reactions catalyzed. The catalytic performance of McbA, coupled with the structure, suggest that this and other ABS enzymes may be engineered for applications in the sustainable synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant (chiral) amides.
Control of the Alternating Sequence for N‐Isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and Methacrylic Acid Units in a Copolymer by Cyclopolymerization and Transformation of the Cyclopendant Group
Authors: Kametani Yuki , Sawamoto Mitsuo , Ouchi Makoto
Published: July 2018

An alternating copolymer of methacrylic acid and N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) was synthesized by selective cyclopolymerization of a special divinyl monomer and transformation of repeating cyclo‐units in the resultant cyclopolymer. Crucial to the breakthrough is the monomer design in view of two types of cleavable bonds (3° ester and activated ester) in the pendant group of the monomer and the lower reactivity ratio of the two double bonds (methacrylate and electron‐poor acrylate) for the polymerizable groups. The thus‐obtained cyclopolymer was transformed into the alternating copolymer by transformation of the activated ester into amide by isopropyl amine and cleavage of the 3° ester by trifluoroacetic acid. The resultant copolymer showed thermal and pH response in aqueous solution that was different from the 1:1 random copolymer as well as the homopolymers.
Highly Efficient CO2 Electroreduction on ZnN4‐based Single‐Atom Catalyst
Authors: Yang Fa , Song Ping , Liu Xiaozhi , Mei Bingbao , Xing Wei , Jiang Zheng , Gu Lin , Xu Weilin
Published: July 2018

The electrochemical reduction reaction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) to carbon monoxide (CO) is the basis for the further synthesis of more complex carbon‐based fuels or attractive feedstock. Single‐atom catalysts have unique electronic and geometric structures with respect to their bulk counterparts, thus exhibiting unexpected catalytic activities. A nitrogen‐anchored Zn single‐atom catalyst is presented for CO formation from CO2RR with high catalytic activity (onset overpotential down to 24 mV), high selectivity (Faradaic efficiency for CO (FECO) up to 95 % at −0.43 V), remarkable durability (>75 h without decay of FECO), and large turnover frequency (TOF, up to 9969 h−1). Further experimental and DFT results indicate that the four‐nitrogen‐anchored Zn single atom (Zn‐N4) is the main active site for CO2RR with low free energy barrier for the formation of *COOH as the rate‐limiting step.
Manganese Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Organic Carbonates to Methanol and Alcohols
Authors: Kumar Amit , Janes Trevor , Espinosa‐Jalapa Noel Angel , Milstein David
Published: July 2018

The first example of a homogeneous catalyst based on an earth‐abundant metal for the hydrogenation of organic carbonates to methanol and alcohols is reported. Based on the mechanistic investigation, which indicates metal‐ligand cooperation between the manganese center and the N−H group of the pincer ligand, we propose that the hydrogenation of organic carbonates to methanol occurs via formate and aldehyde intermediates. The reaction offers an indirect route for the conversion of CO2 to methanol, which coupled with the use of an earth abundant catalyst, makes the overall process environmentally benign and sustainable.
G‐quadruplex Nanowires To Direct the Efficiency and Selectivity of Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: He Lei , Sun Xiaofu , Zhang Hua , Shao Fangwei
Published: July 2018

DNA as a medium for electron transfer has been widely used in photolytic processes but is seldom applied to dark reaction of CO2 reduction. A G‐quadruplex nanowire (tsGQwire) assembled by guanine tetranucleotides was used to host several metal complexes and further to mediate electron transfer processes in the electrochemical reduction of CO2 catalyzed by these complexes. The tsGQwire modified electrode increased the Faradaic efficiency of cobalt(II) phthalocyanine (CoIIPc) 2.5‐folds for CO production than bare CoIIPc electrode, with a total current density of 11.5 mA cm−2. Comparable Faradaic efficiency of HCOOH production was achieved on tsGQwire electrode when the catalytic center was switched to a GQ targeting Ru complex. The high efficiency and selectivity of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction was attributed to the unique binding of metal complexes on G‐quadruplex and electron transfer mediated by GQ nanowire to achieve efficient redox cycling of catalytic centers on the electrode.
Development of 16 microsatellite markers for the Korean endemic Vicia hirticalycina (Fabaceae)
Authors: Park Jong‐Won , Choi In‐Su , Choi Byoung‐Hee
Published: July 2018

Premise of the Study

Vicia hirticalycina (Fabaceae) is a narrowly endemic species restricted to mountain valleys of southern Korea. To investigate its fine‐scale genetic diversity and differentiation in Korea, we developed polymorphic microsatellite markers.

Methods and Results

Sixteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from Illumina MiSeq data. In 74 individual plants from four populations, one to seven alleles were expressed for each locus. The levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 0.778 and from 0.000 to 0.738, respectively. Cross‐amplification was conducted with three related species and seven to 11 markers were successfully amplified.

Conclusions

These new microsatellite markers will be useful in future studies on the population genetics of V. hirticalycina.
Examining the Energy Performance Associated With Typical Pipe Unit Head Loss Thresholds
Authors: Hashemi Saeed , Filion Yves R. , Speight Vanessa L.
Published: July 2018

The energy performance of water mains is rarely used as a criterion for pipe rehabilitation decisions, yet there is a need to identify the worst‐performing pipes to target investment wisely. This study links pipe characteristics with energy performance to understand how traditional pipe replacement thresholds perform in terms of energy. A cross‐correlation analysis between pipe characteristics and pipe energy performance metrics, using a benchmarking data set of more than 20,000 water mains from 17 distribution systems, showed that unit head loss is closely related to net energy efficiency and the energy lost to friction (ELTF) in pipes, along with flow. Under average flow conditions, 3.2% of the pipes exceeded 3 m/km (ft/1,000 ft) of unit head loss, with 1.1% exceeding the more stringent 10 m/km threshold. Over 90% of pipes have a unit head loss below 1 m/km, which corresponds to an ELTF of 1.9%.
Effects of treadmill exercise on cerebral angiogenesis and MT1‐MMP expression after cerebral ischemia in rats
Authors: Tang Yi , Zhang Yixian , Zheng MouWei , Chen Jianhao , Chen Hongbin , Liu Nan
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Despite the increased understanding of treadmill training on angiogenesis of stroke patients, its mechanism is not clearly known. The metalloproteinase membrane type 1‐metalloprotease (MT1‐MMP) promotes the regeneration of the peripheral vessels but seldom research on the regeneration of cerebral blood vessels. This study was designed to investigate the effects of treadmill exercise on angiogenesis and MT1‐MMP expression after cerebral ischemia in rats.

Methods

The adult male Sprague Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group, the middle cerebral artery occlusion group(MCAO) and middle cerebral artery occlusion group(MCAO)+exercise group. In 4d, 7d or 14d after MCAO, respectively, the rats’ neurological function was evaluated by the modified neurologic severity scores (mNSS); the microvessel numbers in areas surrounding cerebral ischemia were counted with Microvessel Density(MVD)analysis; the levels of MT1‐MMP and reversion‐inducing cysteine‐rich protein with Kazalmotifs (RECK) were detected by Western‐blot and immunohistochemical method.

Results

Compared with MCAO group, the number of capillaries and the level of MT1‐MMP expression around the area of cerebral ischemia were significantly increased in each exercise group (p < 0.05), while the level of RECK expression and the scores of mNSS in each exercise group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study suggested that treadmill exercise training can significantly promote angiogenesis and improve neurological function after cerebral ischemia. Its mechanism may be related to the upgraduation of the MT1‐MMP expression in brain microvessels surrounding area of the ischemic rat.