bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interactive effect of herbivory, nutrient enrichment and mucilage on shallow rocky macroalgal communities
Authors: Caronni Sarah , Calabretti Chiara , Citterio Sandra , Delaria Maria Anna , Gentili Rodolfo , Macri Giovanni , Montagnani Chiara , Navone Augusto , Panzalis Pieraugusto , Piazza Giulia , Ceccherelli Giulia
Published: May 2019

This paper focuses on the interactive short and long-term effect of three different stressors on a macroalgal assemblage. Three stressors are considered: herbivory, nutrients and mucilage. The experiment was conducted in Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (Mediterranean Sea) during a bloom of the benthic mucilage-producing microalga Chrysophaeum taylorii (Pelagophyceae); this microalga is recently spreading in the Mediterranean Sea. On a rocky substratum, 36 plots 20 × 20 cm in size were prepared. Factorial combinations of three experimental treatments were applied in triplicate, including three grazing levels crossed with two nutrient enrichment and two mucilage removal treatments. Significant differences were observed among treatments 8 weeks later, at the end of summer. In particular, dark filamentous algae were more abundant in all enriched plots, especially where mucilage and macroalgae had been removed; a higher percent cover of crustose coralline algae was instead observed where nutrients had been increased and no grazing pressure acted. Furthermore, the abundance of Dictyota spp. and Laurencia spp. was significantly higher in enriched mucilage-free plots where the grazing pressure was null or low. However, the effects of the treatments on the overall assemblage of the macroalgal community were not long persistent (36 weeks later). These results illustrate the capacity of a shallow-water macroalgal community to quickly recover from the simultaneous impacts of herbivory, nutrient enrichment, and mucilage.
Determination of Proximate Composition and Phytochemical Constituents of Corchorus oliterious (Ewudu) Harvested in Ugep, Cross River State
Authors: Ekpo Grace , Eteng O. E. , Bassey Stella , Leah Alabi , Abam Kenyoh , Ufort Saviour , Uboh Friday
Published: May 2019

Aims: To Determine the proximate composition and phytochemicals constituents of Corchorus olitorious leaves harvested in ugep, Cross River State. The leaves were purchased locally. Methodology: The leaves were washed to remove sand and other particles like pieces of wood which may act as contaminants, thereafter the leaves were dried to a certain temperature. The dried leaves were blended into powder using a standard method of AOAC (2005) (Association of analytical chemist). Evaluation of Corchorus Oliterous for proximate and phytochemical composition were conducted using standard methods.

Results: The result obtained on the proximate composition of Corchorus Oliterious revealed the following; Moisture (84.40±0.10 mg/100g), Ash (2.90±0.10 mg/100g), Protein (4.66±0.02 mg/100g), Fibre (2.70±0.10 mg/100g), Fat (4.30±0.10 mg/100g) and Carbohydrate (85.10±0.02 mg/100g). The phytochemical analysis of the leaf extracts of Corchorus olitorious which was done both Qualitatively and quantitatively revealed the presence of alkaloids (2.40±0.10 mg/100g), glycoside (2.53±0.01 mg/100g), saponins (3.32±0.02 mg/100g), Tannins (0.47±0.01 mg/100g), flavonoid (6.30±0.10 mg/100g), reducing compounds (4.60±0.02 mg/100g) and polyphenols (6.50±0.02 mg/100g).

Conclusion: the leafy vegetables of this plant if consume in sufficient amount would contribute greatly to the nutritional requirement for human health.
Mitochondria‐Targeted Two‐Photon Fluorescent Photosensitizers for Cancer Cell Apoptosis via Spatial Selectability
Authors: Ni Yun , Zhang Hang , Chai Chou , Peng Bo , Zhao Ang , Zhang Jie , Li Lin , Zhang Chengwu , Ma Bo , Bai Hua , Lim Kah‐Leong , Huang Wei
Published: May 2019

Organelle‐targeted photosensitizers have been reported to be effective cell apoptosis agents. Mitochondria is recognized as an ideal target for cancer treatment due to its central role in oxidative metabolism and apoptosis. Meanwhile, two‐photon (TP) fluorescence microscopy has become a powerful tool for fluorescence imaging in biological events based on its minimizing photodamage/photobleaching and intrinsic 3D resolution in deep tissues and in vivo. In this study, a series of novel mitochondrial‐targeted TP fluorescent photosensitizers (TP‐tracers) are designed, synthesized, and systematically investigated. These TP‐tracers exhibit extraordinary anti‐interference capability among different cations, anions, and amino acids as well as the insensitivity to the changes of pH and complex biological environments. TP‐tracers are further used in fluorescence living cells, Drosophila brains, and zebrafish imaging with low cytotoxicity, excellent mitochondria‐targeting, and TP properties. The results demonstrate efficient mitochondria‐targeting cell selective apoptosis based on TP‐activated cancer cells with highly single cell selectivity, and the pharmacokinetic study reveals that MitoY2 does not have accumulation in rats. It is believed that these molecules hold great potential in TP‐related smart phototherapy.
Differential Homeostasis of Sessile and Pendant Epithelium Reconstituted in a 3D‐Printed “GeminiChip”
Authors: Cai Pingqiang , Li Zhuyun , Keneth Ela Sachyani , Wang Luying , Wan Changjin , Jiang Ying , Hu Benhui , Wu Yun‐Long , Wang Shutao , Lim Chwee Teck , Makeyev Eugene V. , Magdassi Shlomo , Chen Xiaodong
Published: May 2019

Local mechanical cues can affect crucial fate decisions of living cells. Transepithelial stress has been discussed in the context of epithelial monolayers, but the lack of appropriate experimental systems leads current studies to approximate it simply as an in‐plane stress. To evaluate possible contribution of force vectors acting in other directions, double epithelium in a 3D‐printed “GeminiChip” containing a sessile and a pendant channel is reconstituted. Intriguingly, the sessile epithelia is prone to apoptotic cell extrusion upon crowding, whereas the pendant counterpart favors live cell delamination. Transcriptome analyses show upregulation of RhoA, BMP2, and hypoxia‐signaling genes in the pendant epithelium, consistent with the onset of an epithelial–mesenchymal transition program. HepG2 microtumor spheroids also display differential spreading patterns in the sessile and pendant configuration. Using this multilayered GeminiChip, these results uncover a progressive yet critical role of perpendicular force vectors in collective cell behaviors and point at fundamental importance of these forces in the biology of cancer.
Analysis and Measurement of Adhesive Behavior for Gecko‐Inspired Synthetic Microwedge Structure
Authors: Chu Zhongyi , Wang Chang , Hai Xiao , Deng Jie , Cui Jing , Sun Lining
Published: May 2019

Synthetic microwedge adhesive inspired by gecko has great advantages in its prominent adhesion property and controllability. Clarifying the adhesion mechanism is significant for designing structure and enhancing performance. However, previous investigations have not given a thorough exposition in the adhesion mechanism of microwedge structure, especially, the complex relationship among shear load, contact area, and normal adhesion. In this paper, aiming to clarify the relationship mentioned above, a novel microwedge adhesive representation combined profile‐constructed elastic beam model with a peel zone radius exact‐solved cylindrical Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) model is proposed. First, the contact area can be obtained by reconstructing principal profile to the curved neutral surface based on the elastic beam model under different shear loads. Then the cylindrical JKR model with exact‐solved fitting radius of peel zone is formulated to establish the relationship between shear load and normal adhesion of a single microwedge. Further, the effective contact between neighboring microwedges is considered to constrain the single microwedge deformation. Moreover, the microwedge array model takes into account the influence of normal movement, which is expressed with a correction factor based on comparison of theoretical analysis and measurement results. Finally, the model is verified with the simulation and the experimental measurement of two customized apparatuses.
Mutational spectrum of dystrophinopathies in Singapore: Insights for genetic diagnosis and precision therapy
Authors: Tomar Swati , Moorthy Vikaesh , Sethi Raman , Chai Josiah , Low Poh Sim , Hong Stacey Tay Kiat , Lai Poh San
Published: May 2019

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD) are X‐linked recessive disorders caused by mutations in the DMD gene. Emerging therapies targeting patients with specific mutations are now becoming a reality for many of these patients. Precise molecular diagnosis is essential to facilitate the identification of possible new treatments for patients in the local context. In this study, we screened 145 dystrophinopathic patients in Singapore and assessed their molecular status for eligibility to current emerging genetic therapies. Overall, 140 (96.5%) of all patients harbored pathogenic DMD mutations comprising 95 exonic deletions (65.5%), 14 exonic duplications (9.7%), and 31 pathogenic small mutations (21.4%). Nonsense and frameshift mutations constitute 83.9% of all the small mutations. We found 71% (103/145) of all Singaporean dystrophinopathy patients to be theoretically amenable for exon skipping, either through skipping of single (53.1%) or multiple exons (17.9%). This approach is applicable to 81.1% (77/95) of patients carrying deletions and 83.9% (26/31) of those with small mutations. Eteplirsen induced skipping of exon 51 is applicable to 12.4% of local patients. Nonsense read‐through therapy was found to be applicable in another 12.4% of all patients. Mutation screening is crucial for providing insights into the underlying genetic signature of the disease in the local population and contributes toward existing information on DMD mutations in Asia and globally. This will guide future targeted drug development and clinical trial planning for this disease.
A simple kernel co‐occurrence‐based enhancement for pseudo‐relevance feedback
Authors: Pan Min , Huang Jimmy Xiangji , He Tingting , Mao Zhiming , Ying Zhiwei , Tu Xinhui
Published: May 2019

Pseudo‐relevance feedback is a well‐studied query expansion technique in which it is assumed that the top‐ranked documents in an initial set of retrieval results are relevant and expansion terms are then extracted from those documents. When selecting expansion terms, most traditional models do not simultaneously consider term frequency and the co‐occurrence relationships between candidate terms and query terms. Intuitively, however, a term that has a higher co‐occurrence with a query term is more likely to be related to the query topic. In this article, we propose a kernel co‐occurrence‐based framework to enhance retrieval performance by integrating term co‐occurrence information into the Rocchio model and a relevance language model (RM3). Specifically, a kernel co‐occurrence‐based Rocchio method (KRoc) and a kernel co‐occurrence‐based RM3 method (KRM3) are proposed. In our framework, co‐occurrence information is incorporated into both the factor of the term discrimination power and the factor of the within‐document term weight to boost retrieval performance. The results of a series of experiments show that our proposed methods significantly outperform the corresponding strong baselines over all data sets in terms of the mean average precision and over most data sets in terms of P@10. A direct comparison of standard Text Retrieval Conference data sets indicates that our proposed methods are at least comparable to state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Nation‐wide failure of voluntary folic acid fortification of corn masa flour and tortillas with folic acid
Authors: Kancherla Vijaya , Averbach Hallie , Oakley Godfrey P.
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required all enriched cereal grains to be fortified with folic acid in 1998. In April 2016, the FDA published regulations allowing voluntary fortification of corn masa flour with folic acid to address the high prevalence of folic acid‐preventable spina bifida and anencephaly among Hispanics. Our objective was to survey folic acid‐fortified corn masa and corn tortilla products in the country using a national social media campaign.

METHODS

In January 2019, we conducted a social media campaign (#FindFolicAcid) engaging citizens nationwide to survey local stores for folic acid in corn masa flour and corn tortilla products. Photos of products and nutrition labels were shared with the researchers on various social media portals (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). The posts were summarized for a descriptive analysis.

RESULTS

People from 28 states shared photos of 132 products, including 43 unique corn masa flour or corn tortilla products. Of those, only three corn masa flour products included folic acid: (a) Maseca Instant White (4.4 lb bag); (b) Masa Brosa Instant; and (c) Masa Brosa Instant Blue. None of the corn tortilla products were fortified.

CONCLUSION

There is a failure of voluntary folic acid fortification of corn masa flour and products nationally. Until folic acid fortification of corn masa products is implemented fully in the country, Hispanic women of reproductive age should take a daily vitamin supplement which includes at least 400 mcg of folic acid to prevent spina bifida and anencephaly.
Multiscale simulation of the effects of atrioventricular block and valve diseases on heart performance
Authors: Syomin Fyodor A. , Zberia Maria V. , Tsaturyan Andrey K.
Published: May 2019

A new mathematical model of the cardiovascular system is proposed. The left ventricle is described by an axisymmetric multiscale model where myocardium is treated as an incompressible transversely isotropic medium with a realistic distribution of fibre orientation. Active tension and its regulation by Ca2+ ions are described by our recent kinetic model. A lumped parameter model is used for the simulation of blood circulation, in which the left and right atria and the right ventricle are described by a system of ordinary differential equations for active pressure‐volume relationships. The stress and strain of the left ventricle myocardium were calculated by the finite element method implemented by the authors. The changes in the haemodynamics upon changes in preload of a healthy heart, upon physical exercise, and in case of atrioventricular block with different types of arrhythmias were simulated. To simulate the effect of stenosis or regurgitation of the aortic or mitral valves, the hydraulic and inertial flow resistances of the heart valves were set as functions of their orifice areas. The model reproduced a number of phenomena observed in clinical practice, including the classification of the severity of valve disease.
Rational Fabrication of Nitrogen and Sulfur Codoped Carbon Nanotubes/MoS2 for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xiang Kaixiong , Wen Xiaoyu , Hu Jun , Wang Sicheng , Chen Han
Published: May 2019

Lithium–sulfur batteries are more promising and attractive than lithium‐ion batteries owing to a higher charge‐storage capacity. However, their commercial applications are hindered by an undesirable polysulfide shuttling effect during the cycling procedure. Herein, nitrogen and sulfur codoped carbon nanotubes intertwined with flower‐like molybdenum disulfide (NSCNTs/MoS2) were synthesized by using a feasible hydrothermal method and used as effective lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) tamers. The NSCNTs/MoS2 had a strong hybrid structure with strong interfacial interactions for physical confinement, chemical adsorption, and electrocatalytic conversion of intermediate LiPSs during the charge–discharge process. The NSCNTs intensified the flexibility and constructed a conductive framework for rapid ion/electron transfer, whereas the electrocatalysis of MoS2 managed the sulfur reaction chemistry in two ways: it chemically immobilized LiPSs through Li−S bonds and kinetically sped up the sulfur redox reactions. Owing to these merits, the Li–S cell with a NSCNTs/MoS2 host and NSCNTs/MoS2‐coated separator (NSCNTs/MoS2/S‐NM) exhibited a high reversible capacity of 814 mAh g−1 at 1.0 C and long‐lasting cycling durability with an ultralow capacity decay of 0.02 % per cycle over 1000 cycles. Accordingly, rationally integrating the concepts of physical immobilization, chemical capture, and electrocatalysis to establish a multifaced cell structure for the architecture of high‐performance Li–S batteries is a significant strategy.
Diabetic neuropathy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Diagnosis, pathogenesis, and associated genetic markers
Authors: Kallinikou Dimitra , Soldatou Alexandra , Tsentidis Charalambos , Louraki Maria , Kanaka‐Gantenbein Christina , Kanavakis Emmanouil , Karavanaki Kyriaki
Published: May 2019

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common long‐term complication of type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes mellitus, with significant morbidity and mortality. DN is defined as impaired function of the autonomic and/or peripheral nervous system, often subclinical, particularly in children and adolescents with T1D. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and skin biopsies are considered gold‐standard methods in the assessment of DN. Multiple environmental and genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of DN. Specifically, the role of metabolic control and glycemic variability is of paramount importance. A number of recently identified genes, including the AKR1B1, VEGF, MTHFR, APOE, and ACE genes, contribute significantly in the pathogenesis of DN. These genes may serve as biomarkers to predict future DN development or treatment response. In addition, they may serve as the basis for the development of new medications or gene therapy. In this review, the diagnostic evaluation, pathogenesis, and associated genetic markers of DN in children and adolescents with T1D are presented and discussed.
In vitro metabolism of the novel synthetic opioid agonist cyclopropylfentanyl and subsequent confirmation in authentic human samples using liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Cutler Charlotte , Hudson Simon
Published: May 2019

Novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) are a class of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) that are growing in popularity and presenting a significant public health risk. Included in this class are derivatives of the highly potent analgesic, fentanyl. Cyclopropylfentanyl (CycP‐F) was first reported to the EU Early Warning System in August 2017, and was subsequently linked to more than 100 deaths in the US alone. Limited pharmacological, pharmacokinetic or toxicological data is available for many emerging NSOs; however we can expect novel fentanyl analogues to present limited detection windows, short onset, narrow therapeutic indices and the potential for very high potency. Knowledge of the metabolism of these drugs is essential for the identification of analytical targets for their detection. Therefore in vitro metabolites of CycP‐F were produced using human liver microsomal incubations. Metabolites formed were elucidated using liquid chromatography‐high resolution accurate mass analysis (LC‐HRAM). Identified metabolites were added to our accurate mass screening database for NPS which was utilised for subsequent screening analysis. CycP‐F and metabolites were identified in two human blood case samples. Eleven metabolites were identified in vitro, with the major metabolites produced via N‐dealkylation, monohydroxylation and N‐oxidation. Analysis of the positive case samples identified four in vivo metabolites, all of which were observed in vitro. The major metabolite identified in vitro and in vivo was the N‐dealkylated nor‐metabolite; two further mono‐hydroxylated and one dihydroxylated metabolite were detected in vivo.
Recent development in chitosan nanocomposites for surface‐based biosensor applications
Authors: Jiang Yu , Wu Jayne
Published: May 2019

Recent years have witnessed ever expanding use of biosensors in the fields of environmental monitoring, homeland security, pharmaceutical, food and bioprocessing, and agricultural industries. To produce effective and reliable biosensors, good quality immobilization of biological recognition elements is critical. Chitosan and its nanocomposites emerge as an excellent immobilization matrix on biosensor surface. As a natural polysaccharide, chitosan has many useful characteristics, such as high permeability and mechanical strength, biocompatibility and non‐toxicity, availability, and low cost. Due to the presence of amino and hydroxyl groups on chitosan, chitosan can easily crosslink with a variety of nanomaterials. This investigation of chitosan nanocomposite‐based biosensors presents recent development and innovations in the preparation of chitosan nanocomposites in coordination with biosensors for various bio‐detection applications, including chitosan nanocomposites formed with carbon nanomaterials, various inorganic and biological complexes. These chitosan nanocomposite based biosensors have demonstrated good sensitivity selectivity and stability for the detection of different types of targets ranging from glucose, proteins, DNAs, small biomolecules to bacteria. It is in our hope that this review will offer guidance for the development of novel biosensors and open up opportunities in the field of biosensor research.
Modeling and energy management of a photovoltaic‐fuel cell‐battery hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Huang Zhiyu , Zhang Caizhi , Zeng Tao , Lv Chen , Chan Siew H.
Published: May 2019

Automobile power systems are increasingly in need of renewable and clean energy sources such as solar energy and fuel cells in the context of global warming. This article investigates the feasibility of a photovoltaic‐fuel cell‐battery hybrid electric vehicle (PVFCHEV) via a model‐based approach and delivers two major original contributions. First, a completed PVFCHEV system, which consists of the electric power system, the control system, and the vehicle powertrain system, is modeled in detail in Matlab/Simulink environment. Second, a fuzzy logic control based energy management strategy (EMS) is developed, aiming to maximize solar energy utilization under the fast‐changing power demand, the variance of solar energy, and different levels of battery state‐of‐charge. The simulation results of the functional test, including idling, accelerating, and cruising at different solar radiations and battery states, reveal that the designed vehicular power system and the EMS work reasonably well. Then, with the simulation of a particular driving cycle test in three typical scenarios (high, low, and zero solar radiances with different battery SOC), the power system proves to work effectively and adaptively in different situations under the regulation of the EMS and demonstrates better fuel economy than using a widely‐adopted power‐following control strategy.
Hepatocyte Deletion of Triglyceride‐Synthesis Enzyme Acyl CoA: Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase 2 Reduces Steatosis Without Increasing Inflammation or Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Gluchowski Nina L. , Gabriel Katlyn R. , Chitraju Chandramohan , Bronson Roderick T. , Mejhert Niklas , Boland Sebastian , Wang Kun , Lai Zon Weng , Farese Robert V. , Walther Tobias C.
Published: May 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excess lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and represents a huge public health problem owing to its propensity to progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and liver failure. The lipids stored in hepatic steatosis (HS) are primarily triglycerides (TGs) synthesized by two acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) enzymes. Either DGAT1 or DGAT2 catalyzes this reaction, and these enzymes have been suggested to differentially utilize exogenous or endogenously synthesized fatty acids, respectively. DGAT2 has been linked to storage of fatty acids from de novo lipogenesis, a process increased in NAFLD. However, whether DGAT2 is more responsible for lipid accumulation in NAFLD and progression to fibrosis is currently unknown. Also, it is unresolved whether DGAT2 can be safely inhibited as a therapy for NAFLD. Here, we induced NAFLD‐like disease in mice by feeding a diet rich in fructose, saturated fat, and cholesterol and found that hepatocyte‐specific Dgat2 deficiency reduced expression of de novo lipogenesis genes and lowered liver TGs by ~70%. Importantly, the reduction in steatosis was not accompanied by increased inflammation or fibrosis, and insulin and glucose metabolism were unchanged. Conclusion: This study suggests that hepatic DGAT2 deficiency successfully reduces diet‐induced HS and supports development of DGAT2 inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for treating NAFLD and preventing downstream consequences.
Inorganic Quantum Dot Materials and their Applications in “Organic” Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Li Benxuan , Kim Jong Min , Amaratunga Gehan A. J.
Published: May 2019

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials for polymer‐nanocrystal hybrid solar cells (HSCs). The aim of this review article is to present a comprehensive and current overview of inorganic QDs and their applications in HSCs. Fundamental properties of QDs are first illustrated. And then recent studies that have been done to elucidate charge dynamics of QDs and improve hybrid device performance are summarised and discussed in detail. Finally, an outlook is presented considering current existing challenges in HSCs.
Maternal and infant characteristics connected to shared pleasure in dyadic interaction
Authors: Puura Kaija , Leppänen Jukka , Salmelin Raili , Mäntymaa Mirjami , Luoma Ilona , Latva Reija , Peltola Mikko , Lehtimäki Terho , Tamminen Tuula
Published: May 2019

The aim of the study was to analyze which maternal factors (depressive symptoms, effect of life events, maternal sensitivity and structuring) and infant characteristics (temperament, social withdrawal symptoms, interactive behavior, genotype, gender) contribute to shared pleasure (SP) in parent–infant interaction. Participants were 113 mother–infant dyads. The mothers filled in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Infant Behavior Questionnaire, and the Life Events Questionnaire. The dyads were videotaped in a free‐play situation, and the videos were analyzed using the Alarm Distress Baby Scale and the Emotional Availability Scales. The infants were genotyped for four genes involved in emotion regulation. The occurrence and duration of SP (SP‐MD) in mother–infant interactions were analyzed from the videotapes. Higher maternal sensitivity and depressive symptoms, better infant responsiveness, and the infant having the GG variant of the gene tryptophan hydroxylase isoform 2 (TPH2) ‐307 were associated with the occurrence of SP. Lower level depressive symptoms, better maternal structuring, and greater infant involvement were associated with the longer duration of SP. Those dyads where the mother and infant were best able to read each other's positive cues and to respond to them were more likely to experience mutual positive affect, as seen in SP.
Fingerprint‐to‐CH stretch continuously tunable high spectral resolution stimulated Raman scattering microscope
Authors: Laptenok Sergey P. , Rajamanickam Vijayakumar P. , Genchi Luca , Monfort Tual , Lee Yeonwoo , Patel Imran I. , Bertoncini Andrea , Liberale Carlo
Published: May 2019

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is a label‐free method generating images based on chemical contrast within samples, and has already shown its great potential for high‐sensitivity and fast imaging of biological specimens. The capability of SRS to collect molecular vibrational signatures in bio‐samples, coupled with the availability of powerful statistical analysis methods, allows quantitative chemical imaging of live cells with sub‐cellular resolution. This application has substantially driven the development of new SRS microscopy platforms. Indeed, in recent years, there has been a constant effort on devising configurations able to rapidly collect Raman spectra from samples over a wide vibrational spectral range, as needed for quantitative analysis by using chemometric methods. In this paper, an SRS microscope which exploits spectral shaping by a narrowband and rapidly tunable acousto‐optical tunable filter (AOTF) is presented. This microscope enables spectral scanning from the Raman fingerprint region to the Carbon‐Hydrogen (CH)‐stretch region without any modification of the optical setup. Moreover, it features also a high enough spectral resolution to allow resolving Raman peaks in the crowded fingerprint region. Finally, application of the developed SRS microscope to broadband hyperspectral imaging of biological samples over a large spectral range from 800 to 3600 cm−1, is demonstrated.
VEGFA From Early Osteoblast Lineage Cells (Osterix+) Is Required in Mice for Fracture Healing
Authors: Buettmann Evan G , McKenzie Jennifer A , Migotsky Nicole , Sykes David AW , Hu Pei , Yoneda Susumu , Silva Matthew J
Published: May 2019

Bone formation via intramembranous and endochondral ossification is necessary for successful healing after a wide range of bone injuries. The pleiotropic cytokine, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) has been shown, via nonspecific pharmacologic inhibition, to be indispensable for angiogenesis and ossification following bone fracture and cortical defect repair. However, the importance of VEGFA expression by different cell types during bone healing is not well understood. We sought to determine the role of VEGFA from different osteoblast cell subsets following clinically relevant models of bone fracture and cortical defect. Ubiquitin C (UBC), Osterix (Osx), or Dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1) Cre-ERT2 mice (male and female) containing floxed VEGFA alleles (VEGFAfl/fl) were either given a femur full fracture, ulna stress fracture, or tibia cortical defect at 12 weeks of age. All mice received tamoxifen continuously starting 2 weeks before bone injury and throughout healing. UBC Cre-ERT2 VEGFAfl/fl (UBC cKO) mice, which were used to mimic nonspecific inhibition, had minimal bone formation and impaired angiogenesis across all bone injury models. UBC cKO mice also exhibited impaired periosteal cell proliferation during full fracture, but not stress fracture repair. Osx Cre-ERT2 VEGFAfl/fl (Osx cKO) mice, but not Dmp1 Cre-ERT2 VEGFAfl/fl (Dmp1 cKO) mice, showed impaired periosteal bone formation and angiogenesis in models of full fracture and stress fracture. Neither Osx cKO nor Dmp1 cKO mice demonstrated significant impairments in intramedullary bone formation and angiogenesis following cortical defect. These data suggest that VEGFA from early osteolineage cells (Osx+), but not mature osteoblasts/osteocytes (Dmp1+), is critical at the time of bone injury for rapid periosteal angiogenesis and woven bone formation during fracture repair. Whereas VEGFA from another cell source, not from the osteoblast cell lineage, is necessary at the time of injury for maximum cortical defect intramedullary angiogenesis and osteogenesis. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Community partnerships help students meet workforce needs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2019

Ongoing issues with the mental health workforce shortage and employee retention are no doubt felt in many communities around the country; however, stakeholder collaboration within one community in Missouri is helping to address these issues by providing students with real‐world experience.
Accelerated excitation‐independent characteristic basis function method with multiscale adaptive cross approximation for monostatic radar cross section of dielectric objects
Authors: Huang Fei , Sun Yufa
Published: May 2019

An accelerated excitation‐independent characteristic basis function method (CBFM) combined with the multiscale adaptive cross approximation (MSACA) is proposed to analyze electromagnetic scattering from dielectric objects with volume equivalence principle. In CBFM, the adaptive cross approximation (ACA) is hybridized to improve the filling of mutual‐impedance matrices, except for the mutual‐impedance matrices of adjacent blocks, which are calculated by the time‐consuming method of moments (MoM). In this study, a new hybrid CBFM with MSACA is proposed to improve the filling of the mutual‐impedance matrix, which achieves excellent effect. Moreover, an accelerated approach is adopted to remove the redundant excitations in advance by the ACA‐singular value decomposition, leading to great reduction on the CPU time of the generation of the characteristic basis functions. The validity of the proposed method is illustrated with the systematic analysis of canonical geometries, and numerical results are given to demonstrate its efficiency and accuracy.
Determination of proton stopping power ratio with dual‐energy CT in 3D‐printed tissue/air cavity surrogates
Authors: Polf Jerimy C. , Mille Matthew M. , Mossahebi Sina , Chen Haijian , Maggi Paul , Chen‐Mayer Huaiyu
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To study the accuracy with which proton stopping power ratio (SPR) can be determined with dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) for small structures and bone–tissue–air interfaces like those found in the head or in the neck.

Methods

Hollow cylindrical polylactic acid (PLA) plugs (3 cm diameter, 5 cm height) were 3D printed containing either one or three septa with thicknesses tsepta = 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4 mm running along the length of the plug. The cylinders were inserted individually into a tissue‐equivalent head phantom (16 cm diameter, 5 cm height). First, DECT scans were obtained using a Siemens SOMATOM Definition Edge CT scanner. Effective atomic number (Zeff) and electron density (ρe) images were reconstructed from the DECT to produce SPR‐CT images of each plug. Second, independent elemental composition analysis of the PLA plastic was used to determine the Zeff and ρe for calculating the theoretical SPR (SPR‐TH) using the Bethe–Bloch equation. Finally, for each plug, a direct measurement of SPR (SPR‐DM) was obtained in a clinical proton beam. The values of SPR‐CT, SPR‐TH, and SPR‐DM were compared.

Results

The SPR‐CT for PLA agreed with SPR‐DM for tsepta ≥ 3 mm (for CT slice thicknesses of 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 mm). The density of PLA was found to decrease with thickness when tsepta < 3 mm. As tsepta (and density) decreased, the SPR‐CT values also decreased, in good agreement with SPR‐DM and SPR‐TH.

Conclusion

Overall, the DECT‐based SPR‐CT was within 3% of SPR‐TH and SPR‐DM in the high‐density gradient regions of the 3D‐printed plugs for septa greater than ~ 3mm in thickness.
Data‐driven identification of tumor subregions based on intravoxel incoherent motion reveals association with proliferative activity
Authors: Jalnefjord Oscar , Montelius Mikael , Arvidsson Jonathan , Forssell‐Aronsson Eva , Starck Göran , Ljungberg Maria
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis gives information on tissue diffusion and perfusion and may thus have a potential for e.g. tumor tissue characterization. This work aims to study if clustering based on IVIM parameter maps can identify tumor subregions, and to assess the relevance of obtained subregions by histological analysis.

Methods

Fourteen mice with human neuroendocrine tumors were examined with diffusion‐weighted imaging to obtain IVIM parameter maps. Gaussian mixture models with IVIM maps from all tumors as input were used to partition voxels into k clusters, where k = 2 was chosen for further analysis based on goodness of fit. Clustering was performed with and without the perfusion‐related IVIM parameter , and with and without including spatial information. The validity of the clustering was assessed by comparison with corresponding histologically stained tumor sections. A Ki‐67‐based index quantifying the degree of tumor proliferation was considered appropriate for the comparison based on the obtained cluster characteristics.

Results

The clustering resulted in one class with low diffusion and high perfusion and another with slightly higher diffusion and low perfusion. Strong agreement was found between tumor subregions identified by clustering and subregions identified by histological analysis, both regarding size and spatial agreement. Neither nor spatial information had substantial effects on the clustering results.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that IVIM parameter maps can be used to identify tumor subregions using a data‐driven framework based on Gaussian mixture models. In the studied tumor model, the obtained subregions showed agreement with proliferative activity.
Long‐term remission of bilateral Wilms tumors that developed from premature separation of chromatids/mosaic variegated aneuploidy syndrome due to bilateral nephrectomy and peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Ochiai Kayo , Yamada Ai , Kimoto Yasuhiro , Imamura Hideaki , Ikeda Toshio , Matsukubo Makoto , Ieiri Satoshi , Moritake Hiroshi
Published: May 2019

We report a 38‐month‐old Japanese male with premature chromatid separation/mosaic variegated aneuploidy syndrome bearing biallelic BUB1B germline mutations who suffered from bilateral Wilms tumor. After right nephrectomy, dactinomycin monotherapy was administered for the left Wilms tumor; however, severe adverse reaction prevented the patient from receiving further chemotherapy. Left nephrectomy was then performed without postoperative chemotherapy. The patient survived for 15 months after bilateral nephrectomy without peritoneal relapse, metastasis of Wilms tumor, or the occurrence of rhabdomyosarcoma and maintained a good quality of life while receiving peritoneal dialysis at home.
Influence of imine‐carbon substituent in 6‐bromo‐2‐iminopyridine‐based cobalt(II) complexes on 1,3‐butadiene polymerization
Authors: Wang Feng , Liu Heng , Hu Yanming , Zhang Xuequan
Published: May 2019

6‐Bromo‐2‐iminopyridine cobalt(II) complexes bearing different imine‐carbon substituents (Co1–Co7) were synthesized and subsequently employed for 1,3‐butadiene polymerization. All the complexes were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectra and elemental analysis, and complexes Co1 and Co3 were further characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, demonstrating they adopted distorted trigonal bipyramidal and tetrahedral geometries, respectively. Activated by methylaluminoxane, these complexes exhibited high cis‐1,4 selectivity, and the activity was highly dependent on the substituent at the imine‐carbon position of the ligand. Addition of PPh3 to the polymerization systems could enhance the catalytic activity and simultaneously switched the selectivity from cis‐1,4 to cis‐1,2 manner. On the basis of the obtained results, a plausible mechanism involving the regulation of selectivity and activity is proposed. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Metal–organic framework (UiO‐66)‐dispersed polyurethane composite films for the decontamination of methyl paraoxon
Authors: Kim Kiyeon , Seo Jin Young , Baek Kyung‐Youl , Bae Jin‐Young , Shin Seunghan
Published: May 2019

Polyurethane (PU) composite films containing UiO‐66 were prepared for the decontamination of methyl paraoxon (MPO), an organophosphate‐type nerve agent simulant. Waterborne PU dispersions were synthesized by changing the type of polyol to improve the miscibility with UiO‐66. Depending on the size of the polyol, the PU films had different surface free energy, flexibility and compatibility with UiO‐66. UiO‐66 was well dispersed in PU films when the flexibility of the films increased. The tensile strength of the UiO‐66/PU composite films gradually increased from 7.5 to 11.3 MPa with increasing UiO‐66 content, but the elongation decreased from 781 to 120%. The decomposition of MPO by the UiO‐66/PU composite films increased with an increase of the UiO‐66 content and hydrolysis time. In the case of the 21.2 wt% UiO‐66/PU composite film, 48% of MPO was decomposed within 3 h. This was similar to the decomposition when using a UiO‐66 slurry (52%) under the same decomposition conditions. Unlike the UiO‐66 slurry, the 21.2 wt% UiO‐66/PU composite film maintained a similar MPO decomposition performance after 10 repeated experiments. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A case of limbic encephalitis with initial presentation of chills
Authors: Balasundaram Bharathi , Chen Zhiyong , Saini Monica , How Ooi Chun , Yun Ching Chen Nicole
Published: May 2019

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ‐ Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) describes chills (cold) or heat sensations as one of the presenting manifestations of panic attacks. Here the authors describe a case of limbic encephalitis where the presenting feature of chills and piloerection led to an initial incorrect diagnosis of anxiety disorder.
Management of the renal adverse effects of lithium: an audit cycle
Authors: Gupta Sumeet , Das Sudipta , Khastgir Udyan , Wai San Ip Victoria , Suwito Cindy
Published: May 2019

Lithium is a standard first‐line treatment for bipolar disorder and one of the recommended augmenting agents for treatment‐resistant depression. However, concerns remain about the long‐term organ toxicity of this drug, mainly renal adverse effects. Here, Dr Gupta and colleagues discuss their local audit of administering lithium in CKD patients and how the results were used to inform trust policy and improve clinical practice.
18th Latest Advances in Psychiatry Symposium
Authors: David Felix
Published: May 2019

The 2019 Latest Advances in Psychiatry Symposium was held in March at the Royal College of Physicians, London, with the theme ‘Mental health after Brexit: from psychosis to borderline personality disorders’. Here, Felix David covers highlights on the opioid overdose crisis, severe personality disorder, neurosurgery for severe mental illness, generalised anxiety disorder and burnout in medical staff.
Components of total energy expenditure in free-living elderly men (over 75 years of age) : measurement, predictability and relationship to quality-of-life indices
Authors: Fuller N. J. , Sawyer M. B. , Coward W. A. , Paxton P. , Elial M.
Published: May 2019

Current recommendations for energy requirements in the elderly are based on assumed levels of physical activity relative to BMR (1.5 x BMR). The main aim of the present study was to establish whether these recommendations might be applicable to a randomly-selected group of free-living elderly men (all over 75 years of age). BMR was measured by indirect calorimetry and total energy expenditure (TEE) by the doubly-labelled-water technique. Further aims included evaluating the applicability of a variety of BMR prediction equations and whether assessed quality of life reflected any measured indices of energy expenditure. The mean value for daily energy requirement was found to be 1.5 x BMR (89 J/kg per min) but with substantial inter-individual variation (SD 0-2 x BMR; 14 J/kg per min). The bias between measured TEE and TEE estimated (1.5 x BMR) from the various BMR predictions varied according to which equation was used (-10-+ 8% of the mean) with substantial 95 YO limits of agreement (28-30%of the mean). TEE and physical activity plus thermogenesis (TEE -BMR) were positively related to activities of daily living, but no relationships were apparent between these and perceived quality of life. It is concluded that, despite considerable inter-individual variability, national recommendations for energy requirements of elderly people are applicable to this randomly-selected group of free-living men over 75 years of age but that substantial variation exists when attempts are made to estimate TEE from measurements or predictions of BMR.
Challenges in Gendering Indigenous Legal Education: Insights from Professors Teaching about Indigenous Laws
Authors: Snyder Emily
Published: May 2019

In the past decade there has been a distinct increase in literature on Indigenous laws. Calls to teach about Indigenous laws in postsecondary institutions in Canada have also intensified. This growth and these calls are significant, yet as with all fields of inquiry and teaching, there are also gaps. Gender continues to be under-addressed in work on Indigenous legal education. Drawing on interviews with twenty-three professors who teach about Indigenous law at postsecondary institutions in Canada, I examine the challenges in gendering Indigenous legal education. The professors all expressed that it is important to engage with gender when teaching, but the majority were experiencing significant challenges in actually doing so in practice. It is essential to understand how these challenges are entangled with gendered power dynamics and broader structural barriers, as they will continue to limit Indigenous legal education if not directly deconstructed and changed. Overall, the interviews signal the need for increased institutional support and change, more educational resources, eliminating discrimination, and ongoing discussion about gender and Indigenous law.
III. The Contemplative Pedagogy Coward
Authors: Walsh Maureen L.
Published: May 2019

When I was asked about contributing to this roundtable on contemplative pedagogy, I was honored to be included in the mix. Yes, I have experimented in my teaching with contemplative practices for about five years now, and so I fit the group's focus in that way. And yes, my postdoctoral work focused on university pedagogy, and so it would seem like I would be a natural for this sort of roundtable. But before I go any further, I feel as though I need to out myself for who I truly am—instead of being a contemplative professor, I am a contemplative coward. No doubt, I have been impressed reading about and witnessing other professors’ thoughtful uses of contemplative practices in the classroom. And I even dabble in having my world religions students “go through the motions” of religious practices from Buddhism and Islam. But as I spent time thinking through my approach in anticipation of this roundtable, it became clear that my efforts have been nothing short of cowardly, due to the fact that, first, I have questioned my own ability to lead students in contemplative exercises, and second, I have been wary of asking students to engage in the practices of religious others in a serious way.
The Catholic Worker Movement and Racial Justice: A Precarious Relationship
Authors: Rice Lincoln
Published: May 2019

The Catholic Worker Movement, widely known for its critique of violence and capitalism in American culture, has largely neglected racism. This seems surprising because its urban houses of hospitality, staffed mostly by middle-class whites, provide material resources disproportionately to impoverished African Americans. The movement's embodiment as a white movement and the failure of its founders (Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin) to prioritize racial justice has impeded its ability to adequately confront racism. This article contrasts the ways in which racism was addressed by the founders with the way it was addressed by two prominent African American Catholic Workers. The article includes a new Catholic Worker narrative to explain the movement's relationship with racial justice and offer suggestions for ways the movement can mine its own rich resources to become an authentically anti-racist movement.
To the Co-Editors in Cheif
Authors: Turner Robert F.
Published: May 2019

I am writing in response to my friend Louis Fisher's piece (89 AJIL 21 (1995)) on the legality of President Truman's commitment of troops to hostilities in Korea without specific statutory authorization. He makes a persuasive case; however, I believe there is at least equally compelling evidence for a very different conclusion. My full response will soon appear elsewhere,1 but a few brief observations may be of interest to your readers.