bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Determination of Total Capsaicinoids in Plant Material Using Poly(Gallic Acid)‐modified Electrode
Authors: Ziyatdinova Guzel , Kozlova Ekaterina , Budnikov Herman , Davletshin Rustam
Published: August 2018

Novel voltammetric approach for the selective determination of total capsaicinoids has been developed using glassy carbon electrode modified with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and poly(gallic acid) (PGA/MWNT/GCE). The modified electrode provides significant improvements in the capsaicinoids voltammetric characteristics in comparison to GCE and MWNT/GCE. The electrooxidation of capsaicinoids is irreversible adsorption‐controlled process with the anodic transfer coefficient of 0.49–0.53 and heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant of 1300–2400 s−1. The analytical ranges of 0.010–1.0 and 1.0–50 μM for capsaicin, 0.025–0.75 and 0.75–75 μM for dihydrocapsaicin and 0.025–5.0 and 5.0–75 μM for nonivamide with the detection limits of 2.9, 5.9 and 6.1 nM, respectively, have been obtained using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The selectivity of the capsaicinoids quantification in the presence of ascorbic acid, α‐tocopherol and carotenoids is shown. The method has been tested on the samples of red hot pepper spices and Capsicum annuum L. tinctures. The results correspond to the chromatographic data.
Ag−Au‐Bimetal Incorporated ZnO‐Nanorods Photo‐Anodes for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Splitting of Water
Authors: Sharma Vidhika , Prasad Mohit , Rokade Avinash , Ilaiyaraja Perumal , Sudakar Chandran , Jadkar Sandesh
Published: August 2018

Plasmonic Ag−Au/ZnO nanorods (ZNRs) based photo‐anodes were synthesized using a simple electrochemical route and were then evaluated for photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity. The amalgamation of Ag and Au nanoclusters broadens the UV‐Vis light absorption in the range of 400 nm to 650 nm. Ag−Au/ZNRs photo‐anodes had shown photocurrent density of ∼1.4 mA cm−2, at a bias of 0.75 V/SCE, which is ∼3.1 times of bare ZNRs photo‐anode. Bi‐metallic Ag−Au/ZNRs based photo‐anode shows the maximum photo‐conversion efficiency of 0.77 % at 0.5 V/SCE, under one sun illumination. Formation of hot electrons in Ag−Au/ZNRs photo‐anodes can be partly held responsible for the enhanced PEC activity. Au/Ag core/shell morphology evolves when a thin layer of Ag is loaded on Au nanoparticles. For an in‐depth analysis on Ag−Au incorporated ZNRs based photo‐anodes and its PEC activity, a detailed characterization was carried out using physico‐chemical, spectral and microscopy techniques. The analysis shows that Au in direct contact with ZnO interacts mainly with oxygen vacancies present on surface of ZnO and Ag interacts with Au for an effective electron‐hole segregation process at their interface and electron storage occurs in metal nanoparticles. The results suggest bi‐metal incorporated ZNRs based photo‐anodes can be a prospective candidate for PEC water splitting application.
Quantifying the constituents of flavours, fragrances and essential oils
Authors: Chaintreau Alain , Bicchi Carlo , Rubiolo Patrizia
Published: August 2018

This technical editorial provides the authors with up‐to‐date information to assure the scientific reliability of quantitative data when preparing a manuscript. It summarizes the key points of procedures that have been previously detailed in the Guidelines and Recommended Practices cited hereafter. The reader is warmly encouraged to refer to these papers published in open access.
Effect of lycopene supplementation on cardiovascular parameters and markers of inflammation and oxidation in patients with coronary vascular disease
Authors: Petyaev Ivan M. , Dovgalevsky Pavel Y. , Klochkov Victor A. , Chalyk Natalya E. , Pristensky Dmitry V. , Chernyshova Marina P. , Udumyan Ruzan , Kocharyan Taron , Kyle Nigel H. , Lozbiakova Marina V. , Bashmakov Yuriy K.
Published: August 2018

Oxidative stress and antioxidant deficiency play a pivotal role in initiation, development, and outcomes of cardiovascular disease. Pharmacokinetic parameters as well as the impact of highly bioavailable lycopene on cardiovascular variables, markers of inflammation and oxidation were investigated during a 30‐day clinical trial in patients with coronary vascular disease. The patients were randomized into two major groups and were supplemented with a single 7 mg daily dose of lycopene ingested either in the form of lactolycopene (68 patients) or in the form of lycosome‐formulated GA lycopene (74 patients). The endpoints included cardiovascular function parameters, serum lipids, and four markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Ingestion of lycosome‐formulated lycopene increased serum lycopene levels by 2.9‐ and 4.3‐fold, respectively, after 2 and 4 weeks of the trial, whereas supplementation with lactolycopene upregulated serum lycopene by half‐fold only after 4 weeks of ingestion. Lycosome formulation of lycopene resulted by the end of the trial in a threefold reduction in Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG and reduction to the same degree of the inflammatory oxidative damage marker. The decrease in oxidized LDL caused by lycosome‐formulated lycopene was fivefold. Moreover, supplementation with lycosome‐formulated lycopene was accompanied by a significant increase in tissue oxygenation and flow‐mediated dilation by the end of the observational period. In contrast, lactolycopene did not cause any significant changes in the parameters studied. Therefore, enhanced bioavailability of lycopene promotes its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory functions and endorses a positive effect of lycopene on cardiovascular system.
Evaluation of physical properties of rice used in traditional Kyrgyz Cuisine
Authors: Nádvorníková Martina , Banout Jan , Herák David , Verner Vladimír
Published: August 2018

Eight staple rice cultivars consumed in Kyrgyzstan were evaluated for physical properties in this study. The dimensions of investigated grains correspond to 5.29–6.99 mm for length, 2.52–3.10 mm for width, and 1.88–2.13 for thickness. Equivalent diameter was in range of 3.14 – 3.47 mm, surface area took 25.35–31.90 mm². The sphericity analysis values varied from 0.480 to 0.559, aspect ratio from 0.39 to 0.55, volume of the grain was measured in range from 16.25 to 22.02 mm3, bulk density values were 0.77–0.87 g/cm3, and solid density from 1.17 to 1.41 g/cm3. The porosity of grain was equal to 28.27–39.83%, thousand kernel weight correspond to 19.67 to 27.15 g, rupture force of grain was measured in range of 63.47–155.50 N, color characteristic varied in parameters L*, a* and b*, 37.58–72.19, –0.22–10.17, and 9.65–21.12, respectively. Optimum cooking time ranged from 19.33 to 33.00 min. The water uptake ratios for 30 min of soaking were 1.21–1.28, 1.18–1.45, and 1.14–1.57 for 30, 45, and 60°C, respectively. While the water uptake ratios for 60 min of soaking were 1.22–1.42, 1.19–1.54, and 1.25–1.75 for 30, 45, and 60°C, respectively. Optimal cooking time showed that imported varieties needed lower interval for full grain cooking compared to the local Kyrgyz varieties. It was found that Kyrgyz rice varieties staying more firm after cooking as compared to imported varieties and therefore more suitable for the local traditional dish such as plov.
Sequencing Newborns:A Call for Nuanced Use of Genomic Technologies
Authors: Johnston Josephine , Lantos John D. , Goldenberg Aaron , Chen Flavia , Parens Erik , Koenig Barbara A. ,   members of the NSIGHT Ethics and Policy Advisory Board
Published: August 2018

Many scientists and doctors hope that affordable genome sequencing will lead to more personalized medical care and improve public health in ways that will benefit children, families, and society more broadly. One hope in particular is that all newborns could be sequenced at birth, thereby setting the stage for a lifetime of medical care and self‐directed preventive actions tailored to each child's genome. Indeed, commentators often suggest that universal genome sequencing is inevitable. Such optimism can come with the presumption that discussing the potential limits, cost, and downsides of widespread application of genomic technologies is pointless, excessively pessimistic, or overly cautious. We disagree. Given the pragmatic challenges associated with determining what sequencing data mean for the health of individuals, the economic costs associated with interpreting and acting on such data, and the psychosocial costs of predicting one's own or one's child's future life plans based on uncertain testing results, we think this hope and optimism deserve to be tempered.

In the analysis that follows, we distinguish between two reasons for using sequencing: to diagnose individual infants who have been identified as sick and to screen populations of infants who appear to be healthy. We also distinguish among three contexts in which sequencing for either diagnosis or screening could be deployed: in clinical medicine, in public health programs, and as a direct‐to‐consumer service. Each of these contexts comes with different professional norms, policy considerations, and public expectations. Finally, we distinguish between two main types of genome sequencing: targeted sequencing, where only specific genes are sequenced or analyzed, and whole‐exome or whole‐genome sequencing, where all the DNA or all the coding segments of all genes are sequenced and analyzed.

In a symptomatic newborn, targeted or genome‐wide sequencing can help guide other tests for diagnosis or for specific treatment that is urgently needed. Clinicians use the infant's symptoms (or phenotype) to interrogate the sequencing data. These same complexities and uncertainties, however, limit the usefulness of genome‐wide sequencing as a population screening tool. While we recognize considerable benefit in using targeted sequencing to screen for or detect specific conditions that meet the criteria for inclusion in newborn screening panels, use of genome‐wide sequencing as a sole screening tool for newborns is at best premature. We conclude that sequencing technology can be beneficially used in newborns when that use is nuanced and attentive to context.
Sirtuin6 inhibits c‐triggered inflammation through TLR4 abrogation regulated by ROS and TRPV1/CGRP
Authors: Zhang Ruohua , Li Hongmin , Guo Qin , Zhang Lulu , Zhu Jie , Ji Jin
Published: August 2018

Propionibacterium acnes induces inﬂammatory and plays a vital role in the formation of comedones through activation of inﬂammatory cells, keratinocytes, and sebocytes. Sirtuin6 (SIRT6), along with ADP‐ribosyltransferase and deacetylase, has been proposed to mediate various biological functions, including inflammation. Nevertheless, no strong experimental evidence has been provided to support the effect of SIRT6 in treatment of inﬂammatory situation. Therefore, this study addressed the inhibitory effect of SIRT6 against P. acnes–triggered inflammation in human keratinocytes and monocyte cell lines. In our study, proinflammation capacity of P. acnes was confirmed by increased levels of various inflammatory modulators, such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐12, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis facto‐α, both in vivo and in vitro. P. acnes stimulation also decreased SIRT6 expression, whereas, SIRT6 overexpression successfully suppressed the production of these cytokines in P. acnes–infected cells, and therefore controlled inflammation. Furthermore, we found that challenge of P. acnes stimulated the expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) in both cell lines. Nevertheless, SIRT6 overexpression attenuated the expression of TLR4 and consequently inhibited the P. acnes–triggered phosphorylation of nuclear transcription factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) subunit, p65. Moreover, deactivation of TLR4 signaling pathway by SIRT6 overexpression resulted in significant downregulation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) pathway, cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB)/calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) signaling, and NF‐κB–regulated production of reactive oxygen species. These results indicate that SIRT6 serves as a potential therapeutic target to alleviate acne inflammation.
miR‐129 targets CDK1 and iASPP to modulate Burkitt lymphoma cell proliferation in a TAp63‐dependent manner
Authors: Zou Hui , Zou Runying , Chen Keke , Zhu Chengguang , Tian Xin , You Yalan , He Xiangling
Published: August 2018

Burkitt lymphoma is one of the most common lymphatic system cancers with poor outcome in adult patients. p53‐induced apoptosis is a critical signaling for preventing tumor development. Cyclin B/cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) phosphorylates inhibitor of apoptosis stimulating protein of P53 (iASPP) to promote iASPP nucleus localization and its inhibitory effect on p53. However, p53 is frequently mutated in Burkitt lymphoma, which gains novel oncogenic properties. Recently, the p53 family member, p63, became an attractive gene for the therapeutic strategies for patients with cancer. Therefore, we investigated the role of iASPP in the transactivation domain p63 (TAp63)‐dependent cell proliferation inhibition in Burkitt lymphoma. We verified that the oncogenic effect of iASPP on Burkitt lymphoma is TAp63 dependent rather than p53 and confirmed that the interaction between CDK1 and iASPP enhanced the inhibitory effect of iASPP on p53 and TAp63. An online tool predicated that miR‐129 might bind to 3′‐untranslated region of iASPP and CDK1. We revealed that miR‐129 acted as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inhibiting CDK1 and iASPP via direct binding. An miR‐129 inhibitor increased nucleus iASPP and decreased nucleus p53 and TAp63 levels, which could be reversed by the CDK1 knockdown, indicating that miR‐129 might target CDK1 to inhibit iASPP phosphorylation, thus hindering iASPP nucleus localization and its inhibitory effect on p53 and TAp63 protein levels. Taken together, miR‐129 could targetedly inhibit the expression of CDK1 and iASPP. CDK1 knockdown inhibits iASPP S84/S113 phosphorylation, thus blocking iASPP nucleus localization, suppressing the inhibitory effect of iASPP on p53 and TAp63, and restoring TAp63‐induced proliferation inhibition in Burkitt lymphoma cells.
Cobalt nanoparticles mechanically deposited on α‐Al2O3: a competitive catalyst for the production of hydrogen through ethanol steam reforming
Authors: Riani Paola , Garbarino Gabriella , Canepa Fabio , Busca Guido
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Cobalt (Co)‐containing materials are promising catalysts for Ethanol Steam Reforming (ESR) allowing renewable hydrogen production. Usually, complex catalysts are used where Co, produced by impregnation or coprecipitation, is supported on oxide or carbon‐based materials. Here Co nanoparticles (CoNPs) mechanically mixed with α‐Al2O3are prepared and tested for ESR.

RESULTS

CoNPs mechanically mixed with α‐Al2O3are very active catalysts in ESR at 773 K, even when retaining amorphous structure for Co. After annealing at 773 K, CoNPs crystallize into a cubic structure. These materials are even more active in ESR at 773 K with hydrogen yields ≈70% and nearly stable performances after 8 h on‐stream. Hydrogen yield is limited by the formation of some CH4, probably as a result of acetaldehyde formation and successive decomposition. Two kinds of Co particles are found in the used but still active catalysts: the former ones interacting with alumina and embedded in graphitic carbon, that are probably the most active components, whereas the latter are ‘isolated’ and partly aggregated CoNPs embedded in carbon nanotubes, which are probably less active in ESR.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical mixing of CoNPs with α‐Al2O3produced active and stable catalysts for ESR. The ‘chemical’ interaction of CoNPs with the support may not be an important factor for ESR catalysts. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Allergic asthma: RIPK2 takes the lead
Authors: Poudel Barun , Gurung Prajwal
Published: August 2018

Discussion on house dust mites-induced airway inflammation and asthma as driven by RIPK2-mediated recruitment of inflammatory cells and production of Th2-associated cytokines and antibodies.
Functional morphology and paleoecology of Pilosa (Xenarthra, Mammalia) based on a two‐dimensional geometric Morphometrics study of the Humerus
Authors: de Oliveira Alessandro Marques , Santos Charles Morphy D.
Published: August 2018

The relationship between humerus shape and the modes of exploring substrate among extinct and extant Pilosa (especially anteaters and ground sloths) were investigated here. We used geometric morphometrics and discriminant analyses to relate morphological patterns and their possible ecological categories. Our results suggest that plesiomorphic taxa such as Nothrotheriidae, most Megalonychidae and basal Megatheriidae tend to have more slender humerus, associated to generalist habitus (climbing, swimming and digging activities), and while Mylodontidae developed specialized digging habitus. Additionally, we inferred ground sloths which inhabited the Brazilian territory during the Quaternary likely occupied at least four different niches. Mammals display morphofunctional adaptations on the limbs which are reflected on their modes of substrate exploration. Herein, we analyzed the humerus morphology of ground sloths and anteaters. Our results suggest that most of the Pleistocene Mylodonts were fossorial taxa, while most of the Santacrucian sloths plus extant anteaters were semiarboreal or semiaquatic taxa. The Pleistocene Megatheriidae should be ambulatory.
Trends in return levels of 24‐hr precipitation extremes during the typhoon season in Taiwan
Authors: Chu Pao‐Shin , Zhang Hanpei , Chang Hui‐Ling , Chen Tsui‐Ling , Tofte Kristine
Published: August 2018

This study is to investigate changes in maximum 24‐hr precipitation for 20 stations during the typhoon season (July–October) and how the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) may modulate precipitation extremes in Taiwan. Based on the nonparametric Mann–Kendall method and Sens's test, 15 out of 20 stations (three fourth) exhibited an upward trend from 1958 to 2013. Results of the field significance test suggest that the significant increasing trend is not caused by random variability.

The method of the non‐stationary generalized extreme value distribution (NGEV) is then applied to determine temporal changes in return levels. Results show that a large majority of stations are marked by an increasing trend in the three chosen return levels (2, 20, and 100 years) over the last 56 years. Therefore, more intense typhoon producing seasonal maximum 24‐hr precipitation has been observed in Taiwan. The waiting time for an extreme event to occur has shortened considerably in recent years. For stations located in western/central Taiwan, an El Niño (La Niña) event favours low (high) precipitation extremes. It is the opposite for stations in northern and eastern Taiwan. Thus, an east–west regional difference in precipitation extremes across Taiwan is noted. A NGEV model based on both time and ENSO as covariates is also applied. Inter‐annual variations influenced by ENSO are more dominant than long‐term trend in return levels for most stations in western/central Taiwan.
Flood event attribution and damage estimation using national‐scale grid‐based modelling: Winter 2013/2014 in Great Britain
Authors: Kay Alison L. , Booth Naomi , Lamb Rob , Raven Emma , Schaller Nathalie , Sparrow Sarah
Published: August 2018

A sequence of major flood events in Britain over the last two decades has prompted questions about the influence of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions on flood risk. Such questions are difficult to answer definitively, as a range of other factors are involved, but modelling techniques allow an assessment of how much the chance of occurrence of an event could have been altered by emissions. Here the floods of winter 2013/2014 in Great Britain are assessed by combining ensembles of climate model data with a national‐scale hydrological model and, for one severely impacted river basin (the Thames), a detailed analysis of flood inundation and the increased number of residential properties placed at risk. One climate model ensemble represents the range of possible weather under the current climate, while 11 alternative ensembles represent the weather as it could have been had past emissions not occurred. The pooled ensemble results show that emissions are likely to have increased the chance of occurrence of these floods across much of the country, with a stronger influence on longer duration peaks (~10 days or more) than for shorter durations (consistent with observations). However, there is substantial variation in results between alternative ensembles, with some suggesting likely decreases in the chance of flood occurrence, at least in some regions of the country. The influence on flows and property flooding varies spatially, due to both spatial variation in the influence on precipitation and variation in physical properties that affect the transformation of precipitation to river flow and flood impacts, including flood defences. This complexity highlights the importance of using hydrological modelling to attribute hydrological impacts from meteorological changes. Changes in snow occurrence in a warming climate are also shown to be important, with effects varying spatially.
Changes in temperature and precipitation extremes in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania
Authors: Gebrechorkos Solomon H. , Hülsmann Stephan , Bernhofer Christian
Published: August 2018

East Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions of Africa to extreme weather and climate events. Regional and local information on climate extremes is critical for monitoring and managing the impacts and developing sustainable adaptation measures. However, this type of information is not readily available at the necessary spatial resolution. Therefore, here we test trends and variability of temperature (1979–2010) and precipitation (1981–2016) extremes in East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, at a spatial resolution of 0.1 and 0.05°, respectively, using the indices defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). We use gridded data sets with high accuracy and resolution from the Terrestrial Hydrology Research Group, University of Princeton and Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS). Trends of 19 indices are computed by fitting a linear model and using the nonparametric Mann–Kendall test and the magnitude of change is computed using the Sen's slope method. The results show an increasing trend in monthly maximum and minimum values of daily maximum and minimum temperature in large parts of the region. This is accompanied by significant increasing trends in warm nights (TN90p), warm days (TX90p), warm spell duration index (WSDI), and summer days index (SU). In addition, cold days (TX10p) and cold nights (TN10p) showed a significant decreasing trend. In general, the results show an increasing tendency in temperatures extremes, which is in line with rising global mean temperature. In addition, most of the temperature extremes observed after 2000 are warmer than the long‐term mean (1979–2010). Precipitation indices, on the other hand, showed increasing and decreasing trends in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, but no general pattern. The outcomes enable identifying hot spot areas and planning of adaptation and mitigation measures at much finer spatial scale than previously possible.
Piping plover chick survival negatively correlated with beach recreation
Authors: DeRose‐Wilson Audrey L. , Hunt Kelsi L. , Monk Julia D. , Catlin Daniel H. , Karpanty Sarah M. , Fraser James D.
Published: August 2018

Shorebird populations worldwide are declining because of habitat loss from sea‐level rise, accelerated erosion, development, and recreational land use. To better understand the consequences of human recreational activity, we monitored survival, habitat use, condition, and behavior of pre‐fledged piping plover (Charadrius melodus) chicks on Fire Island and Westhampton Island, New York, 2013–2015. Broods experienced varying levels of recreational land use (low‐use, moderate‐use, high‐use, and high off‐road vehicle‐use), and recreational use was higher on weekends (Friday–Sunday) than weekdays. Chick daily survival rates were lowest on weekends and increased with time since weekend. Chicks that hatched in areas with low recreational use were more likely to survive to fledging (25 days;  = 0.82 ± 0.08 SE) than those that hatched in areas of high recreational use ( = 0.19 ± 0.05). In addition, chicks hatched in areas of high recreational use fledged at a later age than those hatched in areas of low or moderate recreational use. On weekends, chicks spent less time in foraging habitat (with higher prey abundance), less time foraging, and made fewer foraging attempts per minute than they did on weekdays. These results suggest that recreational activity on beaches pushed foraging plover chicks into habitats with lower food availability, resulting in lower feeding rates, slower growth, and decreased survival. Recreational use of coastal areas can limit the functional availability of shorebird foraging habitat, particularly intertidal foraging habitat, resulting in demographic consequences. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Contemporary drug advertising in leading US medical journals
Authors: Scott James R. , Gibson Mark , Benner Rebecca S.
Published: August 2018

Medical journal editors have promoted transparency and elimination of conflict of interest in published research, but whether the same standards are applied to journal pharmaceutical advertisements is unknown. We evaluated claims of efficacy, reporting of adverse events, access to (and quality of) supporting references, conflict of interest, and drug price in print advertisements for prescription drugs in three leading US medical journals (The New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association, and Annals of Internal Medicine) from May 2016 to October 2016. Forty‐two unique advertisements for 39 distinct drugs were identified among 190 total advertisements. The wholesaler acquisition cost of 19 (49%) drugs was >$1,000 for 1 month of treatment, and 5 (13%) cost ≥$120,000 per year. Supporting references from peer reviewed medical literature were cited in only 52% of advertisements, and 48% listed only prescribing information, a package insert, and/or data on file. Requests for data on file were unsuccessful in 9 of 13 cases. Of the studies referenced, 89% were co‐authored by individuals who had financial ties to the drug manufacturer, and 69% were also sponsored by the company. We conclude that prescription drug advertisements do not provide sufficient information for physicians to critically review claims made and do not meet the ethical and quality standards that the journals apply to articles they publish. New journal advertisement guidelines are needed.
Surface alloying of magnesium and AZ91 by thermochemical treatment in a medium containing zinc chloride and potassium chloride
Authors: Mola R. , Bucki T. , Gwoździk M.
Published: August 2018

Surface layers enriched with zinc were formed on pure magnesium and AZ91 alloy by heating the specimens in contact with paste containing zinc chloride and potassium chloride at 440 °C for 2 h, using no protective atmosphere. The study involved determining the microstructure, phase composition and microhardness of the resulting layers. During the layer formation process, a transient liquid phase occurred at the substrate/paste interface. The layers fabricated on both substrates were about 200 μm in thickness and they were metallurgically bonded to the substrate material. The same process conditions were used for both types of substrates. From the experimental data it is clear that the layer fabricated on magnesium differed in microstructure from that formed on AZ91. The alloyed layer on magnesium was characterised by dendrites of a solid solution of zinc in magnesium surrounded by a lamellar eutectoid structure composed of an MgZn intermetallic phase and a solid solution of zinc in magnesium. In the layer formed on AZ91, aluminium was detected in all the structural constituents. The layer was composed of a solid solution of zinc and aluminium in magnesium and Mg17(Al, Zn)12 and Mg5Al2Zn2 intermetallic phases. The alloyed layers had much higher hardness than the substrate materials.
The modified temperature term on Johnson Cook model for AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Zhang F. , Liu Z. , Mao P. , Wang F. , Liu Y.
Published: August 2018

The quasi‐state and dynamic mechanism of AZ31 magnesium alloy at a strain rates range of 0.001 s‐1–2500 s‐1 under a temperature range of 20 °C–250 °C were researched by compression tests using the electronic universal testing machine and split Hopkinson pressure bar system. The true stress‐strain curves at different strain rates and evaluated temperatures were obtained. The result shows that the thermal soften effect of AZ31 magnesium alloy is significant. By modifying the temperature term of the original Johnson Cook model of AZ31 magnesium alloy, a modified Johnson Cook model of AZ31 magnesium alloy has been proposed to reveal thermal soften effect on the deformation behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy more precisely. With the modified Johnson Cook model and fracture model, the finite element method simulation of AZ31 magnesium alloy hat shaped specimen under impacting was conducted. The numerical simulation result is consistent with the experimental result, which indicates that the modified Johnson Cook model and fracture model are greatly valid to predict the deformation and fracture behavior of the AZ31 magnesium alloy hat shaped specimen under impacting.
Sparse multiple factor analysis to integrate genetic data, neuroimaging features, and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder domains
Authors: Vilor‐Tejedor Natàlia , Alemany Silvia , Cáceres Alejandro , Bustamante Mariona , Mortamais Marion , Pujol Jesús , Sunyer Jordi , González Juan R.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

We proposed the application of a multivariate cross‐sectional framework based on a combination of a variable selection method and a multiple factor analysis (MFA) in order to identify complex meaningful biological signals related to attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and hyperactivity/inattention domains.

Methods

The study included 135 children from the general population with genomic and neuroimaging data. ADHD symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire based on ADHD‐DSM‐IV criteria. In all analyses, the raw sum scores of the hyperactivity and inattention domains and total ADHD were used. The analytical framework comprised two steps. First, zero‐inflated negative binomial linear model via penalized maximum likelihood (LASSO‐ZINB) was performed. Second, the most predictive features obtained with LASSO‐ZINB were used as input for the MFA.

Results

We observed significant relationships between ADHD symptoms and hyperactivity and inattention domains with white matter, gray matter regions, and cerebellum, as well as with loci within chromosome 1.

Conclusions

Multivariate methods can be used to advance the neurobiological characterization of complex diseases, improving the statistical power with respect to univariate methods, allowing the identification of meaningful biological signals in Imaging Genetic studies.
Serial Stimulated Jitter Analysis In Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Bhatia Shivani , Quinlan Haley , McCracken Courtney , Price Eric W. , Guglani Lokesh , Verma Sumit
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Clinical and electrophysiological studies to measures disease activity in juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG) are limited. Methods: Retrospective review of the clinical profile, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) scores, serial stimulated jitter analysis (Stim‐JA) of the orbicularis oculi muscle, grip strength, and spirometry of patients with JMG who were followed in a multidisciplinary clinic was performed. Results: Thirteen patients with JMG (9 females) with mean age of 13.2 ± 4.8 years and follow‐up duration of 25.3 ± 8.3 months (range, 6–39) with ≥ 2 Stim‐JA recordings were included. The mean jitter, mean percentage of apparent single‐fiber action potentials (%ASFAP) with increased jitter, and mean %ASFAP with blocking at baseline values (77.3 ± 54.7 µs, 64.3% ± 35.8%, 39% ± 38.6%, respectively) and at follow‐up (53 ± 45.4 µs, 51.2% ± 34.5%, 17% ± 29.4%, respectively) were abnormal; however, no statistically significant interval difference was noted. The electrophysiological data correlated significantly with Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) class. Grip strength and spirometry did not correlate with MGFA class. Discussion: Stimulated jitter values are sensitive biomarkers in JMG. Muscle Nerve 58: 729–732, 2018
Cough peak flow decline rate predicts survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Matsuda Chiharu , Shimizu Toshio , Nakayama Yuki , Haraguchi Michiko
Published: August 2018

Introduction: In this study we investigated the prognostic significance of cough peak flow (CPF) decline rate in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: Thirty‐four patients with ALS participated in our investigation. We examined CPF, forced vital capacity (FVC), body mass index, and the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R), and followed patients to death, tracheostomy, or non‐invasive ventilator dependency. We analyzed the relationship between the rate of decline of each parameter and survival prognosis. Results: The CPF decline rate significantly correlated with the decline rates of the ALSFRS‐R bulbar score (P < 0.0001) and FVC (P < 0.0001). Patients with a CPF decline rate ≥25% had shorter overall survival (P < 0.0001). Cox model multivariate analyses showed that the CPF decline rate was an independent prognostic factor for survival (P = 0.021). Discussion: The CPF decline rate reflects the progression of bulbar and respiratory dysfunction and predicts survival. Muscle Nerve 59:168–173, 2019
Vascular measures of atherosclerosis in detrusor overactivity and controls
Authors: Ladanchuk Todd , Kwak Seojung , Bates Lucy , Parkin Katrina , Harris Katie , Fitzgerald Oisin , Lynch William , Moore Kate H.
Published: August 2018

Aim

The mechanisms leading to the development of detrusor overactivity (DO) are still relatively poorly understood, however, animal studies suggest that atherosclerosis and reduced blood flow to the bladder may be one etiological pathway. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate signs of atherosclerosis in a large cohort of women with detrusor overactivity, using two precise measures of atherosclerotic vascular impairment, Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), and Brachial—ankle Pulse Wave Velocity (baPWV).

Methods

A prospective cohort study measuring ABI and baPWV of women with DO and controls was conducted. The ABI and baPWV were measured using an automated oscillometric blood pressure machine, to evaluate the degree of atherosclerosis in patients with DO and controls. Associations between ABI and baPWV and important confounding variables were assessed by a linear regression model.

Results

Ninety‐eight women with DO, and 98 controls without any symptoms of DO were studied. Multivariate analysis showed an increase in left baPWV of approximately 96 cm/s units of velocity (95%CI 20.65‐172.05, P = 0.01) is predicted significantly by the presence or absence of detrusor overactivity (as well by independent factors of age, diastolic blood pressure and body mass index). A similar effect was seen for right baPWV.

Conclusions

On linear regression modeling, the presence of DO was a strong predictor for an increased PWV when controlling for age, BMI and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), thus supporting the hypothesis that atherosclerosis may contribute to the etiology of DO.
The time‐dependent variation of ATP release in mouse primary‐cultured urothelial cells is regulated by the clock gene
Authors: Ihara Tatsuya , Mitsui Takahiko , Nakamura Yuki , Kanda Mie , Tsuchiya Sachiko , Kira Satoru , Nakagomi Hiroshi , Sawada Norifumi , Kamiyama Manabu , Shigetomi Eiji , Shinozaki Youichi , Yoshiyama Mitsuharu , Nakao Atsuhito , Takeda Masayuki , Koizumi Schuichi
Published: August 2018

Aims

The sensation of bladder fullness (SBF) is triggered by the release of ATP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether time‐dependent changes in the levels of stretch‐released ATP in mouse primary‐cultured urothelial cells (MPCUCs) is regulated by circadian rhythm via clock genes.

Methods

MPCUCs were derived from wild‐type and Clock mutant mice (ClockΔ19/Δ19), presenting a nocturia phenotype. They were cultured in elastic silicone chambers. Stretch‐released ATP was quantified every 4 h by ATP photon count. An experiment was also performed to determine whether ATP release correlated with the rhythm of the expression of Piezo1, TRPV4, VNUT, and Connexin26 (Cx26) in MPCUCs regulated by clock genes with circadian rhythms. MPCUCs were treated with carbenoxolone, an inhibitor of gap junction protein; were derived from VNUT‐KO mice; or treated with Piezo1‐siRNA, TRPV4‐siRNA, and Cx26‐siRNA.

Results

Stretch‐released ATP showed time‐dependent changes in wild‐type mice and correlated with the rhythm of the expression of Piezo1, TRPV4, VNUT, and Cx26. However, these rhythms were disrupted in ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice. Carbenoxolone eliminated the rhythmicity of ATP release in wild‐type mice. However, time‐dependent ATP release changes were maintained when a single gene was deficient such as VNUT‐KO, Piezo1‐, TRPV4‐, and Cx26‐siRNA.

Conclusions

ATP release in the bladder urothelium induces SBF and may have a circadian rhythm regulated by the clock genes. In the bladder urothelium, clock gene abnormalities may disrupt circadian ATP release by inducing Piezo1, TRPV4, VNUT, and Cx26. All these genes can trigger nocturia.
Association of time of obesity onset with comorbidities in treatment‐seeking men and women with severe obesity
Authors: Borgeraas H. , Barstad L. H. , Størdal Lund R. , Fredheim J. M. , Hertel J. K. , Hjelmesæth J.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Early obesity onset is a risk factor for specific comorbidities in adulthood, but whether this relationship is present in men and women with severe obesity is unknown. This study aimed to examine whether obesity onset in childhood or adolescence, as compared with adulthood, is associated with higher odds of comorbidities in men and women with severe obesity.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of treatment‐seeking men and women with severe obesity attending a tertiary care centre in Norway, from 2006 to 2017, was performed.

Results

A total of 4,583 participants (69.13% women) were included. Almost all men (99.69%) and women (99.18%) suffered from ≥1 comorbidities. Compared with women, men were older (mean [SD]) (45.54 [12.14] vs. 42.56 [12.00] years, p < 0.001) and had higher body mass index (44.06 [6.16] vs. 43.39 [5.80] kg m−2, p < 0.001). The most prevalent comorbidities were non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, dyslipidaemia and hypertension among men and dyslipidaemia, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and joint pain among women. After current age and body mass index were adjusted, childhood onset of obesity (0–11 years), compared with adult onset (>20 years), was associated with lower odds (OR [95% CI]) of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in men (0.69 [0.53, 0.91], p < 0.01) and higher odds of OSA (1.49 [1.16, 1.91], p < 0.01) in women, and the interaction was significant (p < 0.01). Childhood onset of obesity was also associated with higher odds of coronary heart disease in men (1.82 [1.15, 2.89], p = 0.01) and type 2 diabetes in women (1.25 [1.01, 1.54], p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Childhood onset of obesity was associated with higher odds of coronary heart disease in men and OSA and type 2 diabetes in women, but with lower odds of OSA in men.
From somatic mutation to early detection: insights from molecular characterization of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions
Authors: Fischer Catherine G , Wood Laura D
Published: August 2018

Pancreatic cancer arises from noninvasive precursor lesions, including pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), which are curable if detected early enough. Recently, these types of precursor lesions have been extensively characterized at the molecular level, defining the timing of critical genetic alterations in tumorigenesis pathways. The results of these studies deepen our understanding of tumorigenesis in the pancreas, providing novel insights into tumor initiation and progression. Perhaps more importantly, they also provide a rational foundation for early detection approaches that could allow clinical intervention prior to malignant transformation. In this review, we summarize the results of comprehensive molecular characterization of PanINs, IPMNs, and MCNs and discuss the implications for cancer biology as well as early detection. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasmonic Band Tunable (Au Nanocrystal)/SnO2 Core/Shell Hybrids for Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Fang Caihong , Ding Qian , Bi Ting , Xu Xiaoxiao , Chen Jian‐Li , Zhu Xiao‐Ming , Geng Baoyou
Published: August 2018

Coating an oxide shell is an attractive method to overcome the aggregation and biological cytotoxicity brought by the surfactant on Au nanorods in photothermal therapy. (Au nanorod)/SnO2 core/shell nanostructures are ideal candidates. However, developing an easy‐operation and versatile method to prepare this hybrid is still a great challenge. Herein, a simple and rapid routine is developed to the synthesis of SnO2 shelled Au nanorod. The plasmonic bands of the core/shell nanostructures are tuned in the biological transparency window by changing the shell thickness and the core size. Additionally, this synthetic strategy is versatile when the monometallic and bimetallic Au, Pt, and Pd with various shapes are employed as the core. It is further demonstrated that the (Au nanorod)/SnO2 core/shell nanostructures show a good biocompatibility and a high photothermal conversion efficiency in photothermal therapy. This study therefore provides a versatile way to synthesizing (metal nanocrystal)/semiconductor nanostructures, which will therefore be beneficial for widening their applications.
Morphology Engineering of Au/(PdAg alloy) Nanostructures for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Fang Caihong , Zhao Guili , Zhang Zijun , Zheng Jiapeng , Ding Qian , Xu Xiaoxiao , Shao Lei , Geng Baoyou
Published: August 2018

Noble metal nanostructures are promising electrocatalysts with their performance determined by their size, shape, and architecture. This study reports the facile preparation of Au/(PdAg alloy) electrocatalysts with diverse architectures, including nanodumbbells, yolk/shell nanoframes, and yolk/shell nanoboxes, from Au nanorod core/Ag shell bimetallic nanostructures. The fine tuning of the nanostructure architecture is realized by combining galvanic replacement reaction, etching/growth, Ostwald ripening, and coreduction processes. The adding sequence of surfactants and Pd precursors, and the Ag shell thicknesses of the starting core/shell nanocrystals, determine the growth routines and therefore the architectures of the obtained Au/(PdAg alloy) nanostructures. Electrocatalytic performances of all Au/(PdAg alloy) nanostructures toward ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in alkaline are examined. Compared with the commercial Pd/C electrocatalyst, the nanodumbbells (Au19Pd19Ag62) display 6.3 times higher specific activity and 4.25 times higher mass activity. The nanoframes (Au14Pd14Ag72) are superior as well, with their specific and mass activities 4.4 and 5.5 times higher than those of the Pd/C electrocatalyst, respectively. The nanoboxes also show slight improvement in electrocatalysis. Moreover, the nanodumbbells exhibit greatly improved stability toward EOR in comparison to the Pd/C electrocatalyst. These results can enrich the manufacturing techniques of noble metal nanostructure catalysts and promote their development for fuel cell applications.
Seasonal to annual ocean forecasting skill and the role of model and observational uncertainty
Authors: Juricke Stephan , MacLeod Dave , Weisheimer Antje , Zanna Laure , Palmer Tim N.
Published: August 2018

Accurate forecasts of the ocean state and the estimation of forecast uncertainties are crucial when it comes to providing skilful seasonal predictions. In this study we analyse the predictive skill and reliability of the ocean component in a seasonal forecasting system. Furthermore, we assess the effects of accounting for model and observational uncertainties. Ensemble forcasts are carried out with an updated version of the ECMWF seasonal forecasting model System 4, with a forecast length of ten months, initialized every May between 1981 and 2010. We find that, for essential quantities such as sea surface temperature and upper ocean 300 m heat content, the ocean forecasts are generally underdispersive and skilful beyond the first month mainly in the Tropics and parts of the North Atlantic. The reference reanalysis used for the forecast evaluation considerably affects diagnostics of forecast skill and reliability, throughout the entire ten‐month forecasts but mostly during the first three months. Accounting for parametrization uncertainty by implementing stochastic parametrization perturbations has a positive impact on both reliability (from month 3 onwards) as well as forecast skill (from month 8 onwards). Skill improvements extend also to atmospheric variables such as 2 m temperature, mostly in the extratropical Pacific but also over the midlatitudes of the Americas. Hence, while model uncertainty impacts the skill of seasonal forecasts, observational uncertainty impacts our assessment of that skill. Future ocean model development should therefore aim not only to reduce model errors but to simultaneously assess and estimate uncertainties.
Do firm characteristics matter in explaining the herding effect on returns?
Authors: Demirer Rıza , Zhang Huacheng
Published: August 2018

This paper explores whether firm characteristics matter in determining the effect of investor herding on asset returns. We find that the level of herding alone does not command a significant effect on industry returns, implied by insignificant return spreads between industries that experience high and low degrees of herding. On the other hand, we observe that herding has a significant interaction with size and past returns. We find that small firms with high level of herding significantly underperform small firms that experience low herding. Similarly, past loser industries with high level of herding significantly outperform loser industries with low herding. No significant interactions between book‐to‐market and market beta with herding are observed. Overall, the findings suggest that the herding effect presents itself via size and momentum channels with significant investment implications.
Fast Simple Determination of Oxygen in Reduced Graphene Oxide by Inert Gas Fusion Method
Authors: Wang Kuan , Chen Na , Li Bo , Zhou Kai , Zheng Wei , Liang Qinghua
Published: August 2018

A new method that combines inert gas fusion with infrared spectrometric detection for fast simple determination of total oxygen in reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has been established in this paper. The whole analyzing process was introduced, including calibration, temperature selection and sample weight selection. The equation of calculation the oxygen content of RGO in this method was given. The precision of the new method has been verified by measurement of a RGO sample. The RGO after measurement was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The relative standard deviation (RSD) of oxygen was 1.02%. The results were consistent with that obtained by the conventional classic method XPS. It has shown that the new method is accurate and efficient. The method of testing a RGO sample needs 140 s. The inert gas fusion‐infrared method is a fast simple method.