bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking neural crest cell cycle progression in vivo
Authors: Rajan Sriivatsan G. , Gallik Kristin L. , Monaghan James R. , Uribe Rosa A. , Bronner Marianne E. , Saxena Ankur
Published: June 2018

Analysis of cell cycle entry/exit and progression can provide fundamental insights into stem cell propagation, maintenance, and differentiation. The neural crest is a unique stem cell population in vertebrate embryos that undergoes long‐distance collective migration and differentiation into a wide variety of derivatives. Using traditional techniques such as immunohistochemistry to track cell cycle changes in such a dynamic population is challenging, as static time points provide an incomplete spatiotemporal picture. In contrast, the fluorescent, ubiquitination‐based cell cycle indicator (Fucci) system provides in vivo readouts of cell cycle progression and has been previously adapted for use in zebrafish. The most commonly used Fucci systems are ubiquitously expressed, making tracking of a specific cell population challenging. Therefore, we generated a transgenic zebrafish line, Tg(‐4.9sox10:mAG‐gmnn(1/100)‐2A‐mCherry‐cdt1(1/190)), in which the Fucci system is specifically expressed in delaminating and migrating neural crest cells. Here, we demonstrate validation of this new tool and its use in live high‐resolution tracking of cell cycle progression in the neural crest and derivative populations.
From Solid‐State Structure and Dynamics to Crystal Engineering
Authors: Braga Dario , Grepioni Fabrizia , Maini Lucia , d'Agostino Simone
Published: June 2018

The investigation of the factors responsible for the stability of the diverse crystal forms that a given molecule can adopt in the solid state (polymorphs, hydrates, cocrystals, etc.) requires an appreciation of the relationship between static and dynamic behavior of atoms and molecules about equilibrium and far from equilibrium positions in the crystal structure. This is particularly relevant when dealing with molecules that are structurally nonrigid at ambient conditions in other media (solution, gas phase). The ease of motion of molecules in molecular crystals depends on the distribution of first neighboring molecules and on the network of intermolecular interactions, which are, in turn, also responsible for the relative thermodynamic stability of solid phases. The knowledge of the intermolecular interactions and of their interplay with the ionic charges commonly present in inorganic, coordination polymers and organometallic compounds is indispensable the application of crystal engineering strategies in the inorganic chemistry area. This microreview article describes, with numerous examples coming mainly from the authors' work, the scientific route that has led from early studies on dynamical processes taking place in the solid state to the design and preparation of novel molecular aggregates involving, inter alia, hydrogen bonded organometallic molecules, charged coordination complexes and metal organic frameworks. The use of solvent‐free mechanochemical mixing of reactants as a method of choice for preparing supramolecular aggregates and hybrid organic–inorganic cocrystals will be discussed.
Elucidating the Trends in Reactivity of Aza‐1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions
Authors: Hamlin Trevor A. , Svatunek Dennis , Yu Song , Ridder Lars , Infante Ivan , Visscher Lucas , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: June 2018

This report describes a density functional theory investigation into the reactivities of a series of aza‐1,3‐dipoles with ethylene at the BP86/TZ2P level. A benchmark study was carried out using QMflows, a newly developed program for automated workflows of quantum chemical calculations. In total, 24 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (1,3‐DCA) reactions were benchmarked using the highly accurate G3B3 method as a reference. We screened a number of exchange and correlation functionals, including PBE, OLYP, BP86, BLYP, both with and without explicit dispersion corrections, to assess their accuracies and to determine which of these computationally efficient functionals performed the best for calculating the energetics for cycloaddition reactions. The BP86/TZ2P method produced the smallest errors for the activation and reaction enthalpies. Then, to understand the factors controlling the reactivity in these reactions, seven archetypal aza‐1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions were investigated using the activation strain model and energy decomposition analysis. Our investigations highlight the fact that differences in activation barrier for these 1,3‐DCA reactions do not arise from differences in strain energy of the dipole, as previously proposed. Instead, relative reactivities originate from differences in interaction energy. Analysis of the 1,3‐dipole–dipolarophile interactions reveals the reactivity trends primarily result from differences in the extent of the primary orbital interactions.
A facile Solvent/Nonsolvent Preparation of Sintering‐Resistant MgO/CaO Composites for High‐Temperature CO2 Capture
Authors: Huang Liang , Zheng Qianwen , Louis Benoit , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2018

For CaO‐based high‐temperature CO2 sorbents, excellent cyclic stability is highly desired for its practical applications. Among all techniques, preparation of CaO‐based composites is one of the most widely accepted strategies, and the mixing status between CaO and the inert supporting material is crucial for its anti‐sintering property. This work provides a new strategy for preparing nanometrically dispersed MgO/CaO composites with significantly improved cyclic stability. The so called solvent/nonsolvent synthesis method can endow a simultaneous solidification of Ca and Mg and result in a nano‐meter level mixing of CaO and MgO. The optimized sorbent Mg/Ca‐0.2 retained 95.3 % (13.45 mmol g−1) of its initial capacity after 7 cycles, while the control CaAc2−CaO only retained 52.9 % (8.67 mmol g−1) of its initial capacity. The addition of MgO also increase the CO2 sorption and desorption kinetics after several cycles. We believe that this new and facile solvent/nonsolvent synthesis method is also promising for the preparation of other highly mixed metal oxides.
Volatility and correlation timing: The role of commodities
Authors: Pouliasis Panos K. , Papapostolou Nikos C.
Published: June 2018

This paper examines the role of commodities from the perspective of dynamic asset allocation. We model conditional second moments of stock, bond, and commodity futures and examine their impact on the portfolio choice decision of a risk‐averse investor in a mean‐variance framework. Findings suggest that adding commodities in the opportunity set enhances portfolio risk‐return characteristics and offers diversification benefits. Moreover, there is substantial economic value in both volatility and correlation timing strategies. Results are robust across various subperiods and rebalancing strategies: alternative correlation dynamics specifications, short‐sale constraints, and transaction costs under both in‐ and out‐of‐sample settings.
Neural specialization of phonological and semantic processing in young children
Authors: Weiss Yael , Cweigenberg Hannah G. , Booth James R.
Published: June 2018

This study aimed to examine early specialization of brain regions for phonological and semantic processing of spoken language in young children. Thirty‐five typically developing children aged from 5 to 6 years performed auditory phonological (same sound judgment) and semantic (related meaning judgment) word‐level tasks. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined specialization within the language network, by conducting three levels of analysis. First, we directly compared activation between tasks and found a greater sound judgment as compared to meaning judgment activation in left superior temporal gyrus (STG) and supramarginal gyrus. In contrast, greater meaning judgment as compared to sound judgment task activation was found in left middle temporal gyrus (MTG). Second, we examined the brain‐behavior correlations and found that phonological skill was correlated with the task difference in activation in left superior temporal sulcus, whereas semantic skill was correlated with the task difference in activation in left MTG. Third, we compared between two experimental conditions within each task and found a parametric effect in left STG for the sound judgment task, and a parametric effect in left MTG for the meaning judgment task. The results of this study indicate that, by the age of 5–6 years, typically developing children already show some specialization of temporo‐parietal brain regions for phonological and semantic processes. However, there were no task differences in the left inferior frontal gyrus suggesting that the frontal cortex may not yet be specialized in this age range, which is consistent with the delayed maturation of the frontal cortex.
Panobinostat in combination with rituximab in heavily pretreated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: Results of a phase II study
Authors: Barnes Jeffrey A. , Redd Robert , Fisher David C. , Hochberg Ephraim P. , Takvorian Tak , Neuberg Donna , Jacobsen Eric , Abramson Jeremy S.
Published: June 2018

This is a phase II study of panobinostat, an oral pan‐HDAC inhibitor, combined with rituximab in patients with relapsed diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Panobinostat was administered orally 3 times a week every other week on a 28‐day cycle. Rituximab was administered weekly during the first cycle, then on Day 1 of cycles 2 to 6. Patients without disease progression after 6 cycles continued panobinostat monotherapy for up to 6 additional cycles in the absence of disease progression. Eighteen eligible subjects were enrolled, and 18 were evaluable for response. The overall response rate was 11% (90% CI [2%‐34%]) with 2 subjects having a partial response. The duration of response in these subjects was 51 and 60 days. Five additional subjects had stable disease with 3 subjects having tumor reduction between 27 and 44%, not meeting criteria for partial response. One subject with stable disease remained on therapy a total of 12 cycles. The most common toxicities while on study were thrombocytopenia (14 patients, 78%); fatigue (11, 61%); anemia (10, 56%); diarrhea (8, 44%); and nausea, lymphopenia, anorexia, and hypophosphatemia (5 each, 28% of patients), the majority of which was grade 2 or less. These data indicate that the combination of panobinostat with rituximab is able to induce responses in a limited number of subjects with relapsed diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
Weight stigmatisation in antiobesity campaigns: The role of images
Authors: Johnstone Georgina , Grant Sharon L.
Published: June 2018

Issue addressed

Antiobesity campaigns may inadvertently stigmatise individuals with obesity via the use of images that portray negative obesity stereotypes. This study investigated the impact of images on weight stigma using mock antiobesity campaigns featuring different types of images.

Methods

Participants (N = 240) were randomly assigned to one of four campaign conditions: stereotypical images, counter‐stereotypical images, neutral images, or no images. All four conditions used the same nonstigmatising message text. Participants indicated their attitudes towards being in social situations (desired social distance) with the target featured in the images, or individuals with obesity (no images), rated the target or individuals with obesity on various traits, and indicated to what extent the campaign was motivating and stigmatising.

Results

Analysis of variance revealed that the stereotypical images were rated as the most stigmatising and were also associated with higher negative and lower positive trait ratings of the target and more desired social distance from the target. Neutral images generally produced the least weight stigma.

Conclusion

It is important to consider the impact of antiobesity campaign images that depict common obesity stereotypes. Developing, testing and disseminating nonstigmatising campaigns is important to reduce stigma and better engage individuals with antiobesity public health messages.

So what?

Weight stigma has negative consequences for physical and psychological health, which may undermine obesity intervention efforts. Stereotypical images that blame individuals for their weight reinforce obesity stigma and are likely to be in‐effective in increasing healthier behaviour and reducing obesity. The development of effective antiobesity campaigns should be a public health priority.
Stormwater capture and antecedent moisture characteristics of permeable pavements
Authors: Guo Rui , Guo Yiping , Wang Jun
Published: June 2018

An approach based on individual rainfall events is introduced to mathematically describe the hydrologic responses and estimate the stormwater capture efficiencies of permeable pavement systems (PPSs). A stochastic model describing the instantaneous dynamic water balance of a PPS is established, from which the probability distribution of the antecedent moisture content of the PPS at the beginning of a rainfall event is analytically derived. Based on this probability distribution and the event‐based approach, an analytical equation that can be used for estimating the stormwater capture efficiencies of PPSs is also derived. The derived analytical equation is verified by comparing its results with those from continuous simulations for a wide range of PPSs with different sizes and underlying soils and operating under various climate conditions. It was found that the antecedent moisture contents of PPSs at the test locations are usually fairly close to zero, suggesting that PPSs at these locations are always almost empty at the start of a rainfall event. The derived analytical equation accounts for many key processes influencing the behaviour and operation of PPSs; it may serve as an easy‐to‐use tool that is essential for the planning and design of PPSs.
Children's trust in print: What is the impact of late exposure to reading instruction?
Authors: Einav Shiri , Rydland Veslemøy , Grøver Vibeke , Robinson Elizabeth J. , Harris Paul L.
Published: June 2018

Prior research in England has indicated that, unlike prereaders, young children who have learned to decode simple words view print‐based information as a more authoritative source of knowledge than purely oral information. We predicted that children in Norway—who start to receive formal reading instruction at a relatively late age—would be slower to display this bias toward print‐based information. Accordingly, we tested 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds (N = 96) in Norway. As expected, these children showed a delayed emergence of the bias toward print over speech. Unexpectedly, however, children who had successfully gained a basic reading ability prior to any exposure to formal reading instruction in school were no more trusting of print than were their prereading peers. These results suggest that the ability to decode simple words is an important condition for selective trust in print‐based information but that exposure to formal reading instruction in school may also be necessary.

Highlights

Is there a link between formal reading instruction and young children's bias to trust print over oral information?

A study in Norway, where formal reading instruction is delayed, confirmed later emergence of trust in print compared to previous findings in the UK.

Formal reading instruction may play a role in the emergence of children's selective trust in print-based information.
Gray codes extending quadratic matchings
Authors: Dvořák Tomáš , Fink Jiří
Published: June 2018

Is it true that every matching in the n‐dimensional hypercube can be extended to a Gray code? More than two decades have passed since Ruskey and Savage asked this question and the problem still remains open. A solution is known only in some special cases, including perfect matchings or matchings of linear size. This article shows that the answer to the Ruskey–Savage problem is affirmative for every matching of size at most . The proof is based on an inductive construction that extends balanced matchings in the completion of the hypercube by edges of into a Hamilton cycle of . On the other hand, we show that for every there is a balanced matching in of size that cannot be extended in this way.
Treatment Outcomes for Military Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Response Trajectories by Symptom Cluster
Authors: Phelps Andrea J. , Steele Zachary , Cowlishaw Sean , Metcalf Olivia , Alkemade Nathan , Elliott Peter , O'Donnell Meaghan , Redston Suzy , Kerr Katelyn , Howard Alexandra , Nursey Jane , Cooper John , Armstrong Renee , Fitzgerald Lea , Forbes David
Published: June 2018

Although effective posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments are available, outcomes for veterans with PTSD are relatively modest. Previous researchers have identified subgroups of veterans with different response trajectories but have not investigated whether PTSD symptom clusters (based on a four‐factor model) have different patterns of response to treatment. The importance of this lies in the potential to increase treatment focus on less responsive symptoms. We investigated treatment outcomes by symptom cluster for 2,685 Australian veterans with PTSD. We used Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist scores obtained at treatment intake, posttreatment, and 3‐ and 9‐month follow‐ups to define change across symptom clusters. Repeated measures effect sizes indicated that arousal and numbing symptoms exhibited the largest changes between intake and posttreatment, dRM = −0.61 and dRM = −0.52, respectively, whereas avoidance and intrusion symptoms showed more modest reductions, dRM = −0.36 and dRM = −0.30, respectively. However, unlike the other symptom clusters, the intrusions cluster continued to show significant changes between posttreatment and 3‐month follow‐up, dRM = −0.21. Intrusion and arousal symptoms also showed continued changes between 3‐ and 9‐month follow‐ups although these effects were very small, dRM = −0.09. Growth curve model analyses produced consistent findings and indicated modest initial changes in intrusion symptoms that continued posttreatment. These findings may reflect the longer time required for emotional processing, relative to behavioral changes in avoidance, numbing, and arousal, during the program; they also reinforce the importance of prioritizing individual trauma‐focused therapy directly targeting intrusions as the core component of programmatic treatment.
Cardiovascular Benefits of Phenol‐Enriched Virgin Olive Oils: New Insights from the Virgin Olive Oil and HDL Functionality (VOHF) Study
Authors: Pedret Anna , Fernández‐Castillejo Sara , Valls Rosa‐Maria , Catalán Úrsula , Rubió Laura , Romeu Marta , Macià Alba , López de las Hazas Maria Carmen , Farràs Marta , Giralt Montse , Mosele Juana I. , Martín‐Peláez Sandra , Remaley Alan T. , Covas Maria‐Isabel , Fitó Montse , Motilva Maria‐José , Solà Rosa
Published: June 2018

Scope

The main findings of the “Virgin Olive Oil and HDL Functionality” (VOHF) study and other related studies on the effect of phenol‐enriched virgin olive oil (VOO) supplementation on cardiovascular disease are integrated in the present work.

Methods and results

VOHF assessed whether VOOs, enriched with their own phenolic compounds (FVOO) or with those from thyme (FVOOT), improve quantity and functionality of HDL. In this randomized, double‐blind, crossover, and controlled trial, 33 hypercholesterolemic subjects received a control VOO (80 mg kg−1), FVOO (500 mg kg−1), and FVOOT (500 mg kg−1; 1:1) for 3 weeks. Both functional VOOs promoted cardioprotective changes, modulating HDL proteome, increasing fat‐soluble antioxidants, improving HDL subclasses distribution, reducing the lipoprotein insulin resistance index, increasing endogenous antioxidant enzymes, protecting DNA from oxidation, ameliorating endothelial function, and increasing fecal microbial metabolic activity. Additional cardioprotective benefits were observed according to phenol source and content in the phenol‐enriched VOOs. These insights support the beneficial effects of OO and PC from different sources.

Conclusion

Novel therapeutic strategies should increase HDL‐cholesterol levels and enhance HDL functionality. The tailoring of phenol‐enriched VOOs is an interesting and useful strategy for enhancing the functional quality of HDL, and thus, it can be used as a complementary tool for the management of hypercholesterolemic individuals.
New continuous strain‐based description of concrete's damage‐permeability coupling
Authors: Bouhjiti D. E.‐M. , Ezzedine El Dandachy M. , Dufour F. , Dal Pont S. , Briffaut M. , Baroth J. , Masson B.
Published: June 2018

This contribution aims at improving the finite element modelling of concrete's damage‐permeability coupling using continuous and elastic‐based damage approaches. With this aim in view, a review of existing local and nonlocal damage formulations is performed showing how they differ in terms of damage estimation, crack propagation, and spatial discretization restrictions (when the energy‐based Hillerborg criterion is applied). Another critical review of damage‐based permeability laws is achieved to pinpoint their limitations. Indeed, the use of a bounded and strictly increasing damage variable does not allow (1) an accurate description of permeability in the presence of macrocracks that are physically unbounded and (2) a proper description of the permeability decrease as those macrocracks are closed. Accordingly, a new strain‐based permeability law is suggested. Its analytical validation is based on the BIPEDE tensile test for one loading‐unloading cycle. This new formulation intends to enhance the predictiveness of damage‐permeability coupling models leading to a better assessment of large structure's durability and serviceability.
Factors associated with depressive symptoms in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Doi Mana , Fukahori Hiroki , Oyama Yumiko , Morita Kumiko
Published: June 2018

Aim

To identify the association between possible factors and depression among post‐percutaneous coronary intervention patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Sixty‐eight post‐percutaneous coronary intervention patients with acute coronary syndrome were enrolled between January 2016 ‐ June 2017. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores at 1–3 months after discharge were regressed onto uncertainty in illness and other clinical factors based on the Roy Adaptation Model.

Results

Thirty‐six patients were included in the final analysis. Higher baseline depression scores, higher changes in uncertainty in illness and feeling annoyed by troublesome tasks after discharge were associated with higher depressive scores at 1 month after discharge. Careful observation and support of patients’ ineffective responses in self‐concept mode may be effective in preventing depression.
Racial Differences in Relative Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss During Diet‐Induced Weight Loss in Women
Authors: Hunter Gary R. , Bryan David R. , Borges Juliano H. , David Diggs M. , Carter Stephen J.
Published: June 2018

Objective

It is unclear whether there are race‐specific differences in the maintenance of skeletal muscle during energy restriction. Changes in relative skeletal muscle index (RSMI; limb lean tissue divided by height squared) were compared following (1) diet alone, (2) diet + aerobic training, or (3) diet + resistance training.

Methods

Overweight, sedentary African American (AA; n = 72) and European American (EA; n = 68) women were provided an 800‐kcal/d diet to reduce BMI < 25 kg/m2. Regional fat‐free mass was measured with dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Steady‐state VO2 and heart rate responses during walking were measured.

Results

AA women had greater RSMI and preserved RSMI during diet alone, while RSMI was significantly reduced among EA women (EA women –3.6% vs. AA women + 1.1%; P < 0.05). Diet + resistance training subjects retained RSMI (EA women + 0.2% vs. AA women + 1.4%; P = 50.05), whereas diet + aerobic training subjects decreased RSMI (EA women –1.4% vs. AA women –1.5%; P < 0.05). Maintenance of RSMI was related to delta walking ease and economy.

Conclusions

Compared with AA women, EA women are less muscular and lose more muscle during weight loss without resistance training. During diet‐induced weight loss, resistance training preserves skeletal muscle, especially among premenopausal EA women. Maintenance of muscle during weight loss associates with better ease and economy of walking.
Underdocumentation of Obesity by Medical Residents Highlights Challenges to Effective Obesity Care
Authors: Srivastava Gitanjali , Johnson Erica D. , Earle Rebecca L. , Kadambi Nitya , Pazin Dorothy E. , Kaplan Lee M.
Published: June 2018

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine attitudes and practices of physicians in training with respect to the evaluation and treatment of obesity.

Methods

Resident‐generated admission and discharge notes of all 1,765 general medicine hospital admissions during 4 nonconsecutive months were analyzed, and any references to weight, obesity, BMI, adiposity, and body fat were identified. The full general resident cohort was then surveyed for perceptions and behaviors related to obesity.

Results

Obesity was considered a highly important medical issue by 98.5% of residents; 90% correctly identified a class II obesity Stunkard phenotype, and 80% accurately calculated a BMI given height and weight in metric units. Residents overestimated inpatient obesity prevalence (estimate = 75%; actual = 35%) and the rate of obesity recording in the hospital admission note (estimate = 94%; actual = 49.5%). A BMI or current weight in the admission note or discharge summary was reported in none of the 1,765 patient records, and only 6% of the patients with obesity had obesity noted in either the inpatient admission or discharge assessment or plan.

Conclusions

Though residents recognize obesity and its clinical implications, it is underreported in the assessment of inpatients. This low level of documenting obesity and its impact on clinical care planning underscores a missed opportunity to establish appropriate referrals and initiate treatment at a clinically opportune time.
Weight Perception, Weight Stigma Concerns, and Overeating
Authors: Romano Eugenia , Haynes Ashleigh , Robinson Eric
Published: June 2018

Objective

Perceiving one's own weight status as being overweight is a likely motivation for weight loss. However, self‐perceived overweight status has also been found to be associated with overeating and weight gain. This study examined whether weight stigma concerns explain why individuals who perceive their weight status as overweight are at increased risk of overeating.

Methods

We conducted two survey studies of United States adults (N = 1,236) in which we assessed whether weight stigma concerns explain the cross‐sectional relationship between perceived overweight and overeating tendencies.

Results

Across two studies, the cross‐sectional relationship between perceived overweight and overeating tendencies was in part explained by weight stigma concerns. Participants who perceived their weight as “overweight” reported greater weight stigma concerns than participants who perceived their weight as “about right,” and this explained 23.3% (Study 1) to 58.6% (Study 2) of the variance in the relationship between perceived overweight and overeating tendencies.

Conclusions

Weight stigma concerns may explain why perceiving one's own weight status as overweight is associated with an increased tendency to overeat.
Cobalt Phosphide Nanoparticles Applied as a Theranostic Agent for Multimodal Imaging and Anticancer Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Li Zhenglin , Hu Shaoshan , Liu Jing , Hu Ying , Chen Lei , Jiang Tingting , Sun Lei , Sun Ye , Besenbacher Flemming , Chen Chunying , Yu Miao
Published: June 2018

Biocompatible single‐component theranostic nanoagents instinctly affording multiple imaging modalities with satisfying therapeutic functions are highly desirable for anticancer treatments. Although cobalt‐based phosphides are well‐recognized as competent electrocatalysts, their potentials for biomedical applications remain unexplored. In this work, cobalt phosphide nanoparticles (CoP NPs) are developed to be a powerful theranostic agent for multimodal imaging and anticancer photothermal therapy. The uniform CoP NPs in a size of ≈21 nm are synthesized via a facile thermal decomposition method, followed by surface modification. The resultant CoP NPs exhibit excellent compatibility and stability in water as well as various physiological solutions. Supported by the good biocompatibility, strong near‐infrared absorption, and high photothermal conversion property, significant photothermal effect of the NPs is demonstrated, realizing efficient hyperthermia ablation on cancer cells. Importantly, the CoP NPs have shown considerable capabilities on high‐contrast in vitro and in vivo triple‐modal imaging, including infrared thermal (IRT), photoacoustic (PA), and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. This work has unraveled the promising potentials of CoP‐based nanoagent for precise diagnosis and efficient therapy.
Integration of “Omics” Strategies for Biomarkers Discovery and for the Elucidation of Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Scumaci Domenica , Oliva Antonio , Concolino Antonio , Curcio Antonio , Fiumara Claudia Vincenza , Tammè Laura , Campuzano Oscar , Pascali Vincenzo L. , Coll Monica , Iglesias Anna , Berne Paola , Casu Gavino , Olivo Erika , Ausania Francesco , Ricci Pietrantonio , Indolfi Ciro , Brugada Josep , Brugada Ramon , Cuda Giovanni
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a severe inherited cardiac disorder. Given the high genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of this disease, three different “omics” approaches are integrated in a synergic way to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of BrS as well as for identifying reliable diagnostic/prognostic markers.

Experimental design

The profiling of plasma Proteome and MiRNome is perfomed in a cohort of Brugada patients that were preliminary subjected to genomic analysis to assess a peculiar gene mutation profile.

Results

The integrated analysis of “omics” data unveiled a cooperative activity of mutated genes, deregulated miRNAs and proteins in orchestrating transcriptional and post‐translational events that are critical determining factors for the development of the Brugada pattern.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This study provides the basis to shed light on the specific molecular fingerprints underlying BrS development and to gain further insights on the pathogenesis of this life‐threatening cardiac disease.
Design, synthesis, and insecticidal activity evaluation of novel 4‐(N, N‐diarylmethylamines)furan‐2(5H)‐one derivatives as potential acetylcholine receptor insecticides
Authors: Tian Pingyi , Liu Dengyue , Liu Zhengjun , Shi Jing , He Wenjing , Qi Puying , Chen Jixiang , Song Baoan
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Flupyradifurone is a member of a novel class of insecticides that possess excellent insecticidal activities. Halogen‐containing phenyl groups are important and indispensable structural components of many pesticides. However, replacement of the difluoromethyl group of flupyradifurone with halogen‐containing phenyl groups has not been reported. Hence, a series of novel butenolide derivatives containing phenyl groups were synthesized and bioassayed to discover novel compounds with excellent insecticidal activities.

RESULTS

Some target molecules exhibited good insecticidal activities against Aphis craccivora. Among the title compounds, 4cc showed the best insecticidal activities with an 50% lethal concentration (LC50) value of 1.72 μg mL−1, which is superior to that of pymetrozine (LC50 = 6.86 μg mL−1). Molecular docking indicated that 4cc lacks oxidative metabolism by CYP6CM1 and metabolic resistance with imidacloprid. Furthermore, label‐free quantitative proteomic analysis indicated that 4cc may be a potential acetylcholine receptor insecticide that acts on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Compound 4cc also decreased the capability for oxidative metabolism, which further supported the molecular docking results.

CONCLUSION

This work can be used to further investigate the mechanism underlying the insecticidal activity of butenolide derivatives and develop potential novel butenolide insecticides. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Non‐Centrosymmetric Superconductors on Honeycomb Lattice
Authors: Lee Der‐Hau , Chung Chung‐Hou
Published: June 2018

Non‐centrosymmetric topological superconductivity is studied in correlated doped quantum spin‐Hall insulators (QSHI) on honeycomb lattice without inversion symmetry where the intrinsic (Kane–Mele) and Rashba spin–orbit couplings can in general exist. The generic topologically non‐trivial superconducting phase diagram of the model system is explored. Over a certain parameter range, the parity‐mixing superconducting state with co‐existing spin‐singlet d + id and spin‐triplet p + ip‐wave pairing is found. On a zigzag nanoribbon, the parity‐mixing superconducting state shows co‐existing helical and chiral Majorana fermions at edges. The relevance of our results for experiments is discussed.
Recent advances in oncofertility care worldwide and in Japan
Authors: Takai Yasushi
Published: June 2018

Background

Oncofertility is a crucial facet of cancer supportive care. The publication of guidelines for the cryopreservation of oocytes and ovarian tissue is becoming increasingly prevalent in Japan and an updated overview is necessary.

Methods

In order to provide an updated overview of oncofertility care, original research and review articles were searched from the PubMed database and compared in order to present clinical care in Japan.

Results

In Western countries, various methods for ovarian stimulation, such as the combined use of aromatase inhibitors and random‐start protocols, have been reported. Although ovarian tissue cryopreservation, mainly performed via the slow‐freezing method, also has yielded >100 live births, the optimal indications and procedures for the auto‐transplantation of cryopreserved tissue have been under investigation. In Japan, however, vitrification is prevalent for ovarian tissue cryopreservation, although its efficacy has not yet been established. The quality of network systems for providing oncofertility care in Japan varies greatly, based on the region.

Conclusion

There remain many issues in the optimization of oncofertility care in Japan. Along with the regional oncofertility networks, the creation of “oncofertility navigators” from healthcare providers who are familiar with oncofertility, such as nurses, psychologists, and embryologists, could be useful for supplementing oncofertility care coordination, overcoming the issues in individual regions.
Deregulation of the Notch pathway as a common road in viral carcinogenesis
Authors: Vázquez‐Ulloa Elenaé , Lizano Marcela , Sjöqvist Marika , Olmedo‐Nieva Leslie , Contreras‐Paredes Adriana
Published: June 2018

The Notch pathway is a conserved signaling pathway and a form of direct cell‐cell communication related to many biological processes during development and adulthood. Deregulation of the Notch pathway is involved in many diseases, including cancer. Almost 20% of all cancer cases have an infectious etiology, with viruses responsible for at least 1.5 million new cancer cases per year. Seven groups of viruses have been classified as oncogenic: hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV respectively), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV), human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV‐1), human papillomavirus (HPV), and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). These viruses share the ability to manipulate a variety of cell pathways that are critical in proliferation and differentiation, leading to malignant transformation. Viral proteins interact directly or indirectly with different members of the Notch pathway, altering their normal function. This review focuses exclusively on the direct interactions of viral oncoproteins with Notch elements, providing a deeper understanding of the dual behavior of the Notch pathway as activator or suppressor of neoplasia in virus‐related cancers.
Promoting Alternative Flexible Substrate for Electrode Materials to Achieve Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Long Bei , Luo Lei , Yang Hao , Balogun Muhammad‐Sadeeq , Song Shuqin , Tong Yexiang
Published: June 2018

The rapid development of flexible electronic devices stimulates the search for the cost‐effective and suitable flexible electrodes. However, the excessive pursuit of the flexibility and energy density allow researchers to give less attention to other important factors such as cost and the negative effect of the flexible substrates. Here, with low cost, good conductivity and considerable smaller thickness, stainless steel mesh (SSM) is considered as a potential flexible current collector. The experimental results also show that the SSM has negligible capacity contribution when used as a substrate for the growth of active materials and therefore the exsitence of SSM does not consume the active components in electrolyte and has negligible influence on the electrochemical properties of active materials. Besides, further chemical modification of SSM (SSME) leads to the enhanced eletrochemical properties and volumetric energy densities of SSME‐derived electrodes. Thus, this work gives an example of how to select suitable flexible current collector.
Synthesis of Hierarchical 4H/fcc Ru Nanotubes for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution in Alkaline Media
Authors: Lu Qipeng , Wang An‐Liang , Cheng Hongfei , Gong Yue , Yun Qinbai , Yang Nailiang , Li Bing , Chen Bo , Zhang Qinghua , Zong Yun , Gu Lin , Zhang Hua
Published: June 2018

Hierarchical metal nanostructures containing 1D nanobuilding blocks have stimulated great interest due to their abundant active sites for catalysis. Herein, hierarchical 4H/face‐centered cubic (fcc) Ru nanotubes (NTs) are synthesized by a hard template‐mediated method, in which 4H/fcc Au nanowires (NWs) serve as sacrificial templates which are then etched by copper ions (Cu2+) in dimethylformamide. The obtained hierarchical 4H/fcc Ru NTs contain ultrathin Ru shells (5–9 atomic layers) and tiny Ru nanorods with length of 4.2 ± 1.1 nm and diameter of 2.2 ± 0.5 nm vertically decorated on the surface of Ru shells. As an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media, the hierarchical 4H/fcc Ru NTs exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance, which is better than 4H/fcc Au‐Ru NWs, commercial Pt/C, Ru/C, and most of the reported electrocatalysts.
Criticality, Entropy and Conflict
Authors: Trinn Christoph
Published: June 2018

Power‐law distributions are ubiquitous in the natural and social worlds and also characterize the intensity of intrastate conflicts. One of the most convincing approaches to explain the origin of power laws is the so‐called forest‐fire model, which is based on the notion of self‐organized criticality. In order to make this model more fruitful for social science, its components require a deeper theoretical specification. We turn to general systems theory and the conception of entropy (uncertainty, insecurity and disorder) and its conceptual complement, negentropy. We argue that intrastate conflict is an ‘eruptive’ form of ‘social fissioning’: an evolutionary mechanism whereby sharp friend–foe differences and rigid within‐group conformity are created, increasing the certainty of social interactions. In intrastate conflicts, the political system burdens the economic and cultural systems with entropy and extracts negentropy resources from them. This process is characterized by discontinuous outbursts of entropy, which collectively follow a power law. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Call for Purge on the People Traffickers’: An Investigation into British Newspapers’ Representation of Transnational Human Trafficking, 2000–2016
Authors: Gregoriou Christiana , Ras Ilse A.
Published: June 2018

Gregoriou and Ras draw on corpus linguistics and critical discourse analysis to examine a 61.5 million-word corpus of articles published by UK newspapers between 2000 and 2016, and on qualitative critical discourse analysis of a sixty-seven-article sample corpus in depth. Both approaches analyse the naming and describing of victims and traffickers, metaphors, transitivity, and speech and writing presentation, while the in-depth qualitative approach furthermore analyses the text (images) (multi)modally. Their findings conclude that trafficking for sexual exploitation is over-reported compared to other forms of trafficking, and that victims are generally presented as young, female, and vulnerable. As a result, non-stereotypical victims, of crimes like forced begging and domestic servitude, are not readily recognised as victims, and thereby are deprived of opportunities for assistance.
Recurrent Falls Among Elderly Patients and the Impact of Anticoagulation Therapy
Authors: Chiu Alexander S. , Jean Raymond A. , Fleming Matthew , Pei Kevin Y.
Published: June 2018

Background

Falls are the leading source of injury and trauma‐related hospital admissions for elderly adults in the USA. Elderly patients with a history of a fall have the highest risk of falling again, and the decision on whether to continue anticoagulation after a fall is difficult. To inform this decision, we evaluated the rate of recurrent falls and the impact of anticoagulation on outcomes.

Methods

All patients of age  ≥ 65 years and hospitalized for a fall in the first 6 months of 2013 and 2014 were identified in the nationwide readmission database, a nationally representative all‐payer database tracking patient readmissions. Readmissions for a recurrent fall within 6 months, and mortality and bleeding injuries (intracranial hemorrhage, solid organ bleed, and hemothorax) during readmission were identified. Logistic regression evaluated factors associated with mortality on repeat falls.

Results

Of the 331,982 patients admitted for a fall, 15,565 (4.7%) were admitted for a recurrent fall within 6 months. The median time to repeat fall was 57 days (IQR 19–111 days), and 9.0% (1406) of repeat fallers were on anticoagulation. The rate of bleeding injury was similar regardless of anticoagulation status (12.8 vs. 12.7% not on anticoagulation, p = 0.97); however, among patients with a bleeding injury, those on anticoagulation had significantly higher mortality (21.5 vs. 6.9% not on anticoagulation, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Among patients hospitalized for a fall, 4.7% will be hospitalized for a recurrent fall within 6 months. Patients on anticoagulation with repeat falls do not have increased rates of bleeding injury but do have significantly higher rates of death with a bleeding injury. This information is essential to discuss with patients when deciding to restart their anticoagulation.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Pyloromyotomy in Children: An Opportunity for Better Stewardship
Authors: Williams Kibileri , Lautz Timothy , Hendrickson Richard J. , Oyetunji Tolulope A.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Surgical site infection is very uncommon after pyloromyotomy in children, and it is considered a “clean” procedure under the traditional wound classification system. This study aims to investigate prophylactic antibiotic administration for pyloromyotomy among children’s hospitals in the USA.

Methods

The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was retrospectively reviewed from 2014 to 2015 including all patients less than 1 year old who had a principal diagnosis of pyloric stenosis and underwent pyloromyotomy. Patient demographics, hospital length of stay, and perioperative antibiotic administration were extracted.

Results

A total of 4206 patients met study criteria. Most patients were male (84%) and Caucasian (70%). The median age at admission was 32 days (IQR 24–44 days), and median length of stay was 2 days (IQR 1–2 days). Antibiotics were administered perioperatively in 2153 (51%) patients with marked variation among children’s hospitals. Antibiotics were given to more than 10% of patients in more than 90% of hospitals, and only two of 49 hospitals gave no antibiotic prophylaxis.

Conclusions

This study has shown that at several tertiary‐level children’s hospitals in the USA, antibiotic prophylaxis is administered for pyloromyotomy, a “clean” procedure. This highlights the need for standardization of care and more effective antibiotic stewardship in pediatric surgery.
A Neuropsychological Study on How Consumers Process Risky and Secure E-payments
Authors: Casado-Aranda Luis-Alberto , Liébana-Cabanillas Francisco , Sánchez-Fernández Juan
Published: June 2018

Dependable online payment systems (e-payments) are fundamental in promoting future online purchases. Yet little research has focused on either the differences between secure and risky e-payments or consumer reactions to the different systems. This study reverts to neuroscience (fMRI) to 1) identify the neural effects pertaining to risky and secure e-payments and 2) reveal the underlying brain mechanisms when confronted with two widespread systems: debit cards and Paypal. Thirty subjects participated in an experiment simulating a low-involvement online purchase. The analysis reveals that perceived risky e-payments activate brain areas linked to negative emotional processing, while areas involved with reward prediction are strongly triggered by secure e-payments. Furthermore, the study not only reveals a greater intention of use toward Paypal, but sees it as more secure, rewarding and affective. Debit card e-payments, by contrast, elicit brain activations associated with negative and risky events. Interestingly, the right cerebellum response (responsible for value encoding) covaried with more positive use intention toward Paypal. These results offer invaluable insight into the unconscious origin of the choice of payment systems among consumers.
Finding Meaning in Contradiction on Employee Review Sites — Effects of Discrepant Online Reviews on Job Application Intentions
Authors: Könsgen Raoul , Schaarschmidt Mario , Ivens Stefan , Munzel Andreas
Published: June 2018

Sharing experiences with peers through online reviews has amplified the impacts of individual articulations on the reputations of firms across many industries. With employee review sites, current and former employees share their positive and negative experiences with their company, which has become an increasingly important aspect for reputation management and for job seekers’ decision-making on where to apply. In the present study, the effects of discrepant reviews (i.e., reviews with a high variance in company evaluations) are examined in the context of employer review sites. In particular, we investigate how review discrepancy, persuasion knowledge activation, and constructive company responses affect job seekers’ trust in the company and the resulting application intentions. In our preliminary study, we analyzed a sample of 25,827 published company reviews on the German employee rating site Kununu.de. The results revealed that high levels of discrepant reviews for the same company exist, thus underlining the need for additional studies. In our main study, a 2 (review discrepancy) × 2 (persuasion knowledge activation) × 2 (company response) between-subject-design experiment was conducted with 311 respondents. We find that high levels of discrepancies lead to increased intentions to avoid submitting applications to the focal company and reduced intentions to pursue employment. This study complements the research concerning online reputation by highlighting the relevance of discrepant reviews for job seekers’ application intentions.