bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of nanostructured Co–Mo alloy electrodes and investigation of their electrocatalytic activity for hydrazine oxidation in alkaline medium
Authors: Abdolmaleki Mehdi , Bodaghi Ali , Hosseini Javad , Jamehbozorgi Saeed
Published: March 2018

Cobalt and cobalt–molybdenum alloy electrodes are prepared by galvanic deposition on copper substrates. In this paper, we report a study on the influence of alloying cobalt with molybdenum for the oxidation of hydrazine in 1 M NaOH aqueous solutions. The electrocatalytic properties of the electrodes are studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS,) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis demonstrate that the structural features and compositions of the as‐prepared Co–Mo coatings vary with the deposition conditions. Electrochemical characterization indicates that the electrochemical properties and the electrocatalytic activity of the investigated alloys were strongly dependent on the microstructural features obtained under different deposition conditions. The overall experimental data indicate that alloying cobalt with molybdenum metal leads to an increase of the electrocatalytic activity in hydrazine electroxidation compared to when using the pure cobalt electrode. High catalytic efficiencies were achieved on Co/25 at.% Mo and Co/33 at.% Mo electrodes, the latter being the best electrocatalyst for hydrazine electroxidation.
NOTCH4 is a possible novel susceptibility gene for dilated cardiomyopathy in the Chinese population: A case‐control study
Authors: Shi Xiaoqing , Zhang Yang , Li Bingjie , Peng Mengle , Yuan Yingying , Wang Ximing , Li Xinqiang , Yu Dongze , Li Yongzhe , Qin Dongchun
Published: March 2018

Background

The incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has increased in recent years, and many studies have sought to further improve the general understanding of this condition. Previous studies have demonstrated that some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with systemic lupus erythematosus also affect susceptibility to DCM, suggesting that immune‐related diseases may share similar genetic susceptibility. Recent large‐scale and genome‐wide association studies have identified NCR3, NOTCH4, CYP1A2, ITGA1, OPRM1, ST8SIA2, and LINC00704 as genetic risk factors associated with cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus. Here, we aimed to determine whether these SNPs conferred susceptibility to DCM in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between these polymorphisms and DCM risk in 273 patients with DCM and 548 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using MassArray iPLEX system.

Results

Logistic regression analysis indicated that the T allele of rs3134942 in NOTCH4 gene increased the risk of DCM by 61% compared with the G allele (Pa = 6.57 × 10−3). The SNP rs3134942 was also significantly associated with increased DCM risk in the additive (Pa = 6.57 × 10−3) and dominant models (Pa = 1.01 × 10−2). Additionally, rs2472299 in CYP1A2 gene showed suggestive association with reduced risk of DCM in the dominant model (Pa = 4.24 × 10−2) and was correlated with smoking status in patients with DCM (Pa = 1.56 × 10−2).

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that rs3134942 in NOTCH4 may be involved in DCM risk. Further, studies in larger and ethnically diverse populations are required to confirm the results reported in this study.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Sulfobutylether‐β‐Cyclodextrin in Patients With Varying Degrees of Renal Impairment
Authors: Hoover Randall K. , Alcorn Harry , Lawrence Laura , Paulson Susan K. , Quintas Megan , Luke David R. , Cammarata Sue K.
Published: March 2018

Delafloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, has activity against Gram‐positive organisms including methicillin‐resistant S aureus and fluoroquinolone‐susceptible and ‐resistant Gram‐negative organisms. The intravenous formulation of delafloxacin contains the excipient sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin (SBECD), which is eliminated by renal filtration. This study examined the pharmacokinetics and safety of SBECD after single intravenous (IV) infusions in subjects with renal impairment. The study was an open‐label, parallel‐group, crossover study in subjects with normal renal function or mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment, and those with end‐stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. Subjects received 300 mg delafloxacin IV or placebo IV, containing 2400 mg SBECD, in 2 periods separated by ≥14‐day washouts. SBECD total clearance decreased with decreasing renal function, with a corresponding increase in area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC0‐∞). After IV delafloxacin 300 mg administration, SBECD mean total clearance was 6.28 and 1.24 L/h, mean AUC0‐∞ was 387 and 2130 h·μg/mL, and mean renal clearance was 5.36 and 1.14 L/h in normal and severe renal subjects, respectively. Similar values were obtained after IV placebo administration. In subjects with end‐stage renal disease, delafloxacin 300 mg IV produced mean SBECD AUC0‐48 values of 2715 and 7861 h·μg/mL when dosed before and after hemodialysis, respectively. Total SBECD clearance exhibited linear relationships to estimated glomerular filtration rate and creatinine clearance. Single doses of IV delafloxacin 300 mg and IV placebo were well tolerated in all groups. In conclusion, decreasing renal function causes reduced SBECD clearance and increased exposures, but SBECD continues to exhibit a good safety and tolerability profile in IV formulations.
Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Letermovir Coadministered With Azole Antifungals (Posaconazole or Voriconazole) in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Marshall William L. , McCrea Jacqueline B. , Macha Sreeraj , Menzel Karsten , Liu Fang , van Schanke Arne , de Haes Joanna I. Udo , Hussaini Azra , Jordan Heather R. , Drexel Melissa , Kantesaria Bhavna S. , Tsai Christine , Cho Carolyn R. , Hulskotte Ellen G. J. , Butterton Joan R. , Iwamoto Marian
Published: March 2018

Letermovir is a human cytomegalovirus terminase inhibitor for cytomegalovirus infection prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Posaconazole (POS), a substrate of glucuronosyltransferase and P‐glycoprotein, and voriconazole (VRC), a substrate of CYP2C9/19, are commonly administered to transplant recipients. Because coadministration of these azoles with letermovir is expected, the effect of letermovir on exposure to these antifungals was investigated. Two trials were conducted in healthy female subjects 18 to 55 years of age. In trial 1, single‐dose POS 300 mg was administered alone, followed by a 7‐day washout; then letermovir 480 mg once daily was given for 14 days with POS 300 mg coadministered on day 14. In trial 2, on day 1 VRC 400 mg was given every 12 hours; on days 2 and 3, VRC 200 mg was given every 12 hours, and on day 4 VRC 200 mg. On days 5 to 8, letermovir 480 mg was given once daily. Days 9 to 12 repeated days 1 to 4 coadministered with letermovir 480 mg once daily. In both trials, blood samples were collected for the assessment of the pharmacokinetic profiles of the antifungals, and safety was assessed. The geometric mean ratios (90%CIs) for POS+letermovir/POS area under the curve and peak concentration were 0.98 (0.83, 1.17) and 1.11 (0.95, 1.29), respectively. Voriconazole+letermovir/VRC area under the curve and peak concentration geometric mean ratios were 0.56 (0.51, 0.62) and 0.61 (0.53, 0.71), respectively. All treatments were generally well tolerated. Letermovir did not affect POS pharmacokinetics to a clinically meaningful extent but decreased VRC exposure. These results suggest that letermovir may be a perpetrator of CYP2C9/19‐mediated drug‐drug interactions.
Nodular gastritis in association with gastric cancer development before and after Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Nishikawa Izumi , Kato Jun , Terasoma Satoshi , Matsutani Hiroyoshi , Tamaki Hidehiko , Tamaki Tetsuya , Kuwashima Fumiaki , Nakata Hiroya , Tomeki Tatsuji , Matsunaka Hideyuki , Ibata Yumiko , Yamashita Yasunobu , Maekita Takao , Higashi Katsuhiko , Ichinose Masao
Published: March 2018

Background and Aim

Nodular gastritis is caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and is associated with the development of diffuse‐type gastric cancer. This study examined the clinical characteristics of patients with nodular gastritis, including cancer incidence before and after H. pylori eradication.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent upper endoscopy and were positive for H. pylori infection. We examined the clinical findings and follow‐up data after H. pylori eradication in patients with and without nodular gastritis.

Results

Of the 674 patients with H. pylori infections, nodular gastritis was observed in 114 (17%). It was more prevalent in women (69%) and young adults. Among patients with nodular gastritis, six (5%) had gastric cancer, all of which were of the diffuse type. Among the 19 (4%) patients with gastric cancer and no nodular gastritis, 16 had intestinal‐type cancer. White spot aggregates in the corpus, a specific finding in patients with nodular gastritis, were more frequently observed in patients with gastric cancer than in those without (83% vs 26%, P = 0.0025). Of 82 patients with nodular gastritis who had H. pylori eradicated successfully, none developed gastric cancer over a 3‐year follow‐up period, while 7 (3%) of 220 patients without nodular gastritis developed gastric cancer after H. pylori eradication.

Conclusions

In patients with nodular gastritis, white spot aggregates in the corpus may indicate a higher risk of developing diffuse‐type gastric cancer. Nodular gastritis may be an indication for eradication therapy to reduce the risk of cancer development after H. pylori eradication.
MicroRNA‐guided gene expression in prostate cancer: Literature and database overview
Authors: Bryzgunova Olga E. , Konoshenko Maria Yu , Laktionov Pavel P.
Published: March 2018

Insight into the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and the genes that they regulate during the progression of cancer in general and prostate cancer (PCa) in particular is one of the most important issues in current molecular biomedicine and allows for the discovery of therapeutic or diagnostic miRNA targets. The present study aimed to analyze the available data regarding the direct or indirect effects of miRNAs on the expression of the mRNAs involved in carcinogenesis and to enable updating and optimizing the selection of the corresponding targets. The present review focuses on the data related to the genes with miRNA‐dependent expression during the development of PCa. The data used in this review have been extracted from research papers and the databases STRING, PANTHER and TargetScan, with a special focus on the genes directly associated with cell transformation and the maintenance of the transformed genotype, as well as tumor invasion and spread. The search for miRNA markers of PCa and therapeutically active molecules should rely on bioinformatics resources, such as data from recent experimental studies, as well as meta‐analysis and cross‐analysis of the data on the state of the tumor, patient status, histological/immunohistological data and data on mRNA–miRNA coexpression.
Article alerts: Items from 2013
Authors: Hafdahl Adam R.
Published: March 2018

This eighth installment of ‘Article Alerts’ includes a print component with 200 methodological articles about research synthesis published in 2013. Since the preceding installment, more than 3400 articles, dissertations, book chapters, and other types of work in this methodological domain have been added to the archive component, all from 2009 to 2013. The online Supporting Information now includes over half of the parent compilation's more than 26 000 records: 1000 from the print component and more than 13 000 from the archive component. Current online addresses for similar bibliographic resources are provided.
Rapid prediction of deoxynivalenol contamination in wheat bran by MOS‐based electronic nose and characterization of the relevant pattern of volatile compounds
Authors: Lippolis Vincenzo , Cervellieri Salvatore , Damascelli Anna , Pascale Michelangelo , Di Gioia Annalisa , Longobardi Francesco , De Girolamo Annalisa
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin, mainly produced by Fusarium sp., most frequently occurring in cereals and cereal‐based products. Wheat bran refers to the outer layers of the kernel, which has a high risk of damage due to chemical hazards, including mycotoxins. Rapid methods for DON detection in wheat bran are required.

RESULTS

A rapid screening method using an electronic nose (e‐nose), based on metal oxide semiconductor sensors, has been developed to distinguish wheat bran samples with different levels of DON contamination. A total of 470 naturally contaminated wheat bran samples were analyzed by e‐nose analysis. Wheat bran samples were divided in two contamination classes: class A ([DON] ≤ 400 µg kg−1, 225 samples) and class B ([DON] > 400 µg kg−1, 245 samples). Discriminant function analysis (DFA) classified wheat bran samples with good mean recognizability in terms of both calibration (92%) and validation (89%). A pattern of 17 volatile compounds of wheat bran samples that were associated (positively or negatively) with DON content was also characterized by HS‐SPME/GC–MS.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the e‐nose method could be a useful tool for high‐throughput screening of DON‐contaminated wheat bran samples for their classification as acceptable / rejectable at contamination levels close to the EU maximum limit for DON, reducing the number of samples to be analyzed with a confirmatory method. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
An AMOLED pixel circuit for high image quality of 1000 ppi mobile displays in AR and VR applications
Authors: Keum Nack‐Hyeon , Hong Seong‐Kwan , Chai Chong Chul , Kwon Oh‐Kyong
Published: March 2018

In this paper, an active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode pixel circuit is proposed to improve the image quality of 5.87‐in. mobile displays with 1000 ppi resolution in augmented and virtual reality applications. The proposed pixel circuit consisting of three thin‐film transistors (TFTs) and two capacitors (3T2C) employs a simultaneous emission driving method to reduce the number of TFTs and the emission current error caused by variations in threshold voltage (Vth) and subthreshold slope (SS) of the low‐temperature polycrystalline silicon TFTs. Using the simultaneous emission driving method, the compensation time is increased to 90 μs from 6.5 μs achieved in the conventional six TFTs and one capacitor (6T1C) pixel circuit. Consequently, the emission current error of the proposed 3T2C pixel circuit was reduced to ±3 least significant bit (LSB) from ±12 LSB at the 32nd gray level when the variations in both the Vth and SS are ±4σ. Moreover, both the crosstalk errors due to the parasitic capacitances between the adjacent pixel circuits and due to the leakage current were achieved to be less than ±1 LSB over the entire gray level. Therefore, the proposed pixel circuit is very suitable for active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode displays requiring high image quality.
A simple, fast, and accurate thermodynamic‐based approach for transfer and prediction of gas chromatography retention times between columns and instruments Part I: Estimation of reference column geometry and thermodynamic parameters
Authors: Hou Siyuan , Stevenson Keisean A. J. M. , Harynuk James J.
Published: March 2018

The transfer of retention times based on thermodynamic models between columns can aid in separation optimization and compound identification in gas chromatography. Although earlier investigations have been reported, this problem remains unsuccessfully addressed. One barrier is poor predictive accuracy when moving from a reference column or system to a new target column or system. This is attributed to challenges associated with the accurate determination of the effective geometric parameters of the columns. To overcome this, we designed least squares‐based models that account for geometric parameters of the columns and thermodynamic parameters of compounds as they partition between mobile and stationary phases. Quasi‐Newton‐based algorithms were then used to perform the numerical optimization. In this first of three parts, the model used to determine the geometric parameters of the reference column and the thermodynamic parameters of compounds subjected to separation is introduced. As will be shown, the overall approach significantly improves the predictive accuracy and transferability of thermodynamic data (and retention times) between columns of the same stationary phase chemistry. The data required for the determination of the thermodynamic parameters and retention time prediction are obtained from fast and simple experiments. The proposed model and optimization algorithms were tested and validated using simulated and experimental data.
Isolation and enrichment of Ginkgo biloba extract by a continuous chromatography system
Authors: Zhu Jingbo , Cui Weibin , Xiao Wei , Ding Yan , Huang Wenzhe , Tu Pengfei , Wang Yonghua
Published: March 2018

In this study, an effective method was developed for the isolation and enrichment of Ginkgo biloba extract by continuous chromatography system. The adsorption and desorption ratio of flavonoids as main index, the best macroporous resin was screened out from six resins by static adsorption and desorption tests. At the same time the adsorption and desorption parameters were optimized by dynamic adsorption and desorption tests. Under optimal parameters, five operations consisting of loading, washing, desorbing, regenerating, and balancing were integrated across the continuous chromatography system for the purpose of refining 66 L of crude extract solution. The results were as follows, 198.22 g of Ginkgo biloba extracts was produced, which contained 65.83 g of flavonoids and 15.44 g of lactones. The content of flavonoids and lactones increased from 2.76 and 0.72% in the crude extract to 33.21 and 7.79%, with a recovery yield of 91.26 and 81.21%. Methodology validation showed that the proposed method had high stability and reproducibility. Compared with the traditional macroporous resin method, the proposed method had a short processing time and low solvent consumption. Our studies indicated that the newly developed method is an effective procedure for the isolation and enrichment of Ginkgo biloba extract.
Northern bobwhite foraging response to hunting
Authors: McGrath Diana J. , Terhune Theron M. , Martin James A.
Published: March 2018

Prey species must consistently balance the need for resource acquisition with the threat of predation. This balance is particularly true for gallinaceous birds, such as the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), which are ground foragers and are often exposed to increased predation risk compared to arboreal foragers. We studied how bobwhites might mitigate the threat of human hunting pressure by altering their foraging strategy. We directly monitored hunting encounters with bobwhites, during October 2014–March 2015, and collected daily movement paths (n = 514) using radio‐telemetry. We performed first‐passage time analysis to infer foraging behavior by calculating bout frequency, area, duration, and timing. We found bobwhites mitigated exposure to human hunters by increasing foraging frequency coupled with a decrease in duration (15.4%) and area (7.1%) in response to hunting pressure. We observed a temporal shift in foraging away from peak hunting hours by 30 minutes when birds were recently exposed to a discharged firearm. Our results imply that hunting game species can disrupt timing of foraging and therefore influence allocation to competing activities such as anti‐predator vigilance. We propose implementing a dynamic harvest management regime that distributes hunting activity temporally and spatially to mitigate high hunting pressure and reduce behavioral effects on bobwhites. Careful planning of hunting activity should reduce its additive effects on natural mortality while improving hunter satisfaction. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Hepatitis C Virus Eradication with New Interferon‐Free Treatment Improves Metabolic Profile in Hepatitis C Virus‐Related Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Beig Junaid , Orr David , Harrison Barry , Gane Edward
Published: March 2018

Interferon (IFN)‐free, direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy agents provide a safe and efficacious treatment for liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of HCV eradication on the metabolic factors in liver transplant recipients. We completed a retrospective single‐center study on HCV‐related liver transplant recipients treated with IFN‐free DAAs including both treatment‐naive and treatment‐experienced patients. IFN‐free DAAs impact on the metabolic profile were assessed at baseline and sustained virological response (SVR) between 24 and 48 weeks. In total, 91 liver transplant recipients with recurrent HCV infection received IFN‐free DAA treatment, 62 patients had IFN‐based treatment failure, and 29 were treatment‐naïve, of whom 87 (96%) achieved SVR. Eradication of recurrent HCV infection was associated with reduction in the treatment of diabetes and hypertension by 38% and 22% from the baseline respectively. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels declined from mean 35.5 ± 4.3 mmol/mol to 33.3 ±3.6 mmol/mol at 44 weeks posttreatment (P = 0.03). Total cholesterol levels increased from 3.8 ± 0.9 mmol/L to 4.9 ± 0.9 mmol/L at 41 weeks posttreatment (P < 0.0001), reflecting a significant increase in serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (2.0 ± 0.8 to 2.9 ± 0.8; P < 0.0001). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels increased from 64.9 ± 20 mL/minute to 69.6 ± 20 mL/minute at 24 weeks posttreatment (P = 0.0004). Glucose, lipid profile, and eGFR changes were independent of weight changes and immunosuppression dosage and trough levels. In conclusion, eradication of recurrent HCV infection by DAA therapy has beneficial impacts on glucose metabolism and renal profile and reverses the hypolipidemic effect of HCV in liver transplant recipients. These extrahepatic effects of DAA therapy need to be validated by larger prospective studies.
Improved calculation of the equilibrium magnetization of arterial blood in arterial spin labeling
Authors: Ahlgren André , Wirestam Ronnie , Knutsson Linda , Petersen Esben Thade
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To propose and assess an improved method for calculating the equilibrium magnetization of arterial blood (
), used for calibration of perfusion estimates in arterial spin labeling.

Methods

Whereas standard
calculation is based on dividing a proton density–weighted image by an average brain–blood partition coefficient, the proposed method exploits partial‐volume data to adjust this ratio. The nominator is redefined as the magnetization of perfused tissue, and the denominator is redefined as a weighted sum of tissue‐specific partition coefficients. Perfusion data were acquired with a pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling sequence, and partial‐volume data were acquired using a rapid saturation recovery sequence with the same readout module. Results from 7 healthy volunteers were analyzed and compared with the conventional method.

Results

The proposed method produced improved
homogeneity throughout the brain in all subjects. The mean gray matter perfusion was significantly higher with the proposed method compared with the conventional method: 61.2 versus 56.3 mL/100 g/minute (+8.7%). Although to a lesser degree, the corresponding white matter values were also significantly different: 20.8 versus 22.0 mL/100 g/minute (−5.4%). The spatial and quantitative differences between the 2 methods were similar in all subjects.

Conclusion

Compared with the conventional approach, the proposed method produced more homogenous
maps, corresponding to a more accurate calibration. The proposed method also yielded significantly different perfusion values across the whole brain, and performed consistently in all subjects. The new
method improves quantitative perfusion estimation with arterial spin labeling, and can therefore be of considerable value in perfusion imaging applications.
Dynamic multivoxel‐localized 31P MRS during plantar flexion exercise with variable knee angle
Authors: Niess Fabian , Fiedler Georg B. , Schmid Albrecht I. , Laistler Elmar , Frass‐Kriegl Roberta , Wolzt Michael , Moser Ewald , Meyerspeer Martin
Published: March 2018

Exercise studies investigating the metabolic response of calf muscles using 31P MRS are usually performed with a single knee angle. However, during natural movement, the distribution of workload between the main contributors to force, gastrocnemius and soleus is influenced by the knee angle. Hence, it is of interest to measure the respective metabolic response of these muscles to exercise as a function of knee angle using localized spectroscopy.

Time‐resolved multivoxel 31P MRS at 7 T was performed simultaneously in gastrocnemius medialis and soleus during rest, plantar flexion exercise and recovery in 12 healthy volunteers. This experiment was conducted with four different knee angles.

PCr depletions correlated negatively with knee angle in gastrocnemius medialis, decreasing from 79±14 % (extended leg) to 35±23 %(∼40°), and positively in soleus, increasing from 20±21 % to 36±25 %; differences were significant. Linear correlations were found between knee angle and end‐exercise PCr depletions in gastrocnemius medialis (R2=0.8) and soleus (R2=0.53). PCr recovery times and end‐exercise pH changes that correlated with PCr depletion were consistent with the literature in gastrocnemius medialis and differences between knee angles were significant. These effects were less pronounced in soleus and not significant for comparable PCr depletions. Maximum oxidative capacity calculated for all knee angles was in excellent agreement with the literature and showed no significant changes between different knee angles.

In conclusion, these findings confirm that plantar flexion exercise with a straight leg is a suitable paradigm, when data are acquired from gastrocnemius only (using either localized MRS or small surface coils), and that activation of soleus requires the knee to be flexed. The present study comprises a systematic investigation of the effects of the knee angle on metabolic parameters, measured with dynamic multivoxel 31P MRS during muscle exercise and recovery, and the findings should be used in future study design.
Improvement for interface adhesion of epoxy/carbon fibers endowed with carbon nanotubes via microwave plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhang Ce , Liu Liangsen , Xu Zhiwei , Lv Hanming , Wu Ning , Zhou Baoming , Mai Wei , Zhao Lihuan , Tian Xu , Guo Xingfeng
Published: March 2018

In this article, we utilized a facile approach for growth of carbon nanotubes onto the surface of carbon fibers by microwave plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition to improve the interfacial properties of composites. By adjusting the deposition time, the length and density of carbon nanotubes could be controlled, and the results of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller testing indicated that the specific surface area was increased with the deposition time prolonged, which improve the contact area between fiber and resin matrix. The interfacial shear strength of the composites increased significantly with increasing in deposition time. When the deposited time reached 15 min, the interfacial shear strength of carbon fiber/epoxy composites increased 153%, reaching to 129.92 Mpa. On the basis of investigation for the relationship between the interfacial properties and the micro‐structures of composites, we found that the propagation path of transverse cracks on interface increased with the increasing of interfacial properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1262–E1268, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Retinoic acid and tracheal occlusion for diaphragmatic hernia treatment in rabbit fetuses
Authors: Delabaere Amélie , Blanchon Loïc , Coste Karen , Clairefond Gael , Belville Corinne , Blanc Pierre , Marceau Geoffroy , Sapin Vincent , Gallot Denis
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Lung hypoplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension in congenital diaphragmatic hernia lead to a high perinatal mortality. Although sustained fetoscopic tracheal occlusion (TO) improves lung development, a major side effect is abnormal pneumocyte differentiation. This study evaluated the potential ability of intratracheal retinoic acid (RA) administration to reduce adverse effects of sustained TO in a rabbit model of diaphragmatic hernia.

Methods

A left diaphragmatic defect was created on day 23 in time‐dated pregnant rabbits. On day 28, the same rabbits underwent sham surgery or TO, with an injection of empty or RA‐loaded liposomes. On day 30, the fetuses were harvested, and the lungs were processed for histology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression quantification.

Results

A tracheal RA injection at the time of TO had no effect on the lung‐to‐body‐weight ratio, radial alveolar count or lung connective tissue composition. Retinoic acid plus TO had synergic effects on vascular measurements, proportional medial thickness, and endothelin‐1 receptor type‐A gene expression. The most noticeable effect was recovery of normal pneumocyte differentiation.

Conclusion

Retinoic acid plus TO prevented abnormal pneumocyte differentiation and seemed to have a beneficial effect on pulmonary vascularization.
Poly‐(pentaerythritol adipate)‐co‐(poly ethylene glycol) Elastomers for the Sustained Release of Paclitaxel
Authors: Navarro Lucila , Minari Roque J. , Ceaglio Natalia , Masin Marianela , Vaillard Santiago E.
Published: March 2018

Over the past 10 years poly‐(polyol alkanoate)s elastomers have intensively been investigated due to their extraordinary potential for soft tissue engineering applications. In this work, a family of novel hyperbranched elastomers based on pentaerythritol and adipic acid, modified with PEG of 200 and 400 Da, is synthesized. The polymers are obtained by a simple 2 steps thermal process that avoids the use of toxic catalysts. Noteworthy, elastomers properties can be finely tuned by adjusting the molar ratio of monomers and curing conditions. The elastomers, which are fully characterized by standard methods, show excellent results in the in vitro controlled release of Paclitaxel. Cell culture assays indicate that all materials are able to inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation and that the release of Paclitaxel reduce cancer cell viability, indicating that the elastomers prepared hereby are good candidates for their use as eluting systems in long term cancer treatment. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1199–1209
Electrocatalytically Active Hollow Carbon Nanospheres Derived from PS‐b‐P4VP Micelles
Authors: Cao Shubo , Qu Ting , Li Yayuan , Zhang Ang , Xue Longfei , Zhao Yongbin , Zheng Lirong , Chen Aihua , Shui Jianglan
Published: March 2018

A facile method using polystyrene‐b‐poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) micelles is demonstrated to synthesize N/FeN4‐doped hollow carbon nanospheres (N/FeN4‐CHNS) with high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). Uniform spherical micelles with PS core and P4VP shell are prepared by exposing PS‐b‐P4VP in a mixture of ethanol/tetrahydrofuran. Pyridinic N in shell cooperates with Fe3+ to induce an in situ polymerization of pyrrole. Tuning molecular composition of PS‐b‐P4VP can form hollow carbon spheres with controlled size down to sub‐100 nm that remains challenge using traditional hard template strategies. N/FeN4‐CHNS possesses a series of desirable properties as electrode materials, including easy fabrication, high reproducibility, large surface area, and highly accessible porous surface. This electrocatalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity (onset potential of 0.976 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and half‐wave potential of 0.852 V vs RHE), higher than that of commercial Pt/C (20 wt%) in an alkaline media, and shows a good activity in an acidic media as well. In addition to its higher stability and methanol tolerance than Pt/C in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes, highly competitive single cell performance is achieved in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. This work provides a general approach to preparing functionalized small hollow nanospheres based on self‐assembly of block copolymers.
Selectable high‐yield recombinant protein production in human cells using a GFP/YFP nanobody affinity support
Authors: Schellenberg Matthew J. , Petrovich Robert M. , Malone Christine C. , Williams R. Scott
Published: March 2018

Recombinant protein expression systems that produce high yields of pure proteins and multi‐protein complexes are essential to meet the needs of biologists, biochemists, and structural biologists using X‐ray crystallography and cryo‐electron microscopy. An ideal expression system for recombinant human proteins is cultured human cells where the correct translation and chaperone machinery are present. However, compared to bacterial expression systems, human cell cultures present several technical challenges to their use as an expression system. We developed a method that utilizes a YFP fusion‐tag to generate recombinant proteins using suspension‐cultured HEK293F cells. YFP is a dual‐function tag that enables direct visualization and fluorescence‐based selection of high expressing clones for and rapid purification using a high‐stringency, high‐affinity anti‐GFP/YFP nanobody support. We demonstrate the utility of this system by expressing two large human proteins, TOP2α (340 KDa dimer) and a TOP2β catalytic core (260 KDa dimer). This robustly and reproducibly yields >10 mg/L liter of cell culture using transient expression or 2.5 mg/L using stable expression.
Impact of model resolution on the representation of the air–sea interaction associated with the North Water Polynya
Authors: Moore George William Kent , Våge Kjetil
Published: March 2018

The North Water Polynya (NOW), one of the largest and most productive of the Arctic polynyas, is situated just downwind of Smith Sound, the southern terminus of Nares Strait. The high topography along the narrow strait results in common occurrences of high‐speed northerly flow that is accelerated through Smith Sound. The resulting divergence of the surface wind field contributes to the formation of the polynya. Within the NOW, the combination of high winds, cold and dry Arctic air, and reduced ice cover can result in the transfer of heat, moisture and momentum from the ocean to the atmosphere. Much of our knowledge of the air–sea interaction over the NOW comes from atmospheric models, many of which have horizontal resolutions greater than 75 km. As such, there is concern that they may under‐represent the characteristics of the flow in the region, impacting the representation of the resulting air–sea interaction. In this study we use a set of atmospheric analyses with a common lineage but with horizontal resolutions that range from ∼75 to ∼9 km to characterize this interaction. We show that increasing the model resolution leads to an improved representation of the kinematics of the flow along the strait. However, details of the thermodynamics are more nuanced and, as a result, the intensity of the air–sea interaction over the NOW does not simply increase with increasing resolution. The results suggest that a horizontal atmospheric model resolution lower than ∼30 km is needed to represent the air–sea interaction over the NOW and that a re‐evaluation of previous modelling efforts in the region is needed.
Ionization of tocopherols and tocotrienols in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization
Authors: Bartosińska Ewa , Borsuk‐De Moor Agnieszka , Siluk Danuta , Markuszewski Michał J. , Wiczling Paweł
Published: March 2018

Rationale

Tocopherols and tocotrienols are chemical compounds insusceptible to the ionization process under atmospheric pressure conditions. Therefore, the selection of the optimal ion source settings for their quantification requires special attention. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the APCI source parameters on the response of tocochromanols and two related compounds.

Methods

Standard solutions of target compounds were injected on the high‐performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/APCI‐MS/MS) system separately and analysed with 30 randomly selected ion source settings. The obtained responses were modelled by multivariate linear regression with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The developed models were used to choose the best APCI conditions.

Results

Multivariate linear models were built for eight tocochromanols, trolox and BHT. The APCI settings derived from the models did not increase the peak areas obtained for T and T3 during the ionization process. Ionization conditions based on models for trolox and BHT improved analytical responses by 12–36% and 4–32%, respectively. The application of the ion source settings optimal for trolox and BHT to tocochromanols did not result in better analytical responses.

Conclusions

The ionization pattern of tocochromanols in the APCI source is problematic and should be further investigated. Modelling methodology for response improvement presented in this study can be applied in similar studies.
Proportional hazard model estimation under dependent censoring using copulas and penalized likelihood
Authors: Xu Jing , Ma Jun , Connors Michael H. , Brodaty Henry
Published: March 2018

This paper considers Cox proportional hazard models estimation under informative right censored data using maximum penalized likelihood, where dependence between censoring and event times are modelled by a copula function and a roughness penalty function is used to restrain the baseline hazard as a smooth function. Since the baseline hazard is nonnegative, we propose a special algorithm where each iteration involves updating regression coefficients by the Newton algorithm and baseline hazard by the multiplicative iterative algorithm. The asymptotic properties for both regression coefficients and baseline hazard estimates are developed. The simulation study investigates the performance of our method and also compares it with an existing maximum likelihood method. We apply the proposed method to a dementia patients dataset.
Simultaneous determination of seven pesticide residues in soil samples using ultrasound‐assisted dispersive solid‐phase extraction combined with UHPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Guan Jin , Li Dongjing , Guo Yiguang , Shi Shuang , Yan Feng
Published: March 2018

A novel and reliable method for the determination of seven pesticide residues (hexaconazole, flutriafol, triadimenol, tebuconazole, diniconazole, fipronil and picoxystrobin) in soil samples was developed by using ultrasound‐assisted dispersive solid‐phase extraction combined with ultra high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. In this approach, the target analytes were first extracted from the soil samples into acetonitrile, and the ultrasound technique was applied to increase the extraction efficiency. Next, a dispersive solid‐phase extraction purification step was performed by directly adding adsorbents into the extraction solution. The effects of various parameters on the extraction efficiency of the proposed method were investigated and optimized. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curves showed good linearity in the range of 0.25–250 (hexaconazole, diniconazole and tebuconazole), 0.5–500 (flutriafol, triadimenol and fipronil) and 0.05–200 ng g−1 (picoxystrobin) with the correlation coefficients higher than 0.9994. The limits of detection and quantification for the present method were 0.01–0.08 and 0.03–0.25 ng g−1, respectively. The recoveries of the target analytes ranged from 69.5 to 105.9%. The full procedures were applied for the preconcentration and subsequent determination of seven pesticides in four kinds of real soil samples (corn soil, herbs soil, cucumis melo soil and city lawn soil), and satisfactory results were obtained.
Physicochemical and Morphological Properties of a Small Granule Legume Starch With Atypical Properties From Wild Mango (Cordyla africana L.) Seeds: A Comparison to Maize, Pea, and Kidney Bean Starch
Authors: Ngobese Nomali Ziphorah , Wokadala Obiro Cuthbert , Plessis Belinda Du , Da Silva Laura Suzanne , Hall Alan , Lepule Sello Presly , Penter Mark , Ngcobo Mduduzi Elijah Khulekani , Swart Hendrik C.
Published: March 2018

The physicochemical properties of wild mango (Cordyla africana L) seed starch are assessed and compared to bean, pea, and commercial maize starch. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) show that wild mango starch granules are truncated (cap‐shaped) have smooth surfaces, and are much smaller (5.7 μm) than bean (28.2 μm), pea (23.0 μm), and maize (11.1 μm) starch granules. Wild mango starch had a higher (p ≤ 0.05) gelatinization temperature (differential scanning calorimetry‐DSC, Tp = 77 °C), but a lower enthalpy (ΔH = 10.7 J g−1) than pea, bean, and maize starches. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) reveals a C‐type crystalline pattern, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicates that the starch has a higher degree of short‐range order compared to bean, pea, and maize starches. Rapid visco analysis (RVA) shows that its peak paste viscosity (2811 cP) is significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than that of bean, pea, and maize starch. Wild mango starch is similar (p > 0.05) to maize starch in terms of RVA granule‐breakdown and gelation‐related parameters, and gel texture (firmness = 114.7 N and strength = 339.4 ± 16.5 J), differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from bean and pea starch.
Optimal fixed charge–rate coordination of plug‐in electric vehicle incorporating capacitor and OLTC switching to minimize power loss and voltage deviation
Authors: Rahman Mir Toufikur , Othman Mohamadariff , Mokhlis Hazlie , Muhammad Munir Azam , Bouchekara Houssem R. E. H.
Published: March 2018

Integration of plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) in a smart grid largely deteriorates the performances of the system. This paper proposes a two‐stage optimization approach to optimize customer satisfaction as well as grid performances when fixed charge–rate PEV coordination, switching capacitor and on‐load tap charger (OLTC) are coordinated simultaneously. To coordinate PEV charging, capacitor and OLTC, an efficient binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) has been applied. The main consideration in this optimal coordination is to minimize the daily power loss and voltage deviation while maximizing customer satisfaction. Simulation results are compared with the variable charge–rate coordination that is proposed previously. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Venous and autonomic function in formerly pre‐eclamptic women and controls matched for body mass index
Authors: Heidema W. M. , van Drongelen J. , Spaanderman M. E. A. , Scholten R. R.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Prepregnancy reduced plasma volume (PV) increases the risk of subsequent pre‐eclamptic pregnancy. Reduced PV is thought to reflect venous reserve capacity, especially when venous vasculature is constricted and sympathetic tone is elevated. As obesity might affect these variables, and is associated with pre‐eclampsia, increased body weight may underlie these observations. The aim of this study was to determine whether the relationship between reduced venous reserve and pre‐eclampsia is independent of body mass index (BMI).

Methods

This was an observational case–control study in which venous reserve capacity in 30 formerly pre‐eclamptic, but currently non‐pregnant, women divided equally into three groups based on BMI (BMI 19.5–24.9, 25.0–29.9 or ≥ 30.0 kg/m2), was compared with that in 30 healthy parous, non‐pregnant controls. Cases and controls were matched for BMI, age and parity. Venous reserve capacity was quantified by assessing PV and venous compliance (VeC). The autonomic nervous system regulating venous capacitance was evaluated using heart rate (HR) variability analysis, with the women in a resting supine position and during positive head‐up tilt (HUT).

Results

Compared with controls, formerly pre‐eclamptic women had, when in a resting supine position, lower PV (1339 ± 79 vs 1547 ± 139 mL/m2 (P < 0.0001)), lower VeC (0.04 ± 0.02 vs 0.07 ± 0.02 mL/dL/mmHg (P < 0.0001)), higher sympathetic tone (1.9 ± 1.1 vs 1.2 ± 0.7 (P = 0.002)) and lower baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS; 8.7 ± 3.8 vs 19.0 ± 1.7 ms/mmHg (P < 0.0001)). During HUT, women with a history of pre‐eclampsia had less modulatory capacity over VeC and BRS, while HR and sympathetic tone remained consistently higher.

Conclusions

Women with a history of pre‐eclampsia had reduced venous reserve capacity compared with that in BMI‐matched controls. This is reflected by lower PV and VeC, with the autonomic balance being shifted towards sympathetic dominance and lower BRS. This suggests that underlying reduced venous reserve, but not BMI, relates to pre‐eclampsia. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
High‐throughput measurement of recombination rates and genetic interference in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Raffoux Xavier , Bourge Mickael , Dumas Fabrice , Martin Olivier C. , Falque Matthieu
Published: March 2018

Allelic recombination owing to meiotic crossovers is a major driver of genome evolution, as well as a key player for the selection of high‐performing genotypes in economically important species. Therefore, we developed a high‐throughput and low‐cost method to measure recombination rates and crossover patterning (including interference) in large populations of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recombination and interference were analysed by flow cytometry, which allows time‐consuming steps such as tetrad microdissection or spore growth to be avoided. Moreover, our method can also be used to compare recombination in wild‐type vs. mutant individuals or in different environmental conditions, even if the changes in recombination rates are small. Furthermore, meiotic mutants often present recombination and/or pairing defects affecting spore viability but our method does not involve growth steps and thus avoids filtering out non‐viable spores.