bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental studies on mechanical properties and ductile‐to‐brittle transition of ice‐silica mixtures: Young's modulus, compressive strength, and fracture toughness
Authors: Yasui Minami , Schulson Erland M. , Renshaw Carl E.
Published: July 2017

We measured Young's modulus, fracture toughness, and compressive strength of ice and of ice‐0.25‐μm hard silica bead mixtures in controlled systematic experiments to determine the effect of silica on the ductile‐to‐brittle transition. Unconfined compressive strength was measured in a cold room at −10°C under a constant strain rate ranging from 10−5 to 6 × 10−1 s−1 of mixtures with silica volume fraction f of 0, 0.06, and 0.18. In the brittle regime, the compressive strength σpeak was a maximum at the transitional strain rate and then decreased with increasing strain rate. In the ductile regime, the σpeak increased exponentially with increasing strain rate
as
. The stress exponent n for f = 0.06 and 0.18 was ~6, twice as large as the value of pure ice, n ~ 3. The transitional strain rate increased with increasing silica volume fraction; 10−3–10−2 s−1 for pure ice, 10−2–10−1 s−1 for f = 0.06, and >6 × 10−1 s−1 for f = 0.18. Fracture toughness and Young's modulus were measured over the range 0 ≤ f ≤ 0.34. Fracture toughness scaled as f0.5, while Young's modulus increased linearly with f. Finally, a theoretical model of the transitional strain rate proposed by Schulson (1990) and Renshaw and Schulson (2001) was compared to the measured transitional strain rates. Model predictions were in accord with measured transitional strain rates for pure ice but somewhat higher than observed for ice‐silica mixtures. Large model uncertainty was due to high sensitivity of the transitional strain rate to the stress exponent n.
Spin transition of ferric iron in the calcium‐ferrite type aluminous phase
Authors: Wu Ye , Qin Fei , Wu Xiang , Huang Haijun , McCammon Catherine A. , Yoshino Takashi , Zhai Shuangmeng , Xiao Yuming , Prakapenka Vitali B.
Published: July 2017

We investigated Fe‐free and Fe‐bearing CF phases using nuclear forward scattering and X‐ray diffraction coupled with diamond anvil cells up to 80 GPa at room temperature. Octahedral Fe3+ ions in the Fe‐bearing CF phase undergo a high‐spin to low‐spin transition at 25–35 GPa, accompanied by a volume reduction of ~2.0% and a softening of bulk sound velocity up to 17.6%. Based on the results of this study and our previous studies, both the NAL and CF phases, which account for 10–30 vol % of subducted MORB in the lower mantle, are predicted to undergo a spin transition of octahedral Fe3+ at lower mantle pressures. Spin transitions in these two aluminous phases result in an increase of density of 0.24% and a pronounced softening of bulk sound velocity up to 2.3% for subducted MORB at 25–60 GPa and 300 K. The anomalous elasticity region expands and moves to 30–75 GPa at 1200 K and the maximum of the VΦ reduction decreases to ~1.8%. This anomalous elastic behavior of Fe‐bearing aluminous phases across spin transition zones may be relevant in understanding the observed seismic signatures in the lower mantle.
Mapping the temporary and perennial character of whole river networks
Authors: González‐Ferreras A. M. , Barquín J.
Published: July 2017

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of temporary and perennial river channels in a whole catchment is important for effective integrated basin management and river biodiversity conservation. However, this information is usually not available or is incomplete. In this study, we present a statistically based methodology to classify river segments from a whole river network (Deva‐Cares catchment, Northern Spain) as temporary or perennial. This method is based on an a priori classification of a subset of river segments as temporary or perennial, using field surveys and aerial images, and then running Random Forest models to predict classification membership for the rest of the river network. The independent variables and the river network were derived following a computer‐based geospatial simulation of riverine landscapes. The model results show high values of overall accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for the evaluation of the fitted model to the training and testing data set (≥0.9). The most important independent variables were catchment area, area occupied by broadleaf forest, minimum monthly precipitation in August, and average catchment elevation. The final map shows 7525 temporary river segments (1012.5 km) and 3731 perennial river segments (662.5 km). A subsequent validation of the mapping results using River Habitat Survey data and expert knowledge supported the validity of the proposed maps. We conclude that the proposed methodology is a valid method for mapping the limits of flow permanence that could substantially increase our understanding of the spatial links between terrestrial and aquatic interfaces, improving the research, management, and conservation of river biodiversity and functioning.
The Film Industry and Fiction
Authors: Cartmell Deborah
Published: July 2017

The most obvious manifestation of the coming together of fiction and the film industry is in the film adaptation of a literary work. From its very beginnings, film turned to literature for both stylistic features and for actual stories, which led to big box office returns but received few artistic or academic plaudits. Prominent among the very first films were adaptations of literature, such asKing John(1899),Alladin and the Wonderful Lamp(1900),Scrooge; or, Marley's Ghost(1901),Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes(1902), andUncle Tom's Cabin(1903). However, the film industry's reliance on literature was seen by many as a major weakness. On the whole, cineastes in the first half of the twentieth century were deeply suspicious of film adaptations of literature (or the narrative film). It was felt that films, rather than borrowing – or desecrating – wholesale narratives, should not copy, but should extend and translate narrative and other literary devices. For example, Sergei Eisenstein, in his often quoted essay, “Dickens, Griffith, and the Film Today,” demonstrates the indebtedness of D. W. Griffith to Dickens in the director's use of “optical quality,” “frame composition,” “close‐up,” and “the alteration of emphasis by special lenses” (213).
Jenkins,Robin
Authors: Carruthers Gerard
Published: July 2017

Robin Jenkins, Scotland's most celebrated novelist of the 1950s and 1960s, had a career that spanned four decades. Predominant themes across his work include the difficulty of moral discernment, the deceptive priorities of the human world, and the challenges posed by large‐scale cultural forces to individuals.
F
arah,
N
uruddin
Authors: Williams R. John
Published: July 2017

Nuruddin Farah's career offers a stunning dramatization of how the troubled processes of globalization and postcolonialism coincide with the local politics of language and tradition. Farah's intimate knowledge of the cultural and linguistic intricacies of postcolonial and neocolonial Africa comes by way of a complex and fascinating personal history. As a novelist and scholar, he has traveled the world, spending time in countless international locales and nearly a dozen African nations. For most of his career, he has been an author in exile, writing from afar about the political turmoil and cultural violence of his native Somalia. Farah's approach has consistently been vividly historical and trenchantly non‐partisan, carefully avoiding the dogmatic orthodoxies of both the Left and the Right. In Farah's words, “The only thing one can do is to be aware and to struggle harder and harder against repression in whatever form it comes” (Moss 1828).
Electrospun Extracellular Matrix: Paving the Way to Tailor‐Made Natural Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Schoen Beth , Avrahami Ron , Baruch Limor , Efraim Yael , Goldfracht Idit , Elul Ofek , Davidov Tzila , Gepstein Lior , Zussman Eyal , Machluf Marcelle
Published: July 2017

Biomimetic scaffolds generally aim at structurally and compositionally imitating native tissue, thus providing a supportive microenvironment to the transplanted or recruited cells in the tissue. Native decellularized porcine extracellular matrix (ECM) is becoming the ultimate bioactive material for the regeneration of different organs. Particularly for cardiac regeneration, ECM is studied as a patch and injectable scaffolds, which improve cardiac function, yet lack reproducibility and are difficult to control or fine‐tune for the desired properties, like most natural materials. Seeking to harness the natural advantages of ECM in a reproducible, scalable, and controllable scaffold, for the first time, a matrix that is produced from whole decellularized porcine cardiac ECM using electrospinning technology, is developed. This unique electrospun cardiac ECM mat preserves the composition of ECM, self‐assembles into the same microstructure of cardiac ECM ,and ,above all, preserves key cardiac mechanical properties. It supports cell growth and function, and demonstrates biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, this work reveals the great potential of electrospun ECM‐based platforms for a wide span of biomedical applications, thus offering the possibility to produce complex natural materials as tailor‐made, well‐defined structures.
3D Printed Masks and Transfer Stamping Process to Enable the Fabrication of the Hemispherical Organic Photodiodes
Authors: Kim Hyunsoo , Moon Joosung , Lee Kyusang , Kanicki Jerzy
Published: July 2017

This paper demonstrates the methods that allow the fabrication of the hemispherical organic photodiode arrays on curved concave glass substrate. They include a novel 3D shadow mask, fabricated by additive manufacturing process (stereolithography), used for the electrode deposition and 3D shaped polydimethylsiloxane stamp used for organic active layer formation. These techniques allow the direct patterning of the organic photodiode devices on hemispherical substrates without an excessive strain or deformation. It is believed that the developed 3D mask and 3D organic layer transfer printing process can be further utilized for fabrication of various optoelectronic devices which necessitate a free form factor on arbitrary substrates.
A Unified Strategy Toward 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐Membered Nitrogen Heterocycles Through Free Radical then Metal‐Mediated Functionalization of Ene‐carbamates
Authors: Beniazza Redouane , Poittevin Clément , Lusseau Jonathan , Massip Stéphane , Robert Frédéric , Landais Yannick
Published: July 2017

Free‐radical carbo‐alkenylation of N‐aryl‐, N‐benzyl‐, and N‐phenethyl‐ene‐carbamates with a disulfone provides vinyl sulfones which may then be functionalized and engaged in Heck‐type coupling to furnish highly substituted 5‐, 6‐ and 7‐membered nitrogen heterocycles. Grignard‐mediated cyclization starting from the same substrates further allowed a nucleophilic cascade process, affording a straightforward access to hydrocarbazoles, which may be regarded as potent intermediates for the synthesis of alkaloids of the Aspidosperma family.

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[4+2] and [3+2] Annulations of α‐Chloroaldehydes and Dithio‐ esters: Synthesis of 1,4‐Oxathiin‐2(3H)‐ones and 1,3‐Oxathioles
Authors: Wang Tong , Gao Zhong‐Hua , Ye Song
Published: July 2017

The [4+2] and [3+2] annulations of α‐chloroaldehydes with dithioesters are reported. In the presence of an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst, the [4+2] annulation went smoothly to afford highly substituted 1,4‐oxathiin‐2(3H)‐ones, while the [3+2] annulation was observed to give 1,3‐oxathioles in the absence of an NHC.

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A General and Practical Approach for the Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Trioxanes Catalyzed by Silica‐Ferric Chloride
Authors: Zhang Mo , Han Yi , Niu Jia‐Liang , Zhang Zhan‐Hui
Published: July 2017

An efficient and practical method has been developed for the facile synthesis of 1,2,4‐trioxanes by the condensation of β‐hydroperoxy alcohols and carbonyl compounds in the presence of a catalytic amount of silica‐supported ferric chloride (FeCl3/SiO2) at room temperature. The method has the benefits of operational simplicity, high yields and potential large‐scale application. Moreover, the catalyst can be readily recovered by simple filtration and reused up to five times while almost maintaining its catalytic activity.

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Immersive virtual reality as a teaching tool for neuroanatomy
Authors: Stepan Katelyn , Zeiger Joshua , Hanchuk Stephanie , Del Signore Anthony , Shrivastava Raj , Govindaraj Satish , Iloreta Alfred
Published: July 2017

Background

Three‐dimensional (3D) computer modeling and interactive virtual reality (VR) simulation are validated teaching techniques used throughout medical disciplines. Little objective data exists supporting its use in teaching clinical anatomy. Learner motivation is thought to limit the rate of utilization of such novel technologies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness, satisfaction, and motivation associated with immersive VR simulation in teaching medical students neuroanatomy.

Methods

Images of normal cerebral anatomy were reconstructed from human Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) computed tomography (CT) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into 3D VR formats compatible with the Oculus Rift VR System, a head‐mounted display with tracking capabilities allowing for an immersive VR experience. The ventricular system and cerebral vasculature were highlighted and labeled to create a focused interactive model. We conducted a randomized controlled study with 66 medical students (33 in both the control and experimental groups). Pertinent neuroanatomical structures were studied using either online textbooks or the VR interactive model, respectively. We then evaluated the students’ anatomy knowledge, educational experience, and motivation (using the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey [IMMS], a previously validated assessment).

Results

There was no significant difference in anatomy knowledge between the 2 groups on preintervention, postintervention, or retention quizzes. The VR group found the learning experience to be significantly more engaging, enjoyable, and useful (all p < 0.01) and scored significantly higher on the motivation assessment (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Immersive VR educational tools awarded a more positive learner experience and enhanced student motivation. However, the technology was equally as effective as the traditional text books in teaching neuroanatomy.
Fibrin(ogen) and neurodegeneration in the progressive multiple sclerosis cortex
Authors: Yates Richard L. , Esiri Margaret M. , Palace Jacqueline , Jacobs Benjamin , Perera Rafael , DeLuca Gabriele C.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Neuronal loss, a key substrate of irreversible disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), is a recognized feature of MS cortical pathology of which the cause remains unknown. Fibrin(ogen) deposition is neurotoxic in animal models of MS, but has not been evaluated in human progressive MS cortex. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent and distribution of fibrin(ogen) in progressive MS cortex and elucidate its relationship with neurodegeneration.

Methods

A postmortem cohort of pathologically confirmed MS (n = 47) and control (n = 10) cases was used. The extent and distribution of fibrin(ogen) was assessed and related to measures of demyelination, inflammation, and neuronal density. In a subset of cases (MS, n = 20; control, n = 10), expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1), a key enzyme in the fibrinolytic cascade, was assessed and related to the extent of fibrin(ogen).

Results

Motor cortical fibrin(ogen) deposition was significantly over‐represented in MS compared to control cases in all compartments studied (ie, extracellular [p = 0.001], cell body [p = 0.003], and neuritic/glial‐processes [p = 0.004]). MS cases with high levels of extracellular fibrin(ogen) had significantly upregulated PAI‐1 expression in all cortical layers assessed (p < 0.05) and reduced neuronal density (p = 0.017), including in the functionally‐relevant layer 5 (p = 0.001).

Interpretation

For the first time, we provide unequivocal evidence that fibrin(ogen) is extensively deposited in progressive MS motor cortex, where regulation of fibrinolysis appears perturbed. Progressive MS cases with severe fibrin(ogen) deposition have significantly reduced neuronal density. Future studies are needed to elucidate the provenance and putative neurotoxicity of fibrin(ogen), and its potential impact on clinical disability. Ann Neurol 2017;82:259–270
Development of New Supramolecular Lyotropic Liquid Crystals and Their Application as Alignment Media for Organic Compounds
Authors: Leyendecker Martin , Meyer Nils‐Christopher , Thiele Christina M.
Published: July 2017

Most alignment media for the residual dipolar coupling (RDC) based molecular structure determination of small organic compounds consist of rod‐like polymers dissolved in organic solvents or of swollen cross‐linked polymer gels. Thus far, the synthesis of polymer‐based alignment media has been a challenging process, which is often followed by a time‐consuming sample preparation. We herein propose the use of non‐polymeric alignment media based on benzenetricarboxamides (BTAs), which self‐assemble into rod‐like supramolecules. Our newly found supramolecular lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) are studied in terms of their LLC properties and their suitability as alignment media in NMR spectroscopy. Scalable enantiodifferentiating properties are introduced through a sergeant‐and‐soldier principle by blending achiral with chiral substituted BTAs.
Nomograms for preoperative prediction of axillary nodal status in breast cancer
Authors: Dihge L , Bendahl P-O , Rydén L
Published: July 2017

Background

Axillary staging in patients with breast cancer and clinically node-negative disease is performed by sentinel node biopsy (SLNB). The aim of this study was to integrate feasible preoperative variables into nomograms to guide clinicians in stratifying treatment options into no axillary staging for patients with non-metastatic disease (N0), SLNB for those with one or two metastases, and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for patients with three or more metastases.

Methods

Patients presenting to Skåne University Hospital, Lund, with breast cancer were included in a prospectively maintained registry between January 2009 and December 2012. Those with a preoperative diagnosis of nodal metastases were excluded. Patients with data on hormone receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and Ki-67 expression were included to allow grouping into surrogate molecular subtypes. Based on logistic regression analyses, nomograms summarizing the strength of the associations between the predictors and each nodal status endpoint were developed. Predictive performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Bootstrap resampling was performed for internal validation.

Results

Of the 692 patients eligible for analysis, 248 were diagnosed with node-positive disease. Molecular subtype, age, mode of detection, tumour size, multifocality and vascular invasion were identified as predictors of any nodal disease. Nomograms that included these predictors demonstrated good predictive abilities, and comparable performances in the internal validation; the area under the ROC curve was 0·74 for N0versus any lymph node metastasis, 0·70 for one or two involved nodes versus N0, and 0·81 for at least three nodes versus two or fewer metastatic nodes.

Conclusion

The nomograms presented facilitate preoperative decision-making regarding the extent of axillary surgery.
Peer learning efficacy analysis on undergraduate software design course
Authors: Cheng Po‐Hsun , Chen Li‐Wei
Published: July 2017

Knowledge sharing and peer learning are important characteristics for learning similar engineering topics, especially suitable for the learning in college. Software design is an advanced required course for software engineering departments. However, most students might have no enough incentives to learn it by themselves. To distinguish the performance of the peer learning, we adopted the peer learning in software design course to analyze the possibility of adoption. Our selected course was a junior major and held on the second semester. Its regulations are declared twice before the due date of the course selection. Students can group their peer learning team by at most three ones, so they can choose as individual learning. Both review and summary quizzes were held at the first and the last 15‐min in the Moodle every week, respectively. There were 34 students attending this experiment with four 3‐student groups, five 2‐student groups, and 12 singles. A web‐based tool was designed to illustrate the peer learning performance and students can browse their own score analysis anywhere. Inside the experimental weeks, we found most students attend the course on time. Though the effect of the adopted approach (may be due to too few samples) is not clear, we found evidence from the descriptive statistics and detailed analyses of the experiment results. The peer learning by grouping could have large chance to be better than individual study. It encourages us to adopt the same educational practice to our software design course, even other software related courses.
Lessons from the 7‐10 split
Authors: Skipworth Stan
Published: July 2017

Not long ago a colleague, Roland, and I discovered a scheduling conflict for a training course for several of our supervisors that would affect an operational commitment over the same set of days. In short, we had erred and found it necessary to notify the training center that we would have to abandon our reservations. There was no time to properly cancel our paid reservations and enrollment into the highly sought‐after class, and no way to alter co‐worker schedules to cover such a significant absence.
Mixing strategy effect on dispersion of amine during reagent production for flotation applications
Authors: Hussein Mohammad , Donaldson Adam
Published: July 2017

Mixing and dispersion strategies for the inline production of amine flotation reagents is explored for 2.54 cm and 5.08 cm process lines and flow rates comparable to current commercial production systems. Through video analysis of injection into a clear pipe, the dispersion effectiveness was visualized and quantified as a variability intensity, and compared for natural‐stream turbulence, orifice‐plate and structured static mixing elements. The results suggest that a single point of energy dissipation was more effective in dispersing the injected amine, with the orifice plates consistently yielding fully‐dispersed reagent solutions. The results suggest that while a structured mixing device with 6 elements did improve dispersion relative to an empty pipe, more mixing elements or a smaller characteristic length (i.e. 2.54 cm mixer) would be better suited to this specific application.
Modeling Solvation in Supercritical CO2
Authors: Ingrosso Francesca , Ruiz‐López Manuel F.
Published: July 2017

In recent decades, a microscopic understanding of solute–solvent intermolecular interactions has been key to advances in technologies based on supercritical carbon dioxide. In many cases, computational work has provided the impetus for new discoveries, shedding new light on important concepts such as the local structure around the solute in the supercritical medium, the influence of the peculiar properties of the latter on the molecular behavior of dissolved substances and, importantly, CO2‐philicity. In this Review, the theoretical work that has been relevant to these developments is surveyed and, by presenting some crucial open questions, the possible routes to achieving further progress based on the interplay between theory and experiments is discussed.
Spontaneous Keto–Enol Tautomerization in the Crystal Lattice Visualized with the Help of Water Encapsulated in Hydrophilic Reservoirs
Authors: Dudek Marta K. , Wielgus Ewelina , Paluch Piotr , Potrzebowski Marek J.
Published: July 2017

Keto–enol tautomerism in the solid phase is a process that is particularly difficult to follow. In this work we demonstrate how it can be done by introducing deuterium into the crystal lattice of organic compounds which tend to form hydrates. In our studies we explored H–D exchange in the crystals stored in contact with deuterium oxide vapors. Employing barbituric acid (BA) and (+)‐catechin (CAT) as model samples and by using advanced solid‐state NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, we revealed that not only OH and NH protons of these chemicals undergo exchange to deuterium in a crystal lattice, but also usually immobile protons, that is, (Ar)CH (in CAT) and CH2 (in BA) are exchanged as a result of keto–enol tautomerism.
The CLEC12A receptor marks human basophils: Potential implications for minimal residual disease detection in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Toft‐Petersen Marie , Stidsholt Roug Anne , Plesner Trine , Ebbesen Lene , Brown Gordon D. , Nederby Line
Published: July 2017

Background

The transmembrane receptor C‐type lectin domain family 12, member A (CLEC12A) is known to be highly expressed on monocytes and neutrophils and is a reliable leukemia associated marker in acute myeloid leukemia. Consequently, detailed knowledge of the various normal cell types expressing this receptor is essential. We have observed CLEC12A to be expressed on CD45lowSSClowCD14‐CD123+ basophils in peripheral blood (PB) and in this study, we aimed at verifying this observation and further delineate the CD45lowSSClowCD14‐CD123 + CLEC12A+ subpopulation.

Methods

We analyzed PB from 20 diagnostic chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) samples and eight healthy donors in a six‐color multicolor flowcytometry (FCM) based assay. Furthermore, we performed fluorescence activated cell sorting on one CML sample to morphologically confirm the CD45lowSSClowCD14‐CD123 + CLEC12A+ subset to be highly enriched for basophils. Finally, to further delineate the CD45lowSSClowCD14‐CD123 + CLEC12A+ subpopulation in normal PB, we examined three healthy donors in a 10‐color FCM assay enabling further separation of the cell subset into basophils and dendritic cells.

Results

The CLEC12A receptor is expressed on basophils.

Conclusions

Identification and enumeration of basophils is of high relevance in diagnostic hematology and immunology. We here show that CLEC12A in a simple FCM assay consistently marks basophils. Importantly, as basophils are characterized by a CD45lowSSClow profile similar to the “blast‐gate” used for the evaluation of hematological disorders, awareness of minor normal CLEC12A+ subpopulations is crucial when using CLEC12A as a minimal residual disease marker in myeloid malignancies. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Bcl‐2 maturation pattern in T‐cells distinguishes thymic neoplasm/hyperplasia, T‐lymphoblastic lymphoma, and reactive lymph nodes
Authors: Ward Nicholas , Baqai Junaid , Zehnpfennig Alexandra , Fine Nancy , Huang James , Smith Marc D.
Published: July 2017

Anterior mediastinal biopsies consisting predominantly of small lymphocytes can be a diagnostic challenge, especially in small core biopsies. In these cases, immunophenotyping is often employed using flow cytometry, and/or immunohistochemistry. However, due the overlap in T‐cell phenotype between thymic neoplasm/hyperplasia (THY), T‐lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐LBL), and reactive lymph nodes (RLN), biopsies consisting predominantly of T‐cells may still be difficult to differentiate. Previous studies have shown a specific CD3/bcl‐2 staining pattern in thymic T cells of humans and mice using flow cytometry. However, the utility of this finding in distinguishing T‐cells of THY, T‐LBL, and RLN has not been carefully evaluated. Our findings show that the pattern of CD3/bcl‐2 expression in thymic T‐cells can be used to help diagnose anterior mediastinal biopsies, even when limited specimen is provided. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
High Dosage of Vitamin D Regulates the Energy Metabolism and Increases Insulin Sensitivity, but are Associated with High Levels of Kidney Damage
Authors: Gaspar Rafael Calais , Botezelli José Diego , Kuga Gabriel Keine , Muñoz Vitor Rosetto , Coope Andressa , Pereira Rodrigo Martins , da Silva Adelino Sanchez Ramos , Cintra Dennys Esper , de Moura Leandro Pereira , Ropelle Eduardo Rochete , Pauli José Rodrigo
Published: July 2017

Preclinical Research

Metabolic disorders are responsible for more than 60% of all deaths worldwide. Calcitriol or vitamin D (vitD) deficiency is associated with a large proportion of these diseases is an important therapeutic target for exploration. This study evaluated the administration of high doses of vitD (3000 IU/kg) in obese and insulin‐resistant C57BL/6J mice. Our results demonstrated that although high doses of vitD provided metabolic benefits such as increased insulin sensitivity and decreased body mass, this was associated with significant damage in the kidneys of obese mice. These findings support the role of vitD as a therapeutic strategy against metabolic disorders. However, caution is required with the dose administrated, and the renal damage associated still needs to be investigated. Drug Dev Res 78 : 203–209, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Marker of coxsackievirus‐B4 infection in saliva of patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Badia‐Boungou F. , Sane F. , Alidjinou E.K. , Ternois M. , Opoko P.A. , Haddad J. , Stukens C. , Lefevre C. , Gueorguieva I. , Hamze M. , Ismail M. , Weill J. , Monabéka H.G. , Bouenizabila E. , Moukassa D. , Abena A.A. , Hober D.
Published: July 2017

Background

Coxsackieviruses B (CV‐B) are enteroviruses that have been reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Enteroviral RNA was detected in the gut mucosa of patients. The mucosal immunity is an interconnected network; therefore, the response to enteroviruses possibly present in the gastrointestinal mucosa can be reflected by specific antibodies in the saliva. In the present study, the anti‐CV‐B neutralizing activity of saliva samples from patients with type 1 diabetes was investigated.

Methods

Saliva samples were collected from patients and controls of 3 countries, and plasma was obtained from some of them. The anti‐CV‐B activity of clinical samples was determined by neutralization of the cytopathic effect induced by challenging viruses in vitro and expressed as titre value.

Results

Overall prevalence and levels of anti‐CV‐B4 activity of saliva were higher in patients (n = 181) than in controls (n = 135; P = .0002; titre values ≥ 16: odds ratio = 4.22 95% CI: 1.90‐9.38 P = .0002). It has been shown that IgA1 played a role in this activity. There was no correlation between the saliva and the plasma anti‐CV‐B4 neutralizing activity. The neutralizing activity of saliva against CV‐B1, CV‐B2, CV‐B3, and CV‐B5 existed rarely, if at all. Increased levels of anti‐CV‐B4 activity were observed all along a 4 year follow‐up period in patients but not in matched controls (P = .01).

Conclusion

There is an anti‐CV‐B4 activity in saliva of patients with type 1 diabetes that may be a useful marker to study the role of CV‐B in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Consistent increase in herbivory along two experimental plant diversity gradients over multiple years
Authors: Meyer Sebastian T. , Scheithe Lukas , Hertzog Lionel , Ebeling Anne , Wagg Cameron , Roscher Christiane , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: July 2017

Research on the functional importance of biodiversity, motivated by global species loss, has documented that plant species richness affects many plant‐related ecosystem functions. Less is known about the effects of plant species richness on functions related to higher trophic levels, such as the consumption of biomass by animals, that is, herbivory. Previous studies have shown positive, neutral, or negative effects of plant species richness on herbivory. In the framework of a grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment), we investigated herbivory (the proportion of leaf area damaged and the amount of leaf biomass consumed by arthropod herbivores) along two experimental gradients of plant species richness ranging from 1 to 60 species (Main Experiment) and from 1 to 8 species (Trait‐Based Experiment) biannually for five and three years, respectively. Additionally, plant functional diversity, based on traits related to plant growth, was manipulated as the number of functional groups in a community (Main Experiment) or a gradient of functional trait dissimilarity (Trait‐Based Experiment). Herbivory at the level of plant communities ranged from 0% to 31% (0 and 33.8 g/m2) in the Main Experiment and 0% to 8% (0 and 13.7 g/m2) in the Trait‐Based Experiment, and it was on average higher in summer than in spring. For both experimental gradients and all years investigated, we found a consistent increase in damaged leaf area and consumed biomass with increasing plant species richness. As mechanistic explanations for effects of plant species richness, we propose changes in plant quality and herbivore communities. The presence of specific plant functional groups significantly affected herbivory, likely related to traits affecting plant defense and nutritional value, but we found little evidence for effects of plant functional diversity. The general positive relationship between plant species richness and herbivory might contribute to effects of plant species richness on other ecosystem functions such as productivity and nutrient mineralization and can cascade up the food web also affecting higher trophic levels.
Reduced numbers of circulating group 2 innate lymphoid cells in patients with common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Geier Christoph B. , Kraupp Sophie , Bra David , Eibl Martha M. , Farmer Jocelyn R. , Csomos Krisztian , Walter Jolan E. , Wolf Hermann M.
Published: July 2017

Recent studies identified an emerging role of group 2 and 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) as key players in the generation of T‐dependent and T‐independent antibody production. In this retrospective case‐control study, CD117+ ILCs (including the majority of ILC2 and ILC3) were reduced in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The reduction in CD117+ ILCs was distinctive to CVID and could not be observed in patients with X‐linked agammaglobulinemia. Patients with a more pronounced reduction in CD117+ ILC numbers showed significantly lower numbers of peripheral MZ‐like B cells and an increased prevalence of chronic, non‐infectious enteropathy. Subsequent phenotyping of ILC subsets in CVID revealed that the reduction in CD117+ ILC numbers is due to a reduction in ILC2 numbers. In vitro expansion of CVID ILC2 in response to IL‐2, IL‐7, IL‐25 and IL‐33 was impaired. Furthermore, upregulation of MHCII and IL‐2RA in response to IL‐2, IL‐7, IL‐25 and IL‐33 was impaired in CVID ILC2. Thus, our results indicate a dysregulation of ILC subsets with a reduction in ILC2 numbers in CVID, however, further studies are needed to explore whether ILC abnormalities are a primary finding or secondary to disease complications encountered in CVID.
Enantioselective Fluorescent Recognition by Using a 1,1′‐Binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diamine Derivative
Authors: Wang Chao , Wu Elaine , Pu Lin
Published: July 2017

A (S)‐BINAM‐based novel trifluoromethyl ketone is synthesized, which is found to exhibit ratiometric fluorescent responses to a chiral diamine. The emission at 386 nm can be used to determine the total concentration of the substrate, and that at 474 nm can be used to determine the enantiomeric composition. It can also be used for the enantioselective fluorescent recognition of free amino acids. This compound represents the first BINAM‐based highly enantioselective molecular probe for fluorescent sensing.
Disposable Sandwich‐type Electrochemical Sensor for Selective Detection of Glucose Based on Boronate Affinity
Authors: Li Jian , Bai Zhanming , Mao Yanjun , Sun Qingqing , Ning Xiaohui , Zheng Jianbin
Published: July 2017

A disposable sandwich‐type electrochemical sensor for selective detection of glucose was established. The primary receptor, 3‐aminophenylboronic acid was grafted covalently onto the surface of screen‐printed carbon electrodes through an in situ‐generated diazo‐reaction. Glucose was first captured by boronic acid group on the electrode, followed by captureing an electroactive ferroceneboronic acid (FcBA) as the secondary receptor to form bidentate glucose‐boronic complex. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was applied to characterize the construction of sandwich‐type disposable sensor. In the sandwich assay, current response of captured FcBA on the electrode was dependent on the concentration of glucose. The sandwich assay showed higher selectivity for glucose than that for fructose, mannose, galactose and other electroactive interferences including uric acid, ascorbic acid and dopamine, and exhibited a dynamic concentration range of glucose from 0.5 to 20.0 mmol L−1. The disposable sensor demonstrated a good reproducibility with 2.2 % relative standard deviation (RSD). In addition, the disposable glucose sensor was used in detection of the trace glucose in the clinical urine samples.
Subtypes of Personality and ‘Locus of Control’ in Bariatric Patients and their Effect on Weight Loss, Eating Disorder and Depressive Symptoms, and Quality of Life
Authors: Peterhänsel Carolin , Linde Katja , Wagner Birgit , Dietrich Arne , Kersting Anette
Published: July 2017

The present study subdivided personality types in a bariatric sample and investigated their impact on weight loss and psychopathology 6 and 12 months after surgery. One hundred thirty participants answered questionnaires on personality (NEO‐FFI), ‘locus of control’ (IPC), depression severity (BDI‐II), eating disorder psychopathology (EDE‐Q), and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL; SF‐12). K‐means cluster analyses were used to identify subtypes. Two subtypes emerged: an ‘emotionally dysregulated/undercontrolled’ cluster defined by high neuroticism and external orientation and a ‘resilient/high functioning’ cluster with the reverse pattern. Prior to surgery, the first subtype reported more eating disorder and depressive symptoms and less HRQoL. Differences persisted regarding depression and mental HRQoL until 12 months after surgery, except in the areas weight loss and eating disorders. Personality seems to influence the improvement or maintenance of psychiatric symptoms after bariatric surgery. Future research could elucidate whether adapted treatment programmes could have an influence on the improvement of procedure outcomes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Quantitative structure-reactivity relationships of hydroxyl radical rate constants for linear and cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes
Authors: Kim Jaeshin , Xu Shihe
Published: July 2017

An accurate understanding of the fate of volatile methylsiloxanes (VMS) in air is crucial for determining their persistence and concentrations in the environment. Although oxidation by atmospheric hydroxyl radicals (•OH) is considered as a major degradation mechanism for airborne VMS, the existing bimolecular rate constants with •OH measured and modeled for any given VMS compound varied greatly, depending on the approaches used to generate the data. The objectives of the present study were to measure •OH reaction rate constants for 4 cyclic and 4 linear VMS based on a relative rate method using a newly designed atmospheric chamber and to establish structure–reactivity relationships for the kinetics. In the past, the reaction rate constants for VMS were generally recognized to increase with the number of the methyl groups per molecule, the only differential factor in the existing models. However, the new measurements indicated that molecular structure should also be considered in the prediction of the reaction rates. Better empirical models were developed by simple and multiple linear regressions of the measured values from the present study and the literature. A high correlation existed for the reaction rates with the number of the methyl group attached at 2 distinct siloxane structures (i.e., linear and cyclic VMS). Even better correlations were obtained with one or 2 molecular descriptors that are directly related to the size of VMS, which, in turn, not only depend on the number of methyl groups, but the linear/cyclic structures as well for permethylsiloxanes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3240–3245. © 2017 SETAC
Photodegradation kinetics, transformation, and toxicity prediction of ketoprofen, carprofen, and diclofenac acid in aqueous solutions
Authors: Li Jian , Ma Li-yun , Li Lu-shuang , Xu Li
Published: July 2017

Photodegradation of 3 commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ketoprofen, carprofen, and diclofenac acid, was conducted under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The kinetic results showed that the 3 pharmaceuticals obeyed the first-order reaction with decreasing rate constants of 1.54 × 10−4, 5.91 × 10−5, and 7.78 × 10−6 s−1 for carprofen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac acid, respectively. Moreover, the main transformation products were identified by ion-pair liquid–liquid extraction combined with injection port derivatization-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometric analysis. There were 8, 3, and 6 transformation products identified for ketoprofen, carprofen, and diclofenac acid, respectively. Decarboxylation, dechlorination, oxidation, demethylation, esterification, and cyclization were proposed to be associated with the transformation of the 3 pharmaceuticals. Toxicity prediction of the transformation products was conducted on the EPI Suite software based on ECOSAR model, and the results indicate that some of the transformation products were more toxic than the parent compounds. The present study provides the foundation to understand the transformation behavior of the studied pharmaceuticals under UV irradiation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3232–3239. © 2017 SETAC
Model identification of reduced order fluid dynamics systems using deep learning
Authors: Wang Z. , Xiao D. , Fang F. , Govindan R. , Pain C. C. , Guo Y.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a novel model reduction method: deep learning reduced order model, which is based on proper orthogonal decomposition and deep learning methods. The deep learning approach is a recent technological advancement in the field of artificial neural networks. It has the advantage of learning the nonlinear system with multiple levels of representation and predicting data. In this work, the training data are obtained from high fidelity model solutions at selected time levels. The long short‐term memory network is used to construct a set of hypersurfaces representing the reduced fluid dynamic system. The model reduction method developed here is independent of the source code of the full physical system.

The reduced order model based on deep learning has been implemented within an unstructured mesh finite element fluid model. The performance of the new reduced order model is evaluated using 2 numerical examples: an ocean gyre and flow past a cylinder. These results illustrate that the CPU cost is reduced by several orders of magnitude whilst providing reasonable accuracy in predictive numerical modelling.
How to achieve benefits from diversity in international alliances: Mechanisms and cultural intelligence
Authors: Pesch Robin , Bouncken Ricarda B.
Published: July 2017

Research Summary

Despite interest in alliance management in the global strategy field, we have only limited insights into how firms can manage diversity‐related conflicts in international alliances. By referring to the conflict literature, our study introduces task discourse as a crucial mechanism allowing task conflict resolution. We further describe conflict resolution via socializing practices, including social events, joint workshops, and interorganizational teams. Socializing practices and discourse take advantage of cultural intelligence, empowering managers to interact efficiently in intercultural settings. Data on 148 international alliances in the photonics and biotechnology industries reveal that managerial cultural intelligence improves task discourse, thus enhancing performance, especially in young alliances. Socializing practices, however, decrease performance with increasing cultural distance and without sufficient levels of managerial cultural intelligence.

Managerial Summary

International alliances face a dilemma. Cross‐national differences offer valuable complementarities, but they can also spark a negative spiral of dysfunctional conflict. Our study shows that task discourse is an important mechanism for achieving advantages from the different perspectives offered by international alliances. Interestingly, our results further reveal that socializing practices including interorganizational teams, social events, and joint workshops do not per se have beneficial effects for international alliances. Putting people together who are unable to perform in intercultural settings is damaging to alliance performance. Our study indicates the specific conditions under which socializing practices have negative and positive effects and, thus, provokes a discussion about the appropriate application of these practices.
Overweight is associated with lower resting state functional connectivity in females after eliminating genetic effects: A twin study
Authors: Doornweerd Stieneke , van Duinkerken Eelco , de Geus Eco J. , Arbab‐Zadeh Parniane , Veltman Dick J. , IJzerman Richard G.
Published: July 2017

Obesity is related to altered functional connectivity of resting state brain networks that are involved in reward and motivation. It is unknown to what extent these associations reflect genetic confounding and whether the obesity‐related connectivity changes are associated with differences in dietary intake. In this study, resting state functional MRI was performed after an overnight fast in 16 female monozygotic twin pairs (aged 48.8 ± 9.8 years) with a mean BMI discordance of 3.96 ± 2.1 kg/m2(range 0.7–8.2). Functional connectivity of the salience, basal ganglia, default mode and anterior cingulate–orbitofrontal cortex networks was examined by independent component analysis. Dietary intake was assessed using 3‐day 24‐hour recalls. Results revealed that within the basal ganglia network, heavier versus leaner co‐twins have decreased functional connectivity strength in bilateral putamen(P < 0.05, FWE‐corrected). There were no differences in connectivity in the other networks examined. In the overall group, lower functional connectivity strength in the left putamen was correlated with higher intake of total fat (P < 0.01). It was concluded that, after eliminating genetic effects, overweight is associated with lower resting state functional connectivity in bilateral putamen in the basal ganglia network. The association between lower putamen connectivity and higher fat intake suggests an important role of the putamen in appetitive mechanisms. The cross‐sectional nature of our study cannot discriminate cause and consequence, but the findings are compatible with an effect of lower putamen connectivity on increased BMI and associated higher fat intake.Hum Brain Mapp 38:5069–5081, 2017. ©2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.