bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burkholderia thailandensis: Genetic Manipulation
Authors: Garcia Erin C.
Published: May 2017

Burkholderia thailandensis is a Gram‐negative bacterium endemic to Southeast Asian and northern Australian soils. It is non‐pathogenic; therefore, it is commonly used as a model organism for the related human pathogens Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei. B. thailandensis is relatively easily genetically manipulated and a variety of robust genetic tools can be used in this organism. This unit describes protocols for conjugation, natural transformation, mini‐Tn7 insertion, and allelic exchange in B. thailandensis. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation of Stem Cells and Progenitors from Mouse Epidermis
Authors: Kostic Lana , Sedov Egor , Soteriou Despina , Yosefzon Yahav , Fuchs Yaron
Published: May 2017

The epidermis consists of several distinct compartments including the interfollicular epidermis (IFE), sweat glands, sebaceous glands (SGs), and the hair follicle (HF). While the IFE and SGs are in a constant state of self‐renewal, the HF cycles between phases of growth, destruction, and rest. The hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) that fuel this perpetual cycle have been well described and are located in a niche termed the bulge. These bulge SCs express markers such as CD34 and Keratin 15 (K15), enabling the isolation of these cells. Here, we describe a powerful method for isolating HFSCs and epidermal progenitors from mouse skin utilizing fluorescence activated cell‐sorting (FACS). Upon isolation, cells can be expanded and utilized in various in vivo and in vitro models aimed at studying the function of these unique cells. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation of Ready‐to‐Use Adipose‐Derived Stem Cell (ASC) Pellet for Clinical Applications and a Comparative Overview of Alternate Methods for ASC Isolation
Authors: Raposio Edoardo , Bertozzi Nicolò
Published: May 2017

Current literature does not offer a standardized method to isolate adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) for clinical applications and hence clinical studies using ASCs often show inconsistent results. Most of these studies borrow laboratory or benchside‐derived protocols, which are complex, time consuming, and involve the use of chemical, animal‐derived reagents. In this unit we describe a relatively simple and faster isolation protocol that allows collection of a ready‐to‐use ASC pellet for clinical application. All steps are performed in a closed circuit in order to guarantee maximum process sterility. Once the adipose tissue is harvested by means of a standard liposuction procedure, it undergoes a first centrifugation in order to remove the oil and serous fractions. Then ASCs are released by enzymatic digestion from the surrounding connective tissue scaffold. Finally a double series of washing and centrifugation allows one to obtain the ASC pellet alone. We usually graft this ASC pellet onto the skin edge and to the bottom of chronic skin ulcers as ASCs proved to be effective in promoting wound healing processes. Moreover, an increasing number of clinical studies are currently ongoing to test their potential in every medical field, from orthopedics to cardiology, oncology, autoimmune diseases, and tissue engineering. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Advocate for all of your students
Authors: Gaddy Stephanie
Published: May 2017

We encourage our students with disabilities to advocate for themselves. But as disability services providers, we can also advocate for them. You can advocate for your students through identifying a barrier and reviewing your procedures to address this barrier or advocating for a policy change to eliminate the barrier.
Ensuring an accessible orientation: Purposeful planning
Authors: Meeks Lisa M. , Laird‐Metke Elisa
Published: May 2017

Campus disability offices are well‐versed in serving students in classes, but orientation events for incoming students who may not yet have self‐identified their disabilities are sometimes overlooked. To ensure that orientation activities are accessible to students with apparent and nonapparent disabilities, disability counselors should make a concerted effort to partner with orientation stakeholders for a proactive approach.
Asymmetric paternal effect on offspring size linked to parent‐of‐origin expression of an insulin‐like growth factor
Authors: Saldivar Lemus Yolitzi , Vielle‐Calzada Jean‐Philippe , Ritchie Michael G. , Macías Garcia Constantino
Published: May 2017

Sexual reproduction brings together reproductive partners whose long‐term interests often differ, raising the possibility of conflict over their reproductive investment. Males that enhance maternal investment in their offspring gain fitness benefits, even if this compromises future reproductive investment by iteroparous females. When the conflict occurs at a genomic level, it may be uncovered by crossing divergent populations, as a mismatch in the coevolved patterns of paternal manipulation and maternal resistance may generate asymmetric embryonic growth. We report such an asymmetry in reciprocal crosses between populations of the fish Girardinichthys multiradiatus. We also show that a fragment of a gene which can influence embryonic growth (Insulin‐Like Growth Factor 2; igf2) exhibits a parent‐of‐origin methylation pattern, where the maternally inherited igf2 allele has much more 5′ cytosine methylation than the paternally inherited allele. Our findings suggest that male manipulation of maternal investment may have evolved in fish, while the parent‐of‐origin methylation pattern appears to be a potential candidate mechanism modulating this antagonistic coevolution process. However, disruption of other coadaptive processes cannot be ruled out, as these can lead to similar effects as conflict.
A Probabilistic Estimation Method of Reactive Power Controlled by PCS using Measurement Data of Switchgears with Sensors
Authors: KOIDE AKIRA , TSUJI TAKAO , OYAMA TSUTOMU , GODA TADAHIRO , KOJIMA YASUHIRO , SHINJI TAKAO , UCHIDA KENKO , MAGOULÈS FRÉDÉRIC
Published: May 2017

It becomes an important issue to maintain voltage profile within the allowable range in distribution systems with a large number of distributed generators (DGs), such as Photovoltaic (PV). Although reactive power control by power conditioning system (PCS) is effective to mitigate the voltage increase, there is a possibility that active power curtailment is needed to provide enough amount of reactive power due to current limitation. Here, it is expected that the active power curtailment can be avoided if a cooperative voltage control between load ratio tap controller (LRT) and PCS is realized. To this end, system operators have to know the amount of reactive power controlled by PCS. Hence, in this paper, we developed a new state estimation method of the reactive power using the measurement data obtained by the switchgears with sensors. In addition, a probabilistic approach was applied because an accurate estimation is theoretically impossible only by using the limited number of measurement data. The proposed method was tested in a hierarchic distribution system model and its effectiveness was shown through simulations.
Study on Lightning Protection Measures for Distribution Lines and Customer Equipment against Back Flow Lightning Current from Radio Communication Station
Authors: ISHIMOTO KAZUYUKI , ASAKAWA AKIRA , SATO TOMOYUKI , MIYAMA YASUHIRO
Published: May 2017

Recently, with the expansion of communication network areas, the number of radio communication stations built in the neighborhood of customer houses has increased. If lightning strikes a communication radio tower, part of the lightning current flows into the distribution line and into customer houses. This may cause the failure of distribution lines or customer equipment. To protect distribution lines and customer equipment from lightning faults, it is necessary to analyze the surge phenomena in distribution lines and customer equipment and take appropriate protection measures. In this study, we examined the effect of lightning protection measures for distribution lines and customer equipment against lightning strikes to a communication tower. First, using an actual‐scale test distribution line, we measured the lightning current flowing into distribution lines and customer equipment. Second, we quantitatively examined the effect of lightning protection measures by lighting surge analysis while changing each parameter. From the experimental and analytical results, we show that the proposed protection measures can reduce the lightning current flowing into distribution lines and customer equipment.
N‐Methylpyrrolidin‐2‐one‐Promoted Formation of Functional Esters through C–O Bond Cleavage
Authors: Liu Jianming , Wang Yanyan , Yue Yuanyuan , Liu Na , Zhang Jian , Zhao Shufang , Tang Qinghu , Zhuo Kelei
Published: May 2017

Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid catalyzed C–O bond cleavage leading to the preparation of functional esters in the presence of N‐methylpyrrolidin‐2‐one (NMP) was accomplished. Various substrates were well tolerated, and a gram‐scale experiment was successfully realized. DFT calculations indicated that NMP plays a decisive role in accelerating nucleophilic attack of the functional acid to generate the functional esters in chlorobenzene.
Selective Trifluoromethylthiolation and Trifluoromethylsulfinylation of Indoles with Sodium Trifluoromethanesulfinate Promoted by Phosphorus Reagents
Authors: Sun Dong‐Wei , Jiang Xu , Jiang Min , Lin Yun , Liu Jin‐Tao
Published: May 2017

Direct trifluoromethylthiolation and trifluoromethylsulfinylation reactions by using sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate were promoted by different phosphorus reagents to selectively occur under mild and transition‐metal‐free conditions. In the presence of phosphorus trichloride, sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate readily underwent a reaction with indole and its derivatives inN,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature to give 3‐trifluoromethylthiolated products in good yields. Trifluoromethylsulfinylation reactions, however, occurred at the C‐3 position when phosphorus oxychloride was used to give the corresponding sulfoxides in high yields. This protocol was further extended to the use of other sodium perfluoroalkanesulfinates.
Using the microstructure and mechanical behavior of steel materials to develop a new fire investigation technology
Authors: Chi Jen‐Hao , Peng Peng‐Chi
Published: May 2017

In the study, an A36 steel board, a frequently used building construction material, was heated to a high temperature, and then a metallographic replication experiment and tensile experiment were performed to obtain the composition and proportion of the microstructure and the mechanical behavior of fire‐damaged steel boards. When the steel board was heated to 800°C or higher and then rapidly water cooled, significant changes were found in its composition and proportion. More specifically, pearlite was completely lost, ferrite was reduced from 80% to 30%, bainite was increased to 30%, and martensite was also increased to 40%. The significant increase in the martensite phase altered the structure of the fire‐damaged steel board by making its structure more delicate and loose. Even though the yielding strength and tensile strength showed a tendency to increase, element ductility dropped from 32.5% to 15%. Reducing the extensibility substantially can make the steel board more likely to crack suddenly. The aim of the study is using changes in the structure and mechanical behavior of these steel components because of high‐temperature burning to reconstruct fire spread in fire investigation technology.
TFG‐MET fusion in an infantile spindle cell sarcoma with neural features
Authors: Flucke Uta , van Noesel Max M. , Wijnen Marc , Zhang Lei , Chen Chun‐Liang , Sung Yun‐Shao , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: May 2017

An increasing number of congenital and infantile sarcomas displaying a primitive, monomorphic spindle cell phenotype have been characterized to harbor recurrent gene fusions, including infantile fibrosarcoma and congenital spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma. Here, we report an unusual spindle cell sarcoma presenting as a large and infiltrative pelvic soft tissue mass in a 4‐month‐old girl, which revealed a novel TFG‐MET gene fusion by whole transcriptome RNA sequencing. The tumor resembled the morphology of an infantile fibrosarcoma with both fascicular and patternless growth, however, it expressed strong S100 protein immunoreactivity, while lacking SOX10 staining and retaining H3K27me3 expression. Although this immunoprofile suggested partial neural/neuroectodermal differentiation, overall features were unusual and did not fit into any known tumor types (cellular schwannoma, MPNST), raising the possibility of a novel pathologic entity. The TFG‐MET gene fusion expands the genetic spectrum implicated in the pathogenesis of congenital spindle cell sarcomas, with yet another example of kinase oncogenic activation through chromosomal translocation. The discovery of this new fusion is significant since the resulting MET activation can potentially be inhibited by targeted therapy, as MET inhibitors are presently available in clinical trials.
KIF11 silencing and inhibition induces chromosome instability that may contribute to cancer
Authors: Asbaghi Yasamin , Thompson Laura L. , Lichtensztejn Zelda , McManus Kirk J.
Published: May 2017

Understanding the aberrant pathways that contribute to oncogenesis and identifying the altered genes involved in these pathways is a critical first step to develop effective strategies to better combat cancer. Chromosome instability (CIN) is an aberrant phenotype that occurs in ∼80% of all cancer types and is associated with aggressive tumors, the acquisition of multidrug resistance and poor patient prognosis. Despite these associations however, the aberrant genes and molecular defects underlying CIN remain poorly understood. KIF11 is an evolutionarily conserved microtubule motor protein that functions in centrosome and chromosome dynamics in mitosis. Interestingly, the yeast ortholog of KIF11, namely CIN8 is a CIN gene and thus aberrant KIF11 expression and function is suspected to underlie CIN. In support of this possibility, KIF11 is somatically altered in a large number of cancer types. Using a complementary biochemical and genetic approach we examined whether KIF11 silencing with siRNAs or inhibition with monastrol was able to convert two distinct and karyotypically stable cell lines into karyotypically unstable cell lines. Indeed, quantitative imaging microscopy and flow cytometry revealed that KIF11 silencing induced increases in nuclear areas, micronucleus formation, DNA content and chromosome numbers relative to controls that was also observed following KIF11 inhibition. Collectively, this study identifies and validates KIF11 as an evolutionarily conserved CIN gene, and further suggests that aberrant expression and function may contribute to the pathogenesis of a subset of cancers.
Petrology, geochemistry and zircon U–Pb geochronology of the Jurassic porphyry dykes in the Dehua gold field, Southeast China: Genesis and geodynamics
Authors: Xu Nan , Li Sheng‐Rong , Santosh M. , Tong Bing
Published: May 2017

The widespread tectonic and magmatic events in Southeast China during the Mesozoic were accompanied by large‐scale metallogenesis. Here, we investigate the petrology, geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb age of the porphyry dykes in relation to the gold mineralization at Dongyang deposit in the Fujian Province. The geochemical data show silica‐rich and Mg‐ and Ca‐poor A‐type granite affinity for the dykes. The rocks have high concentrations of Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) and Large Ion Lithophile Elements (LILE) and relatively low contents of Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE) and High Field Strength Element (HFSE). They display (La/Yb)N and (La/Sm)N values in the range of 5.7 to 31.4 and 6.0 to 8.3, respectively, with negative anomalies of Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, Zr, Eu, and Ti and positive Ce anomaly. The source magma for the dykes was derived from a mixture of partially melted Al‐rich crustal material, with an input of mantle components. We present sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe zircon U–Pb data from the dykes, which show emplacement ages in the range of 158 to 162 Ma, coinciding with the onset of the Yanshanian magmatism in Southeast China. Integrating the data obtained from studies on geology, geochronology and petro‐geochemistry, we suggest that the dykes played role in controlling the gold mineralization, and the magmatism and gold mineralization are the response of continental lithosphere thinning in Southeast China triggered by the subduction of the ancient Pacific Ocean Plate.
The Normal Fetal Pancreas
Authors: Kivilevitch Zvi , Achiron Reuven , Perlman Sharon , Gilboa Yinon
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the sonographic feasibility of measuring the fetal pancreas and its normal development throughout pregnancy.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional prospective study between 19 and 36 weeks’ gestation. The study included singleton pregnancies with normal pregnancy follow‐up. The pancreas circumference was measured. The first 90 cases were tested to assess feasibility.

Results

Two hundred ninety‐seven fetuses of nondiabetic mothers were recruited during a 3‐year period. The overall satisfactory visualization rate was 61.6%. The intraobserver and interobserver variability had high interclass correlation coefficients of of 0.964 and 0.967, respectively. A cubic polynomial regression described best the correlation of pancreas circumference with gestational age (r = 0.744; P < .001) and significant correlations also with abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight (Pearson r = 0.829 and 0.812, respectively; P < .001). Modeled pancreas circumference percentiles for each week of gestation were calculated. During the study period, we detected 2 cases with overgrowth syndrome and 1 case with an annular pancreas.

Conclusions

In this study, we assessed the feasibility of sonography for measuring the fetal pancreas and established a normal reference range for the fetal pancreas circumference throughout pregnancy. This database can be helpful when investigating fetomaternal disorders that can involve its normal development.
Phase Structure of the Exact Graft Copolymer Synthesized by Iterative Methodology Based on Living Anionic Polymerization
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hsuan , Chen Hsin‐Lung , Goseki Raita , Hirao Akira
Published: May 2017

Exact graft copolymer (EGC) is a type of copolymer with precisely defined molecular parameters, including the number of grafts per molecule (n), the length of the grafts (lg), and the separation distance between the junction points (ε) in the backbone. In the present study, the phase structure of the EGC composed of poly(2‐vinyl pyridine) backbone and polystyrene graft with n = 2 and n = 3 under fixed ε and lg is systematically investigated to seek a general understanding on the effect of the graft architecture on the domain spacing of the microphase‐separated structure and the order–disorder transition temperature (TODT). It is found that the TODT associated with the fluctuation‐induced ODT of the EGC increases with increasing n due to the increase of the total molecular weight. Nevertheless, the domain spacing does not exhibit a monotonic change with n, as the EGC with n = 2 shows the largest domain spacing compared with that of EGC with n = 3 and the corresponding linear diblock copolymer. The experimental observation on the domain spacing is explained by a thermodynamic model considering the packing mode of the constituting chains under the junction constraint.

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Time and frequency domain analysis of piezoelectric energy harvesters by monolithic finite element modeling
Authors: Ravi Srivathsan , Zilian Andreas
Published: May 2017

The successful design of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices relies upon the identification of optimal geometrical and material configurations to maximize the power output for a specific band of excitation frequencies. Extendable predictive models and associated approximate solution methods are essential for analysis of a wide variety of future advanced energy harvesting devices involving more complex geometries and material distributions. Based on a holistic continuum mechanics modeling approach to the multi‐physics energy harvesting problem, this article proposes a monolithic numerical solution scheme using a mixed‐hybrid 3‐dimensional finite element formulation of the coupled governing equations for analysis in time and frequency domain. The weak form of the electromechanical/circuit system uses velocities and potential rate within the piezoelectric structure, free boundary charge on the electrodes, and potential at the level of the generic electric circuit as global degrees of freedom. The approximation of stress and dielectric displacement follows the work by Pian, Sze, and Pan. Results obtained with the proposed model are compared with analytical results for the reduced‐order model of a cantilevered bimorph harvester with tip mass reported in the literature. The flexibility of the method is demonstrated by studying the influence of partial electrode coverage on the generated power output.
Mechanical properties of aramid fiber and carbon black filled hydrogenated nitrile rubber for packer compounds
Authors: He Xiaozhen , Shi Xinyan , Hoch Martin , Gögelein Christoph
Published: May 2017

For the use in packer elements for oil exploration, rubber materials are required that can withstand high mechanical loads, high temperatures, and aggressive chemical media. To fulfill these demands, we designed composites of hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber filled with both carbon black and short cut aramid fibers. Scanning electron micrographs indicate a strong connection between the resorcinol formaldehyde latex fiber coating and the peroxide‐cured rubber matrix. During the preparation of the test specimens, especially care was taken to obtain samples with very well‐defined fiber orientations. We studied the effect of fiber anisotropy on the hardness and on the mechanical properties under uniaxial elongation and cyclic compression at room temperature and 150°C. The strongest reinforcing effect is observed when the fibers are oriented along the main direction of deformation. For tensile test, this is the case, as expected, for fibers oriented parallel to elongation. For compression tests on cylindrical specimens, we find that the fiber orientation perpendicular to compression direction is most effective. At 20–40% strain, tensile tests exhibit a pronounced yield stress which is likely the result of the loss of adhesion between the rubber matrix and the fibers. Repeated loading and unloading compression tests reveal a considerable stress softening effect between the first and second cycle for fiber‐filled composites. At 150°C, the rubber composites soften considerably, but small amounts of fiber still induce a significant reinforcement. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3212–3226, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Norbornyl benzocyclobutene ladder polymers: Conformation and microporosity
Authors: Lai Holden W. H. , Liu Sheng , Xia Yan
Published: May 2017

Shape‐persistent contorted ladder polymers are an intriguing and unusual class of polymers. Using catalytic arene‐norbornene annulation (CANAL) polymerization and with norbornadiene and dibromoarenes as monomers, we synthesized a series of ladder polymers with fused norbornyl benzocyclobutene backbones and varied conformations. A diaryl spiro‐orthocarbonate monomer was used to reorient the ladder backbone perpendicularly to induce three‐dimensional kinks, and a p‐dibromo‐xylene comonomer was used to statistically vary the distance between the spirocyclic kinks in the ladder backbone. Norbornyl benzocyclobutene ladder polymers with no spirocyclic backbone twists possess much more compact conformations than ladder polymers with frequent spirocyclic backbone twists in solution. While spirocyclic twists in the polymer backbone had minor effects on the surface area and microporosity, incorporation of rotatable single bonds in the repeat unit significantly decreased both the surface area and pore volume. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3075–3081
Structural conservation of the PIN domain active site across all domains of life
Authors: Senissar M. , Manav M. C. , Brodersen D. E.
Published: May 2017

The PIN (PilT N‐terminus) domain is a compact RNA‐binding protein domain present in all domains of life. This 120‐residue domain consists of a central and parallel β sheet surrounded by α helices, which together organize 4–5 acidic residues in an active site that binds one or more divalent metal ions and in many cases has endoribonuclease activity. In bacteria and archaea, the PIN domain is primarily associated with toxin–antitoxin loci, consisting of a toxin (the PIN domain nuclease) and an antitoxin that inhibits the function of the toxin under normal growth conditions. During nutritional or antibiotic stress, the antitoxin is proteolytically degraded causing activation of the PIN domain toxin leading to a dramatic reprogramming of cellular metabolism to cope with the new situation. In eukaryotes, PIN domains are commonly found as parts of larger proteins and are involved in a range of processes involving RNA cleavage, including ribosomal RNA biogenesis and nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structural characteristics of the PIN domain and compare PIN domains from all domains of life in terms of structure, active site architecture, and activity.
Interrogation of a PS1‐Based Photocathode by Means of Scanning Photoelectrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Zhao Fangyuan , Plumeré Nicolas , Nowaczyk Marc M. , Ruff Adrian , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Conzuelo Felipe
Published: May 2017

In the development of photosystem‐based energy conversion devices, the in‐depth understanding of electron transfer processes involved in photocurrent generation and possible charge recombination is essential as a basis for the development of photo‐bioelectrochemical architectures with increased efficiency. The evaluation of a bio‐photocathode based on photosystem 1 (PS1) integrated within a redox hydrogel by means of scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy (SPECM) is reported. The redox polymer acts as a conducting matrix for the transfer of electrons from the electrode surface to the photo‐oxidized P700 centers within PS1, while methyl viologen is used as charge carrier for the collection of electrons at the reduced FB site of PS1. The analysis of the modified surfaces by SPECM enables the evaluation of electron‐transfer processes by simultaneously monitoring photocurrent generation at the bio‐photoelectrode and the associated generation of reduced charge carriers. The possibility to visualize charge recombination processes is illustrated by using two different electrode materials, namely Au and p‐doped Si, exhibiting substantially different electron transfer kinetics for the reoxidation of the methyl viologen radical cation used as freely diffusing charge carrier. In the case of p‐doped Si, a slower recombination kinetics allows visualization of methyl viologen radical cation concentration profiles from SPECM approach curves.
Precise Patterning of Organic Single Crystals via Capillary‐Assisted Alternating‐Electric Field
Authors: Zhang Yedong , Jie Jiansheng , Sun Yuning , Jeon Seok‐Gy , Zhang Xiujuan , Dai Gaole , Lee Cheol Jin , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: May 2017

Owing to the extraordinary properties, organic micro/nanocrystals are important building blocks for future low‐cost and high‐performance organic electronic devices. However, integrated device application of the organic micro/nanocrystals is hampered by the difficulty in high‐throughput, high‐precision patterning of the micro/nanocrystals. In this study, the authors demonstrate, for the first time, a facile capillary‐assisted alternating‐electric field method for the large‐scale assembling and patterning of both 0D and 1D organic crystals. These crystals can be precisely patterned at the photolithography defined holes/channels at the substrate with the yield up to 95% in 1 mm2. The mechanism of assembly kinetics is systematically studied by the electric field distribution simulation and experimental investigations. By using the strategy, various organic micro/nanocrystal patterns are obtained by simply altering the geometries of the photoresist patterns on substrates. Moreover, ultraviolet photodetectors based on the patterned Alq3 micro/nanocrystals exhibit visible–blind photoresponse with high sensitivity as well as excellent stability and reproducibility. This work paves the way toward high‐integration, high‐performance organic electronic, and optoelectronic devices from the organic micro/nanocrystals.
Bimetallic Nickel‐Substituted Cobalt‐Borate Nanowire Array: An Earth‐Abundant Water Oxidation Electrocatalyst with Superior Activity and Durability at Near Neutral pH
Authors: Ma Min , Qu Fengli , Ji Xuqiang , Liu Danni , Hao Shuai , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Yao Yadong , Chen Liang , Sun Xuping
Published: May 2017

There is an urgent demand to develop earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for efficient and durable water oxidation under mild conditions. A nickel‐substituted cobalt‐borate nanowire array is developed on carbon cloth (Ni‐Co‐Bi/CC) via oxidative polarization of NiCo2S4nanoarray in potassium borate (K‐Bi). As a bimetallic electrocatalyst for water oxidation, such Ni‐Co‐Bi/CC is superior in catalytic activity and durability in 0.1mK‐Bi (pH: 9.2), with a turnover frequency of 0.33 mol O2s−1at the overpotential of 500 mV and nearly 100% Faradaic efficiency. To drive a geometrical catalytic current density of 10 mA cm−2, it only needs overpotential of 388 mV, 34 mV less than that for Co‐Bi/CC, outperforming reported non‐noble‐metal catalysts operating under benign conditions. Notably, its activity is maintained over 80 000 s. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the O* to OOH* conversion is the rate‐determining step and Ni substitution decreases the free energy on Co‐Bi from 2.092 to 1.986 eV.
P Doped MoO3−x Nanosheets as Efficient and Stable Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Ling , Zhang Ting , Yan Junqing , Cai Xuediao , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: May 2017

A P doped MoO3−x nanocomposite material with rich oxygen vacancies is successfully fabricated by a two‐step intercalation method, which presents superior activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction with low overpotential and fast electron transfer. In 0.5 m H2SO4, it displays an overpotential of 166 mV for driving the current density of 10 mA cm−2. Moreover, it also shows a good catalytic stability in the electrolytes with different pH, 0.5 m H2SO4 (strong acid), 0.5 m Na2SO4 (neutral solution), and 0.1 m NaOH (strong base). The superior catalytic activity and stability are due to to the synergistic effect between the P element doping and the oxygen vacancies.
Prenatal prediction of postnatal large‐for‐dates neonates using a simplified MRI method: comparison with conventional 2D ultrasound estimates
Authors: Kadji C. , Cannie M. M. , De Angelis R. , Camus M. , Klass M. , Fellas S. , Cecotti V. , Dütemeyer V. , Jani J. C.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate the performance of a simple semi‐automated method for estimation of fetal weight (EFW) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as compared with two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) for the prediction of large‐for‐dates neonates.

Methods

Data of two groups of women with singleton pregnancy between March 2011 and May 2016 were retrieved from our database and evaluated retrospectively: the first group included women who underwent US‐EFW and MRI‐EFW within 48 h before delivery and the second group included women who had these evaluations between 35 + 0 weeks and 37 + 6 weeks of gestation, more than 48 h before delivery. US‐EFW was based on Hadlock et al. and MRI‐EFW on the formula described by Baker et al. For MRI‐EFW, planimetric measurement of the fetal body volume (FBV) was performed using a semi‐automated method and the time required for measurement was noted. Outcome measure was the performance of MRI‐EFW vs US‐EFW in the prediction of large‐for‐dates neonates, both ≤ 48 h and > 48 h before delivery. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves for each method were compared using the DeLong method.

Results

Of the 270 women included in the first group, 48 (17.8%) newborns had birth weight ≥ 90th centile and 30 (11.1%) ≥ 95th centile. The second group included 83 women, and nine (10.8%) newborns had birth weight ≥ 95th centile. Median time needed for FBV planimetric measurements in all 353 fetuses was 3.5 (range, 1.5–5.5) min. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for prediction of large‐for‐dates neonates by prenatal MRI performed within 48 h before delivery was significantly higher than that by US (for birth weight ≥ 90th centile, difference between AUCs = 0.085, standard error (SE) = 0.020, P < 0.001; for birth weight ≥ 95th centile, difference between AUCs = 0.036, SE = 0.014, P = 0.01). Similarly, MRI‐EFW was better than US‐EFW in predicting birth weight ≥ 95th centile when both examinations were performed > 48 h prior to delivery (difference between AUCs = 0.077, SE = 0.039, P = 0.045).

Conclusion

MRI planimetry using our purpose‐designed semi‐automated method is not time‐consuming. The predictive performance of MRI‐EFW performed immediately prior to or remote from delivery is significantly better than that of US‐EFW for the prediction of large‐for‐dates neonates. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Role of transvaginal ultrasound in evaluation of ureteral involvement in deep infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Carfagna P. , De Cicco Nardone C. , De Cicco Nardone A. , Testa A. C. , Scambia G. , Marana R. , De Cicco Nardone F.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To assess whether routine examination of the ureters on transvaginal sonography (TVS) can identify reliably potential silent ureteral involvement by endometriosis and should therefore be recommended in all patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).

Methods

This was a prospective study of 200 consecutive patients scheduled for surgery for DIE, evaluated between January 2012 and December 2014 at a tertiary endometriosis center at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy. Routine TVS, abdominal ultrasound and gynecological examination were performed within 3 months before surgery, and patient history, signs and symptoms were recorded. Surgical and histological findings were compared with the preoperative ultrasonographic diagnosis. The main outcome of interest was the presence of ureteral dilatation or hydronephrosis caused by endometriosis.

Results

Of 200 patients with DIE, associated ureteral dilatation was diagnosed on TVS in 13 (6.5%) cases. Ureteral involvement was confirmed intraoperatively in all 13 cases by detection of ureteral dilatation caused by endometriotic tissue surrounding the ureter and causing stenosis. Of the 13 patients with ureteral dilatation, renal ultrasound detected six (46.2%) cases of hydronephrosis. Mean duration of visualization and study of dilated ureters was 5 min (range, 3–9 min). Ureteric diameter was ≥ 6 mm in all cases of ureteral dilatation, with a median diameter of 6.9 mm (range, 6–18 mm). Both ureters were identified on TVS in all 200 patients with DIE.

Conclusions

Our study confirms a relatively high incidence of ureteral involvement in patients with DIE. TVS appears to be a reliable tool for the diagnosis of ureteral involvement and, additionally, it allows the detection of both the level and degree of obstruction. Our findings confirm that TVS examination is an accurate non‐invasive diagnostic tool for the detection of ureteral involvement by endometriosis. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of cervical texture by ultrasound in mid‐pregnancy and association with spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Baños N. , Perez‐Moreno A. , Julià C. , Murillo‐Bravo C. , Coronado D. , Gratacós E. , Deprest J. , Palacio M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

New tools are required to improve the identification of women who are at increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Quantitative analysis of tissue texture on ultrasound has been used to extract robust features from the ultrasound image to detect subtle changes in its microstructure. This may be applied to the cervix. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between quantitative analysis of cervical texture (CTx) on mid‐trimester ultrasound and sPTB < 37 + 0 weeks' gestation.

Methods

This was a single‐center nested case–control study of a prospective cohort of 677 consecutive women with singleton pregnancy assessed between 19 + 0 and 24 + 6 weeks' gestation. Women at increased risk for sPTB were included unless they received treatment to prevent sPTB. Women who delivered < 37 + 0 weeks (sPTB) were considered as cases and were matched in a 1: 10 ratio with randomly selected contemporary controls who delivered at term. For each woman, one ultrasound image of the cervix was obtained for which quality was assessed, cervical length (CL) measured offline and a region of interest in the midportion of the anterior cervical lip delineated for use in local binary patterns analysis of CTx. A learning algorithm was developed to obtain the combination of CTx features best associated with sPTB based on feature transformation and discriminant analysis regression. The ability of the learning algorithm to predict sPTB was evaluated using a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation technique, which produced a CTx‐based score for each participant. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves were produced and sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for the optimal cut‐off based on the ROC curve. The results were compared with those obtained for CL. Investigators studying the images were blinded to pregnancy outcome at all times.

Results

Images from 310 women (27 cases and 283 controls) were of sufficient quality and included in the study. Median CTx‐based score was significantly lower in cases compared with controls (−1.01 vs −0.07, P ≤ 0.0001). CTx‐based score maintained its significant association with sPTB after adjusting for possible confounders (history of sPTB, conization or Müllerian malformation, and CL < 25 mm). CTx‐based score was a better predictor of sPTB (AUC, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.66–0.87) than was CL (AUC, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47–0.72) (P = 0.03). Median CL was similar for cases and controls (37.7 vs 38.6 mm, P = 0.26), although cases were more likely to have CL < 25 mm (18.5% vs 0.4%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Quantitative analysis of CTx enables the extraction of information relevant to sPTB from ultrasound images to generate a CTx‐based score that is associated independently with sPTB. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Maternal arterial stiffness and fetal cardiovascular physiology in diabetic pregnancy
Authors: Moodley S. , Arunamata A. , Stauffer K. J. , Nourse S. E. , Chen A. , Quirin A. , Selamet Tierney E. S.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

In mothers with pregestational or gestational diabetes, abnormal arterial stiffness (stiffer arteries) has been reported. The impact of abnormal maternal arterial stiffness on placental and fetal cardiovascular physiology is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of maternal diabetes on maternal arterial stiffness and the association with fetal cardiovascular physiology as measured by fetal echocardiography.

Methods

Between December 2013 and January 2017 a prospective study was conducted on diabetic (but otherwise healthy) and non‐diabetic, healthy pregnant mothers aged 18–40 years at 20–28 weeks' gestation who had a normal fetal cardiac echocardiogram and obstetric ultrasound. Clinical data were collected by means of a patient questionnaire and measurement of blood pressure, height, weight, arterial augmentation index (AIx) and placental and fetal cardiovascular parameters were collected by fetal echocardiography. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Comparisons were made using parametric and non‐parametric tests between controls and diabetic mothers.

Results

Twenty‐three healthy pregnant controls and 43 diabetic pregnant women (22 with pregestational and 21 with gestational diabetes) were included in the study. Maternal AIx was higher in those with diabetes than in healthy controls (12.4 ± 10.6% vs 4.6 ± 7.9%; P = 0.003). Fetal aortic valve (AoV) velocity time integral (VTI) was higher in fetuses whose mothers had diabetes than in those with non‐diabetic mothers (7.7 ± 1.9 cm vs 6.3 ± 3.0 cm; P = 0.022). Left ventricular (LV) myocardial performance index (MPI) was lower in diabetic pregnancies than in controls (0.40 ± 0.09 vs 0.46 ± 0.11; P = 0.021). Umbilical artery (UA) resistance index (RI) was lower in diabetic pregnancies with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥ 6.5% than in those with HbA1c levels < 6.5% (0.69 ± 0.06, n = 15 vs 0.76 ± 0.08, n = 21; P = 0.009) but not at higher HbA1C cut‐offs. No correlation between AIx and AoV‐VTI, LV‐MPI or UA‐RI was found.

Conclusions

Arterial stiffness is higher in pregnant women with diabetes than in controls. Fetuses of diabetic mothers show altered cardiovascular parameters, with higher AoV‐VTI and lower LV‐MPI, which are markers of myocardial function. Placental function assessed by UA‐RI was normal despite differences between groups. Arterial stiffness did not correlate with placental or fetal cardiovascular variables. Instead, the findings are likely to represent a shared response to the environment of abnormal glucose metabolism. The clinical significance of these findings is yet to be determined. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Competing‐risks model in screening for pre‐eclampsia in twin pregnancy by maternal characteristics and medical history
Authors: Francisco C. , Wright D. , Benkő Z. , Syngelaki A. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: May 2017

Objective

A survival‐time regression model for gestational age at delivery with pre‐eclampsia (PE) in singleton pregnancy, using maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, was reported previously. The objective of this study was to extend this model to dichorionic (DC) and monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancy.

Methods

The study population included 1789 DC and 430 MC twin pregnancies and 93 297 singleton pregnancies. A survival‐time model for gestational age at delivery with PE was developed from variables of maternal characteristics and medical history. The risk of PE with delivery < 37 weeks and < 42 weeks in twin pregnancies was determined and compared with that in singleton pregnancies.

Results

In singleton pregnancies comprising women of Caucasian racial origin, mean weight of 69 kg at 12 weeks' gestation, mean height of 164 cm, nulliparous, with spontaneous conception, no family history of PE and no history of diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome, the mean of the Gaussian distribution of gestational age at delivery with PE was 55 weeks. In DC twins with PE, mean gestational age at delivery was shifted to the left by 8.2 (95% CI, 7.2–9.1) weeks and in MC twins it was shifted to the left by 10.0 (95% CI, 8.5–11.4) weeks. The risk of delivery with PE occurring at, or before, a specified gestational age is given by the area under the fitted distribution curve. For a reference population with the above characteristics, the estimated risk of PE < 37 weeks' gestation, assuming no other cause of delivery, was 0.6% for singletons, 9.0% for DC twins and 14.2% for MC twins; the respective values for PE < 42 weeks were 3.6%, 27.0% and 36.5%.

Conclusions

A model based on maternal characteristics and medical history has been developed for estimation of patient‐specific risks for PE in DC and MC twin pregnancy. Such estimation of the a‐priori risk for PE is an essential first step in the use of Bayes' theorem to combine maternal factors with biomarkers for the continuing development of more effective methods of screening for the disease. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Utilization of Genetic Counseling after Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing: Findings from the Impact of Personal Genomics (PGen) Study
Authors: Koeller Diane R , Uhlmann Wendy R , Carere Deanna Alexis , Green Robert C , Roberts J Scott ,   for the PGen Study Group
Published: May 2017

Direct‐to‐consumer personal genomic testing (DTC‐PGT) results lead some individuals to seek genetic counseling (GC), but little is known about these consumers and why they seek GC services. We analyzed survey data pre‐ and post‐PGT from 1026 23andMe and Pathway Genomics customers. Participants were mostly white (91%), female (60%), and of high socioeconomic status (80% college educated, 43% household income of ≥$100,000). After receiving PGT results, 43 participants (4%) made or planned to schedule an appointment with a genetic counselor; 390 (38%) would have used in‐person GC had it been available. Compared to non‐seekers, GC seekers were younger (mean age of 38 vs 46 years), more frequently had children <18 (26% vs 16%), and were more likely to report previous GC (37% vs 7%) and genetic testing (30% vs 15%). In logistic regression analysis, seeking GC was associated with previous GC use (OR = 6.5, CI = 3.1–13.8), feeling motivated to pursue DTC‐PGT for health reasons (OR = 4.3, CI = 1.8–10.1), fair or poor self‐reported health (OR = 3.1, CI = 1.1–8.3), and self‐reported uncertainty about the results (OR = 1.8, CI = 1.1–2.7). These findings can help GC providers anticipate who might seek GC services and plan for clinical discussions of DTC‐PGT results.
From liability to challenge: Complex environments are associated with favorable psychosocial outcomes in adolescent sport participants
Authors: García Bengoechea Enrique , Wilson Philip M. , Dunn Steven
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to identify different groups of adolescents who have distinct profiles based upon their perceptions of interpersonal and activity‐based dimensions of the sport environment. A sample of 310 adolescents from Eastern Canada (Mage = 14.69 ± 1.60 years; 54.8% girls) completed questionnaires assessing selected interpersonal, activity‐based, demographic and sport‐specific variables. Using TwoStep Cluster Analysis, we identified three groupings of adolescent sport participants. Consistent with the literature, we labeled these groups ‘negative context,’ ‘positive context,’ and ‘complex context,’ respectively. As expected, participants in the last two groups reported greater enjoyment, perceived competence, and commitment to sport. Further, participants in the ‘complex context’ group showed the highest levels of sport commitment. We draw on insights from Csikszentmihalyi's theory of complexity and relational conceptions of compensation and resilience to interpret the findings, and offer an alternative account of contextual conditions suitable for adolescents involved in competitive sport.