bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents and learning outcomes of online news engagement
Authors: O'Brien Heather L.
Published: September 2017

User engagement (UE) is a quality of user experience characterized by the depth of an actor's cognitive, temporal, and/or emotional investment in an interaction with a digital system. Currently more art than science, UE has gained theoretical and methodological traction over the past decade, yet there is still a need to establish empirical links between UE and desired outcomes (e.g., learning, behavior change), and to understand the myriad user, system, contextual, and so on, factors that predict successful digital engagement. This paper focuses on the relationship between UE and media format as a potential antecedent, and the outcome of learning, operationalized as short‐term knowledge retention. Participants interacted with two human‐interest stories in one of four media formats: video, audio, narrative text, or transcript‐style text; short‐term knowledge retention was measured using post‐task multiple choice and short‐answer questions. It was anticipated that format would have a strong effect on UE, and that more engaged users would recall more information about the stories. However, these hypotheses were not fully supported, and the nature of the relationship between UE and learning was more nuanced than expected. This research has implications for the design of information systems and, more fundamentally, the impetus to make digital environments engaging.
Fachwerkträger aus Buchenfurnierschichtholz
Authors: Meyer Nico , Blaß Hans Joachim
Published: September 2017

In diesem Beitrag wird die Verwendungsmöglichkeit axial beanspruchter Verbindungsmittel in Fachwerkträgern aus Buchenfurnierschichtholz mithilfe experimenteller Untersuchungen genauer betrachtet. Die zur Bemessung benötigten Festigkeits‐ und Steifigkeitskennwerte und die notwendigen konstruktiven Randbedingungen (Mindestabstände, Einbindelänge) werden ermittelt, diskutiert und mit dem derzeitigen Stand der Technik verglichen. Zur Verifizierung der ermittelten Parameter sowie des Tragverhaltens der untersuchten Verbindungsmittel in Gesamttragsystemen werden im Anschluss Versuche an Fachwerkträgern (Spannweite 10 m, statische Höhe 1,25 m) mit unterschiedlichen Knotenpunktausbildungen vorgestellt. Besonderes Augenmerk wird, neben der Tragfähigkeit, auf die Steifigkeit der geprüften Träger gelegt und somit die Leistungsfähigkeit der vorgestellten Verbindungsmittel herausgearbeitet.
Identification of a Tetanus Toxin Specific Epitope in Single Amino Acid Resolution
Authors: Palermo Andrea , Weber Laura K. , Rentschler Simone , Isse Awale , Sedlmayr Martyna , Herbster Karin , List Volker , Hubbuch Jürgen , Löffler Felix F. , Nesterov‐Müller Alexander , Breitling Frank
Published: September 2017

Vaccinations are among the most potent tools to fight infectious diseases. However, cross‐reactions are an ongoing problem and there is an urgent need to fully understand the mechanisms of the immune response. For the development of a methodological workflow, the linear epitopes in the immune response to the tetanus toxin is investigated in sera of 19 vaccinated Europeans applying epitope mapping with peptide arrays. The most prominent epitope, appearing in nine different sera (923IHLVNNESSEVIVHK937), is investigated in a substitution analysis to identify the amino acids that are crucial for the binding of the corresponding antibody species − the antibody fingerprint. The antibody fingerprints of different individuals are compared and found to be strongly conserved (929ExxEVIVxK937), which is astonishing considering the randomness of their development. Additionally, the corresponding antibody species is isolated from one serum with batch chromatography using the amino acid sequence of the identified epitope and the tetanus specificity of the isolated antibody is verified by ELISA. Studying antibody fingerprints with peptide arrays should be transferable to any kind of humoral immune response toward protein antigens. Furthermore, antibody fingerprints have shown to be highly disease‐specific and, therefore, can be employed as reliable biomarkers enabling the study of cross‐reacting antigens.
Improved performance of Pseudomonas putida in a bioelectrochemical system through overexpression of periplasmic glucose dehydrogenase
Authors: Yu Shiqin , Lai Bin , Plan Manuel R. , Hodson Mark P. , Lestari Endah A. , Song Hao , Krömer Jens O.
Published: September 2017

It was recently demonstrated that a bioelectrochemical system (BES) with a redox mediator allowed Pseudomonas putida to perform anoxic metabolism, converting sugar to sugar acids with high yield. However, the low productivity currently limits the application of this technology. To improve productivity, the strain was optimized through improved expression of glucose dehydrogenase (GCD) and gluconate dehydrogenase (GAD). In addition, quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR analysis revealed the intrinsic self‐regulation of GCD and GAD. Utilizing this self‐regulation system, the single overexpression strain (GCD) gave an outstanding performance in the electron transfer rate and 2‐ketogluconic acid (2KGA) productivity. The peak anodic current density, specific glucose uptake rate and 2KGA producing rate were 0.12 mA/cm2, 0.27 ± 0.02 mmol/gCDW/hr and 0.25 ± 0.02 mmol/gCDW/hr, which were 327%, 477%, and 644% of the values of wild‐type P. putida KT2440, respectively. This work demonstrates that expression of periplasmic dehydrogenases involved in electron transfer can significantly improve productivity in the BES.
One pot synthesis of GDP‐mannose by a multi‐enzyme cascade for enzymatic assembly of lipid‐linked oligosaccharides
Authors: Rexer Thomas F.T. , Schildbach Anna , Klapproth Jan , Schierhorn Angelika , Mahour Reza , Pietzsch Markus , Rapp Erdmann , Reichl Udo
Published: September 2017

Glycosylation of proteins is a key function of the biosynthetic‐secretory pathway in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus. Glycosylated proteins play a crucial role in cell trafficking and signaling, cell‐cell adhesion, blood‐group antigenicity, and immune response. In addition, the glycosylation of proteins is an important parameter in the optimization of many glycoprotein‐based drugs such as monoclonal antibodies. In vitro glycoengineering of proteins requires glycosyltransferases as well as expensive nucleotide sugars. Here, we present a designed pathway consisting of five enzymes, glucokinase (Glk), phosphomannomutase (ManB), mannose‐1‐phosphate‐guanyltransferase (ManC), inorganic pyrophosphatase (PmPpA), and 1‐domain polyphosphate kinase 2 (1D‐Ppk2) expressed in E. coli for the cell‐free production and regeneration of GDP‐mannose from mannose and polyphosphate with catalytic amounts of GDP and ADP. It was shown that GDP‐mannose is produced at various conditions, that is pH 7–8, temperature 25–35°C and co‐factor concentrations of 5–20 mM MgCl2. The maximum reaction rate of GDP‐mannose achieved was 2.7 μM/min at 30°C and 10 mM MgCl2 producing 566 nmol GDP‐mannose after a reaction time of 240 min. With respect to the initial GDP concentration (0.8 mM) this is equivalent to a yield of 71%. Additionally, the cascade was coupled to purified, transmembrane‐deleted Alg1 (ALG1ΔTM), the first mannosyltransferase in the ER‐associated lipid‐linked oligosaccharide (LLO) assembly. Thereby, in a one‐pot reaction, phytanyl‐PP‐(GlcNAc)2‐Man1 was produced with efficient nucleotide sugar regeneration for the first time. Phytanyl‐PP‐(GlcNAc)2‐Man1 can serve as a substrate for the synthesis of LLO for the cell‐free in vitro glycosylation of proteins. A high‐performance anion exchange chromatography method with UV and conductivity detection (HPAEC‐UV/CD) assay was optimized and validated to determine the enzyme kinetics. The established kinetic model enabled the optimization of the GDP‐mannose regenerating cascade and can further be used to study coupling of the GDP‐mannose cascade with glycosyltransferases. Overall, the study envisages a first step towards the development of a platform for the cell‐free production of LLOs as precursors for in vitro glycoengineering of proteins.
Dynamic residual pattern of azoxystrobin in Swiss chard with contribution to safety evaluation
Authors: Farha Waziha , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Rahman Md. Musfiqur , Kabir Md. Humayun , Chung Hyung Suk , Lee Han Sol , Jeon Jong‐Sup , Wang Jing , Chang Byung‐Joon , Shin Ho‐Chul , Shim Jae‐Han
Published: September 2017

This study aimed at quantifying the residual amount of azoxystrobin in Swiss chard samples grown under greenhouse conditions at two different locations (Gwangju and Naju, Republic of Korea). Samples were extracted with acetonitrile, separated by salting out, and subjected to purification by using solid‐phase extraction. The analyte was identified using liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection. The linearity of the calibration range was excellent with coefficient of determination 1.00. Recovery at three different spiking levels (0.1, 0.5, and 4 mg/kg) ranged between 82.89 and 109.46% with relative standard deviation <3. The limit of quantification, 0.01 mg/kg, was considerably much lower than the maximum residue limit (50 mg/kg) set by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The developed methodology was successfully used for field‐treated leaves, which were collected randomly at 0–14 days following azoxystrobin application. The rate of disappearance in/on Swiss chard was ascribed to first‐order kinetics with a half‐life of 8 and 5 days, in leaves grown in Gwangju and Naju greenhouses, respectively. Risk assessments revealed that the acceptable daily intake percentage is substantially below the risk level of consumption at day 0 (in both areas), thus encouraging its safe consumption.
Material basis studies of anti‐Influenza A active ingredients in Tanreqing Injection
Authors: Zhu Haiyan , Chen Mingcang , Shi Xunlong , Shi Chenchen , Huang Chenggang
Published: September 2017

Tanreqing Injection (TRQ) has been used primarily in treating infections of the upper respiratory tract and serious influenza in China, as a classical compound herbal recipe. TRQ had been demonstrated to have effects of clearing heat, eliminating phlegm, detoxification, reducing inflammation and alleviating cough. The survival rate, histopathology of lungs and viral titers in mice were evaluated in this study to verify the curative effect of TRQ. However, there is not enough information about the components. In the present study, a high‐performance and practical LC/QTOF/MS method was developed for characterization and identification of the natural ingredients in TRQ. A total of 60 compounds, including 10 amino acids, 10 iridoid glucosides, 14 flavonoids, 13 other phenolic compounds, 10 steroid acids and three other compounds, were characterized and identified. We also confirmed the material basis of anti‐Influenza A active ingredients in TRQ. Therefore, we have developed an accurate analytical method. LC/QTOF/MS could be applied for identification the complex components in traditional Chinese medicine.
Simple determination of betaine, l‐carnitine and choline in human urine using self‐packed column and column‐switching ion chromatography with nonsuppressed conductivity detection
Authors: Wei Dan , Zhu Yan , Guo Ming
Published: September 2017

A sequential online extraction, clean‐up and separation system for the determination of betaine, l‐carnitine and choline in human urine using column‐switching ion chromatography with nonsuppressed conductivity detection was developed in this work. A self‐packed pretreatment column (50 × 4.6 mm, i.d.) was used for the extraction and clean‐up of betaine, l‐carnitine and choline. The separation was achieved using self‐packed cationic exchange column (150 × 4.6 mm, i.d.), followed by nonsuppressed conductivity detection. Under optimized experimental conditions, the developed method presented good analytical performance, with excellent linearity in the range of 0.60–100 μg mL−1 for betaine, 0.75–100 μg mL−1 for l‐carnitine and 0.50–100 μg mL−1 for choline, with all correlation coefficients (R2) >0.99 in urine. The limits of detection were 0.15 μg mL−1 for betaine, 0.20 μg mL−1 for l‐carnitine and 0.09 μg mL−1 for choline. The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision for all quality controls were within ±10.32 and ±9.05%, respectively. Satisfactory recovery was observed between 92.8 and 102.0%. The validated method was successfully applied to the detection of urinary samples from 10 healthy people. The values detected in human urine using the proposed method showed good agreement with the measurement reported previously.
Chemical Components, Biological Activities, and Toxicological Evaluation of the Fruit (Aril) of Two Precious Plant Species from Genus Taxus
Authors: Li Na , Pan Zheng , Zhang Dan , Wang Hua‐Xing , Yu Bao , Zhao Sheng‐Ping , Guo Jia‐Jia , Wang Jian‐Wei , Yao Ling , Cao Wei‐Guo
Published: September 2017

The fruit (aril) of the endangered genus Taxus plants is an abandoned herbal resource. Traditionally, people enthusiastically focus on its bark, its renewable, tremendous arils fall into the soil with seeds after they are mature. The present research investigated the fruit of two species from the genus Taxus, Taxus chinensis var. mairei, and Taxus media, with regards to their antioxidant and antihyperglycaemic activities, safety, and bioactive constituents. Results showed that T. chinensis var. mairei and T. media both had certain biological activities with T. chinensis var. mairei better in antioxidant activity and T. media better in antihyperglycaemic activity. Correlation analysis revealed that the differences in bioactivities depended on content of their mainly chemical components. The mice acute oral toxicity test indicated that the methanol extracts of the two biotypes of Taxus were safe. And nineteen compounds were tentatively assigned from the two varieties, via tandem mass spectrometry using a LC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS instrument, which included phenols, flavonoids, and terpenes. These results indicate a possible application of Taxus fruit extracts in various fields like in food industry, however, this still needs further investigations.
Rare behavior of follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Helmi Hadeel , Idrees Hend , Alshehri Ameen , Alsaif Abdulaziz
Published: September 2017

Key Clinical Message

Follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer typically favors nodal spread. We report a case with hematogenous spread including multi‐organ involvement and describe our staged management approach. This is the first case to report follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer with simultaneous adrenal and renal involvement.
Orbital pseudotumor as a result of chronic sinusitis in an HIV‐positive patient
Authors: Gore Mitchell R.
Published: September 2017

Key Clinical Message

Orbital inflammatory pseudotumor is an infrequent lesion that may mimic malignancy and may be associated with autoimmune disease. Orbital pseudotumor is in the differential in any patient with an orbital mass, especially in the setting of chronic infection or immunosuppression. This HIV‐positive patient presented with chronic sinusitis and orbital pseudotumor.
A Reduced Graphene Oxide/Disodium Terephthalate Hybrid as a High‐Performance Anode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cao Tengfei , Lv Wei , Zhang Si‐Wei , Zhang Jun , Lin Qiaowei , Chen Xiangrong , He Yanbing , Kang Fei‐Yu , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: September 2017

As a promising candidate for large‐scale energy storage systems, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are experiencing a rapid development. Organic conjugated carboxylic acid anodes not only have tailorable electrochemical properties but also are easily accessible. However, the low stability and electrical conductivity hamper their practical applications. In this study, disodium terephthalate (Na2TP), the most favorable organic conjugated carboxylic acid anode material for SIBs, was proposed to integrate with graphene oxide (GO) by an anti‐solvent precipitation process, which ensures the uniform and tight coating of GO on the Na2TP surface. GO is electrochemically reduced during the first several cycles of the electrochemical measurement, which buffers the volume change and improves the electrical conductivity of Na2TP, resulting in a better cyclic and rate performance. The incorporation of only 5 wt % GO onto Na2TP leads to a reversible capability of 235 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a current rate of 0.1 C, which is the best among the state of the art organic anodes for SIBs. The one‐step synthesis together with the low costs of the raw materials show a promise for the scalable preparation of anode materials for practical SIBs.
Effect of geometric design on performance of square cross‐section concentric‐duct and split airlift bioreactors
Authors: Esperança Mateus N. , Béttega Rodrigo , Badino Alberto C.
Published: September 2017

The performance of internal‐loop airlift bioreactors is affected by their geometry, especially the bottom and gas‐liquid separator designs. Despite efforts to understand the impact of geometry on bioreactor hydrodynamics and oxygen transfer, the contribution of each region to the bioreactor performance as a whole has been evaluated separately. Consequently, it has not been possible to define the best overall geometry. This work discusses the influence of the bottom and gas‐liquid separator geometries on the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) and superficial liquid circulation velocity (UL) of 10‐L square cross‐section concentric‐duct airlift (CDA) and split airlift (SA) reactors. Both airlift reactors were operated with distilled water and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultivation broth. Based on the results it was possible to indicate the best geometric configurations for biotechnological applications. Gas‐liquid separator design was evaluated by changing the openness angle (α) and the gas‐liquid separator volumetric liquid fraction (FGLS), while the free area for liquid flow between riser and downcomer (Ab) was the geometric parameter modified for the bottom. The results showed that liquid circulation was strongly affected by the bottom geometry, while the gas‐liquid separator significantly affected both variables. Combining the impacts of both regions, promising airlift geometries were identified that exhibited low or high hydrodynamics and oxygen transfer levels. These findings highlight the flexibility of airlift bioreactors and provide information required for their design in order to satisfy specific requirements of different aerobic bioprocesses.
Update of Antitubercular Prodrugs from a Molecular Perspective: Mechanisms of Action, Bioactivation Pathways, and Associated Resistance
Authors: Laborde Julie , Deraeve Céline , Bernardes‐Génisson Vania
Published: September 2017

The place of prodrugs in the current antitubercular therapeutic arsenal is preponderant, since two of the four first‐line antitubercular agents, isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA), need to be activated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis before exerting their activity. In addition, six other prodrugs can be found in the second‐ and third‐line therapeutic regimens. The emergence of mycobacterial strains resistant to one or several antitubercular agents is one of the main issues of the antitubercular therapy. In the case of prodrugs, the resistance phenomenon is often related to a mutation in the gene encoding for the activation enzymes, resulting thus in a default of these enzymes that are no more able to activate prodrugs. Consequently, identification of the prodrugs targets and a better understanding of their modes of action and also of their activation mechanisms are of crucial importance. Related to their molecular mechanism of activation, these prodrugs may thus be classified in four categories: activation via oxidation (catalase–peroxidase (KatG) or flavin monooxygenase (EthA) enzymes), condensation (FolP1 and FolC), hydrolysis (by the amidase PncA) and reduction (by the nitroreductase DnD) mechanisms. For each prodrug, these mechanisms are described in details, as well as the mechanism of action of its active metabolite. Finally, the reported resistance related to these mechanisms of activation/action are also addressed in a molecular perspective.
Synthesis of the Phosphoramidite Units for Benzene‐Glycol Nucleic Acid
Authors: Maeda Yusuke , Niwa Nazuki , Ueno Yoshihito
Published: September 2017

Benzene‐glycol nucleic acid‐DNA chimeras form thermally and thermodynamically stable duplexes with complementary RNAs, and have base‐discriminating abilities. This unit describes the synthesis of four nucleoside analogs, an adenine, cytosine, thymine, and guanine analogs with base‐benzene‐glycol structure. The synthesis starts with conversion of (S)‐mandelic acid in arylboronic acid derivative, common intermediate. Nucleobase coupling of the intermediate and phosphitylation afford to phosphoroamidite units. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Catalyst Stability Benchmarking for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: The Importance of Backing Electrode Material and Dissolution in Accelerated Aging Studies
Authors: Geiger Simon , Kasian Olga , Mingers Andrea M. , Nicley Shannon S. , Haenen Ken , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Cherevko Serhiy
Published: September 2017

In searching for alternative oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for acidic water splitting, fast screening of the material intrinsic activity and stability in half‐cell tests is of vital importance. The screening process significantly accelerates the discovery of new promising materials without the need of time‐consuming real‐cell analysis. In commonly employed tests, a conclusion on the catalyst stability is drawn solely on the basis of electrochemical data, for example, by evaluating potential‐versus‐time profiles. Herein important limitations of such approaches, which are related to the degradation of the backing electrode material, are demonstrated. State‐of‐the‐art Ir‐black powder is investigated for OER activity and for dissolution as a function of the backing electrode material. Even at very short time intervals materials like glassy carbon passivate, increasing the contact resistance and concealing the degradation phenomena of the electrocatalyst itself. Alternative backing electrodes like gold and boron‐doped diamond show better stability and are thus recommended for short accelerated aging investigations. Moreover, parallel quantification of dissolution products in the electrolyte is shown to be of great importance for comparing OER catalyst feasibility.
Anion‐Exchange Membranes for Alkaline Fuel‐Cell Applications: The Effects of Cations
Authors: Sun Zhe , Lin Bencai , Yan Feng
Published: September 2017

Alkaline anion‐exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are attracting much attention because of their potential use of nonprecious electrocatalysts. The anion‐exchange membrane (AEM) is one of the key components of AEMFCs. An ideal AEM should possess high hydroxide conductivity and sufficient long‐term durability at elevated temperatures in high‐pH solutions. Herein, recent progress in research into the alkaline stability behavior of cations (including quaternary ammonium, imidazolium, guanidinium, pyridinium, tertiary sulfonium, phosphonium, benzimidazolium, and pyrrolidinium) and their analogous AEMs, which have been investigated by both experimental studies and theoretical calculations, is reviewed. Effects, including conjugation, steric hindrance e, σ–π hyperconjugation, and electrons, on the alkaline stability of cations and their analogous AEMs have been discussed. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of some key factors for the future design of novel cations and their analogous AEMs with high alkaline stability.
Coronary artery bypass grafting versus percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with noninsulin treated type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Yushu , Wen Meiqin , Zhou Junteng , Chen Yucheng , Zhang Qing
Published: September 2017

Background

The outcomes and prognosis of revascularization by either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with noninsulin‐treated type 2 diabetes mellitus (NITDM) have not yet been well established.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by searching Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library from inception until May 2016. Heterogeneity was evaluated, and the pooled hazard ratio (HR) was calculated by using a fixed‐effect model. A random‐effect model was used when statistically significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 ≥ 50%). All data analyses were carried out by using RevMan 5.3 and STATA software 12.0.

Results

A total of 4 RCTs involving 5 studies, consisting of 2270 patients with noninsulin‐treated type 2 diabetes mellitus, were identified. Compared with CABG‐treated patients, PCI‐treated patients had significantly higher all‐cause mortality (HR 1.39; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.91; P = .04), myocardial infarction (HR 2.14; 95% CI 1.40 to 3.27; P = .0004), repeated revascularization (HR 2.52; 95% CI 1.77 to 3.57; P < .00001), and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.20‐1.87; P = .0004). However, PCI was associated with lower incidence of stoke (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.90; P = .02).

Conclusions

In NITDM patients, our study suggests that CABG surgery is associated with reduced risk of mortality and morbidity, although with increased incidence of stroke compared with percutaneous coronary intervention. The decision if to have percutaneous coronary intervention or CABG surgery should factor the risk for stroke of the patients when considering CABG over percutaneous coronary intervention. Adequately powered RCTs are needed to confirm the results of this meta‐analysis.
Purpose, processes, partnerships, and products: four Ps to advance participatory socio‐environmental modeling
Authors: Gray Steven , Voinov Alexey , Paolisso Michael , Jordan Rebecca , BenDor Todd , Bommel Pierre , Glynn Pierre , Hedelin Beatrice , Hubacek Klaus , Introne Josh , Kolagani Nagesh , Laursen Bethany , Prell Christina , Schmitt Olabisi Laura , Singer Alison , Sterling Eleanor , Zellner Moira
Published: September 2017

Including stakeholders in environmental model building and analysis is an increasingly popular approach to understanding ecological change. This is because stakeholders often hold valuable knowledge about socio‐environmental dynamics and collaborative forms of modeling produce important boundary objects used to collectively reason about environmental problems. Although the number of participatory modeling (PM) case studies and the number of researchers adopting these approaches has grown in recent years, the lack of standardized reporting and limited reproducibility have prevented PM's establishment and advancement as a cohesive field of study. We suggest a four‐dimensional framework (4P) that includes reporting on dimensions of (1) the Purpose for selecting a PM approach (the why); (2) the Process by which the public was involved in model building or evaluation (the how); (3) the Partnerships formed (the who); and (4) the Products that resulted from these efforts (the what). We highlight four case studies that use common PM software‐based approaches (fuzzy cognitive mapping, agent‐based modeling, system dynamics, and participatory geospatial modeling) to understand human–environment interactions and the consequences of ecological changes, including bushmeat hunting in Tanzania and Cameroon, agricultural production and deforestation in Zambia, and groundwater management in India. We demonstrate how standardizing communication about PM case studies can lead to innovation and new insights about model‐based reasoning in support of ecological policy development. We suggest that our 4P framework and reporting approach provides a way for new hypotheses to be identified and tested in the growing field of PM.
Persistent Luminescence of ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ Transparent Glass Ceramics: Effects of Excitation Wavelength and Excitation Power
Authors: Castaing Victor , Sontakke Atul D. , Fernández‐Carrión Alberto José , Touati Nadia , Binet Laurent , Allix Mathieu , Gourier Didier , Viana Bruno
Published: September 2017

Highly transparent glass ceramics, synthesized from a glass precursor with a nominal composition of SiO2/ZnO/Ga2O3/Na2O/Cr2O3 (65:17:23:5:0.125), were prepared by glass crystallization. This method enables the synthesis of up to 50 wt.‐% of size‐controllable Cr3+‐doped ZnGa2O4 nanocrystals embedded in an SiO2‐rich glass matrix after crystallization at 900–1000 °C for 10 min. Rietveld refinements and transmission electron microscopy imaging showed that the nanoparticle sizes are ca. 16 and 33 nm for the glass ceramics annealed at 900 and 1000 °C, respectively. Photoluminescence measurements of these glass ceramics revealed intense deep red (λ = 695 nm) persistent emission that is detectable for up to 10 h, similar to that previously observed for ZnGa2O4 powder. As the glass ceramics exhibit good transparency, the persistent glow arises from the entire sample volume, which is of interest for outdoor applications and for more detailed studies of the mechanism for the persistent luminescence. Thermoluminescence measurements showed a wide distribution of trap depths centered at ca. 325 K. The traps can be charged not only under UV light but also under visible‐light excitation from λ = 365 to 625 nm. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements of the Cr3+ ions showed clearly that the ZnGa2O4 nanocrystals in the glass ceramics exhibit the same types of defects and disorder as those in microcrystalline ZnGa2O4 powder, and this suggests that antisite defects are the dominant traps responsible for the persistent luminescence. It is proposed that the ability to charge ZnGa2O4 particles with visible light can be attributed to the combination of a two‐photon absorption and a local electric field owing to antisite defects in the vicinities of some of the Cr3+ ions.
MnO2 Nanoflowers and Reduced Graphene Oxide 3D Composites for Ultrahigh‐Energy‐Density Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Junying , Zhang Xiaoming , Liu Zhi , Zheng Jun , Zuo Yuhua , Xue Chunlai , Li Chuanbo , Cheng Buwen , Wang Qiming
Published: September 2017

Uniform MnO2 nanoflowers and a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) 3D nanostructure composite are synthesized on Ni foam using a two‐step electrodeposition and hydrothermal method. The surface morphology and composition of the 3D nanostructure hybrid are intensively analyzed. MnO2/rGO/Ni is tested using a typical three‐electrode system for potential use as a supercapacitor electrode. The hybrid electrode has a high areal specific capacitance. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device is assembled and characterized using MnO2/rGO/Ni as the positive electrode and rGO/Ni as the negative electrode to further evaluate the electrochemical capability of the hybrids. Electrochemical characterizations indicate that the ASC device can be cycled reversibly between 0 V and 2.0 V in 1 m Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. The maximum areal specific capacitance of 760.1 mF cm−2 (1266.83 F g−1) and the maximum ultrahigh energy density of 150.45 Wh kg−1 are obtained, demonstrating the potential for use as binder‐free electrodes in pseudocapacitors.
Use of a clinical‐laboratory score to guide treatment of gestational diabetes
Authors: do Valle Juliana B. , Silva Jean C. , Oliveira Daniela S. , Martins Lisiane , Lewandowski Amanda , Horst Wagner
Published: September 2017

Objective

To assess the outcomes of implementing a clinical‐laboratory score in the treatment of pregnant women with gestational diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective before‐and‐after implementation analysis was undertaken using data and neonatal outcomes for pregnant women with gestational diabetes treated before (January 2011–December 2012; control group) and after (January 2013–December 2014; score group) introduction of a newly developed score. To evaluate the effects of score adoption, odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated after adjustment for confounding factors.

Results

The control group included a greater proportion of women treated with diet alone (170/312 [54.5%]) than the study group did (122/391 [31.2%]; P<0.001). By contrast, more women in the study group received metformin (172 [44.0%] vs 77 [24.7%]; P<0.001). The neonatal outcomes, including low Apgar scores at 1 minute and at 5 minutes and neonatal intensive care unit admission, were similar in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the adoption of the score did not significantly affect the choice of treatment or the birth weight rating.

Conclusion

The score served well as an orientation tool in therapeutic decision making and had no negative effect on the treatment choice and perinatal outcomes.
Detection and delineation of squamous neoplasia with hyperspectral imaging in a mouse model of tongue carcinogenesis
Authors: Lu Guolan , Wang Dongsheng , Qin Xulei , Muller Susan , Wang Xu , Chen Amy Y. , Chen Zhuo Georgia , Fei Baowei
Published: September 2017

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) holds the potential for the noninvasive detection of cancers. Oral cancers are often diagnosed at a late stage when treatment is less effective and the mortality and morbidity rates are high. Early detection of oral cancer is, therefore, crucial in order to improve the clinical outcomes. To investigate the potential of HSI as a noninvasive diagnostic tool, an animal study was designed to acquire hyperspectral images of in vivo and ex vivo mouse tongues from a chemically induced tongue carcinogenesis model. A variety of machine‐learning algorithms, including discriminant analysis, ensemble learning, and support vector machines, were evaluated for tongue neoplasia detection using HSI and were validated by the reconstructed pathological gold‐standard maps. The diagnostic performance of HSI, autofluorescence imaging, and fluorescence imaging were compared in this study. Color‐coded prediction maps were generated to display the predicted location and distribution of premalignant and malignant lesions. This study suggests that hyperspectral imaging combined with machine‐learning techniques can provide a noninvasive tool for the quantitative detection and delineation of squamous neoplasia.
Stem cell mobilization in patients with dialysis‐dependent multiple myeloma: Report of the Polish Myeloma Study Group
Authors: Waszczuk‐Gajda Anna , Drozd‐Sokołowska Joanna , Boguradzki Piotr , Dybko Jarosław , Wróbel Tomasz , Basak Grzegorz Władysław , Mądry Krzysztof , Snarski Emilian , Charliński Grzegorz , Frączak Ewa , Matuszkiewicz‐Rowińska Joanna , Klinger Marian , Augustyniak‐Bartosik Hanna , Krajewska Magdalena , Żebrowski Paweł , Król Maria , Urbanowska Elżbieta , Jurczyszyn Artur , Taszner Michał , Jędrzejczak Wieslaw Wiktor , Dwilewicz‐Trojaczek Jadwiga
Published: September 2017

Introduction

High‐dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto‐HSCT) improves the outcome of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). It seems that auto‐HSCT is also a feasible therapeutic option in MM dialysis‐dependent (MMDD) patients. However, to perform transplantation, a sufficient number of stem cells must be collected.

Materials and Methods

Given that data on mobilization of auto‐HSC efficacy and safety in dialysis‐dependent patients are limited, we report data from all Polish Centers belonging to the Polish Myeloma Study Group. Twenty‐eight dialysis‐dependent MM‐patients were enrolled into this retrospective analysis. The study population comprised patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 in whom an attempt to collect auto‐HSC was made (68%: women, median age: 56). Patients received granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) alone or in combination with chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cells (auto‐PBSCs) were collected by leukapheresis.

Results and Conclusions

The success rate in terms of obtaining sufficient number of CD34(+) cells/kg for an auto‐HSCT (≥2 × 106 cells/kg body weight) during the first mobilization attempt was 92% (26/28 patients), and for 2 auto‐HSCTs (≥4 × 106 cells/kg) – was 75% (21/28 patients). After the second mobilization attempt (undertaken in 8 patients), a sufficient number of CD34(+)/kg cells for an auto‐HSCT was obtained for all patients and the number of CD34(+)/kg collected cells was sufficient for 2 auto‐HSCT in 6 additional patients. Hematologic toxicity and infections were the most frequent complications. Higher doses of cytarabine (>1.6 g/m2) and cyclophosphamide (> 2 g/m2) should be avoided in MMDD patients due to toxicity. Further studies are needed to establish mobilization regimens, confirm their safety, and dosing in MMDD patients.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in the treatment of complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: A case report
Authors: Ou Tsong‐Yih , Chuang Cheng‐Yen , Chen Chun‐Da , Cheng Chung‐Yi
Published: September 2017

Severe falciparum malaria is associated with multiple organ dysfunction and a high rate of fatal outcome. Malaria is a world‐wide disease in tropical areas through the bites of vector mosquitoes. Parasitic protozoans introduced by the mosquito's saliva to the blood travel to the liver then mature and reproduce. In humans, malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, P. vivax, and P. knowlesi, and P. falciparum causes most deaths. Typical malaria symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause jaundice, seizures, coma, or death. Jaundice, caused by intravascular hemolysis is a usual complication of malaria, especially in patients with P. falciparum infection. The use of exchange transfusion in malaria is not currently advocated by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States of America. The role of therapeutic plasma exchange as an adjunctive therapy in malaria has not been widely discussed in the literature. Here, we present a 23‐year‐old patient with jaundice, acute renal failure, and cerebral involvement who was successfully treated with plasma exchange and hemodialysis.
Bridging Adult Experience to Pediatrics in Oncology Drug Development
Authors: Leong Ruby , Zhao Hong , Reaman Gregory , Liu Qi , Wang Yaning , Stewart Clinton F. , Burckart Gilbert
Published: September 2017

Pediatric drug development in the United States has grown under the current regulations made permanent by the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012. Over 1200 pediatric studies have now been submitted to the US FDA, but there is still a high rate of failure to obtain pediatric labeling for the indication pursued. Pediatric oncology represents special problems in that the disease is most often dissimilar to any cancer found in the adult population. Therefore, the development of drug dosing in pediatric oncology patients represents a special challenge. Potential approaches to pediatric dosing in oncology patients include extrapolation of efficacy from adult studies in those few cases where the disease is similar, inclusion of adolescent patients in adult trials when possible, and bridging the adult dose to the pediatric dose. An analysis of the recommended phase 2 dose for 40 molecularly targeted agents in pediatric patients provides some insight into current practices. Increased knowledge of tumor biology and efforts to identify and validate molecular targets and genetic abnormalities that drive childhood cancers can lead to increased opportunities for precision medicine in the treatment of pediatric cancers.
Somatic Mutation Analysis of Human Cancers: Challenges in Clinical Practice
Authors: Tsongalis Gregory J. , Coleman William B.
Published: September 2017

Somatic mutation analysis of human cancers has become the standard of practice. Whether screening for single gene variants or sequencing hundreds of cancer‐related genes, this genomic information is the basis for precision medicine initiatives in oncology. Genomic profiling results in information that allows oncologists to make a more educated selection of appropriate therapeutic strategies that more often combine traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation with novel targeted therapies. Here we discuss the nuances of implementing somatic mutation testing in a clinical setting.
White Diet with split‐dose Picosalax is preferred, better tolerated, and non‐inferior to day‐before clear fluids with polyethylene glycol plus sodium picosulfate‐magnesium citrate for morning colonoscopy: A randomized, non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Dwyer Jeremy P , Tan Jonathan Y C , Paul Eldho , Bunn Catherine , Mangira Dileep , Secomb Robyn , Gibson Peter R , Brown Gregor
Published: September 2017

Background and Aim

Bowel preparations with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and clear fluids are often poorly tolerated. We compared an innovative low‐residue White Diet and low‐volume, split‐dose Picosalax with the standard preparation at our institution of day‐before clear fluids and combination PEG plus sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate (SPMC).

Methods

Adults undergoing morning colonoscopy were randomized to either the White Diet and split‐dose, two sachets of Picosalax (WD/PICO) or day‐before clear fluids and 1‐L PEG plus two sachets of SPMC (CF/PEG + SPMC). The primary endpoint was successful bowel preparation defined by an Ottawa bowel preparation score ≤ 6. An intention‐to‐treat analysis with a predefined non‐inferiority margin of 15% was used to compare efficacy.

Results

A total of 250 patients were randomized (125 WD/PICO and 125 CF/PEG + SPMC). WD/PICO was non‐inferior to CF/PEG + SPMC for successful bowel preparation by intention‐to‐treat analysis (58% WD/PICO vs 62% CF/PEG + SPMC, 95%CI: −14.2 to 6.2%) and per‐protocol analysis (64% WD/PICO vs 65% CF/PEG + SPMC, 95%CI: −11.3 to 9.4%). Patients in the WD/PICO group reported greater satisfaction with the diet (P < 0.001), greater ease of following the diet (P < 0.001), and improved experience compared with prior colonoscopy (P < 0.0001), less bloating (P = 0.02), less weakness (P = 0.046), less hunger (P < 0.0001), and less interference with daily activities (P = 0.001). Procedure/withdrawal times and adenoma detection rates were similar between groups.

Conclusion

Bowel preparation with the White Diet and low‐volume, split‐dose Picosalax was preferred and better tolerated without detriment to bowel preparation success compared with clear fluids and combination PEG plus SPMC for morning colonoscopy.
Regiospecific Isomerization of 2‐Benzoxazinon‐2‐yl Benzoic Acid Toward Some Nitrogen Nucleophiles as Environmental Insecticide
Authors: El‐Hashash Maher A. , Rizk Sameh A. , El‐Naggar Abeer M. , El‐Bana Mohamed G.
Published: September 2017

Based on the strategies of receptor structure‐guided benzoxazinone design, a series of nitrogen nucleophiles such as benzyl amine, sodium azide, 4,4‐bis o‐toluidine, 4‐butanolamine, glucosamine, 2‐amino pyridine, 2‐picolinyl amine, hydroxyl amine, and hydrazine derivatives, for example, hydrazine hydrate, semicarbazide, thiosemicarbazide, methylhydrazide, phenylhydrazide, could be reacted with 2‐benzoxazine‐2‐yl benzoic acid 1. According the basicity of nucleophiles, regiospecific isomerization of benzoxazinone has been considered through formation of the spiro derivatives. Organic reagents can be controlled on the course of reaction of benzoxazinonyl benzoic acid 1. Preliminary bioassays indicated that the insecticidal spectra of the synthesized compounds were ecofriendly biodegradable materials due to isomerization. Among these analogues, the quinazoline 2–4 showed 100% mortality against Nilaparvata lugens (LC50 = 0.087 mg/L). The insecticidal potency of our designed analogues was dual‐controlled by isomerization to quinazolinone and spiro derivatives that observed in vitro and shed light on the novel insecticidal mechanism. The chemical structure of the products can be confirmed by microanalytical, spectral data, optimized and stimulated by quantum chemical parameters.
Who wins in the weaning process? Juvenile feeding morphology of two freshwater mussel species
Authors: Araujo Rafael , Campos Miquel , Feo Carles , Varela Catuxa , Soler Joaquín , Ondina Paz
Published: September 2017

The global decline of freshwater mussels can be partially attributed to their complex life cycle. Their survival from glochidium to adulthood is like a long obstacle race, with juvenile mortality as a key critical point. Mass mortality shortly after entering into a juvenile state has been reported in both wild and captive populations, thus weakening the effective bivalve population. A similar phenomenon occurs during metamorphosis in natural and hatchery populations of juvenile marine bivalves. Based on a morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy of newly formed juveniles of the freshwater species Margaritifera margaritifera (L.) (Margaritiferidae) and Unio mancus Lamarck (Unionidae), we show that a second metamorphosis, consisting of drastic morphological changes, occurs that leads to suspension feeding in place of deposit feeding by the ciliated foot. We hypothesize that suspension feeding in these two species improves due to a gradual development of several morphological features including the contact between cilia of the inner gill posterior filaments, the inner gill reflection, the appearance of the ctenidial ventral groove and the formation of the pedal palps. Regardless of the presence of available food, a suspension feeding mode replaces deposit feeding, and juveniles unable to successfully transition morphologically or adapt to the feeding changes likely perish.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI in orbital lymphoproliferative disorders: Effects of region of interest selection methods on time efficiency, measurement reproducibility, and diagnostic ability
Authors: Qian Wen , Xu Xiao‐Quan , Hu Hao , Su Guo‐Yi , Wu Jiang‐Fen , Shi Hai‐Bin , Wu Fei‐Yun
Published: September 2017

Background

Previous studies indicated that dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) could serve as a useful biomarker for differentiating malignant from benign orbital lymphoproliferative disorders (OLPDs).

Purpose

To investigate the influence of different region of interest (ROI) selection methods on the measurements of DCE‐MRI parameters, and their diagnostic ability in discriminating malignant from benign OLPDs.

Study Type

Retrospective study.

Population

In all, 46 patients with OLPDs (22 benign and 24 malignant).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.T DCE‐MRI using a 2D turbo fast low angle shot sequence postcontrast.

Assessment

DCE‐MRI data were analyzed using three different ROI selection methods, including whole‐tumor ROI (ROIWT), single‐slice ROI (ROISS) and hot‐spot ROI (ROIHS). Quantitative parameters (Ktrans, Kep, Ve) were calculated based on a modified Tofts model.

Statistical Testing

Analysis of variance test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland–Altman plots, independent t‐test, and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The time required for outlining ROIWT was significantly longer than ROISS and ROIHS (P < 0.001). The measurements of DCE‐MRI‐derived parameters based on ROIHS demonstrated lowest ICC, followed by ROISS and ROIWT. Malignant OLPDs showed significantly higher Kep than benign mimics (P < 0.001), while no significant differences were found on Ktrans (ROIWT, P = 0.535; ROISS, P = 0.557; ROIHS, P = 0.400) and Ve (ROIWT, P = 0.071; ROISS, P = 0.079; ROIHS, P = 0.057). Kep‐ROIWT showed the highest area under curve for differentiating malignant from benign OLPDs, followed by Kep‐ROISS, and Kep‐ROIHS; however, the differences were not significant (ROIWT vs. ROISS, P = 0.407; ROIWT vs. ROIHS, P = 0.363; ROISS vs. ROIHS, P = 0.887).

Data Conclusion

ROI selection methods could have an influence on the measurements of DCE‐MRI parameters. Taking measurement time, reproducibility, and diagnostic ability into account, we suggest single‐slice ROI to be used for differentiating malignant from benign OLPDs in clinical practice.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1298–1305.