bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial fibrillation modifies the association between pulmonary artery wedge pressure and left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure
Authors: Dickinson Michael G. , Lam Carolyn S. , Rienstra Michiel , Vonck Ton E. , Hummel Yoran M. , Voors Adriaan A. , Hoendermis Elke S.
Published: September 2017

Aims

During right heart catheterization, pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is often assumed to reflect left ventricular filling pressure. We sought to determine the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on the relationship between PAWP and left ventricular filling pressure, as measured by left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP).

Methods and results

We performed simultaneous left and right heart catheterization in 123 patients (mean age 69 years, 28% with AF) referred for suspicion of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The correlation between PAWP and LVEDP was moderate (R2 = 0.42). The relationship between PAWP and LVEDP was modified by heart rhythm (P for interaction <0.01). In sinus rhythm, PAWP underestimated LVEDP (Bland–Altman mean difference: −2.96 mmHg, limits of agreement 6.6 to −12.5; R2 = 0.54), whereas in AF, PAWP overestimated LVEDP (Bland–Altman mean difference: 4.76 mmHg; limits of agreement: 12.2 to –3.3; R2 = 0.58). These differences impacted the differentiation between pre‐ and post‐capillary PH, dependent on the use of either PAWP or LVEDP. In AF, post‐capillary PH based on PAWP would have been classified as pre‐capillary PH in 35% of patients if based on LVEDP. The opposite is true for sinus rhythm where 31% of pre‐capillary PH based on PAWP would have been classified as post‐capillary PH if based on LVEDP.

Conclusion

The relationship between PAWP and LVEDP varies by heart rhythm, with PAWP being higher than LVEDP among AF patients and lower than LVEDP among patients in sinus rhythm. Rhythm status and influences on the PAWP–LVEDP relationship should be considered when distinguishing between pre‐capillary and post‐capillary PH.
Sensitization of LnIII (Ln = Eu, Tb, Tm) Ion Luminescence by Functionalized Polycarbonate‐Based Materials and White Light Generation
Authors: Tigaa Rodney A. , Aerken Xuekelaiti , Fuchs Alan , de Bettencourt‐Dias Ana
Published: September 2017

We prepared pyridine‐2,6‐bis(ethyl)ester [BEP] and pyridine‐2,6‐bis(diethylamide) [BDP] polymers with polycarbonate backbones by ring‐opening polymerization of the pyridine‐bis(ethyl)ester and pyridine‐bis(diethylamide) units appended to a cyclic carbonate via a glycol chain. The polymers were characterized by FTIR, NMR, UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, as well as SEC, powder XRD, DSC, and TGA. The measured glass transition temperature (Tg) of the BEP polymer was shifted from –32 °C to –7 and –8 °C after coordination of the EuIII and TbIII ions, respectively. Similarly, the Tg of the BDP polymer was shifted from –13 °C to –9 and –10 °C after coordination of EuIII and TbIII ions, respectively. Both polymers sensitized LnIII‐centered emission; the BEP polymer was the most efficient at sensitizing LnIII‐centered luminescence with an emission efficiency of 30 and 31 % for the EuIII and TbIII systems, respectively, compared to the 2 % determined for both the EuIII and TbIII BDP systems. Blue emission was observed when TmIII was used, and a system with the composition BEP1Eu1.8Tb28 led to a material with CIE coordinates (0.31, 0.33), typical of white light.
Preface to Special Issue of Energy Technology on Perovskite Optoelectronics
Authors: Mhaisalkar Subodh G. , Bolink Henk J.
Published: September 2017

This Editorial introduces one of two companion Special Issues on “Halide Perovskites for Optoelectronics Applications” in Energy Technology and ChemSusChem following the ICMAT 2017 Conference in Singapore. More information on the other Special Issue can be found in the Editorial published in ChemSusChem.
QoS priority‐based coordinated scheduling and hybrid spectrum access for femtocells in dense cooperative 5G cellular networks
Authors: Kaleem Zeeshan , Chang KyungHi
Published: September 2017

A third‐generation partnership project long‐term evolution system uses the concept of a 2‐tier heterogeneous network, where low‐power and short‐range femtocells are laid under macrocells to fulfill the quality of service (QoS) requirements of users and to boost overall network throughput. However, cochannel deployment gives rise to the problem of cross‐tier interference that significantly deteriorates the performance of the cellular network. The coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission scheme is proposed as a promising solution to alleviate cross‐tier interference by doing cooperation among the neighbor base stations. In this paper, we propose a QoS priority‐based coordinated scheduling and hybrid spectrum access (QoS‐CSaHSA) scheme for downlink CoMP transmission in 2‐tier networks. The proposed QoS‐CSaHSA scheme dynamically reduces the femtocells' power requirements by considering the neighbor cell interference, and it also balances the macrocell load by switching the femtocells to HA mode. Moreover, it can reduce unnecessary muting of the base stations because it only enables the coordinated scheduling CoMP when there is no other possibility to reduce the cross‐tier interference. System‐level simulation results prove the validity of the proposed QoS‐CSaHSA scheme in a heterogeneous network environment. Compared with the existing schemes that operate the femtocells in a closed‐subscriber group without considering users' QoS requirements, the proposed scheme almost doubles the cell‐edge user throughput and reduces the packet loss rate and call‐blocking probability.
VEGF as a modulator of the innate immune response in glioblastoma
Authors: Turkowski Kati , Brandenburg Susan , Mueller Annett , Kremenetskaia Irina , Bungert Alexander D. , Blank Anne , Felsenstein Matthäus , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: September 2017

VEGF is an important factor in tumor vascularization and used as target for anti‐angiogenic treatment strategies in glioma. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that VEGF is a modulator of the innate immune response with suppressive effects on the immunologic and pro‐angiogenic function of microglia/macrophages in a glioblastoma rodent model. High level of VEGF led to threefold enlarged tumor volumes and a pronounced remodeling of the vascular structure along with a reduced infiltration of microglia/macrophages by approximately 50%. Remaining microglia/macrophages showed an enhanced rate of apoptosis as well as significant downregulation of the VEGF‐receptor, VEGFR2, and others such as CXCR4. Consequently, we determined a substantially impaired migration of these microglia/macrophages to VEGF and SDF1α in vitro. Furthermore, we observed an increased presentation of the surface molecules MHCI and MHCII on microglia/macrophages from VEGF‐overexpressing gliomas that are essential for activation of the adaptive immune system. In contrast, the expression of pro‐inflammatory and suppressive cytokines, associated with the innate immune response, were mainly downregulated. Remarkably, the abundance of VEGF provoked less accumulation of microglia/macrophages within the perivascular niche and concomitantly reduced the release of pro‐angiogenic factors, like VEGF, suggesting a possible regulatory feedback mechanism. Thus, the quantity of VEGF in the glioma microenvironment seems to be crucial for the participation of microglia/macrophages on tumor progression and should be considered for developing novel therapeutic approaches.
The ectonucleotidase ENTPD1/CD39 limits biliary injury and fibrosis in mouse models of sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Peng Zhen‐Wei , Rothweiler Sonja , Wei Guangyan , Ikenaga Naoki , Liu Susan B. , Sverdlov Deanna Y. , Vaid Kahini A. , Longhi Maria Serena , Kuang Ming , Robson Simon C. , Popov Yury V.
Published: September 2017

The pathogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and the mechanistic link to inflammatory bowel disease remain ill‐defined. Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase‐1 (ENTPD1)/clusters of differentiation (CD) 39, the dominant purinergic ecto‐enzyme, modulates intestinal inflammation. Here, we have explored the role of CD39 in biliary injury and fibrosis. The impact of CD39 deletion on disease severity was studied in multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mdr2)–/– and 3,5‐diethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine mouse models of sclerosing cholangitis and biliary fibrosis. Antibody‐mediated CD8+ T‐cell depletion, selective gut decontamination, experimental colitis, and administration of stable adenosine triphosphate (ATP) agonist were performed. Retinoic acid‐induced gut imprinting on T cells was studied in vitro. Over half of Mdr2–/–;CD39–/– double mutants, expected by Mendelian genetics, died in utero. Compared to Mdr2–/–;CD39+/+, surviving Mdr2–/–;CD39–/– mice demonstrated exacerbated liver injury, fibrosis, and ductular reaction. CD39 deficiency led to a selective increase in hepatic CD8+ T cells and integrin α4β7, a T‐cell gut‐tropism receptor. CD8+ cell depletion in Mdr2–/–;CD39–/– mice diminished hepatobiliary injury and fibrosis. Treatment with antibiotics attenuated, whereas dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis exacerbated, liver fibrosis in Mdr2–/– mice. Colonic administration of αβ‐ATP into CD39‐sufficient Mdr2–/– mice triggered hepatic CD8+ cell influx and recapitulated the severe phenotype observed in Mdr2–/–;CD39–/– mice. In vitro, addition of ATP promoted the retinoic acid‐induced imprinting of gut‐homing integrin α4β7 on naive CD8+ cells. CD39 expression was relatively low in human normal or PSC livers but abundantly present on immune cells of the colon and further up‐regulated in samples of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusion: CD39 deletion promotes biliary injury and fibrosis through gut‐imprinted CD8+ T cells. Pharmacological modulation of purinergic signaling may represent a promising approach for the treatment of PSC. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:957–972)
Towards an Understanding of HRDLean Strategy Linkages: A Multicase Study of Four U.S. Based Firms
Authors: Alagaraja Meera , Egan Toby Marshall , Woodman Richard W.
Published: September 2017

The link between HRD and Lean strategy is not well explored in the existing literature and lacks empirical depth regarding how the two conceptual domains are connected. Specifically, we focus on the role of HRD in organizations undergoing Lean strategy implementation. We adopt a qualitative multicase study approach and identify ways in which organizations develop HRD and Lean strategy linkages (HRDLean). Building on previous research, we investigate four firms, all involved in the implementation of Lean strategy, and present a three‐phase emergent model that reflects our study findings regarding the distinct HRDLean linkages developed in these organizations. The model representing the case study data identifies sense making, alignment, and value‐enabling mechanisms as three distinctive outcomes that enhance the value of HRD in Lean strategy implementation. The strength of the HRDLean linkages demonstrate the value of integrating HRD with Operations for sustaining unit‐level performance and positively influence the perceptions of HRD contributions to organizational strategy in general. The implications for enhancing the role of HRD in organizations implementing strategy are explored.
Tap, swipe, and build: Parental spatial input during iPad® and toy play
Authors: Ho Ariel , Lee Joanne , Wood Eileen , Kassies Samantha , Heinbuck Carissa
Published: September 2017

Despite the increase in the use of interactive technological devices, little is known about the impact that play context has on the production of spatial language by parents. To investigate whether there is differential parental spatial input afforded by play contexts with their preschoolers, 34 children (20 girls, 14 boys) and their primary caregivers engaged in 30‐min 3‐dimensional (3D) spatial play using blocks and puzzles and virtual 2‐dimensional (2D) spatial play using an iPad® in 2 separate home visits. There were no significant differences in the average amount of spatial talk and the number of spatial categories used by parents in both 3D and 2D play contexts. However, the amount of parental spatial talk decreased significantly with older preschoolers using the iPad®. In the 3D play contexts, parents produced more words related to spatial dimensions, location and directions, and continuous amount than in the 2D play contexts. However, in the 2D play contexts, they produced more words associated with orientations and transformations as well as deictics than in the 3D play contexts. Our findings suggest that technology can be effectively introduced into play contexts to elicit enriched parental spatial input by supporting parents and caregivers with best practices.

Highlights

The present study examines the differences in parental spatial talk when using traditional versus technology‐based learning tools with their preschoolers.

Two 30‐min home observations of parent–child dyads playing blocks and puzzles versus spatial apps on an iPad®. No significant differences in the amount of parental spatial talk and the number of spatial categories in both play contexts were found.

Our findings suggest that technology can be effectively introduced into play contexts to elicit enriched parental spatial input.
The extent of the glass transition from molecular simulation revealing an overcrank effect
Authors: Godey François , Fleury Alexandre , Ghoufi Aziz , Soldera Armand
Published: September 2017

A deep understanding of the transition between rubber and amorphous state characterized by a glass transition temperature, Tg, is still a source of discussions. In this work, we highlight the role of molecular simulation in revealing explicitly this temperature dependent behavior. By reporting the specific volume, the thermal expansion coefficient and the heat capacity versus the temperature, we actually show that the glass transition domain extends to a greater range of temperature, compared with experiments. This significant enlargement width is due to the fast cooling rate, and actually explains the difficulty to locate Tg. This result is the manifestation of an overcranking effect used by high‐speed cameras to reveal slow‐motion. Accordingly, atomistic simulation offers the significant opportunity to show that the transition from the rubber state to the glass phase should be detailed in terms of the degrees of freedom freeze. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mitral regurgitation severity correlates with symptoms and extent of left atrial dysfunction: Effect of mitral valve repair
Authors: Lisi Matteo , Cameli Matteo , Di Tommaso Cristina , Curci Valeria , Reccia Rosanna , D'ascenzi Flavio , Focardi Marta , Maccherini Massimo , Chiavarelli Mario , Lisi Gianfranco , Lindqvist Per , Mondillo Sergio , Henein Michael
Published: September 2017

Purpose

We aimed to assess the relationship between mitral regurgitation (MR) severity, symptoms, and left atrial (LA) structure and function, before and after mitral valve repair (MVR).

Methods

Global peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) was evaluated in 37 patients with severe symptomatic MR and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (60.4% ± 4.6%) before and 3 months after MVR and was compared with values from 30 age‐ and gender‐matched controls.

Results

Before surgery, PALS was worse in patients than in controls and indexed LA volume was greater (P < .0001 for both). After MVR, PALS deteriorated further and LA volume decreased (P = .001 and P = .05, respectively) as did LV ejection fraction, longitudinal strain (P = .05 and P < .001, respectively), and LV mass (P < .0001). Before surgery, LA volume correlated modestly with LV end‐diastolic volume (R = 0.51; P = .01); effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) correlated with PALS (R = −0.69, P < .001) and with LV longitudinal strain (R = 0.54, P = .01), and New York Heart Association class correlated with PALS (R = −0.69, P < .001), EROA (R = 0.69, P < .001), and LA volume (R = 0.51, P = .04). LA volume was the strongest predictor of global PALS reduction (P < .001), whereas global PALS was the main predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) (P < .001).

Conclusions

In patients with severe MR, EROA correlate with symptoms and LA PALS, which itself predicts the occurrence of postoperative AF. Strain values were superior to 2D data for the prediction of postoperative AF.
The ontogeny of the olfactory system in ceratophryid frogs (Anura, Ceratophryidae)
Authors: Quinzio Silvia I. , Reiss John O.
Published: September 2017

The aquatic‐to‐terrestrial shift in the life cycle of most anurans suggests that the differences between the larval and adult morphology of the nose are required for sensory function in two media with different physical characteristics. However, a better controlled test of specialization to medium is to compare adult stages of terrestrial frogs with those that remain fully aquatic as adults. The Ceratophryidae is a monophyletic group of neotropical frogs whose diversification from a common terrestrial ancestor gave rise to both terrestrial (Ceratophrys, Chacophrys) and aquatic (Lepidobatrachus) adults. So, ceratophryids represent an excellent model to analyze the morphology and possible changes related to a secondary aquatic life. We describe the histomorphology of the nose during the ontogeny of the Ceratophryidae, paying particular attention to the condition in adult stages of the recessus olfactorius (a small area of olfactory epithelium that appears to be used for aquatic olfaction) and the eminentia olfactoria (a raised ridge on the floor of the principal cavity correlated with terrestrial olfaction). The species examined (Ceratophrys cranwelli, Chacophrys pierottii, Lepidobatrachus laevis, and L. llanensis) share a common larval olfactory organ composed by the principal cavity, the vomeronasal organ and the lateral appendix. At postmetamorphic stages, ceratophryids present a common morphology of the nose with the principal, middle, and inferior cavities with characteristics similar to other neobatrachians at the end of metamorphosis. However, in advanced adult stages, Lepidobatrachus laevis presents a recessus olfactorius with a heightened (peramorphic) development and a rudimentary (paedomorphic) eminentia olfactoria. Thus, the adult nose in Lepidobatrachus laevis arises from a common developmental ‘terrestrial’ pathway up to postmetamorphic stages, when its ontogeny leads to a distinctive morphology related to the evolutionarily derived, secondarily aquatic life of adults of this lineage.
Revisiting the Anionic Polymerization of Methyl Ethacrylate
Authors: Kennemur Justin G. , Bates Frank S. , Hillmyer Marc A.
Published: September 2017

Synthesis of poly(methyl ethacrylate), (PMEA), in tetrahydrofuran at −78 °C using anionic polymerization techniques results in high molar mass (>30 kg mol−1), low dispersity (1.3), and high conversion (>81%). The molar masses of a series of samples are consistent with values anticipated by the monomer‐to‐initiator ratio and conversion. These results represent a significant improvement to earlier reported attempts to prepare PMEA using anionic methods. Successful diblock polymerization of polystyrene‐block‐PMEA, (PS‐PMEA), and poly(4‐tert‐butylstyrene)‐block‐PMEA, (PtBS‐PMEA), is achieved through sequential anionic polymerization techniques with dispersities as low as 1.06 and segment molar fractions close to those targeted. Broad principal scattering peaks observed by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) for symmetric PS‐PMEA at relatively high molar mass (39 kg mol−1) suggests an effective interaction parameter (χeff) that is smaller than for PS‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate). On the other hand, PtBS‐PMEA block polymers form a well‐ordered morphology based on SAXS measurements and is attributable to the more hydrophobic PtBS segment. These results confirm the viability of PMEA as a new constituent in the expanding suite of polymers suitable for preparing nanostructured block polymers.
Novel Castor Oil‐Derived Block Copolymers as Promising Candidates for Biological Applications: Biorelevant and Biocompatible
Authors: Nerantzaki Maria , Adam Kyriakos‐Vasileios , Koliakou Iro , Skoufa Eirini , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Papageorgiou George Z. , Bikiaris Dimitrios
Published: September 2017

The castor oil‐derived fatty acid (thioether‐containing ω‐hydroxyacid) is obtained using the UV‐catalyzed thiol‐Michael addition and is used for the first time as a monomer, for the development of biorelevant copolymers based on ε‐caprolactone, methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol), and poly(ethylene glycol). Proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and size exclusion chromatography, confirm the successful synthesis of diblock and triblock copolymers with very narrow molecular weight distributions. X‐ray diffractometry, polarizing light microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry, suggest that crystallization of the crystalline block chains is restricted within the microphase‐separated morphology and that it is strongly affected by the competition between the two semicrystalline blocks. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis reveals that the thermal properties of the copolymers are intermediate between those of their parent homopolymers. Regardless of their block composition, the biorelevant copolyesters do not exhibit apparent cytotoxicity, according to the (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) and fluorescence microscopy assays.
Regional analysis and genetic association of nigrostriatal degeneration in Lewy body disease
Authors: Kasanuki Koji , Heckman Michael G. , Diehl Nancy N. , Murray Melissa E. , Koga Shunsuke , Soto Alexandra , Ross Owen A. , Dickson Dennis W.
Published: September 2017

Background

A number of genetic loci are associated with risk for Parkinson's disease (PD) based on genome‐wide association studies; however, the relationship between genetic variants and nigrostriatal degeneration, which is the structural correlate of parkinsonism, has not been reported.

Objectives

We quantified nigrostriatal dopaminergic integrity with image analysis of putaminal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in 492 brains with Lewy body disease and used this pathologic endophenotype to explore possible association with PD genetic variants.

Methods

The study cases had Lewy‐related pathology and variable degrees of nigrostriatal degeneration. They were assigned to one of the following clinical subgroups according to their predominant clinical syndrome: parkinsonism‐predominant, parkinsonism+dementia, and dementia‐predominant. In addition to putaminal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity, semiquantitative scoring was used to assess substantia nigra neuronal loss. A total of 29 PD genetic risk variants were genotyped on each case.

Results

When compared with controls, tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was reduced in Lewy body cases in the dorsolateral (79%) and ventromedial (57%) putamen. The dorsolateral region was better preserved in dementia‐predominant cases than in cases with parkinsonism. Dorsolateral putaminal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity correlated with neuronal loss in the ventrolateral substantia nigra. Genetic analyses showed no significant association of PD risk variants with putaminal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity.

Conclusions

The results confirm regional differences in putaminal dopaminergic degeneration and vulnerability of nigrostriatal pathway in Lewy body disorders with parkinsonism. The lack of association with PD genetic risk variants suggests that they may not be associated with quantitative endophenotypes of nigrostriatal degeneration, but more likely related to the risk of disease per se. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
MSpin‐JCoupling. A modular program for prediction of scalar couplings and fast implementation of Karplus relationships
Authors: Navarro‐Vázquez Armando , Santamaría‐Fernández Raquel , Sardina F. Javier
Published: September 2017

MSpin‐JCoupling is a modular program for the prediction of scalar couplings using a large variety of Karplus relationships. The program was specially designed for small molecule analysis and can be run in graphical or command‐line mode. The architecture of the program is highly modular, and new equations can be rapidly implemented, through a complete C++ programming interface, and deployed as run‐time loadable plugins.
Meta‐Governance of Partnerships for Sustainable Development: Actors' Perspectives from Kenya
Authors: Beisheim Marianne , Ellersiek Anne , Goltermann Lukas , Kiamba Pauline
Published: September 2017

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development promotes multi‐stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) as a means of implementation while at the same time putting renewed focus on the need for national‐level ownership and implementation. Despite the fact that an ever growing body of literature on the merits and drawbacks of MSPs delineates several success conditions for partnerships, efforts to translate this knowledge into national‐level meta‐governance for MSPs remain marginal to date. This study outlines the benefits the literature alleges for such “meta‐governance” frameworks, before it uses a country‐level study with a series of stakeholder interviews to take a closer look at national‐level context conditions and lessons learned with regard to two water partnerships in Kenya. Our findings suggest that to date the existing meta‐governance for partnerships in Kenya is rather weak and fragmented. Yet respondents support the view that MSPs could benefit from such a framework, in particular regarding local ownership of MSPs and the potential to scale successful cases. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multilayer assembly of ionic starches on old corrugated container recycled cellulosic fibers
Authors: Rudi Hamidreza , Hamzeh Yahya , Garmaroody Esmaeil Rasooly , Petroudy Seyed Rahman Djafari , Nazhad Mousa M
Published: September 2017

In this study, old corrugated container recycled fibers were treated with polyelectrolyte multilayers consisting of biopolymer cationic starch with two degrees of substitution (DS) each in combination with one anionic starch. Pulp zeta potential, paper strength and the thin layer ellipsometry technique were applied to examine the influence of cationic starch DS on the formation of polyelectrolyte multilayers. The results indicated a significant interaction between the DS of cationic starch and the number of ionic starch layers formed. When low‐DS cationic starch was used, the pulp zeta potential and the paper strength increased significantly in assembling the first cationic layer. However, in depositing high‐DS cationic starch a greater zeta potential and a stronger influence on the paper strength were observed with a larger number of starch layers. This was confirmed by thin layer ellipsometry when a greater thickness of multilayers was achieved by employing high‐DS cationic starch to form a higher number of layers. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Outdoor photoluminescence imaging of photovoltaic modules with sunlight excitation
Authors: Bhoopathy Raghavi , Kunz Oliver , Juhl Mattias , Trupke Thorsten , Hameiri Ziv
Published: September 2017

To operate photovoltaic power plants at maximum capacity, it is desirable to identify cell or module failures in the field at the earliest possible stage. Currently used field inspection methods cannot detect many of the electronic defects that can be revealed with luminescence‐based techniques. In this work, photoluminescence images are acquired using the sun as the sole illumination source by separating the weak luminescence signal from the much stronger ambient sunlight signal. This is done by using an appropriate choice of optical filtering and modulation of the cells' bias between the normal operating point and open circuit condition. The switching is achieved by periodically changing the optical generation rate of at least one cell within the module. This changes the biasing condition of all other cells that are connected to the same bypass diode. This method has the advantage that it can deliver high quality images revealing electrical defects in individual cells and entire modules, without requiring any changes to the electrical connections of the photovoltaic system.
One‐pot synthesis of hyperbranched polyamines based on novel amino glycidyl ether
Authors: Ahn Gyunhyeok , Kweon Songa , Yang Chungmi , Hwang Ji Eun , Kim Kyuseok , Kim Byeong‐Su
Published: September 2017

We report a one‐pot synthesis of hyperbranched polyglycerols possessing amino functionality by using a novel Boc‐protected aminoethanol glycidyl ether monomer (BAG). A series of hyperbranched Boc‐protected polyamino glycerols (PBAG) were prepared through a one‐pot anionic ring opening multibranching polymerization to yield PBAG with controlled molecular weights (3500–17400 g/mol). Subsequent deprotection of PBAG yielded hyperbranched polyamino glycerols (PAG) with a globular polymeric structure that comprises a randomly branched structure with a large number of functional amine and hydroxyl groups. 1H, 13C, and 15N‐NMR, GPC, and MALDI‐TOF measurements confirmed the successful polymerization of the hyperbranched PAG polymers. With its superior biocompatibility of PAG, we anticipate the prospective potentials for the applications in biological and biomedical fields. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 4013–4019
The American cockroach peptide periplanetasin‐4 inhibits Clostridium difficile toxin A‐induced cell toxicities and inflammatory responses in the mouse gut
Authors: Yoon I Na , Lu Li Fang , Hong Ji , Zhang Peng , Kim Dae Hong , Kang Jin Ku , Hwang Jae Sam , Kim Ho
Published: September 2017

Many reports have shown that crude extracts of the American cockroach have therapeutic effects on inflammation. In a previous study, our research group showed that an antimicrobial peptide (Periplanetasin‐2) derived from the American cockroach via de novo transcriptome analysis inhibited apoptosis of human colonocytes and inflammatory responses of the mouse gut caused by Clostridium difficile toxin A. Here, we examined whether Periplanetasin‐4 (Peri‐4), another antimicrobial peptide identified via de novo transcriptome analysis of the American cockroach, could also inhibit the various toxicities induced by C. difficile toxin A. We found that Peri‐4 significantly reduced the cell viability loss and cell apoptosis caused by toxin A in vitro. Peri‐4 also ameliorated the severe inflammatory responses seen in the toxin A‐induced mouse enteritis model, rescuing the villus disruption and interleukin‐6 production induced by luminal injection of toxin A into the mouse gut. Mechanistically, we found that Peri‐4 could reduce toxin A‐induced reactive oxygen species production to inhibit the activations of p38MAPK and p21Cip1/Waf1, which are critical for the cell damages induced by toxin A. These results collectively suggest that the Peri‐4 may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating toxin A‐induced pseudomembranous colitis. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Critical Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology of Viola odorata L. and Related Multipotential Products in Traditional Persian Medicine
Authors: Feyzabadi Zohre , Ghorbani Fariba , Vazani Yasaman , Zarshenas Mohammad M.
Published: September 2017

Common violet (Viola odorata L., Violaceae) has shown various medical applications. Current study aimed to compile a review over chemical composition and medicinal properties of this plant in modern phytotherapy and its related multipotential products from traditional Persian medicine (TPM). Medicinal applications of V. odorata and respective products were derived from credible pharmaceutical textbooks of TPM (10th–18th century AD). In parallel, electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were explored for targeted purposes. Management of cough, fever, common cold, headache, insomnia, epilepsy, constipation, palpitation, dyspnea, dysuria, and skin diseases is of most applications of V. odorata, reported in TPM. On the other side, this herb plant has exerted antiinflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, diuretic, antihypertensive, and antibacterial activities in modern phytotherapy. Violet TPM therapeutic preparations are including violet oil in the form of nasal or topical application for neurologic and skin disorders as well as pill, decoction, sweet syrup, and confection or semisolid oral preparations for skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary ailments. Flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids are responsible for pharmacological activities. Some medical applications of V. odorata in TPM have been proven by recent studies. However, more studies are needed to confirm these medicinal properties. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient treatment allocation in 2 × 2 multicenter trials when costs and variances are heterogeneous
Authors: Lemme Francesca , van Breukelen Gerard J.P. , Candel Math J.J.M.
Published: September 2017

At the design stage of a study, it is crucial to compute the sample size needed for treatment effect estimation with maximum precision and power. The optimal design depends on the costs, which may be known at the design stage, and on the outcome variances, which are unknown. A balanced design, optimal for homogeneous costs and variances, is typically used. An alternative to the balanced design is a design optimal for the known and possibly heterogeneous costs, and homogeneous variances, called costs considering design. Both designs suffer from loss of efficiency, compared with optimal designs for heterogeneous costs and variances. For2 × 2multicenter trials, we compute the relative efficiency of the balanced and the costs considering designs, relative to the optimal designs. We consider 2 heterogeneous costs and variance scenarios (in 1 scenario, 2 treatment conditions have small and 2 have large costs and variances; in the other scenario, 1 treatment condition has small, 2 have intermediate, and 1 has large costs and variances). Within these scenarios, we examine the relative efficiency of the balanced design and of the costs considering design as a function of the extents of heterogeneity of the costs and of the variances and of their congruence (congruent when the cheapest treatment has the smallest variance, incongruent when the cheapest treatment has the largest variance). We find that the costs considering design is generally more efficient than the balanced design, and we illustrate this theory on a2 × 2multicenter trial on lifestyle improvement of patients in general practices.
Psychosocial Distress and Knowledge Deficiencies in Parents of Children in Ireland Who Carry an Altered Cystic Fibrosis Gene
Authors: Quigley S. J , Linnane B. , Connellan S. , Ward A. , Ryan P.
Published: September 2017

Significant gaps have been identified in parental understanding of CF newborn screening and the consequences of carrying an altered CF gene. Seven potential causes of psychosocial adversity arising from false positive newborn screening for CF have been identified. The current study aimed to increase parents understanding of CF, reduce their levels of stress, and investigate psychosocial adversity arising from false‐positive screening. This national study was run over one year in the Republic of Ireland. Parents were recruited for the study following a diagnostic sweat test confirming their child carried a single altered CF gene. Parents were randomly assigned into a control and intervention group, with those in the intervention group receiving a carefully designed information pack. All parents took part in semi‐structured interviews. Parents (n= 16) who received an information pack had significantly higher CF knowledge scores than parents (n= 16) in the control group. 66% of parents in the control group misunderstood the health implications of carrying an altered CF gene, no parents in the intervention group had the same misunderstanding. There was no significant difference in stress scores between the groups. Parents of infants who had more than one sweat test due to insufficient sweat quantity had higher overall stress percentiles (50%), than parents of infants who had one sweat test (30%), indicating greater parental stress. The combination of written and audio‐visual information contained in the information pack successfully increased parents comprehension of CF. The study also evaluates the potential for psychosocial adversity following false positive newborn screening for CF.
Evaluation of the Informational Content, Readability and Comprehensibility of Online Health Information on Monogenic Diabetes
Authors: Guan Yue , Maloney Kristin A. , Roter Debra L. , Pollin Toni I.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to assess the informational content, readability, suitability and comprehensibility of websites offering educational information about monogenic diabetes available to patients. The top 20 results from 15 queries in four search engines were screened. Content analysis was performed by two independent coders. Readability was determined using Flesch‐Kincaid grade level (FKGL) and Simplified Measure of Goobledygook (SMOG). The Comprehensibility Assessment of Materials (SAM + CAM) scale was utilized to evaluate website suitability and comprehensibility. Only 2% (N = 29) of 1200 screened websites met inclusion criteria. Content analysis showed that 16 websites presented information on at least the most common forms of MODY (1, 2 and 3), four addressed the utility of genetic counseling, and none included support resources for patients. All websites exceeded the consensus readability level (6th grade) as assessed by FKGL (10.1 grade) and SMOG (12.8 ± 1.5 grades). Although the majority (N = 20) of websites had an overall “adequate” to “superior” quality score (SAM + CAM score > = 40%), more than one‐third scored “not suitable” in categories of content, literacy demand, graphics, and learning motivation. The online educational resources for monogenic diabetes have a high readability level and require improvement in ease of use and comprehensibility for patients with diabetes.
IMPLEMENTATION NEUTRALITY AND TREATMENT EVALUATION
Authors: LeRoy Stephen F.
Published: September 2017

Statisticians have proposed formal techniques for evaluation of treatments, often in the context of models that do not explicitly specify how treatments are generated. Under such procedures they run the risk of attributing causation in settings where the implementation neutrality condition required for causal interpretation of parameter estimates is not satisfied. When treatment assignments are explicitly modelled, as economists recommend, these issues can be formally analysed, and the existence (or lack thereof) of implementation neutrality, and therefore quantifiable causation, can be determined. Examples are given.
Songs between cities: listening to courtesans in colonial north India
Authors: WILLIAMS RICHARD DAVID
Published: September 2017

In the aftermath of 1857, urban spaces and cultural practices were transformed and contested. Regional royal capitals became nodes in a new colonial geography, and the earlier regimes that had built them were recast as decadent and corrupt societies. Demolitions and new infrastructures aside, this transformation was also felt at the level of manners, sexual mores, language politics, and the performing arts. This article explores this transformation with a focus on women's language, female singers and dancers, and the men who continued to value their literary and musical skills. While dancing girls and courtesans were degraded by policy-makers and vernacular journalists alike, their Urdu compositions continued to be circulated, published, and discussed. Collections of women's biographies and lyrics gesture to the importance of embodied practices in cultivating emotional positions. This cultivation was valued in late Mughal elite society, and continued to resonate for emotional communities of connoisseurs, listeners, and readers, even as they navigated the expectations and sensibilities of colonial society.
Beyond Nostalgia: time and place in Indian Muslim politics
Authors: ZAMAN FARIDAH
Published: September 2017

This article begins with the premise that nostalgia haunts histories of Indian Muslim cultural and social life but remains curiously underspecified with relation to Muslim political life. By looking at the figure of Mohamed Ali Jauhar (1878–1931) and a constellation of transnational initiatives around the year 1913 in particular, it suggests ways in which we might redeploy nostalgia in order to look for temporal and spatial ambivalence in historical moments. In turn, that ambivalence points to the limitations of understanding nostalgia as purely a longing for another place and a past time.
Introduction
Authors: ANSARI SARAH
Published: September 2017

With some 20 per cent of the world's current population, South Asia's rapidly-expanding urban centres are playing an increasingly important role in the lives of a significant proportion of the world's population. South Asia's urban population grew by 130 million between 2001 and 2013, and according to recent World Bank estimates it is forecast to grow by a further 250 million by 2030. In this context, policy makers are exercised not just about how the region's cities can be transformed to drive economic growth and poverty reduction, but also how they might become “better places” in which to live. Indeed, it is precisely “the often severe stresses brought about by growing urban populations on infrastructure, basic city services, land use, housing, and the environment” and “the inability to adequately address these stresses” that provide “the root cause of messy and hidden urbanisation”. Equally, it is “these same congestion forces that are constraining the region's ability to realize the vision of prosperous and livable [sic] cities”.
Genetic analysis of seedlings characters associated with drought tolerance in cowpea under a controlled environment
Authors: Olajide Amos Afolarin , Ilori Christopher Olumuyiwa
Published: September 2017

Cowpea is a major source of vegetable protein but its production is constrained by drought resulting in yield loss. Developing drought tolerance varieties can enhance yield and reduce the need for supplemental irrigation. Breeding for drought tolerance requires the knowledge of its genetic basis. Genetic basis for some seedling traits in cowpea was investigated. Seven generations (P1, P2, F1, RF1, F2, BC1 and BC2) each derived from two crosses involving two highly drought tolerant (Danilla and IT97K-499-35) and one highly susceptible parents (Tvu7778) were evaluated for drought tolerance in the screen house. Data on Seedling height (SH), Seedling terminal leaflet area (SLA), Seedling Vigour (SV) and Recovery Capacity (RC) were collected. The SV was assessed on a scale of 1 (highly-tolerant) – 9 (highly-susceptible), while RC (%) was evaluated at 5 d interval for 30 d. The hybrids F1 and RF1 showed the best performances in both crosses with SV ranged from 2.50 ± 0.00 in Danilla × IT97K-499-35 cross to 6.50 ± 1.00 in the Danilla × TVU7778 cross. In both crosses, F1 and RF1 had 100.0% RC. Both dominance (46.5–68.6%) and additive (31.4–53.5%) effects were found similar and important in all the traits under water stressed. The six-parameter model indicated few cases of gene interactions, mostly dominance × dominance. Narrow sense heritability ranged from 33.5% for SH to 50.1% for SLA in the cross Danilla × TVU7778 at terminal water stress. Inheritance of these traits in cowpea involved both additive and dominance gene action. However, dominance and/or dominance × dominance effects had a more pronounced effect in genetic control of all characters.
Molecular basis of human CD22 function and therapeutic targeting
Authors: Ereño-Orbea June , Sicard Taylor , Cui Hong , Mazhab-Jafari Mohammad T. , Benlekbir Samir , Guarné Alba , Rubinstein John L. , Julien Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2017

CD22 maintains a baseline level of B-cell inhibition to keep humoral immunity in check. As a B-cell-restricted antigen, CD22 is targeted in therapies against dysregulated B cells that cause autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. Here we report the crystal structure of human CD22 at 2.1 Å resolution, which reveals that specificity for α2-6 sialic acid ligands is dictated by a pre-formed β-hairpin as a unique mode of recognition across sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins. The CD22 ectodomain adopts an extended conformation that facilitates concomitant CD22 nanocluster formation on B cells and binding to trans ligands to avert autoimmunity in mammals. We structurally delineate the CD22 site targeted by the therapeutic antibody epratuzumab at 3.1 Å resolution and determine a critical role for CD22 N-linked glycosylation in antibody engagement. Our studies provide molecular insights into mechanisms governing B-cell inhibition and valuable clues for the design of immune modulators in B-cell dysfunction.
Identification of isoliquiritigenin as an activator that stimulates the enzymatic production of glycyrrhetinic acid monoglucuronide
Authors: Wang Xiaoxue , Wang Dong , Huo Yixin , Dai Dazhang , Li Chihua , Li Chun , Liu Guiyan
Published: September 2017

Glycyrrhetinic acid monoglucuronide (GAMG) is a great value-added and has considerable commercial interest due to its strong pharmacological activities and functional low-calorie sweetener. However GAMG is quite rare in natural plants, and it must be prepared from glycyrrhizin (GL) by hydrolysing one terminal glucuronic acid. β-Glucuronidase is the key enzyme in the biotransformation of GL to GAMG, but its activities need to be enhanced to facilitate the industrial large-scale production of GAMG. In this study, we identified that isoliquiritigenin (ISL), as one of chemical compositions from the total flavonoids glycyrrhiza (TFG), can significantly enhance β-glucuronidase activity in vitro. Measurements using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that the activity of β-glucuronidase could be increased by 2.66-fold via the addition of ISL to a β-glucuronidase solution that contained GL at a 3:10 molar ratio of ISL to GL. ISL was concluded to be an activator because ISL could reduce the Km and Ea of β-glucuronidase reacting with GL. This study sheds new light on the mechanism of β-glucuronidase and helps to make industrial production of GAMG through fermentation feasible.
Microstructural properties and enhanced photocatalytic performance of Zn doped CeO2 nanocrystals
Authors: Khan M. A. Majeed , Khan Wasi , Ahamed Maqusood , Alhazaa Abdulaziz N.
Published: September 2017

The microstructural, optical and photocatalytic properties of undoped and 5% Zn doped CeO2 nanocrystals (NCs) have been explored through various analytical techniques, viz. powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible, Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. XRD data analysis revealed face centred cubic (FCC) crystal symmetry of the samples with average crystallite size in the range of 19–24 nm. XPS results confirmed that the Zn ions exist in +2 states and successfully incorporated into the CeO2 matrix. Internal structure and morphology observed by TEM exhibited almost uniform cubical shape of the particles of average size ~20–26 nm. The enegy bandgap of undoped and Zn doped CeO2 NCs had a direct transition of 3.46 eV and 3.57 eV respectively as estimated by the optical absorption data. The increase in the bandgap revealed blue shift of absorption edge due to the quantum confinement effects. The NCs exhibited an inherent luminescence emission peak at ~408 nm in PL spectra. Improvement in the photocatalytic activity was observed for Zn incorporated sample attributed to the enhanced light absorption or/and fall in charge recombination rate between CeO2 and Zn.