bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of Medicare Data for Musculoskeletal Research in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mahmoudi Elham , Malay Sunitha , Maroukis Brianna L. , Sarsour Tiana , Chung Kevin C.
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Musculoskeletal conditions disproportionately affect the lives of aging adults. We aimed to examine the literature using Medicare claims data in the United States for musculoskeletal surgical procedures.

Methods:

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we searched the PubMed and Medline databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2015. We included the studies that (1) reported primary Medicare claims data use, (2) involved musculoskeletal surgery, and (3) were original peer-reviewed studies. We abstracted the types of surgical procedure and aims, and evaluated outcomes, and strengths and weaknesses of each included article. We assessed the quality of included articles with Newcastle Ottawa Assessment Scale.

Results:

The literature search returned 3,233 articles, of which 119 met our inclusion criteria. These studies focused on different outcomes: epidemiology and treatment variation (26), cost of care (15), hospital-level analyses (30), health outcomes (31), the validity and accuracy of Medicare claims data (4), disparities in health care (10), and policy evaluation (3).

Discussion:

Medicare claims data provide a unique way for researchers to study a nationally representative patient population longitudinally. A significant limitation of using claims data has been a lack of granularity on defining severity of a condition.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic level III
Increasing Citizen Engagement and Participation through eGovernment in Jordan
Authors: Kanaan Raed Kareem , Masa’deh Ra’ed
Published: October 2018

Supporters of e-Government believe that this technology will be a panacea for enhancing the engagement and participation of citizens in politics and government. However, there is little empirical support for this assertion. Due to the rapid proliferation of e-Government in Jordan there is an impetus to determine how e-Government impacts citizen participation and engagement in politics and government within the country. Using qualitative phenomenological focus group interviews with 40 citizens who utilize e-Government, an effort was made to understand how this technology influences outcomes with regard to participation and engagement with government. The results indicate that those using e-Government were politically active before using the technology and have extensive experience with technology use. E-Government for the politically active serves to extend participation in the process. For individuals that lack technological savvy and/or are not politically active, e-Government alone may not be enough to increase citizen engagement and participation in politics and government.
Mandatory IFRS Adoption and Analyst Coverage: Evidence from the UK
Authors: Almaharmeh Mohammad Issa , Al-Mawali Hamzah , Obeidat Ghassan
Published: October 2018

This study investigates whether the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) enforce financial analysts to cover the firms with their EPS forecast. After examining a large sample of 10,953 firm year observations from 1,467 distinct UK listed firms for the period between 1990 and 2013, the results suggest that, mandatory IFRS adoption attract more analysts to follow the firms. Where we find the number of financial analyst who cover the IFRS adopters is significantly higher than that for non-adopter firms.
Overall Layout Adjustment of Bookshelves in University Library Using the Service Marketing Concept
Authors: Zhou Yunxia , Zou Xiaozhu
Published: October 2018

Being a window facing readers directly, bookshelves are one of traditional facilities for university libraries to display books, journals, and documents. The layout of the bookshelves determines reader’s optimal routine of borrowing and reading activities, and it thus affects their experience in the library. For university libraries, in order to provide better services, the service marketing integrated theory is applied to the service marketing of libraries. Its core idea is that service marketing should encompass such elements as product, price, place, promotion, people, process, and physical evidence. Taking the example of the library in the Ming Imperial Palace Campus of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, we adopt a service marketing combination strategy to guide the adjustment of the overall layout of bookshelves in the library. According to the characteristics of librarians’ work in university libraries, we put forward a specific “product strategy”; “price strategy”; and “people, process, and tangible display combination strategy”. By comparing and analyzing the volume of books readers borrow from the library before and after the adjustment of the bookshelves, we found that the improved layout of the bookshelves increases the library’s reading volume and improve the user experience. Guided by the service marketing concept, we can effectively carry out the daily work of university libraries.
Endobronchial Metastasis from Renal Cell Carcinoma as a Reason for Recurrent Pulmonary Infections
Authors: Chrysikos Serafeim , Karampitsakos Theodoros , Tzouvelekis Argyrios , Dimakou Katerina
Published: October 2018

Endobronchial metastases (EBM) secondary to extrathoracic malignancies are very rare. Breast cancer, colorectal cancer and renal cell carcinoma represent the most common types of cancer leading to endobronchial metastases. They usually represent a late manifestation of other types of cancer and their prognosis is generally poor averaging a survival of 1–2 years in most case series. Due to their rarity, they remain a challenge for clinicians regarding whether they are primary lung tumors or not. This case report article intends to present a case of a young man with a left nephrectomy due to Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, who developed EBM 7 years later and to summarize available data in the field. Furthermore, the utility of diathermic snare as a treatment approach for this entity is highlighted.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Sacubitril: Explore the Role of Neprilysin before Its Inhibition
Authors: Siniorakis Eftychios , Arvanitakis Spyridon , Elkouris Maximilianos , Kalogirou Stamatia , Veldekis Dimitrios , Limberi Sotiria
Published: October 2018

Based on the findings of the emblematic PARADIGM-HF study [...]
MARSZRUTYZACJA POJAZDÓW DYSTRYBUCYJNYCH: METODA OPTYMALIZACJI I OCENA WPŁYWU ZASTOSOWANEGO SPOSOBU WYZNACZANIA ŚCIEŻEK W SIECI TRANSPORTOWEJ
Authors: SZCZEPAŃSKI Emilian
Published: October 2018

Celem artykułu jest prezentacja metody wyznaczania tras pojazdów dystrybucyjnych i ocena wpływu zastosowanego sposobu wyznaczania ścieżek między węzłami w sieci transportowej. Realizacja celu wymagała sformułowania modelu matematycznego odwzorowującego system dystrybucji ładunków i zadania optymalizacyjnego. Przedstawiono metodę optymalizacyjną opartą o algorytmy genetyczne i modyfikację algorytmu A-star do wyznaczania ścieżek. W artykule porównano wyznaczanie marszrut dla pojazdów dystrybucyjnych z punktu widzenia zastosowanego podejścia do wyznaczania ścieżek.
MODELING AND OPTIMIZATION OF THE COMBINED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Authors: ORŁOWSKI Krzysztof , ORŁOWSKI Łukasz
Published: October 2018

Transport is one of the most important logistical subsystem. It occurs at every stage of the logistic chain. Efficiency of transport utilization is an important element determining the financial results of an enterprise. In addition to the use of transport systems, organizational and management issues also play an important role in this matter. Traditional approach sometimes seems to be insufficient, especially in the case of complicated transportation tasks. The solution in this case is the use of modeling and optimization of the transport system used by the company, that has been presented in the paper, on the basis of the selected example. Optimal use of transport provides tangible benefits and allows to achieve competitive advantage in the market.
CZECH ARMY COMBAT RATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Authors: NOVOTNÝ Martin
Published: October 2018

The article deals with the combat rations used in the Army of the Czech Republic to ensure the feeding of soldiers in field training. The author describes the division according to the STANAG 2937 standard and points to the problem arising from the storage of combat rations under extreme climatic conditions. In these conditions, microbiological, chemical and biochemical changes occur on some food components. For this reason, the article describes and suggests some changes in the composition of combat rations, depending on the area of possible deployment of Czech army forces.
SYSTEMY INFORMATYCZNE WSPOMAGAJĄCE ZARZĄDZANIE SŁUŻBĄ ŻYWNOŚCIOWĄ W SIŁACH ZBROJNYCH RZECZYPOSPOLITEJ POLSKIEJ
Authors: BYŁEŃ Sławomir
Published: October 2018

Od lat dziewięćdziesiątych dwudziestego wieku, istotne znaczenie dla logistyki wojskowej z punktu widzenia poprawy efektywności funkcjonowania systemu logistycznego Sił Zbrojnych RP, miało wdrożenie i eksploatacja systemów informatycznych wspomagających podsystemy funkcjonalne logistyki, w tym szczególnie służb materiałowych. Światowe trendy zarówno w logistyce cywilnej jak i wojskowej wskazują na dążenie do skracania czasu wykonywanych operacji i czynności. Podobna filozofia obowiązuje również w obszarze związanym z organizacją pracy wojskowej służby żywnościowej, która zmierza do optymalizacji procesów poprzez wykorzystanie narzędzi informatycznych. Nowatorstwo artykułu zawiera się w tym, że do tej pory w literaturze przedmiotu brakowało wiedzy na temat funkcjonujących w wojsku systemów informatycznych wspomagających zarządzanie pracą służy żywnościowej. W artykule scharakteryzowano oraz dokonano analizy i oceny systemów informatycznych pk. SI KONSUMENT, SI ABAK i SI EWOS oraz ukazano perspektywy ich rozwoju.
Importance of selected bioactive substances of sheep milk for the development of young organisms
Authors: Nahajło Karolina , Molik Edyta
Published: October 2018

Milk is the first food consumed by mammals. Its consumption is extremely important because of the nutritional value of milk and its ingredients which support the immune system of newborn babies. Some of the bioactive molecules pass into milk from the mother’s blood and some are synthesized in the mammary gland. Sheep milk offers exceptional health benefits; it owes its properties to the rich chemical composition. This high health value of sheep’s milk results from the presence of, inter alia, anti-oxidant substances such as CLA. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is one of the most important anti-oxidants of milk fat, and exhibits anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic effects. Hormones and their precursors are also present in milk, such as leptin. In sheep, the level of leptin is related to body fat content, food intake and the photoperiod length. The period of sexual activity of sheep depends on changes in the length of the day. Lactation is an essential part of the sheep’s reproductive cycle. Correct functioning of the endocrine system is essential during lactation. And since proper rearing of offspring depends on the correct course of lactopoiesis, smooth interaction of all the processes is particularly important.
Traumatic neuroma caused the post-amputation neuropathic pain: epidemiology, mechanisms and factors involved in pain generation
Authors: Futoma Katarzyna , Klimczak Aleksandra
Published: October 2018

Loss of the integrity of the peripheral nerves as a result of the traumatic injury or due to
lower limb amputations in case of advanced ischemic disease is leading to serious complications
and impaired tissue regeneration. Patients who experiencedamputation procedure do
not only suffer from physical limitations and psychological problems, but also from chronic
neuropathic pain, referred to as post-amputation pain (PAP), which significant decrease
their quality of life. One of the main reason of PAP is post-traumatic neuromas, which are
form chaotic structures consisting of regenerative axons and connective tissue, as a results
of excessive regeneration of axons. The process of peripheral nerve regeneration starts with
Wallerian degeneration and its main role is to degenerate damaged axons in the distal end
of the injured nerve and initiate repair processes. In the process of nerves regeneration are
involved Schwann cells, which attract immunocompetent cells (mainly macrophages, neutrophils
and T lymphocytes) and activate inflammation process, necessary to remove damaged
tissues and cells. However, the coordination of the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory
cytokines and the activity of neurotrophic factors is of key importance. During regeneration
of peripheral nerves, in the microenvironment of the damaged tissues increase the activity of
neurotrophic factors including: nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor
(BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) -
proteins promoting survival and regeneration of axons. The activity of neurotrophic factors
supports axonal regeneration from the proximal part into the distal direction and the final
re-innervation of the tissue. In the case of amputation of the limb, the lack of distal stump of
the nerve disturb proper regeneration of axons, and excessive activity of neurotrophic factors
at the site of injury leads to uncontrolled axonal proliferation and neuroma formation.
In addition, the increased activity of NGF enhances the expression of the protein associated
with the calcitonin gene related protein (CGRP), which is one of the factors involved in the
genesis of neuropathic pain. The protection of the proximal end of the damaged nerve from
the regenerative signals coming from the microenvironment of damaged nerve can prevent
excessive growth of axons and may inhibit the post-traumatic neuroma formation.
A RELIABLE MACHINING PROCESS BY MEANS OF INTENSIVE USE OF MODELLING AND PROCESS MONITORING: APPROACH 2025
Authors: GONZALEZ BARRIO HAIZEA , CASCON MORAN ITXASO , EALO JON ANDER , SANTOS BARRENA FERNANDO , OSTRA BELDARRAIN TXOMIN , CUESTA ZABALJAUREGUI MIKEL , MADARIAGA ZABALA AITOR , ARRAZOLA ARRIOLA PEDRO JOSE , LOPEZ  DE LA CALLE MARCAIDE LUIS NORBERTO
Published: October 2018

This paper covers three significant aspects. Firstly, a global approach to manufacture high-added value components is presented.. This process involves a holistic perspective for the entire process: from design conception to market implementation. It needs to be emphasized that the manufacturing process implies a global challenge in term of modeling and systems integration. Moreover, particular progresses in programming, modeling, measuring, monitoring and customers´ quality requirements involved a global improvement in the mentioned cycle.
Secondly, inside the different defined stages there are several developments of industrial interest.. On the one hand, a cutting forces predictive model implies parameters optimization in terms of swarf section (feed,axial and radial depth of cut). On the other hand, modeling the finishing process to determine thermal load and induced stresses, leads to the possibility of limiting the cutting speed (Vc) adequately to the process specifications.
Finally, in-situ monitoring collects information that indicates machining program issues or efforts out from desired levels. Moreover, monitoring would be able to predict batch production threshold value limits.
In order to apply described approach, an aeronautical industry high-added value component was selected as demonstrator. Defined component consists of a single blade of Inconel 718 with thin walls, generated by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) additive process. Results showed that applying predictive models inside a global vision implied an adequate control of the process (spindle loads and unexpected cutting forces). This ensures in a further future a stable production of this type of components, such as Integral bladed rotors, coming from additive manufacturing.

Keywords: Monitoring, mechanistic model, residual stresses, integral bladed rotor, Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
POST-PROCESSING OF PLA PARTS AFTER ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING BY FDM TECHNOLOGY
Authors: VALERGA PUERTA ANA PILAR , BATISTA PONCE MOISES , FERNÁNDEZ VIDAL SEVERO RAÚL , GIROT MATA FRANCK
Published: October 2018

At present, Additive Manufacturing (AM) with post-processing tasks combination is an interesting as well as a necessary procedure in many industrial areas that work with polymeric components. However, there are not enough studies related to finishing treatments on AM parts. This contribution analyses different post-treatments in order to achieve improvements in the physical aspect, superficial and mechanical properties of specimens manufactured by Fused Deposition Modelling technology (FDM). The material used in this case is Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) because it is one of the most used materials in this type of technology and at the same time, it is one of the least studied.
Immersions in different organic solvents is the proposal, varying concentration and dipping time. The results are evaluated obtaining very different effects for each solvent. In all cases, several variations are observed in the physical aspect and in the mechanical properties obtained, in particular, tensile strength.

Keywords: FDM; Chemical treatment; PLA; Post-processing; Mechanical properties; Surface quality
Le pouvoir « divinatoire » des algorithmes
Authors: Lazaro Christophe
Published: November 2018

À travers le développement spectaculaire de systèmes algorithmiques capables de collecter, d’analyser, de traiter des quantités massives de données, l’ère desBig datasemble avoir conféré à l’homme un nouvel outil de prédiction lui permettant d’optimiser les processus décisionnels, d’anticiper les risques et de gouverner les conduites. Les applications, développées notamment dans le domaine de la sécurité, du marketing ou du divertissement, intégrant des algorithmes auto-apprenants, rendent désormais possibles la prédiction et surtout la préemption du futur. Dans cette contribution, nous souhaitons interroger le pouvoir prédictif des algorithmes, à la lumière des pratiques divinatoires de l’Antiquité gréco-latine. À cette fin, nous déployons un double questionnement, à la fois épistémologique et ontologique, en nous inspirant du traité de Cicéron sur la divination : que sont les algorithmes, et quelle est la singularité de leur logique corrélative ? Que nous font voir les algorithmes et quelles sont les nouvelles modalités de production du savoir qu’ils impliquent ?
SLiM-Enrich: computational assessment of protein–protein interaction data as a source of domain-motif interactions
Authors: Idrees Sobia , Pérez-Bercoff Åsa , Edwards Richard J.
Published: October 2018

Many important cellular processes involve protein–protein interactions (PPIs) mediated by a Short Linear Motif (SLiM) in one protein interacting with a globular domain in another. Despite their significance, these domain-motif interactions (DMIs) are typically low affinity, which makes them challenging to identify by classical experimental approaches, such as affinity pulldown mass spectrometry (AP-MS) and yeast two-hybrid (Y2H). DMIs are generally underrepresented in PPI networks as a result. A number of computational methods now exist to predict SLiMs and/or DMIs from experimental interaction data but it is yet to be established how effective different PPI detection methods are for capturing these low affinity SLiM-mediated interactions. Here, we introduce a new computational pipeline (SLiM-Enrich) to assess how well a given source of PPI data captures DMIs and thus, by inference, how useful that data should be for SLiM discovery. SLiM-Enrich interrogates a PPI network for pairs of interacting proteins in which the first protein is known or predicted to interact with the second protein via a DMI. Permutation tests compare the number of known/predicted DMIs to the expected distribution if the two sets of proteins are randomly associated. This provides an estimate of DMI enrichment within the data and the false positive rate for individual DMIs. As a case study, we detect significant DMI enrichment in a high-throughput Y2H human PPI study. SLiM-Enrich analysis supports Y2H data as a source of DMIs and highlights the high false positive rates associated with naïve DMI prediction. SLiM-Enrich is available as an R Shiny app. The code is open source and available via a GNU GPL v3 license at: https://github.com/slimsuite/SLiMEnrich. A web server is available at: http://shiny.slimsuite.unsw.edu.au/SLiMEnrich/.
Recent Developments in Flexible Organic Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Liu Yue‐Feng , Feng Jing , Bi Yan‐Gang , Yin Da , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: October 2018

As the demand for display technology in consumer electronics and lighting panels increases, thin, light, high‐quality, and more cost‐effective light‐emitting devices are required. Organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs), satisfying the criteria exactly, have been considered the most promising next‐generation display and lighting technique. In particular, an OLED based on flexible substrate enables the device to be applied to curved displays, electronic newspapers, wearable displays, and conceptual lighting panels, has been always in the spotlight both in science and industry. Great advances on flexible OLEDs (FOLEDs) have been made over the past three decades. The fundamental elements of FOLEDs including substrates, electrodes, fabrication and encapsulation techniques, as well as the strategies of efficiency improvement are discussed herein. Moreover, emerging electrodes such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, metal nanowire network and their composite, flexible perovskite light emitting devices, and stretchable light emitting devices are also considered. Finally, the future challenges and prospects for these devices are put forward.
Design of High‐Efficiency and Long‐Lifetime White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes by Selective Management of Singlet and Triplet Excitons Using a Triplet Exciton Manager
Authors: Han Si Hyun , Park Yun Hwan , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: October 2018

A novel device design extending the lifetime of white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs), comprising a thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) blue emitter and a yellow phosphorescent emitter, is developed using a triplet exciton manager (TEM), which selectively quenches the triplet exciton of the blue TADF emitter while harvesting the yellow phosphorescent emission. The TEM host is designed to have a lower triplet energy than the blue TADF emitter and a higher triplet energy than the yellow phosphorescent emitter. The singlet excitons of the TEM host are used to harvest only the singlet excitons of the blue TADF emitter by energy transfer, while the triplet excitons of the TEM host are utilized to activate the phosphorescent emission of the yellow emitter. The singlet and triplet excitons of the TEM host are thus selectively used to harness the blue singlet emission and yellow triplet emission, respectively. The triplet excitons of the blue TADF emitter can thus be excluded from the emission process, which improves the lifetime of the TEM‐based WOLEDs by five times while achieving similar external quantum efficiency as that of the conventional WOLED with a common high triplet energy host activating the triplet excitons of the blue TADF emitter.
A Three‐Component Reaction of Aryldiazonium Tetrafluoroborates, Sulfur Dioxide, and 1‐(Prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)indoles under Catalyst‐Free Conditions
Authors: Chen Huajun , Liu Mengli , Qiu Guanyinsheng , Wu Jie
Published: October 2018

No Abstract

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Copper‐Catalyzed Regioselective Oxidative Cycloamidation of α‐[(β‐Dimethylamino)propenoyl]‐Alkylamides: Synthetic Route to Substituted Pyrrolidine‐2,4‐diones
Authors: Yuan Jingwen , Rao Chitturi Bhujanga , Liang Yongjiu , Zhang Rui , Zhang Qian , Hou Liman , Dong Dewen
Published: October 2018

An intramolecular oxidative amidation of varied α‐[(β‐dimethylamino)propenoyl]‐alkylamides catalyzed by copper(II) bromide in the presence of PIFA and TFA has been described. This process features mild reaction conditions, simple execution, good yields, high regioselectivity, and thereby, provides not only a facile and efficient protocol for the construction of C−N bond, but also a straightforward synthetic route to densely substituted pyrrolidine‐2,4‐diones.

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Development of Novel Perovskite‐Like Oxide Photocatalyst LiCuTa3O9 with Dual Functions of Water Reduction and Oxidation under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Dong Beibei , Cui Junyan , Liu Taifeng , Gao Yuying , Qi Yu , Li Deng , Xiong Fengqiang , Zhang Fuxiang , Li Can
Published: October 2018

Development of new visible‐light‐responsive materials is highly desirable in photocatalysis. Here, a novel oxide material LiCuTa3O9 (LCTO) with a characteristic perovskite‐like structure, exhibiting a visible light absorption edge of ≈500 nm due to the hybridization of Cu 3d and O 2p orbitals, is reported. The structure of the as‐obtained LCTO is experimentally characterized and theoretically simulated. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Mott–Schottky, and density functional theory calculation results show that the LCTO is an n‐type semiconductor with bandgap of ≈2.48 eV and exhibits suitable conduction band and valence band positions of ≈−0.45 and 2.03 eV vs reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively. Based on initial optimization of preparative conditions and loading of cocatalysts, the as‐modified LCTO sample can drive both water reduction and oxidation half reactions in the presence of corresponding sacrificial reagents under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm), demonstrating its promising application in solar water splitting. The dual functional features of LCTO render it a promising photocatalyst for one‐step overall water splitting to produce hydrogen. In addition, the unobvious structural change of the LCTO photocatalyst during the reaction and repeated runs of the photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction demonstrate its good photochemical stability.
The impact of hypocalcemia on full scale IQ in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Grand Katheryn , Levitt Katz Lorraine E. , Crowley T. Blaine , Moss Edward , Lessig Megan , Bamba Vaneeta , Lord Katherine , Zackai Elaine H. , Emanuel Beverly S. , Valverde Kathleen , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M.
Published: October 2018

Hypocalcemia has been reported in ~50% of patients 22q11.2DS and calcium regulation is known to play a role in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. Because calcium ions play a role in neuronal function and development, we hypothesized that hypocalcemia would be associated with adverse effects on full scale IQ index (FSIQ) in patients with 22q11.2DS. A retrospective chart review cataloguing the presence or absence of hypocalcemia in 1073 subjects with a laboratory confirmed chromosome 22q11.2 deletion evaluated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was conducted. 852/1073 patients had an endocrinology evaluation with laboratory confirmed calcium levels. 466/852 (54.7%) had a diagnosis of hypocalcemia. 265/1073 subjects ranging from 0 to 51 years of age had both calcium levels measured and a neuropsychological evaluation yielding a FSIQ. The mean FSIQ for 146/265 patients with hypocalcemia was 77.09 (SD = 13.56) and the mean FSIQ for 119/265 patients with normocalcemia was 77.27 (SD = 14.25). The distribution of patients with intellectual disability (ID) (FSIQ<69), borderline IQ (FSIQ 70–79), and average IQ (FSIQ>80) between the hypocalcemic and normocalcemic groups was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.2676, p = 0.8748). Neonatal hypocalcemic seizures were not found to be associated with ID. We found no difference in FSIQ between the hypocalcemic and non‐hypocalcemic patients with 22q11.2DS. As our findings differ from a previous report in adult subjects, we speculate that this may reflect a potential benefit from early treatment of hypocalcemia and may support early 22q11.2 deletion detection in order to offer prompt diagnosis and subsequent treatment of hypocalcemia.
Exome sequencing of sporadic childhood‐onset schizophrenia suggests the contribution of X‐linked genes in males
Authors: Ambalavanan Amirthagowri , Chaumette Boris , Zhou Sirui , Xie Pingxing , He Qin , Spiegelman Dan , Dionne‐Laporte Alexandre , Bourassa Cynthia V. , Therrien Martine , Rochefort Daniel , Xiong Lan , Dion Patrick A. , Joober Ridha , Rapoport Judith L. , Girard Simon L. , Rouleau Guy A.
Published: October 2018

Childhood‐onset schizophrenia (COS) is a rare and severe form of schizophrenia, defined as having an onset before the age of 13. The male COS cases have a slightly younger age of onset than female cases. They also present with a higher rate of comorbid developmental disorders. These sex differences are not explained by the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities, and the contribution of other forms of genetic variations remains unestablished. Using a whole‐exome sequencing approach, we examined 12 COS trios where the unaffected parents had an affected male child. The sequencing data enabled us to test if the hemizygous variants, transmitted from the unaffected carrying mother, could mediate the phenotype (X‐linked recessive inheritance model). Our results revealed that affected children have a significantly greater number of X‐linked rare variants than their unaffected fathers. The variants identified in the male probands were mostly found in genes previously linked to other neuropsychiatric diseases like autism, intellectual disability, and epilepsy, including LUZP4, PCDH19, RPS6KA3, and OPHN1. The level of expression of the genes was assessed at different developmental periods in normal brain using the BrainSpan database. This approach revealed that some of them were expressed earlier in males than in females, consistent with the younger age of onset in male COS. In conclusion, this article suggests that X‐linked genes might play a role in the pathophysiology of COS. Candidate genes detailed here could explain the higher level of comorbidities and the earlier age of onset observed in a subset of the male COS cases.
MicroRNAs regulating mucin type O‐glycan biosynthesis and transforming growth factor β signaling pathways in nasal mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in Northern China
Authors: Xuan Lijia , Luan Ge , Wang Yue , Lan Feng , Zhang Xu , Hao Yun , Zheng Ming , Wang Xiangdong , Zhang Luo
Published: October 2018

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a persistent sinonasal mucosa inflammatory disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that are involved in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP in Northern China remain unknown.

Methods

A miRCURY™ LNA Array was used to analyze miRNA profiles in nasal mucosa tissues of CRSwNP patients (n = 19) and healthy controls (n = 10). Subsequent pathways were predicted by DIANA‐mirPath software.

Results

Five upregulated miRNAs, including miR‐210‐5p, miR‐3178, miR‐585‐3p, miR‐3146, and miR‐320e, and 19 downregulated miRNAs, including miR‐32‐3p, miR‐1299, miR‐3196, miR‐3924, and miR‐548e‐3p, were differentially expressed (p < 0.05, fold change >2) in tissues of CRSwNP vs controls. Utilizing the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database (KEGG), which is an online database for pathway mapping, mucin type O‐glycan biosynthesis pathway was significantly enriched in upregulated miRNAs. Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were significantly linked to downregulated miRNAs.

Conclusion

The mucin type O‐glycan biosynthesis pathway and TGF‐β signaling pathway are regulated by miRNAs, which could be our focus in the future studies.
Recent Syntheses and Strategies toward Polycyclic Gelsemium Alkaloids
Authors: Ghosh Ankan , Carter Rich G.
Published: October 2018

This Minireview is focused on an in‐depth discussion of comparative strategies to construct the gelsemine and gelsedine classes of the gelsemium alkaloids. This document highlights the diversity of strategies used to access specific motifs found within these targets: a) the fused “[3.2.1]bicycle” (in gelsemine) and “oxabicycle” (in gelsedine class); b) the “piroxindole” moiety with C7 quaternary center; c) the “N‐heterocycles” and d) the “THP” moiety with C20 quaternary center (in gelsemine).
Tetrahedral Pegs in Square Holes: Stereochemistry of Diboron Porphyrazines and Phthalocyanines
Authors: Tay Aaron Chin Yit , Frogley Benjamin J. , Ware David C. , Conradie Jeanet , Ghosh Abhik , Brothers Penelope J.
Published: October 2018

The first examples of diboron complexes of the tetrapyrroles octaethylporphyrazine (OEPz) and 2,9,16,23‐tetra‐t‐butyl‐phthalocyanine (Pc) are reported, counterpoints to the better known monoboron tripyrroles, subporphyrazine and subphthalocyanine. Two stereochemical possibilities are observed, with cisoid‐B2OF2(OEPz), both cisoid‐B2OPh2(OEPz) and transoid‐B2OPh2(OEPz), transoid‐B2OF2(Pc) and cisoid‐B2OPh2(Pc) having been isolated and characterised, including structure determinations for the OEPz complexes. This variation in stereochemistry, which can be extended to include the previously reported transoid‐B2OF2(porphyrin), cisoid‐[B2OF2(corrole)]−, and both transoid‐ and cisoid‐B2OF2(calixphyrin), prompted a wider DFT study to elucidate the factors influencing the stereochemical preferences. This shows that the cisoid/transoid preference is correlated to the ease with which the macrocycle accommodates a rectangularly distorted N4 cavity.
Label‐Free Visualization of Carbapenemase Activity in Living Bacteria
Authors: Zhang Ye , Lei Jin‐E , He Yuan , Yang Jianhua , Wang Wenjing , Wasey Abdul , Xu Jiru , Lin Yue , Fan Haiming , Jing Guangyin , Zhang Ce , Jin Yi
Published: October 2018

Evaluating enzyme activity intracellularly on natural substrates is a significant experimental challenge in biomedical research. We report a label‐free method for real‐time monitoring of the catalytic behavior of class A, B, and D carbapenemases in live bacteria based on measurement of heat changes. By this means, novel biphasic kinetics for class D OXA‐48 with imipenem as substrate is revealed, providing a new approach to detect OXA‐48‐like producers. This in‐cell calorimetry approach offers major advantages in the rapid screening (10 min) of carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae from 142 clinical bacterial isolates, with superior sensitivity (97 %) and excellent specificity (100 %) compared to conventional methods. As a general, label‐free method for the study of living cells, this protocol has potential for application to a wider range and variety of cellular components and physiological processes.
A Cooperative Hydrogen Bond Donor–Brønsted Acid System for the Enantioselective Synthesis of Tetrahydropyrans
Authors: Maskeri Mark A. , O'Connor Matthew J. , Jaworski Ashley A. , Bay Anna V. , Scheidt Karl A.
Published: October 2018

Carbocations stabilized by adjacent oxygen atoms are useful reactive intermediates involved in fundamental chemical transformations. These oxocarbenium ions typically lack sufficient electron density to engage established chiral Brønsted or Lewis acid catalysts, presenting a major challenge to their widespread application in asymmetric catalysis. Leading methods for selectivity operate primarily through electrostatic pairing between the oxocarbenium ion and a chiral counterion. A general approach to new enantioselective transformations of oxocarbenium ions requires novel strategies that address the weak binding capabilities of these intermediates. We demonstrate herein a novel cooperative catalysis system for selective reactions with oxocarbenium ions. This new strategy has been applied to a highly selective and rapid oxa‐Pictet–Spengler reaction and highlights a powerful combination of an achiral hydrogen bond donor with a chiral Brønsted acid.
Von der Laborpresse zu Spins mit riesigen Effekten
Authors: Weihrich Richard , Pöttgen Rainer , Pielnhofer Florian
Published: October 2018

Parallel angeordnete Spins in Cobalt‐Kagome‐Netzen lassen Forscher gleich mehrfach jubeln: Liu et al. und Wang et al. berichten von Entdeckungen einmaliger Eigenschaftskombinationen: Sn2Co3S2=Co3Sn2S2=SnCo3/2S weist riesige anomale Hall‐Effekte auf, die bisher bekannte Materialien um Größenordnungen übertreffen. Für die einstige Laborkuriosität wird dies auf eine elektronische Topologie des 2001 vorhergesagten magnetischen S=
‐Grundzustands zurückgeführt, die es zu einem herausragenden Beispiel eines magnetischen Weyl‐Halbmetalls macht. Wir geben einen chemischen Blick auf diese lange Zeit wenig verstandene Verbindung, die auch im Hinblick auf Skyrmionen‐Gitter und als Thermoelektrikum erforscht wird.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Reductive Arylation of N‐(2‐Pyridinyl)amides with Isopropanol and Arylboronate Esters
Authors: Ronson Thomas O. , Renders Evelien , Van Steijvoort Ben F. , Wang Xubin , Wybon Clarence C. D. , Prokopcová Hana , Meerpoel Lieven , Maes Bert U. W.
Published: October 2018

A new three‐component reductive arylation of amides with stable reactants (iPrOH and arylboronate esters), making use of a 2‐pyridinyl (Py) directing group, is described. The N‐Py‐amide substrates are readily prepared from carboxylic acids and PyNH2, and the resulting N‐Py‐1‐arylalkanamine reaction products are easily transformed into the corresponding chlorides by substitution of the HN‐Py group with HCl. The 1‐aryl‐1‐chloroalkane products allow substitution and cross‐coupling reactions. Therefore, a general protocol for the transformation of carboxylic acids into a variety of functionalities is obtained. The Py‐NH2 by‐product can be recycled.
The Neuroaffective Triangle and Organising Intervention as a Conceptual Framework for Family Therapy
Authors: Hart Susan , Jacobsen Stine Lindahl
Published: October 2018

This article outlines a conceptual framework for organising an intervention plan for family therapy before starting the sessions. This is based on an integrative coherent theory or frame of understanding called neuroaffective developmental psychology (NADP) (Hart,). NADP is an integration of attachment theory, neuropsychology, developmental psychology, and trauma theory. It has been developed as a tool to navigate in the complex world of emotional development, intersubjectivity, family therapy, and psychotherapy to create relevant intervention plans to meet the needs of an individual family or client. NADP is used as a theoretical frame of understanding, (a) to understand emotional development, personality vulnerabilities and disorders, and the maturation of emotional capacities within attachment‐based relationships, and (b) to translate this understanding into intervention plans discretely adjusted to the complexity of human development and the skills and agency of the professionals working with the families. The theory and clinical application of NADP as an organising frame within a family therapy setting is illustrated by a case example.
Hofmann N‐alkylation of aniline derivatives with alcohols using ferric perchlorate immobilized on SiO2 as a catalyst through Box–Behnken experimental design
Authors: Ghanimati Mahdi , Abdoli Senejani Masumeh , Isfahani Tahereh Momeni , Bodaghifard Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2018

An efficient method for the N‐alkylation of poorly nucleophilic amines using ferric perchlorate immobilized on SiO2 as a catalyst is described. Fe(ClO4)3 was prepared from mixing iron(III) hydroxide and perchloric acid and adsorbed on silica gel. The catalyst was characterized using various techniques. The supported ferric perchlorate (Fe(ClO4)3/SiO2) revealed high efficiency and selectivity for N‐alkylation of aromatic amines with alcohols to provide alkylated amines. Various secondary amines were synthesized from primary amines and alcohols in good to excellent yields, with water as the only by‐product. The optimization of the reaction conditions was investigated using the response surface method, and involving the Box–Behnken design matrix. The conditions for optimal reaction yield and time were: amount of catalyst = 0.34 mmol, temperature = 60°C and molar ratio of amine to alcohol = 1.2. The catalyst was recovered and reused for five cycles without a considerable decrease in catalytic activity. The stability of the recycled catalyst was investigated. The proposed method has numerous advantages including procedure simplicity, short reaction times, low cost, good to excellent yields, reusability of the catalyst and mild and environmentally benign conditions.
Lactobacillus pentosus CECT 4023 T co‐utilizes glucose and xylose to produce lactic acid from wheat straw hydrolysate: Anaerobiosis as a key factor
Authors: Cubas‐Cano Enrique , González‐Fernández Cristina , Ballesteros Mercedes , Tomás‐Pejó Elia
Published: October 2018

Lactic acid is a versatile chemical that can be produced via fermentation of lignocellulosic materials. The heterolactic strain Lactobacillus pentosus CECT 4023 T, that can consume glucose and xylose, was studied to produce lactic acid from steam exploded wheat straw prehydrolysate. The effect of temperature and pH on bacterial growth was analyzed. Besides, the effect of oxygen on lactic acid production was tested and fermentation yields were compared in different scenarios. This strain showed very high tolerance to the inhibitors contained in the wheat straw prehydrolysate. The highest lactic acid yields based on present sugar, around 0.80 g g−1, were obtained from glucose in presence of 25%, 50%, and 75% v v−1 of prehydrolysate in strict anaerobiosis. Lactic fermentation of wheat straw hydrolysate obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis of the prehydrolysate yielded 0.39 g of lactic acid per gram of released sugars, which demonstrated the high potential of L. pentosus to produce lactic acid from hemicellulosic hydrolysates. Results presented herein not only corroborated the ability of L. pentosus to grow using mixtures of sugars, but also demonstrated the suitability of this strain to be applied as an efficient lactic acid producer in a lignocellulosic biorefinery approach. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2739, 2019
At‐line raman spectroscopy and design of experiments for robust monitoring and control of miniature bioreactor cultures
Authors: Rowland‐Jones Ruth C. , Jaques Colin
Published: October 2018

The biopharmaceutical industry is moving toward a more quality by design (QbD) approach that seeks to increase product and process understanding and process control. Miniature bioreactor systems offer a high‐throughput method enabling the assessment of numerous process variables in a controlled environment. However, the number of off/at‐line samples that can be taken is restricted due to the small working volume of each vessel. This limitation may be resolved through the use of Raman spectroscopy due to its ability to obtain multianalyte data from small sample volumes fast. It can, however, be challenging to implement this technique for this application due to the complexity of the sample matrix and that analytes are often present in low concentration. Here, we present a design of experiments (DOE) approach to generate samples for calibrating robust multivariate predictive models measuring glucose, lactate, ammonium, viable cell concentration (VCC) and product concentration, for unclarified cell culture that improves the daily monitoring of each miniature bioreactor vessel. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the output of the glucose and VCC models can be used to control the glucose and main nutrient feed rate within miniature bioreactor cultures to within qualified critical limits set for larger scale vessels. The DOE approach used to generate the calibration sample set is shown to result in models more robust to process changes than by simply using samples taken from the “typical” process. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2740, 2019.
Robotics and kinetic design for underrepresented minority (URM) students in building education: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Yi Hwang
Published: October 2018

Owing to the widespread distribution of open‐source robotic software and cheaper hardware, design education in architecture and engineering is evolving to emphasize interactive and dynamic geometries, using new digital media and technologies. However, ethnic minority groups are still underrepresented in technology‐driven changes in architecture, and their career is at risk in the growing tech‐related job markets of the architecture, construction, and engineering (ACE) industry. In this context, the paper addresses college‐level pedagogical issues and learning performance related to introductory robotics education in architectural design studios for the underrepresented minority (URM) students. This article presents the organization of curriculum activities, technical experiments in learning, and teaching experiences in the largest Hispanic‐serving institution (HSI) in the U.S. The academic projects presented exhibit both technical challenges and achievements for URM students to build design competency and tool fluency in a streamlined prototyping of responsive kinetic building fabrication. The effectiveness of computer‐aided design (CAD) technologies (3D printing, sensing, microcontrollers, etc.) for the advancement of minority‐serving design education is discussed to promote design‐learning possibilities and interdisciplinary collaborations associated with science and engineering. Expectations from course objectives are compared with final outcomes to suggest efficient learning strategies and teaching solutions of kinetic architecture.
SIX1 is upregulated in gastric cancer and regulates proliferation and invasion by targeting the ERK pathway and promoting epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Xie Ying , Jin Peng , Sun Xuren , Jiao Taiwei , Zhang Yining , Li Yue , Sun Mingjun
Published: October 2018

Sine oculis homeobox homologue 1 (SIX1) is a Six class homeobox gene conserved throughout many species. It has been reported to act as an oncogene and is overexpressed in many cancers. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of SIX1 in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. In our study, we detected protein levels of SIX1 via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and its proliferation and invasion effects via CCK8 and transwell assays. Additionally, expression of cyclin D1, MMP2, p‐ERK, and EMT‐related proteins was measured by western blotting. We found that SIX1 had significantly higher expression in GC tissues and that it could promote GC cell proliferation and invasion. Also, overexpression of SIX1 increased the expression of cyclin D1, MMP2, p‐ERK, and EMT‐related proteins, which could all be inhibited by knocking down SIX1. In conclusion, SIX1 is upregulated in GC tissues. It can promote GC cell proliferation by targeting cyclin D1, invasion via ERK signalling, and EMT pathways by targeting MMP2 and E‐cadherin.

Significance of the study

Our study showed that SIX1 was upregulated in GC tissues, and promoted GC cell proliferation by targeting cyclin D1, invasion via ERK signalling, and EMT pathways by targeting MMP2 and E‐cadherin. These results suggested the potential regulatory mechanism of SIX1 in proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer.