bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote refrigeration system experiments for control engineering education
Authors: Rampazzo Mirco , Cervato Andrea , Beghi Alessandro
Published: March 2017

The extension of the traditional hands‐on laboratories to the Internet, in which labs are remotely accessible to the users to perform experiments, is still a challenge for education in engineering. In this paper, we present a remote refrigeration laboratory that allows students, trainees, and engineers to get acquainted with control aspects of mechanical refrigeration systems. Thanks to a university–industry partnership, the remote lab is hosted in an industrial site and it can be accessed by means of a client–server communication and an ad‐hoc designed LabVIEW‐based user interface, that allows to monitor and control the plant. The user can conduct both open‐ and closed‐loop experiments on a typical vapor compression cycle refrigeration system, testing different control architectures that range from standard regulators to data‐driven PID controllers.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:430–440, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21810
Design of a low cost remote electronic laboratory suitable for low bandwidth connection
Authors: Mostefaoui Hakima , Benachenhou Abdelhalim , Benattia Abderrahmane Adda
Published: March 2017

The development of remote lab has grown during the last decade. However, almost all current laboratories use proprietary software (a Labview like software) and expensive hardware (server) to implement them. This paper presents the development of a low‐cost alternative, flexible, and reconfigurable remote lab, based on an architecture built around an Arduino Mega. Low‐bandwidth connections requirement was carried out by the use of HTML code for the development of the required graphical user interface. The usability and effectiveness of the proposed solutions were evaluated by considering a case study of two groups of students that carried out the same lab work: The first one remotely and the second one in a hands‐on lab. This test showed that the remote laboratory was well received by students: Remote students group realize their task in a shorter time and have slightly better outcomes than students group in a hands‐on laboratory. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:480–488, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21815
Electrochemical Biosensors: Electrode Development, Materials, Design, and Fabrication
Authors: Abdulbari Hayder A. , Basheer Esmail A. M.
Published: March 2017

This paper reviews the engineering design of an electrochemical biosensor, particularly the main concepts of electrodes and the type of material selections, design, and fabrication method. Furthermore, the related theories and practical examples from existing literature are reviewed. Research is now directed toward the development of biosensors as important bioanalytical tools in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, and other consumer‐oriented industries. Currently, comprehensive guidelines on the selection of electrodes for electrochemical biosensors are unavailable. Factual options are important in determining the real‐time response of biosensors. Attempts to determine the best material and design for electrodes have no results because of the complexity of fabrication and the lifespan of the material chosen for the electrodes. This paper summarizes the trends in numerous studies on developing electrochemical biosensors. A better understanding of biosensors will greatly assist in the design of new and improved biosensors.
Quantitative Evaluation of Passive Scalar Flow Mixing – A Review of Recent Developments
Authors: Xu Ben , Li Yuchun , Xu Xiankun , Xu Xinhai
Published: March 2017

Flow mixing has always been of particular interest for chemical engineering, combustion, and energy industries as well as other related engineering applications. Mixing always plays a crucial role because of its ability to uniformly distribute the passive scalar in the flow field without dynamic influences to the flow field itself. This paper reviews studies which quantitatively evaluated passive scalar mixing in various engineering applications. On the one hand, passive scalar mixing in turbulence has been reviewed from the aspect of energy spectrum cascades and small temporal‐spatial scale analysis, mixing time, unmixedness, mixing time‐scale ratio, and relative mixing intensity ratio using DNS. Secondly, several different concepts (percentage mixing, mixing intensity and degree of mixing) to quantify the flow mixing in microfluidic systems were introduced and compared thoroughly, and it is believed that these methods can be extended to other macro fluid engineering systems. Furthermore, a CFD‐based approach using the statistics of temporal and spatial distribution of fluid particles was reviewed, but cannot be extended to engineering applications with special requirements of mixing time.
The Cell‐Surface N‐Glycome of Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Differentiated Hepatic Cells thereof
Authors: Montacir Houda , Freyer Nora , Knöspel Fanny , Urbaniak Thomas , Dedova Tereza , Berger Markus , Damm Georg , Tauber Rudolf , Zeilinger Katrin , Blanchard Véronique
Published: March 2017

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent stem cells that offer a wide range of applications in regenerative medicine. In addition, they have been proposed as an appropriate alternative source of hepatocytes. In this work, hESCs were differentiated into definitive endodermal cells (DECs), followed by maturation into hepatocyte‐like cells (HLCs). Their cell‐surface N‐glycome was profiled and also compared with that of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Undifferentiated hESCs contained large amounts of high‐mannose N‐glycans. In contrast, complex‐type N‐glycans such as asialylated or monosialylated biantennary and triantennary N‐glycans were dominant in HLCs, and fully galactosylated structures were significantly more abundant than in undifferentiated hESCs. The cell‐surface N‐glycosylation of PHHs was more biologically processed than that of HLCs, with bisialylated biantennary and trisialylated triantennary structures predominant. This is the first report of the cell surface N‐glycome of PHHs and of HLCs being directly generated from hESCs without embryoid body formation.
A Tandem Enzymatic sp2‐C‐Methylation Process: Coupling in Situ S‐Adenosyl‐l‐Methionine Formation with Methyl Transfer
Authors: Sadler Joanna C. , Humphreys Luke D. , Snajdrova Radka , Burley Glenn A.
Published: March 2017

A one‐pot, two‐step biocatalytic platform for the regiospecfic C‐methylation and C‐ethylation of aromatic substrates is described. The tandem process utilises SalL (Salinospora tropica) for in situ synthesis of S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM), followed by alkylation of aromatic substrates by the C‐methyltransferase NovO (Streptomyces spheroides). The application of this methodology is demonstrated for the regiospecific labelling of aromatic substrates by the transfer of methyl, ethyl and isotopically labelled 13CH3, 13CD3 and CD3 groups from their corresponding SAM analogues formed in situ.
Indications of 5′ to 3′ Interbase Electron Transfer as the First Step of Pyrimidine Dimer Formation Probed by a Dinucleotide Analog
Authors: Jian Yajun , Maximowitsch Egle , Liu Degang , Adhikari Surya , Li Lei , Domratcheva Tatiana
Published: March 2017

Pyrimidine dimers are the most common DNA lesions generated under UV radiation. To reveal the molecular mechanisms behind their formation, it is of significance to reveal the roles of each pyrimidine residue. We thus replaced the 5′‐pyrimidine residue with a photochemically inert xylene moiety (X). The electron‐rich X can be readily oxidized but not reduced, defining the direction of interbase electron transfer (ET). Irradiation of the XpT dinucleotide under 254 nm UV light generates two major photoproducts: a pyrimidine (6‐4) pyrimidone analog (6‐4PP) and an analog of the so‐called spore photoproduct (SP). Both products are formed by reaction at C4=O of the photo‐excited 3′‐thymidine (T), which indicates that excitation of a single “driver” residue is sufficient to trigger pyrimidine dimerization. Our quantum‐chemical calculations demonstrated that photo‐excited 3′‐T accepts an electron from 5′‐X. The resulting charge‐separated radical pair lowers its energy upon formation of interbase covalent bonds, eventually yielding 6‐4PP and SP.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of ortho‐(Propargyloxy)arenemethylenecyclopropanes Controlled by Adjacent Substituents at Aromatic Rings
Authors: Fang Wei , Wei Yin , Tang Xiang‐Ying , Shi Min
Published: March 2017

Gold(I)‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of ortho‐(propargyloxy)arenemethylenecyclopropanes afforded two different types of products, that is, products of methylenecyclopropane migration and cycloisomerization products of the methylenecyclopropane moiety, controlled jointly by electronic and steric effects of the adjacent substituents. Furthermore, the corresponding cycloisomerization products could be also produced in an enantiomerically enriched manner.
Synthesis of Poly‐γ‐S‐2‐methylbutyl‐l‐glutamate and Poly‐γ‐S‐2‐methylbutyl‐d‐glutamate and Their Use as Enantiodiscriminating Alignment Media in NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Hansmann Stefanie , Schmidts Volker , Thiele Christina M.
Published: March 2017

Lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) phases of polyglutamic acid derivatives, such as poly‐γ‐benzyl‐l‐glutamate, are suitable alignment media for organic structure elucidation by NMR spectroscopy. Their helical structure is responsible for enantiodiscrimination. As part of our ongoing investigations concerning the alignment mechanism(s) of these systems, we considered whether an additional chiral center in the side chain could improve enantiodiscrimination relative to the helical polymer with an achiral side chain. Therefore, the diastereoisomers poly‐γ‐S‐2‐methylbutyl‐l‐glutamate (PSMBLG) and poly‐γ‐S‐2‐methylbutyl‐d‐glutamate (PSMBDG) were synthesized. These two polymers were tested for their liquid crystallinity and suitability as alignment media. The spatial structure of the solutes (−)‐curcumol and isopinocampheol (IPC) were validated by the residual dipolar coupling data obtained. Additionally, enantiodiscrimination of IPC was observed in the new alignment media and compared with the enantiodiscrimination of IPC in other homopolypeptides.
Detection of DT‐diaphorase Enzyme with a ParaCEST MRI Contrast Agent
Authors: Daryaei Iman , Jones Kyle M. , Pagel Mark D.
Published: March 2017

A responsive magnetic resonance (MRI) contrast agent has been developed that can detect the enzyme activity of DT‐diaphorase. The agent produced different chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI signals before and after incubation with the enzyme, NADH, and GSH at different pH values whereas it showed good stability in a reducing environment without enzyme.
Hierarchical Octahedral Na2MnFe(CN)6 and Na2MnFe(CN)6@Ppy as Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Fangdong , Li Lin , Jiang Xiaolei
Published: March 2017

The Na2MnFe(CN)6 is successfully synthesized by a simple co‐precipitation method, and then coated with conducting polymers (PPy) on the surface of Na2MnFe(CN)6 particle. Interestingly, Na2MnFe(CN)6 and Na2MnFe(CN)6@PPy both show hollow octahedral hierarchical structures with nanometer‐sized subunits. Na2MnFe(CN)6@PPy exhibits a discharge capacity of 107 mAh•g−1 after 150 cycles at a current density of 10 mA•g−1. It can still remain 65 mAh•g−1 even the current density is increased to 200 mA•g−1. This superior electrochemical property could be ascribed to unique hierarchical architecture as well as improved electronic conductivity.
Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Alkenyl and Alkynyl Substrates
Authors: Zou Bo , Hu Changwen
Published: March 2017

As an extensively used chemical product, cyclic carbonate was generally synthesized by transesterification, or the cycloaddition of epoxides, diols with CO2. To reduce the production costs and expand the raw materials, alkenyl and alkynyl substrates have caused much attention in the synthesis of cyclic carbonates, such as olefins, allyl alcohols and propargylic alcohols. Based on the alkenyl substrate, the synthetic process involves a continuous reaction of oxidative carboxylation, with epoxide or halohydrin as an intermediate usually. Therefore, peroxides and nucleophiles (halogens or organic bases) are often necessary in the conversion. Using propargylic alcohols to produce α‐alkylidene cyclic carbonates, noble metal catalysts play crucial roles in alkynyl activation, and organic bases are considered to assist the intramolecular and intermolecular proton transfer and combine CO2 molecular. As the carboxyl sources in products, inorganic carbonates and organic carboxylic acids also have some applications instead of CO2. In this review, we summarized the synthetic routes of cyclic carbonates from alkenyl and alkynyl substrates in the aspect of catalyst, mechanism and the development tendency.
Synthesis and Fungicidal Activity of (E)‐5‐[1‐(2‐Oxo‐1‐oxaspiro[4,5]dec/non‐3‐en‐3‐yl)ethylidene]‐2‐aminoimidazolin‐4‐one Derivatives
Authors: Tang Bo , Guan Aiying , Zhao Yu , Jiang Jiazhen , Wang Mingan , Zhou Ligang
Published: March 2017

The novel fungicidal agents, (E)‐5‐[1‐(2‐oxo‐1‐oxaspiro[4,5]dec/non‐3‐en‐3‐yl)ethylidene]‐2‐aminoimidazolin‐ 4‐one derivatives, were designed and synthesized in moderate to excellent yields in four steps using α‐hydroxyketone and diketene as raw materials and characterized by HR‐ESI‐MS, 1H NMR and X‐ray diffraction. The preliminary bioassay showed that some of these compounds, such as 5e, 6a, 6e, and 7 h exhibit 87.8%, 91.3%, 89.9% and 87.8% inhibition rates against Sclerotinia scleotiorum, 3b, 3c, 4c and 7 h exhibit 96.4%, 92.5%, 90.3% and 76.9% inhibition rates against Phytophthora capsici at the concentration of 50 µg/mL, respectively. These compounds exhibited significant fungicidal activities against S. scleotiorum and P. capsici with EC50 values of 2.56–11.60 µg/mL, and compounds 6e and 7 h exhibited weak inhibition against the spore germination of S. scleotiorum, while the spore germination of P. capsici was strongly inhibited by compound 7 h solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation indicated that compound 7 h had a significant impact on the structure and function of the hyphal cell wall of P. capsici mycelium.
Electronic Properties of Optically Switchable Photochromic Diarylethene Molecules at the Interface with Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Wang Qiankun , Frisch Johannes , Herder Martin , Hecht Stefan , Koch Norbert
Published: March 2017

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Prof. N. Koch and Prof. S. Hecht. The image shows an artist′s view of a photochromic diarylethene molecule on a gold surface. The molecule undergoes a photoisomerization process upon irradiation with light. Ring‐opening and ring‐closure reactions proceed reversibly and modify the energy levels available for interfacial charge and energy transfer. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cphc.201601442.
CSR research in the apparel industry: A quantitative and qualitative review of existing literature
Authors: White Candace L. , Nielsen Anne Ellerup , Valentini Chiara
Published: March 2017

A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the extant literature about corporate social responsibility in the apparel industry found that perspectives and research traditions are underdeveloped and fragmented. Articles (n = 73) were found in 41 different journals that spanned an array of disciplines with the majority of journals publishing fewer than three articles on the topic. Issues concerning ethical supply chains were the most prevalent; a primary concern is the supply chain issue of labor practices in developing countries. The study indicates that despite growing stakeholder pressure on the apparel businesses to adopt CSR and interact with stakeholders about CSR, there is a ‘discursive polyphony’ and consequent confusion among consumers, which could benefit from strategic communication management. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Robust microbial cell segmentation by optical‐phase thresholding with minimal processing requirements
Authors: Alanazi H. , Canul A. J. , Garman A. , Quimby J. , Vasdekis A. E.
Published: March 2017

High‐throughput imaging with single‐cell resolution has enabled remarkable discoveries in cell physiology and Systems Biology investigations. A common, and often the most challenging step in all such imaging implementations, is the ability to segment multiple images to regions that correspond to individual cells. Here, a robust segmentation strategy for microbial cells using Quantitative Phase Imaging is reported. The proposed method enables a greater than 99% yeast cell segmentation success rate, without any computationally‐intensive, post‐acquisition processing. We also detail how the method can be expanded to bacterial cell segmentation with 98% success rates with substantially reduced processing requirements in comparison to existing methods. We attribute this improved performance to the remarkably uniform background, elimination of cell‐to‐cell and intracellular optical artifacts, and enhanced signal‐to‐background ratio—all innate properties of imaging in the optical‐phase domain. © 2017 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Analysis and performance evaluation of an efficient handover algorithm for cognitive HetNets
Authors: Habibzadeh A. , Shirvani Moghaddam S. , Razavizadeh S. M. , Shirvanimoghaddam M.
Published: March 2017

Cognitive heterogeneous network is a promising technology to meet the requirements of future wireless networks in cost and energy efficiency. By using vertical handover (VHO) between different network tiers, such as macro and femto, the traffic congestion can be potentially alleviated, and the spectral efficiency is significantly increased. However, performing VHO for a cognitive handover user (CHU) and simultaneously guaranteeing the quality of service of the primary user (PU) is the most challenging issue in such a network. This paper proposes an efficient VHO strategy in a cognitive heterogeneous network, which considers both adaptive average received signal and spectrum availability, namely, average received signal and spectrum availability. To analyse the performance of the proposed average received signal and spectrum availability algorithm, several metrics are investigated. First, the assignment probability of a CHU from a macro base station to a femto base station is evaluated and simplified in a closed‐form expression. Then, the outage probability of a CHU and collision probability of the PU are theoretically investigated for the proposed algorithm and are compared with 2 well‐known algorithms, the modified received signal strength–α and the received signal strength and wireless transmission loss. We also introduce a new performance metric, referred to as figure of merit, which jointly considers the assignment and outage probability of a CHU, collision probability of a PU, and the number of unnecessary handovers of a CHU. Figure of merit effectively shows the superiority of the proposed handover algorithm to conventional ones.
LVAP: Lightweight V2I authentication protocol using group communication in VANETs
Authors: Liu Yining , Guo Wei , Zhong Qi , Yao Gang
Published: March 2017

The authentication protocol is vital for the security of the wireless sensor network to resist the known threats, such as eavesdropping, replay attack, man‐in‐the‐middle attack, etc. In this paper, a lightweight authentication protocol for vehicular ad hoc networks is proposed using the symmetric encryption, the group communication method, and the proactive authentication technique, which not only achieves the desired security goals but also guarantees the practical anonymity and the accountability. The analysis demonstrates that the proposed protocol works properly in the high‐density and the low‐density traffic environment.
A Straightforward Synthesis of 1,2‐Azaphosphindoles
Authors: Zhang Lujun , Liu Changchun , Duan Zheng , Mathey François
Published: March 2017

Treatment of ortho‐(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl nitriles with an excess of lithium at room temperature in THF gives 1,2‐azaphosphindolides, which can react with RX (benzyl bromide, 1‐bromopropane, and 1,2‐dibromoethane) to form 2H‐1,2‐azaphosphindoles and give the aromatic 1H‐1,2‐azaphosphindoles upon protonation.
Iridium‐Catalysed Cascade Synthesis of Oxindoles Using Diazo Compounds: A Quick Entry to C‐7‐Functionalized Oxindoles
Authors: Karmakar Ujjwal , Das Debapratim , Samanta Rajarshi
Published: March 2017

A cascade iridium‐catalysed oxindole synthesis was achieved using pyridyl‐protected anilines and bis(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) 2‐diazomalonate. The developed protocol is simple and scalable, and has a broad scope and excellent regioselectivity. The pyridyl directing group can easily be removed. The method was further extended to give C‐7‐functionalized oxindole derivatives in a straightforward manner. The role of bis(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) 2‐diazomalonate for oxindole preparation has been explored.
A Molecular Turnstile as an E‐Field‐Triggered Single‐Molecule Switch: Concept and Synthesis
Authors: Le Pleux Loïc , Kapatsina Elisabeth , Hildesheim Julia , Häussinger Daniel , Mayor Marcel
Published: March 2017

A new single‐molecule switching concept relying on the E‐field‐dependent orientation of a push‐pull system (via its dipole moment) is presented. As first steps towards realizing the E‐field‐triggered single‐molecule motion, the synthesis of turnstile 1, which is designed to bridge a gap within a carbon nanotube junction, is reported. Turnstile 1 consists of a hexakis(m‐phenyleneethynylene) macrocycle decorated with phenanthrene‐functionalized oligo(phenyleneethynylene) (OPE) wires at opposite ends, as well as a para‐connected push‐pull rod as rotator unit. The similarity of the rotor dimension with the surrounding macrocycle guarantees efficient π‐stacking between both subunits when an E‐field is applied. To introduce a dipole moment into the rotator, the structure is terminally functionalized with a nitrile group on one side and with a dimethylamino group on the opposite end. Synthetic protocols based on Sonogashira–Hagihara couplings were developed to build up the macrocycle scaffold. The highly functionalized open precursor A is the key building block of the sequence as it allows a twofold intramolecular palladium‐catalyzed cyclization reaction to be performed to obtain the target turnstile in a very good yield of 68 %. The target structure was fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, 1H‐1H NOESY NMR experiments pointed to a pseudo‐rotation of the push‐pull rod within the turnstile structure on the time scale of the NMR experiment.
Catalytic Hydrogenolysis of Enantioenriched Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes Using H2 and Palladium on Charcoal
Authors: Sone Yoshitomo , Kimura Yumi , Ota Ryotaro , Mochizuki Takehito , Ito Junki , Nishii Yoshinori
Published: March 2017

The hydrogenolysis of enantioenriched donor–acceptor (D–A) cyclopropanes using H2 (1 atm) and a catalytic amount of palladium on charcoal gave trans‐α‐alkoxycarbonyl‐β‐benzyl‐γ‐lactones or β‐substituted γ‐aryl‐α,α‐diesters with high enantiomeric excess. The reaction was also used as a key step in the asymmetric total synthesis of yatein with high ee and excellent dr. This demonstrates the utility of this new protocol for the asymmetric synthesis of trans‐α,β‐disubstituted γ‐butyrolactones. D–A cyclopropanes containing electron‐withdrawing groups at the β‐position were not susceptible to hydrogenolysis under these conditions. The reductive ring‐opening of a D–A cyclopropane using D2 instead of H2 generated the corresponding monodeuterated product.
The informational content of unconventional monetary policy on precious metal markets
Authors: Papadamou Stephanos , Sogiakas Vasilios
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates the informational content of unconventional monetary policies and its effect on commodity markets, adopting a nonlinear approach for modeling volatility. The main question addressed is how the Bank of England, Bank of Japan, and European Central Bank's (ECB's) announcements concerning monetary easing affect two major commodities: gold and silver. Our empirical evidence based on daily and high‐frequency data suggests that relevant information causes ambiguous valuation adjustments as well as stabilization or destabilization effects. Specifically, there is strong evidence that the Japanese Central Bank strengthens the precious metal markets by increasing their returns and by causing stabilization effects, in contrast to the ECB, which has opposite results, mainly due to the heterogeneous expectations of investors within these markets. These asymmetries across central banks' effects on gold and silver risk–return profile imply that the ECB unconventional monetary easing informational content opposes its stated mission, adding uncertainty in precious metals markets.
Definition of a Geriatric Depression Scale cutoff based upon quality of life: a population‐based study
Authors: Laudisio Alice , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Gemma Antonella , Marzetti Emanuele , Pozzi Gino , Padua Luca , Bernabei Roberto , Zuccalà Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The cutoff scores for the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) commonly adopted in clinical and research settings are based upon other neuropsychological tests. However, any intervention for depression should aim at improving subjective quality of life (QoL). We searched for a GDS cutoff level that might identify a decrease in perceived QoL using a scale that also allows formal cost‐effectiveness calculations.

Methods

Quality of life was assessed by the Health Utilities Index, Mark 3 in all 344 residents of Tuscania (Italy) aged 75 years and above. Mood was assessed by both the 30‐item GDS and the derived 15‐item GDS. The association of GDS with low QoL was analyzed by multivariable logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was adopted to estimate the overall predictive value and the best GDS cutoff for poor QoL.

Results

The 30‐item GDS score was associated with increased probability of a worse QoL (odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% confidence (CI) = 1.02–1.12, p = 0.003); also, it was a fair predictor of worse QoL (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.67–0.76). The best GDS score cutoff for identifying a poor QoL was above 9/30. Results were similar (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02–1.12, p = 0.003, and AUC = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.67–0.76) for the short GDS form for a cutoff above 5/15.

Conclusions

Among older subjects, depressive symptoms are associated with reduced QoL; GDS scores above 9/30 or 5/15 best predict poor perceived health‐related QoL. These cutoff scores could therefore identify subjects in whom treatment is more likely to improve QoL and to yield a favorable cost‐effectiveness ratio. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An interbasin comparison of tree‐ring reconstructed streamflow in the eastern United States
Authors: Maxwell R.S. , Harley G.L. , Maxwell J.T. , Rayback S.A. , Pederson N. , Cook E.R. , Barclay D.J. , Li W. , Rayburn J.A.
Published: March 2017

Tree‐ring reconstructions of streamflow are uncommon in the eastern United States compared with the western United States. Although the east has not experienced severe drought on the scale of the west over the last 100 years, multiyear droughts have stressed the water management systems throughout the east. Here, we reconstruct mean May–September streamflow of three rivers serving population centers in the northeast (Beaver Kill River serving New York, NY), mid‐Atlantic (Potomac River serving Washington, DC), and southeast (Flint River serving Atlanta, GA) to demonstrate the efficacy of reconstructing streamflow in the eastern United States. Then, we conducted an interbasin comparison to identify periods of common variability and examined the influence of the North Atlantic subtropical high on reconstructed streamflow. Our models explained 40–61% of the variance in the instrumental record and passed verification tests in all basins during the period 1675–2000 CE. Droughts and pluvials showed some synchrony across all basins, but the mid‐Atlantic region acted as a hinge, sometimes behaving more like the northeast, and other times like the southeast. Climatic analyses suggest a relationship exists between the North Atlantic subtropical high and reconstructed streamflow that influences the probability of drought and pluvial events. Given the many factors influencing tree growth in closed‐canopy systems, we have shown that careful standardization of individual tree‐ring series, nested regression models, and the use of multiple species can produce robust proxies of streamflow across the eastern seaboard.
Trial of labor after cesarean delivery for pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ganer Herman Hadas , Kogan Zviya , Bar Jacob , Kovo Michal
Published: March 2017

Objective

To assess rates of, and factors associated with, trial of labor and vaginal delivery among pregnancies complicated by both gestational diabetes (GDM) and a previous cesarean delivery.

Methods

In a retrospective study of singleton deliveries at a university hospital in Israel between 2009 and 2015, women with one previous cesarean delivery and GDM were matched to those without GDM by past cesarean delivery indication: non‐favorable (non‐progressive labor or failed induction) or favorable (all other indications). Computerized files were reviewed, and maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes were compared.

Results

In total, 109 women with GDM were matched to 109 control women. Trial of labor was attempted by 55 (50.5%) women in the control group and 11 (10.1%) in the GDM group (P<0.001). Overall, 42 (38.5%) control women and 5 (4.6%) women with GDM delivered vaginally (P<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression identified lack of GDM as the most significant factor associated with trial of vaginal delivery, followed by a prior vaginal delivery. Among women attempting a trial of labor, past vaginal delivery, but not GDM status, was associated with successful vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

GDM significantly diminished the likelihood of a trial of vaginal delivery after cesarean delivery and its subsequent success.
Meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate and vaginal progesterone for the prevention of recurrent spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: Oler Elizabeth , Eke Ahizechukwu C. , Hesson Ashley
Published: March 2017

Background

Vaginal progesterone and 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17α‐OHP) are both used to prevent preterm delivery in women who have experienced spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) previously. Randomized trial data of the comparative effectiveness of these interventions have been mixed.

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of intramuscular 17α‐OHP and vaginal progesterone in the prevention of recurrent SPTD.

Search strategy

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, African Journals Online, Embase, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, PubMed, and registers of ongoing trials were searched using keywords related to 17α‐OHP, vaginal progesterone, and preterm delivery.

Selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials published between January 1, 1966, and November 30, 2016, comparing 17α‐OHP and vaginal progesterone for the prevention of recurrent SPTD during singleton pregnancies were included.

Data collection and analysis

Study data were extracted and meta‐analyses were performed when outcomes were comparable.

Main results

The meta‐analyses included data from three randomized trials. Lower rates of SPTD before 34 weeks (relative risk 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.53–0.95) and before 32 weeks (relative risk 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.40–0.94) of pregnancy were observed among patients treated with vaginal progesterone.

Conclusions

Vaginal progesterone and 17α‐OHP were comparable for the prevention of recurrent SPTD in singleton pregnancies; vaginal progesterone could be superior.
Protection of CTGF Antibody Against Diabetic Nephropathy in Mice Via Reducing Glomerular β‐Catenin Expression and Podocyte Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Dai Hou‐Yong , Ma Li‐Na , Cao Yun , Chen Xiao‐Lan , Shi Hui , Fan Ya‐Ping , Yang Bin
Published: March 2017

Despite substantial progress in medical care, the morbidity rate of diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains high in patients with diabetes. Evidence suggests that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) induced podocyte injury may contribute to DN and CTGF inhibition could reduce albuminuria. However, to date the mechanisms involved in the effect of CTGF on podocyte injury have not been fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of therapeutic CTGF antibody on glomerular β‐catenin expression and podocyte epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in diabetic mice. C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups as the following: the control, DN, and DN treated by CTGF antibody group. DN was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and then CTGF antibody was administrated three times per week for 8 weeks. Urinary albumin excretion, mesangial proliferation and matrix deposition, and β‐catenin expression in glomeruli at mRNA and protein level were all increased in DN mice compared to that in the control. Besides, the development of EMT in podocytes from diabetic mice, demonstrated by the downregulation of nephrin and upregulation of desmin in glomeruli, was detected. Furthermore, blocking CTGF by specific antibody reduced albuminuria, prevented the overexpression of CTGF, as well as β‐catenin, in glomeruli and subsequently ameliorated podocyte EMT in DN mice. In summary, this study suggested that CTGF antibody protected podocytes against injury in DN mice by reducing β‐catenin overexpression and preventing podocyte EMT, which might provide new insight into the mechanism of CTGF inhibition in the treatment of DN. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3706–3712, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
End stage renal disease‐induced hypercalcemia may promote aortic valve calcification via Annexin VI enrichment of valve interstitial cell derived‐matrix vesicles
Authors: Cui Lin , Rashdan Nabil A. , Zhu Dongxing , Milne Elspeth M. , Ajuh Paul , Milne Gillian , Helfrich Miep H. , Lim Kelvin , Prasad Sai , Lerman Daniel A. , Vesey Alex T. , Dweck Marc R. , Jenkins William S. , Newby David E. , Farquharson Colin , Macrae Vicky E.
Published: March 2017

Patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) have elevated circulating calcium (Ca) and phosphate (Pi), and exhibit accelerated progression of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). We hypothesized that matrix vesicles (MVs) initiate the calcification process in CAVD. Ca induced rat valve interstitial cells (VICs) calcification at 4.5 mM (16.4‐fold; p < 0.05) whereas Pi treatment alone had no effect. Ca (2.7 mM) and Pi (2.5 mM) synergistically induced calcium deposition (10.8‐fold; p < 0.001) in VICs. Ca treatment increased the mRNA of the osteogenic markers Msx2, Runx2, and Alpl (p < 0.01). MVs were harvested by ultracentrifugation from VICs cultured with control or calcification media (containing 2.7 mM Ca and 2.5 mM Pi) for 16 hr. Proteomics analysis revealed the marked enrichment of exosomal proteins, including CD9, CD63, LAMP‐1, and LAMP‐2 and a concomitant up‐regulation of the Annexin family of calcium‐binding proteins. Of particular note Annexin VI was shown to be enriched in calcifying VIC‐derived MVs (51.9‐fold; p < 0.05). Through bioinformatic analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), the up‐regulation of canonical signaling pathways relevant to cardiovascular function were identified in calcifying VIC‐derived MVs, including aldosterone, Rho kinase, and metal binding. Further studies using human calcified valve tissue revealed the co‐localization of Annexin VI with areas of MVs in the extracellular matrix by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Together these findings highlight a critical role for VIC‐derived MVs in CAVD. Furthermore, we identify calcium as a key driver of aortic valve calcification, which may directly underpin the increased susceptibility of ESRD patients to accelerated development of CAVD.
Roles of neurotrophins in skeletal tissue formation and healing
Authors: Su Yu‐Wen , Zhou Xin‐Fu , Foster Bruce K. , Grills Brian L. , Xu Jiake , Xian Cory J.
Published: March 2017

Neurotrophins and their receptors are key molecules that are known to be critical in regulating nervous system development and maintenance and have been recognized to be also involved in regulating tissue formation and healing in skeletal tissues. Studies have shown that neurotrophins and their receptors are widely expressed in skeletal tissues, implicated in chondrogenesis, osteoblastogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis, and are also involved in regulating tissue formation and healing events in skeletal tissue. Increased mRNA expression for neurotrophins NGF, BDNF, NT‐3, and NT‐4, and their Trk receptors has been observed in injured bone tissues, and NT‐3 and its receptor, TrkC, have been identified to have the highest induction at the injury site in a drill‐hole injury repair model in both bone and the growth plate. In addition, NT‐3 has also recently been shown to be both an osteogenic and angiogenic factor, and this neurotrophin can also enhance expression of the key osteogenic factor, BMP‐2, as well as the major angiogenic factor, VEGF, to promote bone formation, vascularization, and healing of the injury site. Further studies, however, are needed to investigate if different neurotrophins have differential roles in skeletal repair, and if NT‐3 can be a potential target of intervention for promoting bone fracture healing.
Connexin43 intercellular communication drives the early differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells into osteoblasts
Authors: Talbot Julie , Brion Régis , Lamora Audrey , Mullard Mathilde , Morice Sarah , Heymann Dominique , Verrecchia Franck
Published: March 2017

Although it has been demonstrated that human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) express the ubiquitous connexin43 (Cx43) and form functional gap junctions, their role in the early differentiation of hBMSCs into osteoblasts remains poorly documented. Using in vitro assays, we show that Cx43 expression and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) are increased during the differentiation of hBMSCs into osteoblasts, both at the protein and mRNA levels. Two independent procedures to reduce GJIC, a pharmacological approach with GJIC inhibitors (18α‐glycyrrhetinic acid and Gap27 peptide) and a molecular approach using small interfering RNA against Cx43, demonstrated that the presence of Cx43 and functional junctional channels are essential to the ability of hBMSCs to differentiate into osteoblasts in vitro. In addition, a reduced GJIC decreases the expression of Runx2, the major transcription factor implicated in the control of osteoblast commitment and early differentiation of hBMSCs into osteoblasts, suggesting that GJIC mediated by Cx43 is implicated in this process. Together our results demonstrate that GJIC mediated by the Cx43 channels plays a central role throughout the differentiation of hBMSC into osteoblasts, from the early stages to the process of mineralization.
Stem cells applications in bone and tooth repair and regeneration: New insights, tools, and hopes
Authors: Abdel Meguid Eiman , Ke Yuehai , Ji Junfeng , El‐Hashash Ahmed H.K.
Published: March 2017

The exploration of stem and progenitor cells holds promise for advancing our understanding of the biology of tissue repair and regeneration mechanisms after injury. This will also help in the future use of stem cell therapy for the development of regenerative medicine approaches for the treatment of different tissue‐species defects or disorders such as bone, cartilages, and tooth defects or disorders. Bone is a specialized connective tissue, with mineralized extracellular components that provide bones with both strength and rigidity, and thus enable bones to function in body mechanical supports and necessary locomotion process. New insights have been added to the use of different types of stem cells in bone and tooth defects over the last few years. In this concise review, we briefly describe bone structure as well as summarize recent research progress and accumulated information regarding the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells, as well as stem cell contributions to bone repair/regeneration, bone defects or disorders, and both restoration and regeneration of bones and cartilages. We also discuss advances in the osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration of dental and periodontal stem cells as well as in stem cell contributions to dentine regeneration and tooth engineering.
Spectral Doppler ultrasound for predicting long‐term response to topical timolol in children with infantile hemangioma
Authors: He Lili , Huang Guoying
Published: March 2017

Background

To assess the utility of color and spectral Doppler ultrasound at predicting infantile hemangioma (IH) response to timolol.

Methods

Eighty‐three children (0–6 months old) with IH were treated with topical 0.5% timolol maleate twice daily for 6 months. They underwent color and spectral Doppler sonographic examinations at the first visit and 1 month after beginning timolol. Hemangioma volume, arterial diameter (AD), venous diameter (VD), resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), peak arterial systolic velocity (PASV), maximum venous velocity, and mean venous velocity were measured. Therapeutic outcome was assessed at 6 months.

Results

The hemangiomas were classified as deep (55.4%), hybrid (28.9%), or superficial (15.7%) and were located in the head and neck (36.1%), limbs (21.7%), or torso (42.2%). Regression occurred in 53 patients (63.9%). Timolol was the most effective in patients aged 5–6 months, in superficial hemangiomas, and in hemangiomas located on the torso. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that changes in RI (sensitivity/specificity: 71.7%/96.7%), PI (sensitivity/specificity: 73.6%/86.7%), PASV (sensitivity/specificity: 81.1%/80.0%), change in arterial diameter (sensitivity/specificity: 58.5%/83.3%), and change in venous diameter (sensitivity/specificity: 62.3%/73.3%) at 1 month could predict response to timolol at 6 months.

Conclusions

Changes in AD, VD, RI, PI, and PASV at 1 month could be used to predict response to timolol at 6 months. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:480–487, 2017
Convection regimes and tropical‐midlatitude interactions over the Intra‐American Seas from May to November
Authors: Vigaud N. , Robertson A.W.
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

A cluster analysis is applied to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration daily outgoing longwave radiation anomaly fields over the Intra‐American Seas, for the May to November rainy season 1980–2009. Seven recurrent convection regimes are identified, each with distinct impacts on local rainfall. Three suppressed‐convection regimes prevailing throughout the season and in particular during the Mid‐Summer Drought are related to transient anticyclonic circulation anomalies and broad drying over the region. The remaining regimes are all related to enhanced convection and cyclonic circulation anomalies over the Caribbean. For one wet regime, the cyclonic anomaly is located over Central America, which increases moisture advection from the eastern Pacific and in turn rainfall over Central and South America to the disadvantage of northern regions of the Caribbean. The three other regimes are associated with a weaker Caribbean Low Level Jet along its southern branch stretching along the South American coast, while its northern branch is strengthened, exposing the Caribbean to more moisture advection from the northeast trade winds, enhancing convection and rainfall locally. These three wet regimes are related to northwestward‐propagating convective cells that can be traced in a composite sense to the southward incursion of baroclinic waves from the midlatitudes, and anticyclonic wave breaking. In addition, their frequencies are found to be higher during phases 1 and 2 of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation, suggesting a connection with easterly waves emanating from African convection. Relationships are shown between these three northwestward‐propagating wet regimes and historical floods in the Caribbean illustrating the potential value of the convective regime approach for ultimately improving regional predictions and disaster early warning on sub‐seasonal scales.
Association of bilateral flat feet with knee pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Iijima Hirotaka , Ohi Hiroshi , Isho Takuya , Aoyama Tomoki , Fukutani Naoto , Kaneda Eishi , Ohi Kazuko , Abe Kaoru , Kuroki Hiroshi , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: March 2017

This cross‐sectional study examined the relationship of flat feet with knee pain, disability, and physical performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Orthopedic clinic participants (n = 95; age 61–91 years; 68.4% women) with Kellgren‐Lawrence (K/L) grade ≥1 in the medial compartment underwent evaluation of navicular height and foot length for flat feet. Knee pain intensity, disability, and physical performance were evaluated using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure, 10‐m walk, timed up and go, and five‐repetition chair stand tests. Of the 95 enrolled patients, 24 (25.3%) had bilateral flat feet, and significantly higher knee pain compared to patients with no flat feet (11.3 ± 8.23 points vs. 6.58 ± 6.37 points;p = 0.043). A ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that bilateral flat feet were significantly associated with increased knee pain (proportional odds ratio: 5.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.96, 15.3;p = 0.001) compared with no flat feet, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and tibiofemoral joint K/L grade, which is consistent across various different cutoffs of the definition of flat feet. Physical performance was similar between patients with and without bilateral flat feet. The presence of unilateral flat feet was not significantly associated with any outcome measures. These findings indicate that bilateral, but not unilateral, flat feet are associated with worse knee pain. A prospective study investigating a causal relationship between bilateral flat feet posture and knee pain as well as disability would be of particular interest to verify the potential adverse effect of altered foot posture. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2490–2498, 2017.
Automatic morphology‐based cubic p‐spline fitting methodology for smoothing and baseline‐removal of Raman spectra
Authors: González‐Vidal Juan José , Pérez‐Pueyo Rosanna , Soneira María José
Published: March 2017

Noise filtering is considered a crucial step for the proper interpretation of Raman spectra. In this work, we present a new denoising procedure which enhances the Raman information whilst reducing unwanted contributions from the most frequent noise sources, i.e. the shot noise and the fluorescence's baseline. The procedure increases the signal‐to‐noise ratio whilst preserving simultaneously the shapes, positions and intensity ratios of the Raman bands. The method relies on cubic penalized spline fitting and mathematical morphology and requires no user input. We describe the details of this method and include a benchmark to study the performance of the presented approach compared with the most commonly used denoising techniques. The method has been successfully applied to improve the signal quality of Raman spectra from artistic pigments. The reliable results that were obtained make the methodology a useful tool to help the analyst in the interpretation of Raman spectra from pigments in artworks. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.