bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent progress in the development of fluorescent probes for hydrazine
Authors: Nguyen Khac Hong , Hao Yuanqiang , Chen Wansong , Zhang Yintang , Xu Maotian , Yang Minghui , Liu You‐Nian
Published: June 2018

Hydrazine (N2H4) is an important and commonly used chemical reagent for the preparation of textile dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and so on. Despite its widespread industrial applications, hydrazine is highly toxic and exposure to this chemical can cause many symptoms and severe damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. As a consequence, many efforts have been devoted to the development of fluorescent probes for the selective sensing and/or imaging of N2H4. Although great efforts have been devoted in this area, the large number of important recent studies have not yet been systematically discussed in a review format so far. In this review, we have summarized the recently reported fluorescent N2H4 probes, which are classified into several categories on the basis of the recognition moieties. Moreover, the sensing mechanism and probes designing strategy are also comprehensively discussed on aspects of the unique chemical characteristics of N2H4 and the structures and spectral properties of fluorophores.
On‐the‐fly Catalyst Accretion and Screening in Chemoselective Flow Hydrogenation
Authors: Giziński Damian , Błachucki Wojciech , Śrębowata Anna , Zienkiewicz‐Machnik Małgorzata , Goszewska Ilona , Matus Krzysztof , Lisovytskiy Dmytro , Pisarek Marcin , Szlachetko Jakub , Sá Jacinto
Published: June 2018

Herein, it is reported an on‐the‐fly accretion/reaction protocol to evaluate the structure‐performance relationship in the chemoselective flow citral hydrogenation over Ni‐based catalysts. Based on the methodology one was able to determine Ni nanoparticles ideal average size (ca. 9 nm), in a rapid and facile manner. The methodology offers a simple workflow, cost‐effective and adaptable strategy for process intensification and optimization.
Electrochemical C−H Cyanation of Electron‐Rich (Hetero)Arenes
Authors: Hayrapetyan Davit , Rit Raja K. , Kratz Markus , Tschulik Kristina , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: June 2018

A straightforward method for the electrochemical C−H cyanation of arenes and heteroarenes that proceeds at room temperature in MeOH, with NaCN as the reagent in a simple, open, undivided electrochemical cell is reported. The platinum electrodes are passivated by adsorbed cyanide, which allows conversion of an exceptionally broad range of electron‐rich substrates all the way down to dialkyl arenes. The cyanide electrolyte can be replenished with HCN, opening opportunities for salt‐free industrial C−H cyanation.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Stereoselective Borylation of Allenamides
Authors: García Lorena , Sendra Jana , Miralles Núria , Reyes Efraim , Carbó Jorge J. , Vicario Jose L. , Fernández Elena
Published: June 2018

Complete stereocontrol on the transition‐metal‐free hydroboration of the distal double bond of allenamides could be achieved when allenamides contained acetyl substituents, which provided exclusively the Z‐isomer. The consecutive Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction allowed the straightforward formation of trisubstituted enamides, with total control of the stereoselectivity.
High spatial resolution magnetic resonance imaging of insects covered with a hard exoskeleton
Authors: Seo Youngseob
Published: June 2018

The morphological investigation of insects is usually performed using histologic serial sections and subsequent reconstruction of the structures from these sections. The achievement of cross sections for microtomy is time‐consuming and the risk of damaging sections is inevitable. Recently, X‐ray computed tomography (micro‐CT) was used to provide adequate spatial resolution without destroying the specimens. Micro‐CT is limited by the low x‐ray contrast of the insect soft tissues and image quality is relatively poor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows the study of morphologic classification of the insects with sufficient spatial resolution and provides a noninvasive mean to determine disease abnormalities and progression in vivo and longitudinally. The morphologic classification of the insects with sufficient spatial resolution analyzed the potential of MR imaging. However, a stag beetle has a particularly hard exoskeleton protecting internal organs and nerves. It is challenge to obtain high spatial resolution images using MRI. The aim of this study was to characterize optimal MRI protocols for the investigation of stag beetles and to evaluate the morphologic characterization of the stag beetles by a 9.4 T MRI scanner. In this study, MR imaging provided the spatial resolution necessary for the examination of morphologic structures of the insects on our hardware‐software platform. This study plays a significant role in providing the high spatial resolution, ideally required for routine application to the study of internal morphology of insects, arachnids and crustaceans whose organs, nerves and muscles are protected by the hard exoskeleton.
Establishing an emergency communication network and optimal path using multiple autonomous rover robots
Authors: Sakthitharan S , Jayashri S
Published: June 2018

The natural calamity or disaster may destroy all communication networks especially a cellular network that relies on a tower. Although many solutions to an ad hoc wireless network have been proposed, forming a network covering a respective region with mobile robots toward optimal coverage remains to be an open problem. In this paper, we take the initiative to handle the optimal network coverage and path selection in disaster region with the help of multiple movable/rover robots. This paper consists of load balance distribution algorithm and optimal coverage algorithm applied to find the next optimally possible node location for all robots. Next, the robots maneuvering in an unknown disaster environment to identify the optimal path between the source and destination by using a particle swarm optimization algorithm. Finally, simulated results show that the algorithms can significantly improve the network coverage in the entire region, and the optimal path can effectively identify the optimal solution for all rover robots.
Synthesis of Chimeric Oligonucleotides Having Modified Internucleotide Linkages via an Automated H‐Phosphonate/Phosphoramidite Approach
Authors: Vlaho Danielle , Damha Masad J.
Published: June 2018

This article describes an automated solid‐phase approach for the synthesis of chimeric oligonucleotides containing phosphoramidate‐modified internucleotide linkages. An optimized H‐phosphonate synthetic cycle is combined with the commonly used phosphoramidite approach to obtain oligonucleotides comprising blocks having various types of internucleotide linkages. This article is specific to the synthesis of oligonucleotides having phosphoramidate modifications, but is adaptable to permit the incorporation of other modified linkages accessible through H‐phosphonate diester intermediates. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Enforcing conservation at Monte Carlo level in a coupled finite volume—Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Mortier Bert , Baelmans Martine , Samaey Giovanni
Published: June 2018

Plasma edge simulations generally require coupling a finite‐volume (FV) fluid plasma discretization with a kinetic neutral Monte Carlo (MC) model. From the MC neutral simulation, source terms are estimated and inserted into the FV plasma simulation, transferring MC stochasticity to the FV simulation. While the FV simulation is based on the physical principle of conservation, most common MC source term estimators do not strictly conserve mass, momentum, and energy. Through the coupling, this also breaks the conservation in the FV simulation. Losing conservation can lead to numerical instability on the one hand and the inability to fulfil global mass, momentum, and energy balances on the other. Presently, the SOLPS‐ITER code rescales the neutral flux launched from the target to mitigate the instability. In this paper, we propose to instead independently rescale each of the source term estimations. We show that rescaling introduces a bias that depends on the number of MC particles and is negligible compared to the statistical error in the simulation. The resulting method restores all conservation properties in the FV/MC code, which will allow monitoring of the convergence through stabilization of the global quantities.
A novel AQM algorithm based on feedforward model predictive control
Authors: Wang Ping , Zhu ChaoJie , Yang XiaoPing
Published: June 2018

Developing feedforward model predictive controller as an active queue management (AQM) scheme is studied in this paper. MPC is an advanced control strategy for AQM. However, the conventional MPC is usually an implementable form of feedback MPC. In this paper, a feedforward and feedback optimal control law is presented. It is a clean, easily implementable, version of model predictive control that incorporates feedforward. Firstly, we use the nominal fluid model to design the feedforward control input so that the output tracks the given queue length with small error. Furthermore, in order to achieve robust performance and to reject the (unmeasured) disturbance, the feedback component is designed. In particular, a disturbance observer is incorporated into the prediction output in standard feedback MPC. This framework can significantly improve performance in the presence of measurement noise and certain types of model uncertainty. Finally, the simulation results show the effectiveness of FF‐AQM algorithm.
A systematic review of parent–child synchrony: It is more than skin deep
Authors: Davis Molly , West Kara , Bilms Joanie , Morelen Diana , Suveg Cynthia
Published: June 2018

This manuscript provides a critical review of the literature on parent–child physiological synchrony—the matching of biological states between parents and children. All eligible studies found some evidence of physiological synchrony, though the magnitude and direction of synchrony varied according to methodological factors, including the physiological system examined (i.e., parasympathetic or sympathetic nervous system activity, adrenocortical functioning) and the statistical approach used (e.g., multilevel modeling, correlation). The review underscores the need to consider the context in which physiological synchrony occurs (e.g., family risk) to best understand its significance. Furthermore, the review delineates vital avenues for future research, including the need to assess synchrony across multiple physiological systems and the importance of documenting continuity/change in physiological synchrony across developmental periods. Such research is crucial for understanding how the parent–child relationship unfolds at a physiological level and, in turn, how this relationship can facilitate or hinder parent, child, and family adjustment.
Adiposity and weight gain during pregnancy associate independently with behavior of infant rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Walker Cheryl K. , VandeVoort Catherine A. , Li Chin‐Shang , Chaffin Charles L. , Capitanio John P.
Published: June 2018

Growing evidence identifies maternal adiposity as a potentially modifiable risk factor for adverse neurodevelopment. This retrospective cohort analysis examined whether maternal prepregnancy adiposity and gestational weight gain were associated with behavioral outcomes in 173 rhesus macaque infants at the California National Primate Research Center. Dams conceived indoors, had uncomplicated pregnancies, delivered vaginally, and reared infants indoors. Infants underwent standardized biobehavioral analysis at 90–120 days of age from 3/2001–5/2015. Offspring of mothers with greater baseline adiposity or gestational weight gain exhibited a pattern of poor adaptability characterized by greater emotionality as the assessments proceeded, blunted affective response to a human intruder challenge, and reduced interest in novel stimuli which is associated with poorer social functioning later in life. They also had lower cortisol levels following dexamethasone suppression, perhaps a response to cortisol excess during gestation. These results amplify growing public health concerns implicating maternal adiposity in impaired fetal neurobehavioral programming.
Bridging Validity and Evaluation to Match International Large‐Scale Assessment Claims and Country Aims
Authors: Oliveri María Elena , Rutkowski David , Rutkowski Leslie
Published: June 2018

Fifty years after the first international large‐scale assessment (ILSA), participation in these studies continues to grow, with more than 50% of the world's countries participating. Concomitant with growth in ILSAs is an expansion in the diversity of participant countries with respect to languages, cultures, and educational perspectives and goals. As educational aims might differ for new participants and goals among historic participants can be expected to shift over time, it is useful to understand the degree to which countries' expectations of ILSAs—as a means for understanding their educational system—align with the explicitly and implicitly stated purposes of these studies. In this presentation, we shift the conversation away from countries reporting ILSA shock and dissatisfaction with participation to fostering a productive conversation about the value and utility of participation. We propose a framework that combines notions from meta‐evaluation to systematically test the evaluation tools—ILSAs and validity theory (in relation to test use and alignment with stakeholder needs) to help countries understand why they participate in ILSAs and the potential value in taking part. We develop this conceptual framework with the aim that countries can (a) systematically consider their educational goals and the degree to which ILSA participation can reasonably help countries monitor progress toward them; (b) use an argument model to analyze claims by ILSA programs against the background of a country's specific context; and (c) more clearly understand intended and unintended consequences of ILSA participation. The framework offers a tool to systematically think through a complex web of implicit and explicit purposes, goals, and actors related to ILSAs and educational systems. To demonstrate our proposed framework, we review national education agendas in several countries with differing educational traditions (e.g., the United States, Mexico, and Norway) against published ILSA frameworks. Using our proposed method would offer a set of general guidelines that national funders can use to chart a path forward in terms of future ILSA participation. It can also equip participating countries with the knowledge to engage in reasoned conversations with testing organizations regarding unmet needs from testing programs.
In vivo noninvasive visualization of retinal perfusion dysfunction in murine cerebral malaria by camera‐phone laser speckle imaging
Authors: Remer Itay , Pierre‐Destine Lorraine F. , Tay David , Golightly Linnie M. , Bilenca Alberto
Published: June 2018

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection associated with impaired cerebral blood flow. Visualization of the eye vasculature, which is embryologically derived from that of the brain, is used clinically to diagnose the syndrome. Here, we introduce camera‐phone laser speckle imaging as a new tool for in vivo, noncontact two‐dimensional mapping of blood flow dynamics in the experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) murine model of Plasmodium berghei ANKA. In a longitudinal study, we show that the camera‐phone imager can detect an overall decrease in the retinal blood‐flow‐speed (BFS) as ECM develops in P. berghei ANKA infected mice, with no similar change observed in uninfected control mice or mice infected with a non‐ECM inducing strain (P. berghei NK65). Furthermore, by analyzing relative alterations in the BFS of individual retinal vessels during the progression of ECM, we illustrate the strength of our imager in identifying different BFS‐change heterogeneities in the retinas of ECM and uninfected mice. The technique creates new possibilities for objective investigations into the diagnosis and pathogenesis of CM noninvasively through the eye. The camera‐phone laser speckle imager along with measured spatial blood perfusion maps of the retina of a mouse infected with P. berghei ANKA—a fatal ECM model—on different days during the progression of the infection (top, day 3 after infection; middle, day 5 after infection; and bottom, day 7 after infection).
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α plays a predominantly negative role in regulatory T cell functions
Authors: Hsu Tzu-Sheng , Lai Ming-Zong
Published: June 2018

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) regulates cellular responses to hypoxia. However, conflicting roles for HIF-1α in the functions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been reported. In this review, we summarize observations on the requirement for HIF-1α for FOXP3 expression and Tregs development, as well as for HIF-1α-mediated downregulation of FOXP3 and Tregs destabilization. We also examine the association of HIF-1α with Tregs under pathogenic conditions. Based on these findings, we suggest that HIF-1α mainly plays a detrimental role in the function and stability of Tregs and that HIF-1α is disposable for the development and suppressive function of Tregs.

Re-examination of the conflicting roles of HIF-1α in the development and functions of Tregs.
Effect of bearing friction torques on the primary stability of press‐fit acetabular cups: A novel in vitro method
Authors: Jahnke Alexander , Schroeder Stefan , Fonseca Ulloa Carlos A. , Ahmed Gafar A. , Ishaque Bernd A. , Rickert Markus
Published: June 2018

Aseptic loosening is the main reason for revision of total hip arthroplasty, and relative micromotions between cementless acetabular cups and bone play an important role regarding their comparatively high loosening rate. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of resulting frictional torques on the primary stability of press‐fit acetabular cups subjected to two different bearing partners. A cementless press‐fit cup was implanted in bone‐like foam. Primary stability of the cup was analyzed by determining spatial total, translational, and rotational interface micromotions by means of an eddy current sensor measuring system. Torque transmission into the cup was realized by three synchronous servomotors considering resultant friction torques based on constant friction for ceramic‐on‐ceramic (CoC: μ = 0.044; max. resultant torque: 1.5 Nm) and for ceramic‐on‐polyethylene (CoP: μ = 0.063; max. resultant torque: 1.9 Nm) bearing partners. Rotational micromotion of CoC was 8.99 ± 0.85 µm and of CoP 13.39 ± 1.43 µm. Translational micromotion of CoC was 29.93 ± 1.44 μm and of CoP 39.91 ± 2.25 μm. Maximum total relative micromotions were 37.10 ± 1.07 μm for CoC and 51.64 ± 2.18 μm for CoP. Micromotions resulting from CoC were statistically lower than those resulting from CoP (p < 0.05). The described 3D‐measuring set‐up offers a novel in vitro method of measuring primary stability of acetabular cups. We can therefore conclude, that primary stability of acetabular cup systems can be observed using either the lower friction curve (CoC) or the higher friction curve (CoP). In future studies different cup designs or cup fixation mechanisms may be tested and compared in vitro and assessed prior to implantation. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2745–2753, 2018.
Subchondroplasty for the treatment of post‐traumatic bone marrow lesions of the medial femoral condyle in a pre‐clinical canine model
Authors: Brimmo Olubusola A. , Bozynski Chantelle C. , Cook Cristi R. , Kuroki Keiichi , Sherman Seth L. , Pfeiffer Ferris M. , Stoker Aaron M. , Cook James L.
Published: June 2018

This study characterizes long‐term outcomes associated with subchondroplasty (SCP) treatment for impact‐induced subchondral bone marrow lesions (BML) using a validated pre‐clinical canine model. With IACUC approval, purpose‐bred research hounds (n = 16) underwent arthroscopic impact injury (40N) to both medial femoral condyles. At 3 months, functional assessments, arthroscopy, and MRI were performed and knees (n = 32) were randomly assigned to SCP (3 ml fluoroscopically guided percutaneous injection of AccuFill BSM into BML bone defects) or sham injection (Control). Dogs were assessed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment using functional assessments, radiographic evaluation, arthroscopy, and MRI. Dogs were humanely euthanatized at 3, 6, 12, or 24 months after treatment for gross, microCT, and histologic assessments. All knees had focal articular cartilage defects with associated subchondral BMLs, as well as clinical dysfunction, 3 months after injury. At the 3 and 6 months, SCP knees showed more functional impairment than Control knees, however, these differences were not statistically significant. At 1‐ and 2‐year post‐treatment, function in SCP knees was better than in Control knees with range of motion being significantly (p < 0.05) better for SCP. Radiographic, arthroscopic, MRI, gross, microCT, and histologic findings matched the functional assessments well with Control being associated with better results at the two early time points and SCP being associated with better results at 1 and 2 years. Clinical significance: SCP treatment using calcium phosphate bone void filler was associated with an initial increase in pain and dysfunction followed by symptomatic benefits for up to 2 years after treatment for post‐traumatic femoral condyle BMLs in a preclinical canine model. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2709–2717, 2018.
Computational optimization of graft tension in simulated superior capsule reconstructions
Authors: Hast Michael W. , Schmidt Elaine C. , Kelly John D. , Baxter Josh R.
Published: June 2018

Superior capsular reconstruction has received increased attention as a surgical technique to address massive “irreparable” rotator cuff tears; however, the functional limitations and surgical techniques associated with this repair have yet to be sufficiently explored. The goal of this study was to utilize a multidisciplinary approach to characterize the biomechanics of this repair by: (i) identifying activities of daily living that may overburden the graft; and (ii) optimizing surgical techniques used during implantation. This experiment was completed in three phases. First, graft failure mechanics were characterized by performing an in vitro experiment. Second, in vivo shoulder kinematics associated with various activities were recorded with 3‐D motion capture techniques. Finally, an in silico model was used to assess graft strains. Results show that motions involving posterior shoulder rotation, such as back washing, lead to graft strains that may cause failure. Output from the optimization suggests that orienting the humerus in approximately 25° abduction, and 20° internal rotation during implantation will result in optimal graft performance. Clinical Significance: The novel paradigm used in this study demonstrates the utility of coupling in vitro, in vivo, and in silico modeling techniques in one cohesive experiment. This paradigm presents an additional tool, aside from clinical studies and cadaveric experimentation, to better predict and understand the strengths and limitations of superior capsular reconstruction. This approach has potential to be translated to other soft tissue repairs and may provide valuable information to clinicians and rehabilitative specialists to manage patient expectations and guide rehabilitation. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2789–2796, 2018.
Ultrastructure of tendon rupture depends on strain rate and tendon type
Authors: Chambers Neil C. , Herod Tyler W. , Veres Samuel P.
Published: June 2018

Previous research has shown that both the mechanics and elongation mechanisms of tendon and ligament vary with strain rate during tensile loading. In this study, we sought to determine if the ultrastructural damage created during tendon rupture also varies with strain rate. A bovine forelimb model was used, allowing two anatomically proximate but physiologically distinct tendons to be studies: the positional common digital extensor tendon, and the energy storing superficial digital flexor tendon. Samples from the two tendon types were ruptured at rates of either 1%/s or 10%/s. Relative to unruptured control samples, changes to collagen fibril structure were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and changes to collagen molecule packing were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Rupture at 1%/s caused discrete plasticity damage that extended along the length of collagen fibrils in both the extensor and flexor tendons. Consistent with this, DSC showed molecular packing disruption relative to control samples. Both SEM and DSC showed that extensor tendon fibrils sustained more severe damage than the more highly crosslinked flexor tendon fibrils. Increasing strain rate during rupture decreased the level of longitudinal disruption experienced by the collagen fibrils of both tendon types. Disruption to D‐banding was no longer seen in the extensor tendon fibrils, and discrete plasticity damage was completely eliminated in the flexor tendon fibrils, indicating a transition to localized point failure. Ultrastructural damage resulting from tendon rupture depends on both strain rate and tendon type. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2842–2850, 2018.
Efficiency of Biodegradable and pH‐Responsive Polysuccinimide Nanoparticles (PSI‐NPs) as Smart Nanodelivery Systems in Grapefruit: In Vitro Cellular Investigation
Authors: Xin Xiaoping , He Zhenli , Hill Megan R. , Niedz Randall P. , Jiang Xianjun , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: June 2018

Biodegradable pH‐responsive polysuccinimide nanoparticles (PSI‐NPs) are synthesized for directly delivering agrochemicals to plant phloem to improve their efficacy. The PSI‐NPs have an average size of 20.6 nm with negative charge on the surface. The desired responsiveness to changes in pH is demonstrated by release efficiency of the model molecule (Coumarin 6), which increases with increasing pH over 24 h. The internalization of PSI‐NPs into grapefruit cells occurs in 10 min, and into nucleus in 2 h, with most of the PSI‐NPs being distributed in cytoplasm and nucleus. The proportion of PSI‐NPs in plant cells significantly increases with time, from 19.1% at 10 min to 55.5% at 2 h of administering. The PSI‐NPs do not show significant inhibitory effects on soil microbial growth and activity. These results indicate that this smart nanodelivery system has potential of application in agriculture for mitigating phloem‐limited diseases, such as citrus huanglongbing.
The pullback‐ attractors for the 3D Kelvin‐Voigt‐Brinkman‐Forchheimer system with delay
Authors: Su Keqin , Qin Yuming
Published: June 2018

Under some assumptions on the external force f(t,u(t − ρ(t))), the 3D Kelvin‐Voigt‐Brinkman‐Forchheimer system with continuous delay is considered. After the existence of pullback‐
absorbing sets for the continuous solution process, the asymptotical compactness obtained by the decomposition method leads to the existence of pullback‐
attractors.
Altered serum levels of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor in male chronic schizophrenia patients with tardive dyskinesia
Authors: Ye Fei , Zhan Qiongqiong , Xiao Wenhuan , Sha Weiwei , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Many research indicate that the tardive dyskinesia (TD) is generally linked with long‐term antipsychotic therapy for schizophrenia. Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a critical role in the protection of catecholaminergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic neurons. Thus, we examined the serum GDNF levels in schizophrenia patients with TD (WTD) and without TD (NTD) and compared with healthy controls (HC), respectively.

Methods

Totally 75 males with schizophrenia were recruited into this study. All were measured by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). The patient group was divided into two subgroups: WTD (n = 32) and NTD (n = 43) according to the AIMS score. Fifty‐three healthy controls matching in age and gender were also enlisted from the region. GDNF levels were examined with sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Analysis of variance indicated significant differences between the three groups (P = 0.012); GDNF levels in the WTD group were significantly different from those in the NTD (P = 0.030) and HC (P = 0.003) groups.

Conclusion

Decreased GDNF levels in TD patients indicated that alterations in neurotrophic factors may be involved in the pathophysiology of TD, but the exact mechanisms need further investigation.
Examining the role of social support and spirituality on the general health perceptions of Hispanic cancer survivors
Authors: Ochoa Carol Y. , Haardörfer Regine , Escoffery Cam , Stein Kevin , Alcaraz Kassandra I.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Although cancer survival rates continue to improve, overall disparities persist for ethnic minority survivors, who have a disproportionately high risk of experiencing poor quality of life, despite documented higher levels of self‐reported spirituality. Yet little is known about the relationship between spirituality and social support and health outcomes among Hispanic survivors. This study examined (1) differences between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white survivors on health, social support, and spirituality and (2) the potential mediating roles of mental health and emotional distress on general health perceptions.

Methods

We analyzed data (N = 7778) from the American Cancer Society's Study of Cancer Survivors‐II, a national cross‐sectional study of adult cancer survivors. Preliminary analysis compared sociodemographic and medical characteristics between the 2 groups to identify significant covariates. Structural equation modeling assessed whether mental health and emotional distress mediate the impact of social support and spirituality on Hispanics' general health perceptions.

Results

Overall, 693 survivors were Hispanic and 7085 were non‐Hispanic whites. Hispanics reported poorer health and were more likely to have comorbid conditions such as diabetes and depression compared with non‐Hispanic whites. Structural equation modeling indicated that the impact of spirituality on general health perceptions was fully mediated through mental health. Emotional distress did not have a direct effect on general health perceptions nor did it mediate effects of spirituality and social support and on general health perceptions. There was a mediated effect of social support on general health perceptions.

Conclusions

Spirituality is an important factor in the health of Hispanic survivors. Future studies should explore the impact and effectiveness of spiritual interventions and the beneficial effect for mental health on general health perceptions.
Acyclic peptides incorporating the d‐Phe‐2‐Abz turn motif: Investigations on antimicrobial activity and propensity to adopt β‐hairpin conformations
Authors: Cameron Alan J. , Varnava Kyriakos G. , Edwards Patrick J. B. , Harjes Elena , Sarojini Vijayalekshmi
Published: June 2018

Three linear peptides incorporating d‐Phe‐2‐Abz as the turn motif are reported. Peptide 1, a hydrophobic β‐hairpin, served as a proof of principle for the design strategy with both NMR and CD spectra strongly suggesting a β‐hairpin conformation. Peptides 2 and 3, designed as amphipathic antimicrobials, exhibited broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, with potency in the nanomolar range against Staphylococcus aureus. Both compounds possess a high degree of selectivity, proving non‐haemolytic at concentrations 500 to 800 times higher than their respective minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against S. aureus. Peptide 2 induced cell membrane and cell wall disintegration in both S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as observed by transmission electron microscopy. Peptide 2 also demonstrated moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans with an MIC of 50 μM. Synergism was observed with sub‐MIC levels of amphotericin B (AmB), leading to nanomolar MICs against C. albicans for peptide 2. Based on circular dichroism spectra, both peptides 2 and 3 appear to exist as a mixture of conformers with the β‐hairpin as a minor conformer in aqueous solution, and a slight increase in hairpin population in 50% trifluoroethanol, which was more pronounced for peptide 3. NMR spectra of peptide 2 in a 1:1 CD3CN/H2O mixture and 30 mM deuterated sodium dodecyl sulfate showed evidence of an extended backbone conformation of the β‐strand residues. However, inter‐strand rotating frame Overhauser effects (ROE) could not be detected and a loosely defined divergent hairpin structure resulted from ROE structure calculation in CD3CN/H2O. The loosely defined hairpin conformation is most likely a result of the electrostatic repulsions between cationic strand residues which also probably contribute towards maintaining low haemolytic activity.
Payload‐centric autonomy for in‐space robotic assembly of modular space structures
Authors: Karumanchi Sisir , Edelberg Kyle , Nash Jeremy , Bergh Charles , Smith Russell , Emanuel Blair , Carlton Jason , Koehler John , Kim Junggon , Mukherjee Rudranarayan , Kennedy Brett , Backes Paul
Published: June 2018

The paper addresses the problem of constructing large space structures (∼100 m) by using autonomous robots to assemble modular components in space. We are motivated by the problem of creating space structures at a scale greater than what is feasible with a single self‐deploying design. We had two goals in this work. The first was to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of long‐order multitask autonomy. The second was to study the balance between required tolerances in hardware design and robotic autonomy. This paper reports on a payload‐centric autonomy paradigm and presents results from laboratory demonstrations of automated assembly of structures using a multilimbed robotic platform. We present results with deployable 20 lb payloads (1 m trusses) that are robotically assembled to form a 3‐m diameter kinematically closed loop structure to subcentimeter accuracy. The robot uses its limbs to deploy the stowed modular structural components, manipulate them in free space, and assemble them via dual‐arm force control. We report on results and lessons learned from multiple successful end‐to‐end in‐lab demonstrations of autonomous truss assembly with JPL's RoboSimian robot originally developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Videos of these demonstrations can be seen at https://goo.gl/muNLJp (JPL, ). Each end‐to‐end run took precisely 26 min to execute with very little variance across runs. We present changes/improvements to the RoboSimian system post‐DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) (Karumanchi et al., ). The new architecture has been improved with a focus on scalable autonomy as opposed to semiautonomy as required at the DRC.
Bayesian selective response‐adaptive design using the historical control
Authors: Kim Mi‐Ok , Harun Nusrat , Liu Chunyan , Khoury Jane C. , Broderick Joseph P.
Published: June 2018

High quality historical control data, if incorporated, may reduce sample size, trial cost, and duration. A too optimistic use of the data, however, may result in bias under prior‐data conflict. Motivated by well‐publicized two‐arm comparative trials in stroke, we propose a Bayesian design that both adaptively incorporates historical control data and selectively adapt the treatment allocation ratios within an ongoing trial responsively to the relative treatment effects. The proposed design differs from existing designs that borrow from historical controls. As opposed to reducing the number of subjects assigned to the control arm blindly, this design does so adaptively to the relative treatment effects only if evaluation of cumulated current trial data combined with the historical control suggests the superiority of the intervention arm. We used the effective historical sample size approach to quantify borrowed information on the control arm and modified the treatment allocation rules of the doubly adaptive biased coin design to incorporate the quantity. The modified allocation rules were then implemented under the Bayesian framework with commensurate priors addressing prior‐data conflict. Trials were also more frequently concluded earlier in line with the underlying truth, reducing trial cost, and duration and yielded parameter estimates with smaller standard errors.
Upgrading of HMF and Biomass‐Derived Acids into HMF Esters Using Bifunctional Ionic Liquid Catalysts under Solvent Free Conditions
Authors: Kumar Komal , Dahiya Aditi , Patra Tanmoy , Upadhyayula Sreedevi
Published: June 2018

Catalytic conversions of biomass‐derived compounds like 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and levulinic acid (LA) to value‐added compounds have drawn tremendous interest in recent years. In this study, we report the catalytic upgrading of HMF into HMF levulinate and HMF esters under solvent‐free condition using laboratory‐synthesized bifunctional ionic liquid (IL) catalysts. The synthesized ILs were characterized using 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Pyridine Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) studies were carried out for their detailed Brønsted and Lewis acidity characterization. Catalytic activity of these ILs was tested in the conversion of HMF into HMF levulinate in the temperature range of 75 to 120 °C and 5 h reaction time using 150 mg each of IL catalyst and 4 Å molecular sieves with LA to HMF molar ratio of 5:1. It was found that strong dual acidic catalyst [SMIM][FeCl4] was found to exhibit highest catalytic activity with 97.0% HMF conversion and 78.1% yield of HMF levuliante. Catalytic activity decreased in the order: [SMIM][FeCl4]> [BSO3HMIm][FeCl4]> [SMIM][Cl]> [BSO3HMIm][Cl]> [BMIM][FeCl4]> [BMIM][Cl]. The reaction parameters such as reaction time, temperature, mole ratio of the reactants, and effect of catalyst loading were optimized.The recyclability of these bifunctional catalysts was also tested and found to be intact for three recycles.
Bestimmung von Ausgas‐ und Desorptionsraten mittels Restgasanalysator
Authors: Barfuss Heinz , Pfeifer Frank
Published: June 2018

Determination of Outgassing and Desorption Rates by Means of Residual Gas Analysis

Especially when using plastic materials in vacuum chambers it is essential to know the amount of gases outgassing from the surface of those materials. Depending on the so‐called outgassing or desorption rate one can decide if the proposed plastic material is suited for the desired application and how the vacuum system has to be configured, so that the use of the particular material makes sense. The article will demonstrate by means of 2 examples that there exist temperature‐dependent outgassing behaviors of different materials. It also gives an overview of the measuring equipment set up to determine the outgassing rates.
Metabolomics profiling reveals the mechanism of increased pneumocandin B0 production by comparing mutant and parent strains
Authors: Song Ping , Yuan Kai , Qin Tingting , Zhang Ke , Ji Xiao-jun , Ren Lujing , Guan Rongfeng , Wen Jianping , Huang He
Published: June 2018

Metabolic profiling was used to discover mechanisms of increased pneumocandin B0 production in a high-yield strain by comparing it with its parent strain. Initially, 79 intracellular metabolites were identified, and the levels of 15 metabolites involved in six pathways were found to be directly correlated with pneumocandin B0 biosynthesis. Then by combining the analysis of key enzymes, acetyl-CoA and NADPH were identified as the main factors limiting pneumocandin B0 biosynthesis. Other metabolites, such as pyruvate, α-ketoglutaric acid, lactate, unsaturated fatty acids and previously unreported metabolite γ-aminobutyric acid were shown to play important roles in pneumocandin B0 biosynthesis and cell growth. Finally, the overall metabolic mechanism hypothesis was formulated and a rational feeding strategy was implemented that increased the pneumocandin B0 yield from 1821 to 2768 mg/L. These results provide practical and theoretical guidance for strain selection, medium optimization, and genetic engineering for pneumocandin B0 production.
Advances in functional magnetic resonance imaging data analysis methods using Empirical Mode Decomposition to investigate temporal changes in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Cordes Dietmar , Zhuang Xiaowei , Kaleem Muhammad , Sreenivasan Karthik , Yang Zhengshi , Mishra Virendra , Banks Sarah J. , Bluett Brent , Cummings Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Previous neuroimaging studies of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients have shown changes in whole‐brain functional connectivity networks. Whether connectivity changes can be detected in the early stages (first 3 years) of PD by resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) remains elusive. Research infrastructure including MRI and analytic capabilities is required to investigate this issue. The National Institutes of Health/National Institute of General Medical Sciences Center for Biomedical Research Excellence awards support infrastructure to advance research goals.

Methods

Static and dynamic functional connectivity analyses were conducted on early stage never‐medicated PD subjects (N = 18) and matched healthy controls (N = 18) from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative.

Results

Altered static and altered dynamic functional connectivity patterns were found in early PD resting‐state fMRI data. Most static networks (with the exception of the default mode network) had a reduction in frequency and energy in specific low‐frequency bands. Changes in dynamic networks in PD were associated with a decreased switching rate of brain states.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that in early PD, resting‐state fMRI networks show spatial and temporal differences of fMRI signal characteristics. However, the default mode network was not associated with any measurable changes. Furthermore, by incorporating an optimum window size in a dynamic functional connectivity analysis, we found altered whole‐brain temporal features in early PD, showing that PD subjects spend significantly more time than healthy controls in a specific brain state. These findings may help in improving diagnosis of early never‐medicated PD patients. These key observations emerged in a Center for Biomedical Research Excellence–supported research environment.
Diurnal changes in differential sensitivity and temporal resolution in morning‐type and evening‐type individuals with normal hearing
Authors: Nikhil J. , Megha K.N. , Prabhu Prashanth
Published: June 2018

The present study attempts to determine diurnal changes by testing the differential sensitivity and temporal resolution in morning‐type, evening‐type, and intermediate‐type individuals with normal hearing. Thirty participants with normal hearing were divided into morning‐type, evening‐type, and intermediate‐type using “Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire”. The tests of differential sensitivity and temporal resolution were administered to all the participants in the morning and evening, respectively. The differences in the test results between different timing across all the three groups were analyzed. The results of the study showed that there was a significant diurnal effect on psychoacoustic tests as morning‐type individuals performed better when tested in morning and evening‐type performed better when they were tested in evening. However, there was no diurnal effect found in intermediate group. The lack of inhibitory control and poor cognitive load in off peak time could have lead to poor scores. Thus, the variable of diurnal effects should be considered in further studies on psychoacoustic tests, especially in young adults. Furthermore, studies could be performed to explore diurnal effects on objective audiological tests in a larger group of population in the future.
Collisionless distribution functions for force-free current sheets: using a pressure transformation to lower the plasma beta
Authors: Wilson F. , Neukirch T. , Allanson O.
Published: June 2018

So far, only one distribution function giving rise to a collisionless nonlinear force-free current sheet equilibrium allowing for a plasma beta less than one is known (Allansonet al.,Phys. Plasmas, vol. 22 (10), 2015, 102116; Allansonet al.,J. Plasma Phys., vol. 82 (3), 2016a, 905820306). This distribution function can only be expressed as an infinite series of Hermite functions with very slow convergence and this makes its practical use cumbersome. It is the purpose of this paper to present a general method that allows us to find distribution functions consisting of a finite number of terms (therefore easier to use in practice), but which still allow for current sheet equilibria that can, in principle, have an arbitrarily low plasma beta. The method involves using known solutions and transforming them into new solutions using transformations based on taking integer powers ($N$) of one component of the pressure tensor. The plasma beta of the current sheet corresponding to the transformed distribution functions can then, in principle, have values as low as$1/N$. We present the general form of the distribution functions for arbitrary$N$and then, as a specific example, discuss the case for$N=2$in detail.
Response of Walnuts to Simulated Drift Rates of Bispyribac-Sodium, Bensulfuron-Methyl, and Propanil
Authors: Galla Mariano F. , Al-Khatib Kassim , Hanson Bradley D.
Published: June 2018

A field study was established to study symptoms, growth and yield of 2-year-old walnut trees exposure to simulated drift of several herbicides commonly used in rice production. Bispyribac-sodium, bensulfuron-methyl, and propanil were applied at four rates representing 0.5%, 1%, 3% and 10% of the normal use rate in rice (45, 70, and 6725 g ai ha−1, for the three herbicides respectively). Symptoms started to appear approximately 7 days after application (DAT) and peaked 28 DAT. At that time, bispyribac-sodium caused greater injury at low drift rates (6% and 15% visual injury for 0.5% and 1% rate, respectively) compared to bensulfuron-methyl and propanil. Bispyribac-sodium also appeared to slow walnut shoot elongation compared to nontreated trees; however, no yield reductions were observed either in the year after drift exposure. The effect of bispyribac-sodium simulated drift on the yield and nut quality in the year of drift exposure was evaluated in a separate study on 3-year-old walnut trees. While no yield or nut quality reductions were observed, a linear correlation between rate of bispyribac-sodium and color, an important quality factor, was found: higher herbicide rates tended to be associated with darker kernel color. Bispyribac-sodium may damage nearby walnut orchards if drifted at significant amounts. However, it is unlikely that in a field situation bispyribac-sodium would drift at high enough levels to cause the symptoms observed from the 10% use rates in this study.