bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overproduction of Tenascin‐C Driven by Lipid Accumulation in the Liver Aggravates Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Steatotic Mice
Authors: Kato Hiroyuki , Duarte Sergio , Miller Mary G. , Busuttil Ronald W. , Coito Ana J.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to assess the significance of tenascin‐C (Tnc) expression in steatotic liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). The critical shortage in donor organs has led to the use of steatotic livers in transplantation regardless of their elevated susceptibility to hepatic IRI. Tnc is an endogenous danger signal extracellular matrix molecule involved in various aspects of immunity and tissue injury. In the current study, mice were fed with a steatosis‐inducing diet and developed approximately 50% hepatic steatosis, predominantly macrovesicular, before being subjected to hepatic IRI. We report here that lipid accumulation in hepatocytes inflated the production of Tnc in steatotic livers and in isolated hepatic stellate cells. Moreover, we show that the inability of Tnc–/– deficient steatotic mice to express Tnc significantly protected these mice from liver IRI. Compared with fatty controls, Tnc–/– steatotic mice showed significantly reduced serum transaminase levels and enhanced liver histological preservation at both 6 and 24 hours after hepatic IRI. The lack of Tnc expression resulted in impaired lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus (Ly6G) neutrophil and macrophage antigen‐1 (Mac‐1) leukocyte recruitment as well as in decreased expression of proinflammatory mediators (interleukin 1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and chemokine [C‐X‐C motif] ligand 2) after liver reperfusion. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is the most abundant cytotoxic enzyme secreted by neutrophils and a key mediator of neutrophil‐induced oxidative tissue injuries. Using an in vitro model of steatosis, we also show that Tnc markedly potentiated the effect of steatotic hepatocytes on neutrophil‐derived MPO activity. In conclusion, our data support the view that inhibition of Tnc is a promising therapeutic approach to lessen inflammation in steatotic livers and to maximize their successful use in organ transplantation.
Fabrication of PEOT/PBT Nanofibers by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Treatment of Electrospinning Solutions for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Grande Silvia , Cools Pieter , Asadian Mahtab , Van Guyse Joachim , Onyshchenko Iuliia , Declercq Heidi , Morent Rino , Hoogenboom Richard , De Geyter Nathalie
Published: October 2018

This study focuses on the enhanced electrospinning of 300‐Polyethylene oxide‐polyethylene oxide terephthalate/polybutylene terephthalate (PEOT/PBT). An atmospheric pressure plasma jet for liquid treatment is applied to a solution with 9 w/v% PEOT/PBT dissolved in either chloroform (CHCl3), CHCl3 + N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), CHCl3 + methanol (MeOH), or CHCl3 + hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). For all conditions, the plasma‐treated samples present better‐quality fibers: less or no‐beads and uniform fiber diameter distribution. Except for CHCl3 + DMF, no significant changes to the material bulk are detected, as shown with size exclusion chromatography (SEC). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra performed on nanofibers record an increase in C–C bonds for the CHCl3 + DMF combination upon plasma modification, while a shift and slight increase in oxygen‐containing bonds is found for the CHCl3 + HFIP and CHCl3 + MeOH mixtures. MTT assay shows no‐cytotoxic effects for CHCl3 + DMF, while a better cellular adhesion is found on nanofibers from CHCl3 + MeOH and CHCl3 + HFIP. Among the examined additives, MeOH is preferable as it produces beadless electrospun nanofibers with an average diameter of 290 ± 100 nm without causing significant changes to the final nanofiber surface properties.
Antioxidant hesperetin improves the quality of porcine oocytes during aging in vitro
Authors: Kim Won‐Jae , Lee Seung‐Eun , Park Yun‐Gwi , Jeong Sang‐Gi , Kim Eun‐Young , Park Se‐Pill
Published: October 2018

The citrus flavonoid hesperetin has a variety of pharmacological actions, including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anticancer activities. This study investigated whether hesperetin prevents aging of oocytes in vitro in which it determined the maturation of nuclear and cytoplasm and the developmental capacity of embryo by modulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Porcine oocytes were matured in vitro for 44 hr (control) and for an additional 24 hr in the presence of 0, 1, 10, 100, and 250 μM hesperetin (aging, H‐1, H‐10, H‐100, and H‐250, respectively). Although there was no difference in the rate of maturation among all the groups, both the control and H‐100 groups significantly increased in the rate of cleavage and blastocyst formation compared to the aging group. The H‐100 group significantly decreased ROS activity and increases the level of glutathione (GSH) and expression of the antioxidant genes (PRDX5, NFE2L, SOD1, and SOD2) compared with the aging group. The H‐100 groups prevented aberrant spindle organization and chromosomal misalignment, blocked the decrease in the level of phosphorylated‐p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and increased the messenger RNA expression of cytoplasmic maturation factor genes (GDF9, CCNB1, BMP15, and MOS). Subsequently, both the control and H‐100 groups significantly increased the total cell number and decreased the apoptosis cells at the blastocyst stage compared with aging group. The results indicate that hesperetin improves the quality of porcine oocytes by protecting them against oxidative stress during aging in vitro.
Risk factors for pneumonia in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Haga Takahiro , Ito Kae , Sakashita Kentaro , Iguchi Mari , Ono Masahiro , Tatsumi Koichiro
Published: October 2018

Aim

Pneumonia is a major cause of death in patients with schizophrenia. Preventive strategies based on identifying the risk factors are needed to reduce pneumonia‐related mortality. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors for pneumonia in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical files of consecutive patients with schizophrenia admitted to Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital during a four‐year period from January 2014 to December 2017. We analyzed the clinical differences between patients with and without pneumonia.

Results

Of the 2209 patients enrolled, 101 (4.6%) received the diagnosis of pneumonia at the time of hospital admission while 2108 (95.4%) did not have pneumonia. Multivariable analysis to determine the risk factors related to pneumonia showed that the use of atypical antipsychotics had the highest odds ratio among the predictive factors (2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0‐17.7; P = 0.046), followed by a total chlorpromazine equivalent dose ≥600 mg (2.6; 95% CI 1.7‐4.0; P < 0.001), body mass index <18.5 kg/m2 (2.3; 95% CI 1.6‐3.6; P < 0.001), smoking history (2.0; 95% CI 1.3‐3.1; P < 0.001), and age ≥50 years (1.7; 95% CI 1.2‐2.6; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

We found that advanced age, underweight, smoking habit, use of atypical antipsychotics, and large doses of antipsychotics were risk factors for pneumonia in patients with schizophrenia. Among these factors, it was unclear whether the use of antipsychotics was a direct cause of pneumonia due to is uncertain because our retrospective study design. However, our result might be a good basis of further study focused on reducing pneumonia‐related fatalities in schizophrenic patients with pneumonia.
Estimation of hydraulic parameters using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and empirical laws in a semi‐confined aquifer
Authors: Perdomo Santiago , Kruse Eduardo E. , Ainchil Jerónimo E.
Published: October 2018

The estimation of hydraulic parameters is critical for the rational use of water resources and the development of reliable hydrogeological models. However, the cost of such estimation can be very high and the data are limited to the area near the pumping well. For this reason, complementary methods for estimating hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity have become increasingly important in recent years, such as the adjustment of empirical relationships between geoelectrical and hydraulic parameters. In this paper, two linear relationships were tested, combining resistivity measurements from well logging profiles and hydraulic conductivity values from pumping test data, in a semi‐confined fluvial aquifer in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Furthermore, these relationships were used to obtain two‐dimensional (2D) hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity sections from electrical resistivity tomography using a high‐definition electrode array. Predicted values were compared with traditional pumping test in a near well showing very good agreement with both methods. Results showed that it would be possible to quantify the 2D variation of hydraulic parameters in aquifers and to identify high‐ or low‐productivity areas. By knowing this information in advance, it is possible to reduce the number of failures or unexpected results when drilling a well. These 2D sections also provide additional information about hydraulic parameters and their lateral variability, and can improve hydrogeological models without drilling new wells.
Associations of functional, psychosocial, medical, and socio‐demographic factors with cognitive screening in chemotherapy naïve patients with breast cancer
Authors: Nakamura Zev M. , Deal Allison M. , Nyrop Kirsten A. , Choi Seul Ki , Wood William A. , Muss Hyman B.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To describe associations of functional, psychosocial, medical, and socio‐demographic factors with performance on a cognitive screening test in chemotherapy naïve patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Women with breast cancer were recruited between 2009 and 2018. The Blessed Orientation Memory Concentration Test (BOMC) was administered prior to chemotherapy. Associations between baseline BOMC and functional (Karnofsky Self‐Reported Performance Rating Scale (KPS), Time Up and Go Test (TUG), Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Physical Function, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)), psychosocial (Mental Health Inventory‐13, MOS Social Activity Limitation and Social Support Survey), medical, and socio‐demographic variables were assessed using linear regression analysis.

Results

In a sample of 331 women with breast cancer, the mean age was 65.2 years and 68.6% were 65 and older. Mean BOMC score was 3.60 on a scale from 0 (best) to 28 (worst). After controlling for demographic factors, worse BOMC screening test results were associated with KPS < 80 (P = 0.01), IADL<14 (P = 0.02), TUG ≥14 seconds (P = 0.001), worse MOS Physical Function (P = 0.0006), depressive symptoms (P = 0.04), and social activity limitations (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

In a sample of women with breast cancer, pre‐treatment cognitive screening scores did not reveal profound cognitive impairment. BOMC screening scores were associated with multiple measures of physical function, but further research is needed to determine a clinically meaningful cut point in the BOMC for screening of cancer‐related cognitive impairment.
Dyadic coping in specialized palliative care intervention for patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers: Effects and mediation in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: von Heymann‐Horan Annika , Bidstrup Pernille Envold , Johansen Christoffer , Rottmann Nina , Andersen Elisabeth Anne Wreford , Sjøgren Per , von der Maase Hans , Timm Helle , Kjellberg Jakob , Guldin Mai‐Britt
Published: October 2018

Objective

Specialized palliative care (SPC) interventions increasingly include patient‐caregiver dyads, but their effects on dyadic coping are unknown. We investigated whether an SPC and dyadic psychological intervention increased aspects of dyadic coping in patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers, whether dyad characteristics moderated effects and whether aspects of dyadic coping mediated significant intervention effects on caregivers' anxiety and depression.

Methods

We randomized 258 patients with incurable cancer and their caregivers to care as usual or accelerated transition from oncological treatment to home‐based SPC and dyadic psychological support. In secondary outcome analyses, using mixed‐effects models, we estimated intervention effects and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for communication of stress and common coping, and moderation by dyad type and demographics. In path analyses, we investigated whether stress communication and common coping mediated intervention effects on caregivers' symptoms of anxiety and depression. (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01885637).

Results

The intervention significantly increased common coping in patients and caregivers in couples (estimated difference, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.11 to 1.24) and stress communication by partner caregivers (0.97; 0.24 to 1.24). We found some support for different intervention effects for spouses and other dyads, but no evidence of mediation.

Conclusions

Specialized palliative care and dyadic psychological intervention may affect aspects of dyadic coping. Common coping and stress communication did not mediate the previously found significant intervention effects on caregiver anxiety and depression, indicating that other mechanisms may have been central in the intervention.
Tri‐partite complexity: odour from a psyllid's mutualist ant increased predation by a predatory mite on the psyllid
Authors: Liu Jian‐Feng , Zhang Zhi‐Qiang , Beggs Jacqueline R
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Predator–prey interactions consist of direct consumption of prey by predators and indirect non‐consumptive effects on prey. Predator cues can induce predation stress in prey that negatively influences the survival, development, reproduction, and feeding behaviour of the prey. This study evaluated the effects of hemipteran‐tending ant (Technomyrmex albipes) odour on the development, survival, reproduction, and predation rates of the predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus when feeding on an invasive pest of solanaceous crops, Bactericera cockerelli. The age‐stage, two‐sex life table theory was used to compare the demographic characteristics and predation rates of A. limonicus in the presence and absence of ant odour.

RESULTS

We show that exposure to ant odour did not alter the development, survival rate, and fecundity of A. limonicus, but induced a sexually dimorphic response in its longevity; consumption rates also showed that dimorphic response‐predation rates increased in female A. limonicus, but not in males.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating increased consumption rates by natural enemies exposed to odour from a mutualist of pest (ant). This finding may provide new insights into understanding tri‐partite interaction involving a pest, its predator, and a mutulist of the pest. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Reduction of cysteine‐S‐protecting groups by triisopropylsilane
Authors: Ste.Marie Emma J. , Hondal Robert J.
Published: October 2018

Triisopropylsilane (TIS), a hindered hydrosilane, has long been utilized as a cation scavenger for the removal of amino acid protecting groups during peptide synthesis. However, its ability to actively remove S‐protecting groups by serving as a reductant has largely been mischaracterized by the peptide community. Here, we provide strong evidence that TIS can act as a reducing agent to facilitate the removal of acetamidomethyl (Acm), 4‐methoxybenzyl (Mob), and tert‐butyl (But) protecting groups from cysteine (Cys) residues in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) at 37 °C. The lability of the Cys protecting groups in TFA/TIS (98/2) in this study are in the order: Cys(Mob) > Cys(Acm) > Cys(But), with Cys(Mob) being especially labile. Unexpectedly, we found that TIS promoted disulfide formation in addition to aiding in the removal of the protecting group. Our results raise the possibility of using TIS in orthogonal deprotection strategies of Cys‐protecting groups following peptide synthesis as TIS can be viewed as a potential deprotection agent instead of merely a scavenger in deprotection cocktails based on our results. We also tested other common scavengers under these reaction conditions and found that thioanisole and triethylsilane were similarly effective as TIS in enhancing deprotection and catalyzing disulfide formation. Our findings reported herein show that careful consideration should be given to the type of scavenger used when it is desirable to preserve the Cys‐protecting group. Additional consideration should be given to the concentration of scavenger, temperature of the reaction, and reaction time.
Team NimbRo at MBZIRC 2017: Autonomous valve stem turning using a wrench
Authors: Schwarz Max , Droeschel David , Lenz Christian , Periyasamy Arul Selvam , Puang En Yen , Razlaw Jan , Rodriguez Diego , Schüller Sebastian , Schreiber Michael , Behnke Sven
Published: October 2018

The Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC) 2017 has defined ambitious new benchmarks to advance the state‐of‐the‐art in autonomous operation of ground‐based and flying robots. In this study, we describe our winning entry to MBZIRC Challenge 2: the mobile manipulation robot Mario. It is capable of autonomously solving a valve manipulation task using a wrench tool detected, grasped, and finally used to turn a valve stem. Mario’s omnidirectional base allows both fast locomotion and precise close approach to the manipulation panel. We describe an efficient detector for medium‐sized objects in three‐dimensional laser scans and apply it to detect the manipulation panel. An object detection architecture based on deep neural networks is used to find and select the correct tool from grayscale images. Parametrized motion primitives are adapted online to percepts of the tool and valve stem to turn the stem. We report in detail on our winning performance at the challenge and discuss lessons learned.
Considerations for using turbidity as a surrogate for suspended sediment in small, ungaged streams: Time‐series selection, streamflow estimation, and regional transferability
Authors: Steffy Luanne Y. , Shank Matthew K.
Published: October 2018

Suspended sediment (SS) transport is an important and natural process in aquatic ecosystems. However, accelerated erosion due to anthropogenic land uses causes excessive sedimentation, which makes SS pollution one of the most prevalent stressors causing biological impairments of freshwater. Despite the ubiquitous nature of sedimentation and the ways in which it negatively impacts streams, inherent obstacles exist to effective measurement and characterization of fluvial SS loading. SS concentrations (SSCs) can vary widely during similar hydrologic conditions, making discharge an unreliable predictor variable. Alternatively, turbidity has been shown to be an effective surrogate for SSC, and methods using in situ optical turbidity sensors to indirectly measure SSCs have been developed. We present data and results from research using turbidity as a surrogate for SSC in five small, ungaged streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Objectives of this study include presenting practical considerations and strategies for applying the turbidity–SSC surrogate method in small headwater streams. Empirical evidence is presented illustrating the potential correlation between land use and sediment loading. Additionally, accurate estimates of sediment loading require utilization of high frequency time‐series data and on‐site monitoring to capture timing and magnitude of streamflow, especially during intense, short‐duration runoff events. Similar turbidity–SSC relationships across watersheds suggest that regional regression curves could be established to allow more efficient and cost‐effective estimation of sediment loading. The broad application of this method would also benefit water resource management, by enabling prioritization of sites for stream restoration, standardizing techniques for monitoring stream recovery, or documenting impacts of discrete land‐use changes.
Preparation of Naturally Active Melanin Nano‐Platforms Chelated with Barium Ions as a Potential X‐Ray‐Computed Tomography Contrast Agent
Authors: Nedaei T. Sevda , Delavari H. Hamid
Published: October 2018

Facile preparation of biocompatible nano‐platforms for computed tomography (CT) is demanding. In this work, PEGylated melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) are prepared and reacted with barium ions as CT imaging contrast agent (Ba‐MNPs‐mPEG). It is found that the hydrodynamic size of MNPs is in accordance with size of MNPs measured by electron microscopy (4±1 nm). The zeta potential of MNPs reduces by PEGylation and chelating with Ba2+ ions. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis proposed that OH and NH groups of MNPs are possible binding sites for Ba2+ ions. The prepared Ba‐MNPs‐mPEG shows no significant cytotoxicity at concentration up to 100 ppm of barium concentration after 24 h. Finally, our results indicated that the X‐ray attenuation of Ba‐MNPs‐mPEG is similar and slightly higher than Iohexol as the commercially available iodinated contrasting agent at the same concentrations.
Synthesis of Nano‐Porous Polyaniline and Investigation its Catalytic Effect on the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Ebrahimi Sajjad , Shakeri Alireza , Alizadeh Taher
Published: October 2018

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is one of the most well‐known oxidizers of solid propellant. In this article, an intrinsic conductive polymer (ICP) is introduced as a green catalyst for thermal decomposition of AP. Activation energy of samples was defined by Kissinger method. A MATLAB code and Complementary method were used to derive the best model of samples decomposition reaction. It was revealed that application of nano‐porous polyaniline (NP‐PANi) changed the model of decomposition reaction of AP from
to
; as a drastic raise was observed in the maximum reaction rate, in the range of 264‐430%, at different heating rates. reaction rate constant and pre‐exponential factor were also defined. Characteristic temperatures (TSADT and Tb) have been also determined in order to evaluate the thermal stability of process. Thermodynamic parameters have been also calculated, as the results confirmed the proper catalytic activity of NP‐PANI in AP decomposition process. The obtained results would be helpful for further application of ICPs as a noble family of green catalysts used for decomposition of energetic material.
Human Cartilage-Derived Progenitors Resist Terminal Differentiation and Require CXCR4 Activation to Successfully Bridge Meniscus Tissue Tears
Authors: Jayasuriya Chathuraka T. , Twomey-Kozak John , Newberry Jake , Desai Salomi , Feltman Peter , Franco Jonathan R. , Li Neill , Terek Richard , Ehrlich Michael G. , Owens Brett D.
Published: October 2018

Meniscus injuries are among the most common orthopedic injuries. Tears in the inner one-third of the meniscus heal poorly and present a significant clinical challenge. In this study, we hypothesized that progenitor cells from healthy human articular cartilage (chondroprogenitor cells [C-PCs]) may be more suitable than bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) to mediate bridging and reintegration of fibrocartilage tissue tears in meniscus. C-PCs were isolated from healthy human articular cartilage based on their expression of mesenchymal stem/progenitor marker activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) (CD166). Our findings revealed that healthy human C-PCs are CD166+, CD90+, CD54+, CD106- cells with multilineage differentiation potential, and elevated basal expression of chondrogenesis marker SOX-9. We show that, similar to BM-MSCs, C-PCs are responsive to the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and they can successfully migrate to the area of meniscal tissue damage promoting collagen bridging across inner meniscal tears. In contrast to BM-MSCs, C-PCs maintained reduced expression of cellular hypertrophy marker collagen X in monolayer culture and in an explant organ culture model of meniscus repair. Treatment of C-PCs with SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway inhibitor AMD3100 disrupted cell localization to area of injury and prevented meniscus tissue bridging thereby indicating that the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis is an important mediator of this repair process. This study suggests that C-PCs from healthy human cartilage may potentially be a useful tool for fibrocartilage tissue repair/regeneration because they resist cellular hypertrophy and mobilize in response to chemokine signaling. Stem Cells  2019;37:102–114
BIN1 Induces the Formation of T-Tubules and Adult-Like Ca2+ Release Units in Developing Cardiomyocytes
Authors: De La Mata Ana , Tajada Sendoa , O'Dwyer Samantha , Matsumoto Collin , Dixon Rose E. , Hariharan Nirmala , Moreno Claudia M. , Santana Luis Fernando
Published: October 2018

Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) are at the center of new cell-based therapies for cardiac disease, but may also serve as a useful in vitro model for cardiac cell development. An intriguing feature of hESC-CMs is that although they express contractile proteins and have sarcomeres, they do not develop transverse-tubules (T-tubules) with adult-like Ca2+ release units (CRUs). We tested the hypothesis that expression of the protein BIN1 in hESC-CMs promotes T-tubules formation, facilitates CaV1.2 channel clustering along the tubules, and results in the development of stable CRUs. Using electrophysiology, [Ca2+]i imaging, and super resolution microscopy, we found that BIN1 expression induced T-tubule development in hESC-CMs, while increasing differentiation toward a more ventricular-like phenotype. Voltage-gated CaV1.2 channels clustered along the surface sarcolemma and T-tubules of hESC-CM. The length and width of the T-tubules as well as the expression and size of CaV1.2 clusters grew, as BIN1 expression increased and cells matured. BIN1 expression increased CaV1.2 channel activity and the probability of coupled gating within channel clusters. Interestingly, BIN1 clusters also served as sites for sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) anchoring and stabilization. Accordingly, BIN1-expressing cells had more CaV1.2-ryanodine receptor junctions than control cells. This was associated with larger [Ca2+]i transients during excitation–contraction coupling. Our data support the view that BIN1 is a key regulator of T-tubule formation and CaV1.2 channel delivery. By studying the role of BIN1 during the differentiation of hESC-CMs, we show that BIN1 is also important for CaV1.2 channel clustering, junctional SR organization, and the establishment of excitation–contraction coupling. Stem Cells  2019;37:54–64
High‐Performance Organic Electroluminescence: Design from Organic Light‐Emitting Materials to Devices
Authors: Tao Peng , Miao Yanqin , Wang Hua , Xu Bingshe , Zhao Qiang
Published: October 2018

Organic electroluminescence is considered as the most competitive alternative for the future solid‐state displays and lighting techniques owing to many advantages such as self‐luminescence, high efficiency, high contrast, high color rendering index, ultra‐thin thickness, transparency, flat and flexibility, etc. The development of high‐performance organic electroluminescence has become the continuing focus of research. In this personal account, a brief overview of representative achievements in our study on the design of highly efficient novel organic light‐emitting materials (including fluorescent materials, phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes and conjugated polymers bearing phosphorescent iridium(III) complex) and high‐performance device structures together with working principles are given. At last, we will give some perspectives on this fascinating field, and also try to provide some potential directions of research on the basis of the current stage of organic electroluminescence.
Modern coin debasement discovered by combined portable X‐ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy in Peruvian cent coins (1950–1965)
Authors: Ortega‐San‐Martín Luis , Sarango‐Ramírez Marvin K. , Galarreta Betty C.
Published: October 2018

A series of one‐ and two‐cent coins minted in Peru from 1950 to 1965 has been analyzed by portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF), and the results have been calibrated by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). These coins were expected to be composed of zinc and copper (95:5 wt/wt), but results show that the copper content changes from year to year and usually tends to be smaller than the legally acceptable limits (below 3 wt%). The nondestructive X‐ray fluorescence analysis of the Cu/Zn ratio was calibrated with AAS. The pXRF results of 313 coins show a debasement over time with two minimums, one in 1954 (observed in both types of coins) and the second one in 1959 (present only in one‐cent coins), in agreement with adverse economic events in this time frame. This is the first time that Peruvian coin debasement is studied with this particular nondestructive technique and correlated with a series of economic events in the country.
Dark matter casts light on the early Universe
Authors: Arbey A. , Ellis J. , Mahmoudi F. , Robbins G.
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We show how knowledge of the cold dark matter (CDM) density can be used, in conjunction with measurements of the parameters of a scenario for beyond the Standard Model (BSM) physics, to provide information about the evolution of the Universe before Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN). As examples of non-standard evolution, we consider models with a scalar field that may decay into BSM particles, and quintessence models. We illustrate our calculations using various supersymmetric models as representatives of classes of BSM scenarios in which the CDM density is either larger or smaller than the observed density when the early Universe is assumed to be radiation-dominated. In the case of a decaying scalar field, we show how the CDM density can constrain the initial scalar density and the reheating temperature after it decays in BSM scenarios that would yield overdense dark matter in standard radiation-dominated cosmology, and how the decays of the scalar field into BSM particles can be constrained in scenarios that would otherwise yield underdense CDM. We also show how the early evolution of the quintessence field can be constrained in BSM scenarios.
The groomed and ungroomed jet mass distribution for inclusive jet production at the LHC
Authors: Kang Zhong-Bo , Lee Kyle , Liu Xiaohui , Ringer Felix
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We study jet mass distributions measured in the single inclusive jet production in proton-proton collisionspp→ jet+Xat the LHC. We consider both standard ungroomed jets as well as soft drop groomed jets. Within the Soft Collinear Effective Theory (SCET), we establish QCD factorization theorems for both cases and we study their relation. The developed framework allows for the joint resummation of several classes of logarithmic corrections to all orders in the strong coupling constant. For the ungroomed case, we resum logarithms in the jet radius parameter and in the small jet mass. For the groomed case, we resum in addition the logarithms in the soft threshold parameterzcutwhich is introduced by the soft drop grooming algorithm. In this way, we are able to reliably determine the absolute normalization of the groomed jet mass distribution in proton-proton collisions. All logarithmic corrections are resummed to the next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy. We present numerical results and compare with the available data from the LHC. For both the groomed and ungroomed jet mass distributions we find very good agreement after including non-perturbative corrections.
Circuit complexity in interacting QFTs and RG flows
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arpan , Shekar Arvind , Sinha Aninda
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We consider circuit complexity in certain interacting scalar quantum field theories, mainly focusing on theϕ4theory. We work out the circuit complexity for evolving from a nearly Gaussian unentangled reference state to the entangled ground state of the theory. Our approach uses Nielsen’s geometric method, which translates into working out the geodesic equation arising from a certain cost functional. We present a general method, making use of integral transforms, to do the required lattice sums analytically and give explicit expressions for thed= 2,3 cases. Our method enables a study of circuit complexity in the epsilon expansion for the Wilson-Fisher fixed point. We find that with increasing dimensionality the circuit depth increases in the presence of theϕ4interaction eventually causing the perturbative calculation to breakdown. We discuss how circuit complexity relates with the renormalization group.
Integrated massive vertex operator in pure spinor formalism
Authors: Chakrabarti Subhroneel , Kashyap Sitender Pratap , Verma Mritunjay
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We construct the integrated vertex operator for the first massive states of open superstrings with (mass)2 = 1/α

′
in the pure spinor formalism of the superstring theory. This vertex operator is expressed in terms of the ten dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$

N
=
1

superfields describing the massive supermultiplet which appear in the unintegrated vertex operator of the same states.
Cost Analysis of the Mongolian ATLS© Program: A Framework for Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Kornfeld Jack E. , Katz Micah G. , Cardinal James R. , Bat‐Erdene Batsaikhan , Jargalsaikhan Gerelmaa , Nunez Jade
Published: October 2018

Background

Trauma is the leading cause of death among Mongolians aged 24–44. To improve initial management of injured patients, the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) implemented the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) training program in 2015. Cost analysis demonstrates that such programs can have clear pathways to self‐sufficiency.

Methods

Costs associated with an ACS Mongolian ATLS program were quantified based on discussions with the Mongolian government, MNUMS, ATLS Australasia headquarters, and existing pricing data. Costs were then classified as either essential or contingencies. These classifications determined budgetary items for each program. Savings projections for contingencies included training Mongolian instructors and educators. Scenarios for funding the budget were then assessed.

Results

The minimum annual cost of ATLS in Mongolia, which includes 3 ATLS student courses/1 instructor course, is $10,709. A budget of $19,900 includes additional contingencies. The scenario that involves foreign instructors is the most expensive one. An initial investment of $85,000 to train Mongolian instructors reduces annual costs by $48,305 (71% reduction). An investment of $4050 to train a Mongolian educator will reduce costs by $1750 annually. ATLS can be sustained with 0.04% of Mongolia’s current spending on public health and preventative services.

Conclusions

Initial investment to train Mongolian ATLS instructors leads to substantial savings. Training a Mongolian educator lowers long‐term costs. When minimum costs for ATLS courses are understood, these can be scaled up and supported with different contingencies and minimal funding by government or third‐party stakeholders.
Triple deletion of clpC, porB, and mepA enhances production of small ubiquitin-like modifier-N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Peng Feng , Liu Xiuxia , Wang Xinyue , Chen Jing , Liu Meng , Yang Yankun , Bai Zhonghu
Published: October 2018

In our previous work, a two-plasmid CRISPR/Cas9 system was constructed for genome editing in Corynebacterium glutamicum. To increase the transformation efficiency and simplify the plasmid curing steps, an all-in-one CRISPR/Cas9 system was constructed for efficient genome editing. In addition, to research proteolysis during the production of recombinant proteins and generate a host for enhanced expression of recombinant proteins, the system was used to delete three genes, clpC, porB, and mepA in C. glutamicum CGMCC1.15647, which encoded the Clp protease subunit ClpC, anion selective channel protein B, and metallopeptidase A, respectively. After the evaluation of different plasmids and hosts, small ubiquitin-like modifier-N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (SUMO-NT-proBNP), an important protein used for the diagnosis of mild heart failure was successfully expressed in the triple mutant ΔclpCΔporBΔmepA, which exhibit threefold higher levels of protein expression compared with the wild-type. In conclusion, we created a simplified CRISPR tool for genome editing in C. glutamicum, provided a method to generate a host for enhanced expression of recombinant proteins and successfully expressed SUMO-NT-proBNP in C. glutamicum. This tool and method will greatly facilitate genetic engineering and metabolic optimization of this important platform organism.
Incorporating Research into Undergraduate Paleontology Courses
Authors: Kelley Patricia H.
Published: October 2018

Research-led, research-oriented, and research-based teaching incorporate research into teaching to different degrees. Research-led teaching focuses on content and informs students about current research findings. Research-oriented teaching focuses on techniques and often occurs in research methods courses. In research-based teaching, students participate in research. Through this involvement, they benefit from improved content knowledge, research skills, and life skills, as well as enhanced personal development. Research-embedded courses can make such benefits available to a wide range of students. Best practices in experiential learning and the incorporation of research in teaching include intentionality, planning, authenticity, reflection, training, monitoring, assessment, and acknowledgment. These principles of best practice are illustrated by courses with embedded student research. Guidelines are presented for how to plan and execute a semester-long course-embedded research project, as well as alternative and shorter-term approaches. Research-based teaching provides challenges for students and faculty, but the benefits for all stakeholders are strong.
Maternal dietary pattern characterised by high protein and low carbohydrate intake in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in Chinese women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Xuezhen , Chen Renjuan , Zhong Chunrong , Wu Jiangyue , Li Xiating , Li Qian , Cui Wenli , Yi Nianhua , Xiao Mei , Yin Heng , Xiong Guoping , Han Weizhen , Hao Liping , Yang Xuefeng , Yang Nianhong
Published: October 2018

Maternal dietary patterns and macronutrients intake have been shown to affect the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the findings are inconsistent. We aimed to identify maternal dietary patterns and examine their associations with GDM risk, and to evaluate the contributions of macronutrients intake to these associations. We included 2755 Chinese pregnant women from the Tongji Maternal and Child Health Cohort. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ 2 weeks before the diagnosis of GDM. GDM (n 248) was diagnosed based on the results of a 75-g, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks gestation. We derived five different dietary patterns from a principal component analysis. The results showed that high fish–meat–eggs scores, which were positively related to protein intake and inversely related to carbohydrate intake, were associated with a higher risk of GDM (adjusted OR for quartile 4 v. quartile 1: 1·83; 95 % CI 1·21, 2·79; Ptrend=0·007) and higher plasma glucose levels. In contrast, high rice–wheat–fruits scores, which were positively related to carbohydrate intake and inversely related to protein intake, were associated with lower risk of GDM (adjusted OR for quartile 3 v. quartile 1: 0·54; 95 % CI 0·36, 0·83; Ptrend=0·010) and lower plasma glucose levels. In addition, dietary protein and carbohydrate intake significantly contributed to the associations between dietary patterns and GDM risk or glucose levels. These findings suggest that a dietary pattern characterised by high protein and low carbohydrate intake in pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of GDM, which may provide important clues for dietary guidance during pregnancy to prevent GDM.
Association of dietary fibre intake and gut microbiota in adults
Authors: Lin Daniel , Peters Brandilyn A. , Friedlander Charles , Freiman Hal J. , Goedert James J. , Sinha Rashmi , Miller George , Bernstein Mitchell A. , Hayes Richard B. , Ahn Jiyoung
Published: October 2018

Increasing evidence indicates that gut microbiota may influence colorectal cancer risk. Diet, particularly fibre intake, may modify gut microbiota composition, which may affect cancer risk. We investigated the relationship between dietary fibre intake and gut microbiota in adults. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we assessed gut microbiota in faecal samples from 151 adults in two independent study populations: National Cancer Institute (NCI),n75, and New York University (NYU),n76. We calculated energy-adjusted fibre intake based on FFQ. For each study population with adjustment for age, sex, race, BMI and smoking, we evaluated the relationship between fibre intake and gut microbiota community composition and taxon abundance. Total fibre intake was significantly associated with overall microbial community composition in NYU (P=0·008) but not in NCI (P=0·81). In a meta-analysis of both study populations, higher fibre intake tended to be associated with genera of class Clostridia, including higher abundance ofSMB53(fold change (FC)=1·04,P=0·04),Lachnospira(FC=1·03,P=0·05) andFaecalibacterium(FC=1·03,P=0·06), and lower abundance ofActinomyces(FC=0·95,P=0·002),Odoribacter(FC=0·95,P=0·03) andOscillospira(FC=0·96,P=0·06). A species-level meta-analysis showed that higher fibre intake was marginally associated with greater abundance ofFaecalibacterium prausnitzii(FC=1·03,P=0·07) and lower abundance ofEubacterium dolichum(FC=0·96,P=0·04) andBacteroides uniformis(FC=0·97,P=0·05). Thus, dietary fibre intake may impact gut microbiota composition, particularly class Clostridia, and may favour putatively beneficial bacteria such asF. prausnitzii. These findings warrant further understanding of diet–microbiota relationships for future development of colorectal cancer prevention strategies.
Content validity of the developmental care scale for neonates with CHD
Authors: Burke Sara , Miller Elaine , Bakas Tamilyn , Cooper David
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Neuroprotective developmental care is paramount for neonates with CHD. Although several developmental care scales exist, either they have not been psychometrically tested or were not designed for the needs of neonates with CHD. The purpose of this study is to describe item development and content validity testing of the developmental care scale for neonates with CHD, which measures five domains of the developmental care provided by bedside nurses to neonates in the cardiac ICU: sleep, pain and stress management, activities of daily living, family-centred care, and environment.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, items were developed based on clinical expertise and the core measures for developmental care. In this study, seven experts provided content validity ratings of items for total scale and subscale fit and relevance. A content validity index was used to determine item retention. Item modifications and additions were based on expert feedback.

Results

Expert ratings provided evidence of content validity on 24 of 53 items within the five domains of developmental care. A total of 24 items were deleted, and five items with low content validity ratings were retained, because of conceptual importance, and revised. An additional 11 items were added based on expert qualitative feedback.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence of content validity of the developmental care scale for neonates with CHD by researchers and bedside nurses caring for these neonates. Further psychometric testing is warranted to provide evidence of internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and to identify variables that influence quality of the developmental care.
High incidence of ductal closure or narrowing at birth in patients with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction with normal orientation of the ductus arteriosus
Authors: Nagata Hazumu , Terashi Eiko , Muraoka Mamoru , Uike Kiyoshi , Hirata Yuichiro , Tatewaki Hideki , Fujita Yasuyuki , Yamamura Kenichiro , Ohga Shouichi
Published: October 2018

Background

Ductal patency is mandatory to manage patients with ductal-dependent pulmonary circulation. The aim of this study is to elucidate the morphological and haemodynamic features of ductus arteriosus with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and investigate the appropriate perinatal management.

Patients and methods

Patients with prenatal diagnosis of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction at our institution between 2010 and 2015 were included in the study. Reverse orientation of the ductus arteriosus is defined as an inferior angle of <90° at the aortic junction, and normal orientation of the ductus arteriosus as an angle of >90°. We retrospectively reviewed the shape and flow pattern of ductus arteriosus and the clinical characteristics of the cases.

Results

A total of 39 patients were enrolled. The shape was divided into normal orientation (n=15) and reverse orientation (n=24) of the ductus arteriosus. There was no significant difference in the type of oxygen saturation at birth and age at shunt operation between both the groups. However, the median narrowest diameter of ductus arteriosus in the normal orientation group was significantly smaller than that in the reverse orientation group (2.0 [1.0–5.4] versus 3.0 [1.3–4.4] mm, p<0.05). In two patients of the normal orientation group, ductus arteriosus had closed at birth, and one of whom died because of severe cyanosis.

Conclusions

Normal orientation pattern might have high incidence of an early narrowing or closure of ductus arteriosus at birth. The critical patients need careful evaluation by repeated foetal echocardiography and further maternal interventions.
The Gendered Consequences of Financial Crises: A Cross-National Analysis
Authors: Blanton Robert , Blanton Shannon , Peksen Dursun
Published: October 2018

What effects do financial crises have on women's well-being? While much research has addressed various socio-economic and political consequences of financial crises, the gendered impact of financial crises are empirically underexplored. Moreover, extant literature has mainly focused on specific crises or countries with little attempt at determining possible common effects and patterns across the world. To provide broader insight into the gendered consequences of financial crises, we examined the degree to which five types of financial crises—banking crises, currency crises, domestic sovereign debt crises, external sovereign debt crises, and inflation crises—affect women's health and educational outcomes as well as their participation in the formal economy and politics. We also examined the persistence of these effects in the postcrisis years. The results from a panel of 68 countries for the years 1980 to 2010 indicate that financial crises undermine women's participation in the formal workforce, their presence in politics, their educational attainment, and their health outcomes. We also found significant lingering effects of financial crises: the deleterious gendered effects of crises persist even seven years after the end of a crisis.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Cultural Adaptations of CBT
Authors: Stone Lydia , Beck Andrew , Hashempour Faramarz , Thwaites Richard
Published: October 2018

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has become the first line of treatment for a wide range of mental health problems across many countries. The flexibility of CBT, and a strong evidence base and good track record of training and dissemination, has lent itself to scaling up of this therapy, and projects such as the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme in England have shown that large-scale projects to roll out CBT at a national level are possible (Clark, 2011).