bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface‐based crystal particle autoselection via membrane crystallization: From scaling to process control
Authors: Jiang Xiaobin , Lu Dapeng , Xiao Wu , Li Guannan , Zhao Rui , Li Xiangcun , He Gaohong , Ruan Xuehua
Published: October 2018

Accurate crystallization control is an essential aspect for chemical engineering and separation processes. Herein, we demonstrated the novelty of membrane crystallization (MCr) on the interfacial based‐crystal particle autoselection aimed for nucleation regulation and process control. With the proposed model based on a van der Waals‐friction‐hydrodynamic force field and classical nucleation theory, the motion mechanisms of heterogeneously induced nucleation were illustrated. The defined particle detachment criterion K revealed the control mechanism of the crystal particle motion behavior: temporary adherence, detachment, and perpetual adherence (scaling) at the membrane interface. For the first time, the function region of MCr (nucleation detection, scaling control, and crystallization regulation) was systematically illustrated and validated with the directly observed laboratory demonstration. These findings also demonstrate the potential applications of the uniform size distribution, morphology modified particle manufacture, and in situ nucleation detection. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 723–733, 2019
Olfactory function in patients with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts and their unaffected relatives
Authors: Roosenboom Jasmien , Hermans Robert , Lammens Frederik , Samain Jean Louis , Devriendt Koen , Vander Poorten Vincent , Hellings Peter W. , Jorissen Mark , Peeters Hilde , Claes Peter , Hens Greet
Published: October 2018

Nonsyndromic orofacial clefting is one of the most frequently occurring congenital conditions. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and nature of reduced olfactory function in patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or cleft palate (NSCL/P) and their unaffected first‐degree relatives. Olfactory function was tested using the Sniffin’ Sticks identification test in patients with NSCL/P, in their unaffected relatives, and in control subjects. MR imaging was performed to measure olfactory bulb (OB) volumes and olfactory sulcus (OS) depths. A reduced olfactory function was seen in significantly more patients with NSCL/P (p = .002) than in control subjects, regardless of the cleft type. Strikingly, unaffected relatives of patients with NSCL/P also had a higher rate of hyposmia (p = .001). In hyposmic patients, the OB volumes (left: p = .01 and right: p = .003) and the depth of the left OS (p = .02) were significantly smaller than in controls. In hyposmic relatives, both OS depths (left: p = .02 and right: p = .03) were significantly smaller. Patients with NSCL/P and their unaffected relatives have an increased prevalence of reduced olfactory function, associated with changes in the central olfactory structures.
Delineating the phenotypic spectrum of hyperphosphatasia with mental retardation syndrome 4 in 14 patients of Middle‐Eastern origin
Authors: Balobaid Ameera , Ben‐Omran Tawfeg , Ramzan Khushnooda , Altassan Ruqaiah , Almureikhi Mariam , Musa Sara , Al‐Hashmi Nadia , Al‐Owain Mohammed , Al‐Zaidan Hamad , Al‐Hassnan Zuhair , Imtiaz Faiqa , Al‐Sayed Moeenaldeen
Published: October 2018

Hyperphosphatasia with mental retardation syndrome 4 (HPMRS4) is a rare autosomal recessive condition caused by an impairment of glycosylphophatidylinositol biosynthesis. The cardinal features of HPMRS4 include; characteristic facial features, severe intellectual disability and various neurologic abnormalities. We report here detailed clinical, biochemical, and molecular findings of 14 patients clinically suspected to have HPMRS4, from three Middle‐Eastern Countries; Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. All patients in our series presented with the cardinal features pointing to HPMRS4 and with an elevated alkaline phosphatase level. Five patients had megalocornea, which have been reported recently in an Arab patient. Additionally, fracture, bilateral coxa valga, camptodactyly, truncal obesity, and hyperpigmented macules of the upper thigh, each was seen once and was not described before with HPMRS4. Additional clinical and radiological findings are described, supporting the novel clinical and radiological findings recently described in Egyptian patients.

The utilization of homozygosity mapping coupled with PGAP3 sequencing and whole exome sequencing facilitated the mutation detection in these patients. These missense mutations include c.320C > T (p.S107 L), c.850C > T (p.H284Y), and c.851A > G (p.H284R) in the PGAP3 gene. We believe that the recurrent mutations identified in our cohort may represent founder mutations in big tribes from a certain geographical region of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. Therefore, in case of a clinical suspicion of HPMRS4 in these populations, targeted genetic testing for the identified mutations should be performed first to expedite the genetic diagnosis.
Characterization of the hepatosplenic and portal venous findings in patients with Proteus syndrome
Authors: Takyar Varun , Khattar Divya , Ling Alexander , Patel Rachna , Sapp Julie C. , Kim Sun A. , Auh Sungyoung , Biesecker Leslie G. , Keppler‐Noreuil Kim M. , Heller Theo
Published: October 2018

Proteus syndrome (PS) is a rare disorder caused by a mosaic AKT1 variant that comprises patchy overgrowth of tissues derived from all three germinal layers affecting multiple viscera. We sought to delineate the extent of hepatoportal manifestations in patients with PS. We identified patients with PS who had abdominal imaging from 1989 to 2015 in a natural history study. Imaging was characterized for evidence of focal findings in the liver, spleen, and portal vasculature and for organomegaly. Relevant clinical and laboratory data were compared among those with or without organomegaly. Abdominal imaging was available on 38 patients including 20 who had serial studies. Nine patients had focal hepatic lesions including vascular malformations (VMs). Focal splenic abnormalities were noted in seven patients. Patients without cutaneous VMs did not have visceral VMs. Nine patients had splenomegaly, 12 had portal vein dilation, and 4 had hepatomegaly. There was a weak correlation of portal vein dilation to spleen height ratio (r2 = 0.18, p < .05). On laboratory evaluation, hepatic function was normal but there was thrombocytopenia in those with splenomegaly; platelet counts were 179 ± 87K/μL compared to those with normal spleen size at 253 ± 57K/μL (p < .05). Overall, focal hepatosplenic abnormalities occurred in 11 of 38 (29%) patients with PS. Splenomegaly and portal venous dilation were both found in 8 of 38 (21%) patients; however, other than relative thrombocytopenia, there was no evidence of portal hypertension. Although the AKT1‐E17K somatic variant is a suspected oncogene, there were no malignant lesions identified in this study.
Emergence of Surface Fractals in Cellular Automata
Authors: Anitas Eugen Mircea , Slyamov Azat M.
Published: October 2018

Self‐similar (fractal) structures are present at every scale ranging from galaxies down to aggregates of atoms to elementary particles. For surface fractals, the self‐similarity is inherited from the superposition of non‐overlapping mass fractals. Despite long‐standing theoretical investigations, no generic framework exists yet to describe the nature and generation of surface fractal systems. Here, cellular automata (CA) are identified as a generic mathematical system and, by exploring the associated small‐angle scattering (neutrons, X‐rays, light) intensity curves, the emergence of surface fractals is reported. The observed decay of scattering intensity manifesting as a non‐coherent sum of scattering amplitudes of objects composing the surface fractal is in agreement with theoretical predictions and is a manifestation of the power‐law distribution of object's sizes. The non‐coherent sum of intensities of a randomly distributed system of objects provides an approximation to the surface fractal scattering intensity, which is expected from the interplay of distances between objects and their size. The finding on the emergence of surface fractals in CA will enrich the understanding of their structural properties while the approximation of independent objects can provide a route toward testing randomness generated by CA.
Efficient Optical Saturable Absorbers with Graphene on Polymer Waveguides for Femtosecond Laser Pulse Formation
Authors: Ryu Bowon , Lee Sungjae , Kim Jin Tae , Song Yong‐Won
Published: October 2018

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are notable for their enhanced functionalities with material flexibilities to find applications in wearable high‐speed data management systems. Due to the miniaturized dimensions of PICs, the employment of a nanomaterial having significant optical nonlinearity is critical. Here, it is demonstrated that a polymer waveguide can be harmonized with nonlinear graphene to form ultrashort laser pulses. The graphene works as nonlinear saturable absorber on the polymer waveguide prepared with a perfluorinated acrylic resin. The evanescent field of a laser propagating through the waveguide interacts with graphene to induce intracavity intensity modulation for femtosecond‐scale pulse formation. The laser output is characterized quantitatively as the central wavelength, spectral width, repetition rate, extinction ratio, and pulse duration, which are 1553.32 nm, 10.21 nm, 4.18 MHz, 76.03 dB, and 874 fs, respectively. Stable operation is verified over 3 h.
Chemoselektive Pd‐katalysierte C‐TeCF3‐Kupplung von Aryliodiden
Authors: Sperger Theresa , Guven Sinem , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: October 2018

Die TeCF3‐Gruppe zeigt vielversprechende Eigenschaften sowie Potential in einem weiten Bereich von Anwendungen, jedoch gibt es keine direkte Synthesemethode zu ihrer Einführung in aromatische Strukturen. Hier wird die erste direkte katalytische Methode zur Bildung von C(sp2)‐TeCF3‐Bindungen vorgestellt. Die Methode beruht auf einem Pd/Xantphos‐Katalysesystem und ermöglicht die Trifluormethyltellurolierung von Aryliodiden. Unsere rechnergestützten und mechanistischen Studien zeigen den Grund für die privilegierte Aktivität von Xantphos in dieser Transformation auf.
Chemoselective Pd‐Catalyzed C‐TeCF3 Coupling of Aryl Iodides
Authors: Sperger Theresa , Guven Sinem , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: October 2018

While the TeCF3 moiety features promising properties and potential in a range of applications, no direct synthetic method exists for its incorporation into aromatic scaffolds. This report features the first direct catalytic method for the formation of C(sp2)−TeCF3 bonds. The method relies on a Pd/Xantphos catalytic system and allows for the trifluoromethyltellurolation of aryl iodides. Our computational and experimental mechanistic analyses shed light on the privileged activity of Xantphos in this transformation.
Glycerol Partial Oxidation over Pt/Al2O3 Catalysts under Basic and Base‐Free Conditions—Effect of the Particle Size
Authors: Skrzyńska Elżbieta , El Roz Ayman , Paul Sébastien , Capron Mickaël , Dumeignil Franck
Published: October 2018

The glycerol partial oxidation reaction over Pt/Al2O3 catalysts was studied under basic (NaOH/GLY molar ratio 4) and base‐free conditions (NaOH/GLY molar ratio 0). Catalysts with small (2.95 nm) and large particle sizes (260.83 nm) were synthesized according to the use of different reducing agents, formaldehyde or sodium borohydride, and hydrazine, respectively. These different Pt particle sizes lead to a dramatic change in terms of activity, irrespective of the applied conditions. The biggest particles (i.e., 260 nm) seem to generate overoxidation products leading to a decrease in the carbon balance (to ~80%) while the smallest particles exhibit the highest initial glycerol transformation rate (i.e., ~10,000 mol h−1 molPt−1 under basic conditions at 60°C and ~2000 mol h−1 molPt−1 in the absence of a base at 100°C). In terms of selectivities, the main products are different as a function of the initial reaction conditions. For base‐free conditions, the two main products are glyceraldehyde and glyceric acid with a sum of selectivities always larger than 80%. Under basic conditions, the major product is glyceric acid while no trace of glyceraldehyde is detected.
A Mathematical Model for Estimating Molecular Compressibility of Fatty‐Acid Methyl Ester and Biodiesel
Authors: Krisanangkura Piyawan , Lilitchan Supathra , Aryusuk Kornkanok , Krisnangkura Kanit
Published: October 2018

In this study, the molecular compressibility (km) of a fatty‐acid methyl ester (FAME) or a biodiesel is correlated with ΔG, , via the Gibbs energy additivity method, where MW is the molecular weight of the FAME or the average MW of the biodiesel. The Gibbs energy associated with molecular compressibility () is further correlated with the structure of FAME. Thus, the relationship between the structure (of a FAME or a biodiesel) and the physical property (km) is established. Thus, km of a FAME at different temperatures can be easily estimated from the carbon numbers of fatty acid (z) and the number of double bonds (nd) with good accuracy. For biodiesel, km is calculated from the same equation with the average z (z(ave)) and average nd (nd(ave)). km is not temperature independent and a slight change in km depends on the structure of the FAME and biodiesel. For FAME having 14 carbon atoms or less in the fatty acid, km decreases as temperature is increased. On the other hand, for FAME with a longer chain length (16 or higher), km increases as temperature is increased. Similarly, a double bond in the long‐chain FAME is more sensitive to temperature than the saturated FAME.
Effect of molecular structures on static and dynamic compression properties of clay and amphiphilic clay/carbon nanofibers used as fillers in UHMWPE/composites for high‐energy‐impact loading
Authors: Dias R. R. , Lavoratti A. , Piazza D. , da Silva C. R. , Zattera A. J. , Lago R. M. , de Oliveira Patricio P. S. , Pereira I. M.
Published: October 2018

Three different ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)–clay nanocomposites (Muscovite, Cloisite 30B and amphiphilic clay/carbon nanofibers) were investigated with the nanocomposite nanomorphology studied before and after dynamic mechanical compressive tests at high strain rates. Their material structure and thermal properties were investigated using techniques such as step‐scan differential scanning calorimetry, split Hopkinson pressure bar, synchrotron small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and dynamic mechanical analysis. Results were associated with morphological changes observed after deformation. chemical vapor deposition (CVD)‐modified nanocomposite, due to the molecular bonding and the extra functional groups, is designed with crystalline structures with fewer defects and higher stability. The increase in particulate/polymer interactions observed for the CVD‐modified material decreased the elongation in the quasi‐static test. However, the dynamic mechanical behavior contradicted the quasi‐static behavior because at very high strain rates there was not sufficient time for the interlamellar and intralamellar defect facilitated plastic flow and the material transitioned through the glassy state. The SAXS results show that deformation strongly induced changes in the UHMWPE and UHMWPE–clay nanocomposite morphology. SAXS indicates that CVD‐modified samples became more compact and dense, thus corroborating the formation of additional secondary bonds between structures and/or the carbon nanofibers alignment. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47094.
Grafting starch nanocrystals onto the surface of sisal fibers and consequent improvement of interfacial adhesion in sisal reinforced starch composite
Authors: Chang Y. , Li J.J. , Sun T.S. , Zhou X.D.
Published: October 2018

Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) were obtained by the hydrolysis of waxy starch and used to improve the interfacial adhesion of a composite of sisal fibers and starch. Sisal fibers were first treated with acrylic acid (AA), and the modified fibers were then reacted with SNCs to form ester groups. The grafted fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR and XPS results showed that the SNCs were successfully grafted onto the surface of SF‐AA, and an ester linkage was formed during the reaction of AA with the SNCs. The SEM analysis showed that the SNCs were distributed over the fiber surface. Tensile tests and pull‐out tests were also performed utilizing a two‐parameter Weibull distribution analysis to study the effect of the grafted SNCs on the mechanical and interfacial properties. Compared to the untreated fibers, the interfacial shear strength of the grafted SNCs fibers increased by 79.3%. Therefore, the structural similarity between starch and the SNCs contributed towards their compatibility and improved interfacial properties, with the introduction of SNCs being used as an alternative material for fiber surface modification. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47202.
Improved rheological properties and stability of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polymer in harsh environment
Authors: Nourafkan Ehsan , Haruna Maje Alhaji , Gardy Jabbar , Wen Dongsheng
Published: October 2018

This work aims to improve the rheological properties and stability of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/acrylamide (AA) base skeleton polymer blends at harsh environment of high salinity‐high temperature (HS‐HT) or various pH. Different co/terpolymers have been accomplished to modify the structure of AA polymer by free‐radical copolymerization of AA‐based monomers. Anionic, cationic, and hydrophobic functional groups were used for the synthesis of polyelectrolyte, polyampholytic, and partially hydrophobic AA polymer types. The conversion, molecular weight, and poly dispersity of co/terpolymers have been evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The effects of sonication power, concentration of polymer, and concentration of MWCNTs were also investigated on rheological behavior of co/terpolymers. The results show that negative polyelectrolyte and polyampholytic polymers are the best candidates for the improvement of MWCNTs/polymer stability and viscosity at HS‐HT and alkali environment, respectively. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47205.
Acquiring Clinical Knowledge from an Online Video Platform: A Randomized Controlled Experiment on the Relevance of Integrating Anatomical Information and Clinical Practice
Authors: Grosser Johannes , Bientzle Martina , Shiozawa Thomas , Hirt Bernhard , Kimmerle Joachim
Published: October 2018

Basic subjects in medical education, such as anatomy, are often taught through teaching formats that do not always sufficiently demonstrate the relevance of this basic information for clinical practice. Accordingly, it is a recent trend in anatomy education to link anatomical information more explicitly to clinical practice. This article presents an online video platform (Tuebingen’s Sectio Chirurgica [TSC]) as one means of explicitly integrating preclinical anatomical knowledge and clinical application. The purpose of the study presented here was to examine the effects of videos through which medical students were educated about Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction. A TSC video about this surgical procedure was compared to a video with a traditional lecture providing the identical information. Participants (n = 114) perceived the TSC video to be superior in comprehensibility of the presentation (P = 0.003) and conceivability of the surgical procedure (P = 0.027), and to be more entertaining (P < 0.001). Moreover, participants in the TSC condition acquired more clinical knowledge than in the lecture condition (P = 0.043) but did not differ in their acquisition of anatomical knowledge. Mediation analyses indicated that the effect on the acquisition of clinical knowledge was mediated by comprehensibility, conceivability, and entertainment. These findings are discussed regarding their implications for medical education in terms of contributing to the general trend of linking preclinical anatomical knowledge to clinical application. A discussion about the limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also provided.
Estimation and identification issues in the promotion time cure model when the same covariates influence long‐ and short‐term survival
Authors: Lambert Philippe , Bremhorst Vincent
Published: October 2018

The promotion time cure model is a survival model acknowledging that an unidentified proportion of subjects will never experience the event of interest whatever the duration of the follow‐up. We focus our interest on the challenges raised by the strong posterior correlation between some of the regression parameters when the same covariates influence long‐ and short‐term survival. Then, the regression parameters of shared covariates are strongly correlated with, in addition, identification issues when the maximum follow‐up duration is insufficiently long to identify the cured fraction. We investigate how, despite this, plausible values for these parameters can be obtained in a computationally efficient way. The theoretical properties of our strategy will be investigated by simulation and illustrated on clinical data. Practical recommendations will also be made for the analysis of survival data known to include an unidentified cured fraction.
Successful biliary cannulation by the rendezvous technique via percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage: A report of two cases
Authors: Lee Jae Min , Cha Ra Ri , Kim Wan Soo , Kim Jin Joo , Lee Sang Soo , Kim Hong Jun , Kim Hyun Jin , Kim Tae Hyo , Jung Woon Tae , Lee Ok Jae
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical Message

Reports of the rendezvous technique via percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage are very rare because of difficulties with insertion of the guidewire from the gallbladder into the common bile duct. In particular, our report includes a case with distal common bile duct stricture. To our knowledge, such a case has never been previously reported.
Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIM‐7) Coating Affects Triphasic Palladium Electrocatalysis
Authors: Mahajan Ankita , Bhattacharya Swapan K. , Rochat Sébastien , Burrows Andrew D. , Fletcher Philip J. , Rong Yuanyang , Dalton Alan B. , McKeown Neil B. , Marken Frank
Published: October 2018

A film of the polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM‐7 is coated onto a glassy carbon electrode and the resulting effects on electron transfer reactions are studied for three different types of processes: (i) aqueous solution based, (ii) solid state surface immobilised, and (iii) electrocatalytic processes on electrodeposited palladium. The effects on reactivity for hydroquinone oxidation in aqueous phosphate buffer are shown to be linked to microporosity causing a slightly lower rate of mass transport without detrimental effects on electron transfer and reaction kinetics. Next, water‐insoluble microcrystalline anthraquinone is immobilised directly into the PIM‐7 film and shown to give a chemically reversible reduction process, which is enhanced in the presence of PIM‐7, when compared to the case of anthraquinone immobilised directly onto bare glassy carbon. Electrodeposition of a film of nano‐palladium is demonstrated to give catalytically active electrodes for the reduction/oxidation of protons/hydrogen, the reduction of oxygen, and for the oxidation of formic acid and methanol. With the PIM‐7 film applied onto palladium, a mechanical stabilisation effect occurs. In addition, both the hydrogen insertion and the hydrogen evolution reactions as well as formic acid oxidation are enhanced. Effects are discussed in terms of PIM‐7 beneficially affecting the interfacial reaction under triphasic conditions. The microporous polymer acts as an interfacial “gas management” layer.
A newly developed silicone technology to improve thermal performance of curtain walls
Authors: Hayez Valérie , Gubbels Frédéric , Buljan Nebojša
Published: October 2018

Architectural trends in modern commercial façades tend towards larger glass surfaces and slimmer frame designs like structural glazing, which result in increased transparency of the design. Design should however take into consideration energy efficiency requirements. Energy regulations and climate policy targets set up strict requirements for future buildings. According to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, by 2020 all new buildings in EU will have to be built as “Nearly Zero‐Energy Buildings”. All public buildings have to meet that target two years earlier, at the end of 2018. These targets dictate high demand on building envelope performance and pose challenges in building design. Respecting these targets brings along an increased comfort for the building's occupants: higher internal surface temperatures reduce condensation risk and prevent mould growth while improving the indoor climate. Current solutions reduce the energy loss of curtain walls by using insulating glass units, thermally broken framing systems, low‐emission coatings and warm edge spacers. However, these technologies are reaching their maximal efficiency as they have been on the market for several decades, hence new materials and technologies are required. Since all the major elements of the façade have already been optimized, it becomes critical to ensure that the design of details is not neglected. There is a strong relationship between material characteristics at the detail level and the resulting impact on performance and durability of a façade. Unfortunately, further energy optimization of curtain walls often comes at a price, since the obtained performance improvements are limited whilst adding significant complexity and costs. The challenge today is therefore to develop solutions providing a better performance at a reasonable cost and low complexity to ensure easy adoption of the market and consequently, a significant impact on the improvement of the building stock. This paper introduces a brand‐new silicone technology and illustrates design integration and performance within different structurally glazed façade systems such as unitized and toggle designs. Looking at façades requiring curtain wall U‐values (UCW) below 1.2 W/m2K, the improvements in terms of surface temperatures, psi‐value, but also overall Ucw‐value can be remarkable at efficient cost. A comparison to existing conventional technologies is shown with regards to the overall level of impact on the entire curtain wall energy efficiency performance.
Independent testing of Sparklike Laser™ – Non‐destructive insulating glass gas fill analyser
Authors: Niiranen Kai , Säily Ville‐Petteri , Hartikainen Jarno
Published: October 2018

A common insulating enhancement in modern insulating glass (IG) unit is filling it with argon or krypton gas. Insulating glass units (IGU) have higher and higher performance needs, and the requirements in insulating gas (IG) market are growing all the time. The challenges are confirming the correct filling degree and ensuring that the initial gas concentration will remain inside the insulating glass unit (IGU). Different markets have different standards for gas concentration, but usually the gas content needs to meet or exceed 90 % with a margin. Although invasive methods have their advantages, insulating glass industry specialist are looking for new ways to analyze the insulating gas fill. Traditionally gas concentration has been measured with a gas chromatograph, an invasive test device to analyse gas concentration within double and triple glazed insulating glass units. However, Sparklike Oy is the developer and manufacturer of Sparklike Laser™ devices, that allow non‐destructive insulating gas fill analysis for double and triple glazed insulating glass units, even through most coatings and laminated glasses. Sparklike Laser™ devices are based on technology known as TDLAS (Tuneable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy). By using this technology, the device measures oxygen and from there, the amount of argon, krypton or other insulating gas can be calculated. Sparklike Oy requested a well‐known test laboratory to perform a test in order to determine the argon gas concentration in insulating glass units by using a particularly challenging test specimen. This test specimen included samples with different constructions i.e. clear glass, strengthened glass and laminated glass with different coatings. The purpose of the test was to verify the results from measurements done with Sparklike Laser Standard™ analyzer, by using gas chromatograph as a reference device. In order to receive reliable results, Sparklike provided 12 pieces of test glasses (350 × 350 mm) purchased from a Finnish CE marked glass manufacturer producing insulating glass units according to EN 1279‐5 standard (evaluation of conformity).
Mapping N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) in RNA: Established Methods, Remaining Challenges, and Emerging Approaches
Authors: Hartstock Katja , Rentmeister Andrea
Published: October 2018

N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA. Specific m6A reader and eraser proteins link this modification to many aspects of mRNA metabolism and regulate its levels in a dynamic way. Precise localization and quantification in varying biological samples is, therefore, relevant to understand the functional role of m6A and mechanisms governing its regulation. In this Minireview, we summarize established and emerging concepts for m6A mapping. Starting with the seminal m6A‐sequencing techniques based on immunoprecipitation, we will highlight technical improvements by photo‐cross‐linking and remaining challenges. As an alternative, antibody‐free approaches will be presented. These include wild‐type or engineered m6A‐sensitive enzymes and chemical biology approaches combining substrate analogues, chemical derivatization, and enzymatic steps to trace m6A. Finally, single‐molecule sequencing as a new avenue for direct detection of mRNA modifications will be discussed.
Sulfuryl Fluoride Mediated Conversion of Aldehydes to Nitriles
Authors: Gurjar Jitendra , Bater Jorick , Fokin Valery V.
Published: October 2018

Aliphatic, aromatic, and heteroaromatic aldehydes were readily converted to corresponding nitriles in a one‐pot reaction sequence with hydroxylamine and sulfuryl fluoride. The reaction proceeds at room temperature, does not require metal catalysts and special precautions, and produces nitriles in excellent yields. It is compatible with a variety of functional groups, can be performed in aqueous and organic solvents, and is readily scalable to multigram quantities. Mild conditions and high selectivity of the reaction enabled the construction of polyfunctional probes containing nitrile, alkyne, azide, and fluorosulfate groups for further orthogonal derivatization.
Disparities in human papillomavirus–related cancer incidence and survival among human immunodeficiency virus–infected Hispanics living in the United States
Authors: Ortiz Ana P. , Engels Eric A. , Nogueras‐González Graciela M. , Colón‐López Vivian , Soto‐Salgado Marievelisse , Vargas Alicia , Machin Mark , Shiels Meredith S.
Published: October 2018

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 10% of cancers among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected people in the United States. Because Hispanics are disproportionally affected by the HIV epidemic and by infection‐related cancers, this study compared incidence rates for HPV‐related cancers and survival between Hispanics and non‐Hispanic whites (NHWs) and non‐Hispanic blacks (NHBs) in the HIV‐infected US population.

Methods

Based on data from the HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study, standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were used to estimate cancer risk in HIV‐infected Hispanics and the general US Hispanic population. Among HIV‐infected people, cancer rates were compared with incidence rate ratios (IRRs), and survival was compared with hazard ratios between Hispanics and NHWs and NHBs.

Results

Five hundred two HPV‐related cancers occurred in 864,067 person‐years of follow‐up among HIV‐infected Hispanics. Except for oropharyngeal cancer, the risk of HPV‐related cancers was higher among HIV‐infected Hispanics than in the general population (SIR range, 3.59 [cervical cancer] to 18.7 [anal cancer in men]). Among HIV‐infected females, Hispanics had higher cervical cancer rates than NHWs (IRR, 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19‐2.43) but lower vulvar cancer rates than NHWs (IRR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.24‐0.67) and NHBs (IRR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41‐0.95). Among HIV‐infected males, Hispanics had higher penile cancer rates than NHWs (IRR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.36‐4.96) but lower anal cancer rates than NHWs (IRR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.46‐0.63) and NHBs (IRR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.77). Among HIV‐infected Hispanics, 5‐year survival was greater than 50% across HPV‐related cancer types, with no major differences by racial/ethnic group.

Conclusions

HIV‐infected Hispanics have an elevated risk for HPV‐related cancers. Similarly to the general population, HIV‐infected Hispanics have higher rates of cervical and penile cancer than NHWs and NHBs. HPV vaccination should be promoted among HIV‐infected individuals to reduce the burden of HPV‐related cancers.
In Situ Formation of Gold Nanoparticles within a Polymer Particle and Their Catalytic Activities in Various Chemical Reactions
Authors: Jang Wongi , Taylor Richard , Eyimegwu Pascal N. , Byun Hongsik , Kim Jun‐Hyun
Published: October 2018

Composite materials consisting of nanoscale gold particles and protective polymer shells were designed and tested as catalysts in various chemical reactions. Initially, the systematic incorporation of multiple gold nanoparticles into a poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) particle was achieved by an in situ method under light irradiation. The degree of gold nanoparticle loading, along with the structural and morphological properties, was examined as a function of the amount of initial gold ions and reducing agent. As these gold nanoparticles were physically‐embedded within the polymer particle in the absence of strong interfacial interactions between the gold nanoparticles and polymer matrix, the readily‐accessible surface of the gold nanoparticles with a highly increased stability allowed for their use as recyclable catalysts in oxidation, reduction, and coupling reactions. Overall, the ability to integrate catalytically‐active metal nanoparticles within polymer particles in situ allows for designing novel composite materials for multi‐purpose catalytic systems.
Wavelength‐Dependent Efficiency of Sequential Photooxygenation: C=C Bond Cleavage on Open‐Cage C60 Derivatives
Authors: Hashikawa Yoshifumi , Murata Yasujiro
Published: October 2018

We have studied the efficiency of the C=C double bond cleavage on open‐cage fullerene C60 derivatives by singlet oxygen using four different LED lamps including UV, blue, green, and red radiation. The results indicate that red radiation is the most efficient for this photochemical oxidation owing to the sufficient penetration of the longer‐wavelength light. By applying this method to a 2‐methoxyethoxymethyl‐substituted azafulleroid derivative, we demonstrated the sequential double photooxygenation which provides a symmetric diketo imide derivative having a 15‐membered‐ring opening via stepwise cleavage of two C=C double bonds. Using a H2‐encapsulating derivative, we further examined the size of the opening by comparison with the structural isomer, based on H2‐release experiments and theoretical calculations.
Thorough QT/QTc in a Dish: An In Vitro Human Model That Accurately Predicts Clinical Concentration‐QTc Relationships
Authors: Blanchette Alexander D. , Grimm Fabian A. , Dalaijamts Chimedullam , Hsieh Nan‐Hung , Ferguson Kyle , Luo Yu‐Syuan , Rusyn Ivan , Chiu Weihsueh A.
Published: October 2018

“Thorough QT/corrected QT (QTc)” (TQT) studies are cornerstones of clinical cardiovascular safety assessment. However, TQT studies are resource intensive, and preclinical models predictive of the threshold of regulatory concern are lacking. We hypothesized that an in vitro model using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived cardiomyocytes from a diverse sample of human subjects can serve as a “TQT study in a dish.” For 10 positive and 3 negative control drugs, in vitro concentration‐QTc, computed using a population Bayesian model, accurately predicted known in vivo concentration‐QTc. Moreover, predictions of the percent confidence that the regulatory threshold of 10 ms QTc prolongation would be breached were also consistent with in vivo evidence. This “TQT study in a dish,” consisting of a population‐based iPSC‐derived cardiomyocyte model and Bayesian concentration‐QTc modeling, has several advantages over existing in vitro platforms, including higher throughput, lower cost, and the ability to accurately predict the in vivo concentration range below the threshold of regulatory concern.
Intrinsic Determinants of Axon Regeneration
Authors: Fawcett James W. , Verhaagen Joost
Published: October 2018

The failure of axons to regenerate in the damaged mammalian CNS is the main impediment to functional recovery. There are many molecules and structures in the environment of the injured nervous system that can inhibit regeneration, but even when these are removed or replaced with a permissive environment, most CNS neurons exhibit little regeneration of their axons. This contrasts with the extensive and vigorous axon growth that may occur when embryonic neurons are transplanted into the adult CNS. In the peripheral nervous system, the axons usually respond to axotomy with a vigorous regenerative response accompanied by a regenerative program of gene expression, usually referred to as the regeneration‐associated gene (RAG) program. These different responses to axotomy in the mature and immature CNS and the PNS lead to the concept of the intrinsic regenerative response of axons. Analysis of the many mechanisms and issues that affect the intrinsic regenerative response is the topic of this special issue of Developmental Neurobiology. The review articles highlight the control of expression of growth and regeneration‐associated genes, emphasizing the role of epigenetic mechanisms. The reviews also discuss changes within axons that lead to the developmental loss of regenerative ability. This is caused by changes in axonal transport and trafficking, in the cytoskeleton and in signaling pathways.
Detection of bemitil and its metabolite in urine by means of LC–MS/MS in view of doping control analysis
Authors: Kwiatkowska Dorota , Kowalczyk Katarzyna , Grucza Krzysztof , Szutowski Mirosław , Bulska Ewa , Wicka Mariola
Published: October 2018

2‐(Ethylthio) benzimidazole is an active ingredient of Antihot, a dietary supplement sold in Ukraine. The substance, available also under names of Bemitil, Metaprot, and Bemaktor, was developed in the USSR in 1970s, and after tests on Soviet cosmonauts and soldiers, several studies on its influence on athletes' performances were conducted. The research showed that bemitil is a synthetic adaptogen which is capable to significantly increase physical performance and reduce the time of regeneration. Moreover, according to supplement's distributor, the substance improves both physical performance and resistance to stress. Taking into account these properties, it appears plausible that the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) decided to include bemitil in its 2018 monitoring program. To select markers of bemitil use, six doses of the supplement (two per day, on three consecutive days) were administrated to six healthy volunteers (three men, three women, 26–49 years). Urine samples were collected before, during and up to 30 days after the first ingestion. Samples were analyzed by means of ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). The study revealed that bemitil can be traced in urine as either a parent compound or its glucuronide conjugate, which is more abundant and has a wider detection window.
Ecohydrological dynamics in the Alps: Insights from a modelling analysis of the spatial variability
Authors: Mastrotheodoros Theodoros , Pappas Christoforos , Molnar Peter , Burlando Paolo , Hadjidoukas Panagiotis , Fatichi Simone
Published: October 2018

Mountain ecosystems are experiencing rapid warming resulting in ecological changes worldwide. Projecting the response of these ecosystems to climate change is thus crucial, but also uncertain due to complex interactions between topography, climate, and vegetation. Here, we performed numerical simulations in a real and a synthetic spatial domain covering a range of contrasting climatic conditions and vegetation characteristics representative of the European Alps. Simulations were run with the mechanistic ecohydrological model Tethys–Chloris to quantify the drivers of ecosystem functioning and to explore the vulnerability of Alpine ecosystems to climate change. We correlated the spatial distribution of ecohydrological responses with that of meteorological and topographic attributes and computed spatially explicit sensitivities of net primary productivity, transpiration, and snow cover to air temperature, radiation, and water availability. We also quantified how the variance in several ecohydrological processes, such as transpiration, quickly diminishes with increasing spatial aggregation, which highlights the importance of fine spatial resolution for resolving patterns in complex topographies. We conducted controlled numerical experiments in the synthetic domain to disentangle the effect of catchment orientation on ecohydrological variables, such as streamflow. Our results support previous studies reporting an altitude threshold below which Alpine ecosystems are water‐limited in the drier inner‐Alpine valleys and confirm that the wetter areas are temperature‐limited. High‐resolution simulations of mountainous areas can improve our understanding of ecosystem functioning across spatial scales. They can also locate the areas that are the most vulnerable to climate change and guide future measurement campaigns.
Estimates of accessible food resources for pollinators in urban landscapes should take landscape friction into account
Authors: Johansson Victor , Koffman Anna , Hedblom Marcus , Deboni Giulio , Andersson Petter
Published: October 2018

Maintaining biodiversity in urban landscapes requires a well‐functioning green infrastructure for the landscape to remain ecologically functional. However, city planners often lack knowledge to identify how well different parts of the green infrastructure are connected, and tools to estimate the accessibility to important habitats for different species in urban areas are strongly needed. We compared the ability of three measures of available food resources, with increasing complexity, for explaining species richness and abundance of bees and wasps at 23 locations in an urban landscape in Sweden. Specifically, we tested (1) the summed amount of food habitat within a buffer circle, (2) the amount of food habitat weighted by distance, and (3) the summed amount of food habitat within an area created by cost‐weighted distance based on the surrounding landscape friction. We tested two spatial scales (200 and 400 m). The results show that both the summed (1) and the weighted measures (2) were very poor in explaining species richness and abundance regardless of spatial scale, while we found significant relationships for both species richness and abundance with the friction‐based measure (3) at both scales. For the friction‐based measure, the relationships with both response variables were strongest at the smallest spatial scale (200 m). We conclude that bees and wasps are sensitive to barriers such as large roads and built‐up areas when foraging in urban environments. This is important to consider when assessing the functionality of urban green infrastructure in order to not overestimate the available amount of habitat and how well different parts of the landscape are connected for these important pollinators.
Community‐level species’ correlated distribution can be scale‐independent and related to the evenness of abundance
Authors: Chen Youhua , Shen Tsung‐Jen , Condit Richard , Hubbell Stephen P.
Published: October 2018

The spatial distribution of species is not random; instead, individuals tend to gather, resulting in a non‐random pattern. Previous studies used the independent negative binomial distribution (NBD) to model the distributional aggregation of a single species, in which the independence of the distribution of individuals of a species in different quadrats had been assumed. This way of analyzing aggregation will result in the scale‐dependent estimation of the aggregation or shape parameter. However, because non‐random (and therefore non‐independent) distribution of individuals of a species in a finite area can be caused by either correlated or clumped distribution of individuals of a species between neighboring sites, an alternative model would assume that the distribution of individuals of a species over different sampling areas is multinomial. Here, we showed that, by assuming that regional species abundance followed a NBD while using a multinomial distribution to assign individuals of species in different non‐overlapped sampling quadrats that are from a partition of the entire region (quantifying positive correlation or synchrony), the estimation of the shape parameter in this probabilistic model, which is the negative multinomial distribution (NMD), was scale‐invariant (i.e., the estimated shape parameter is identical across different partitions of the study region). Accordingly, the estimation of the shape parameter was related to regional species distribution alone. This implied that, the shape parameter at the community level, using the NMD model, reflected the evenness of interspecific abundance. As a comparison, if the distribution of individuals of a single species followed independent NBDs as studied previously, the shape parameter would measure the evenness of intraspecific abundance (quantifying single‐species’ distributional aggregation). Moreover, our study highlighted the necessity for adjusting the model for the effects of unsampled species when studying community‐level distributional patterns. Collectively, as long as a target area is partitioned into non‐overlapping quadrats (no matter how their sizes vary), the proposed NMD model in this study, along with the independent NBDs model, can be jointly formulated as a framework to reconcile the scale‐dependent debate on the shape parameter, unifying the relationship between inter‐ or intraspecific abundance and distributional patterns.
A Novel [Fe(acac)3] Interspersed g‐C3N4 Heterostructure for Environmentally Benign Visible‐Light‐Driven Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Devi Meghali , Ganguly Sreejeeb , Bhuyan Bishal , Dhar Siddhartha Sankar , Vadivel Sethumathavan
Published: October 2018

The present work describes facile synthesis of a novel Fe(acac)3 decorated g‐C3N4 heterostructure. Mixing of iron(III) complex with g‐C3N4 thorough simple ultrasonication leads to the formation of the heterostructure. The material was thoroughly characterized by FT‐IR, powder XRD, SEM, TEM, UV/Vis DRS and XPS analysis. The analytical results clearly indicate that the FeIII complex is uniformly interspersed with g‐C3N4. The results also suggest that there exists synergy between two components in the heterostructure for enhance catalytic performance. This novel material was used as heterogeneous catalyst for visible light driven oxidation of a number of alcohols by H2O2. The best ratio of the Fe(acac)3 and g‐C3N4 is determined with PL analysis. Cold LED light was used as source of visible light. Metal complex decorated g‐C3N4 heterostructured materials have been rarely used as catalysts for synthetically useful organic transformations. Thus present work on the use of this materials promises to open up new avenues in future growth in metal complex‐graphitic nitride based heterostructure nanocatalysis.