bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les femmes musulmanes et le « droit de choisir librement »
Authors: Abu-Lughod Lila , Mekki-Berrada Abdelwahed
Published: May 2018

Tout en soulignant qu’il s’avère illusoire de vouloir séparer les situations personnelles des conditions historiques et politiques de leur émergence, cet article propose une réflexion critique de la notion de libre choix, que l’auteure inscrit dans un réseau de facteurs macrosociaux tels que les tensions internationales ou encore la violence et la pauvreté structurelles. La notion de « libre choix » possède une charge idéologique qui se reflète dans la distinction souvent établie entre les femmes occidentales libérées et la femme musulmane dépourvue de libre choix et victime passive de l’oppression patriarcale. Le libre choix tend aujourd’hui à (re)devenir un critère discriminatoire permettant de distinguer les sociétés les « plus civilisées » (choix et liberté pour les « Occidentales ») de celles qui le sont moins (contrainte et servitude pour les « Orientales »). La violation du libre choix des femmes peut alors contribuer à légitimer l’intervention des industries humanitaire et militaire pour « sauver les musulmanes », comme cela a été le cas dans la guerre d’Afghanistan, à la suite des événements tragiques du 11 septembre 2001. Qui a le pouvoir de réduire « l’Autre », et particulièrement les musulmanes, à des sujets assujettis incapables d’émerger comme sujets agissants ? Des musulmanes souffrent d’un libre choix limité, mais ceci est-il réductible à l’islam ? Le libre choix des Occidentales relève-t-il d’un idéal fantasmé ? Faudrait-il plutôt investiguer la notion de libre choix dans sa complexité intrinsèque reliée aux relations de pouvoir ? Réduire les vies poignantes et tellement complexes des femmes musulmanes à une question de choix plus ou moins libre et éclairé est d’une totale insatisfaction pour l’anthropologue. Afin de mieux saisir cette complexité, l’auteure puise dans son travail ethnographique s’échelonnant sur une vingtaine d’années en milieu rural égyptien pour souligner l’importance du travail (micro)ethnographique qui permet de dépasser les généralités et les simplicités galvaudées par certains médias et romans à sensation (« pulp nonfiction ») qui font et défont l’opinion publique. L’auteure compare ces généralités essentialisantes avec des exemples de vies socialement complexes et ethnographiquement riches de villageoises égyptiennes.
Les femmes musulmanes peuvent-elles parler ?
Authors: Benhadjoudja Leila
Published: May 2018

Cet article fait suite à une recherche menée à Montréal entre 2011 et 2015 avec des femmes et des féministes musulmanes de différents profils sociologiques. Dans un contexte où l’on parle beaucoup d’elles, mais rarementavec elles, je me suis intéressée à comprendre et à situer les mobilisations militantes des femmes et féministes musulmanes à partir de leur propre point de vue. En m’inscrivant dans une démarche féministe postcoloniale et en adoptant la perspective des chercheurs de l’entre-deux qui écrivent « contre la culture » (Abu-Lughod 1991), je propose de rendre compte des praxis qui constituent la subjectivation féministe musulmane dans le contexte québécois. Cette subjectivation se révèle par des discours complexes où il n’est pas question de choisir ni entre islam et féminisme, ni entre « Orient » et « Occident ». L’islam est vécu comme un ensemble de techniques de soi qui structure la conscience féministe musulmane et qui se traduit à travers des praxis islamiques et antiracistes. Si la plupart des répondantes s’entendent pour penser le féminisme comme une lutte pour la justice sociale, leurs orientations politiques sont plurielles et non homogènes. Cela dit, face à l’objectivation et à l’islamophobie genrée, il s’agit de voir que la subjectivation féministe musulmane articule des résistances où l’islam est vécu comme une source de soi émancipatrice.
Le Terroriste, l’Homme éclairé et le Patriarche
Authors: Selby Jennifer A. , Barras Amélie , Beaman Lori G.
Published: May 2018

Les personnes de confession musulmane en général et les femmes musulmanes en particulier – plus encore celles d’entre elles installées en Occident –, se trouvent face à une situation délicate : elles sont quotidiennement confrontées à des figures hégémoniques. Dans cet article, nous examinons comment ces figures affectent la vie de nos participantes musulmanes canadiennes, et comment ces mêmes figures délimitent, dans une certaine mesure, les discours et actions de nos participantes. Notre réflexion s’ancre dans l’étude de trois archétypes masculins qui ont émergé inductivement lors de nos analyses, à savoir : le Terroriste, l’Homme éclairé et le Patriarche. Ceux-ci apparaissent régulièrement dans les interactions quotidiennes de nos participantes. Nous nous intéressons en particulier à leurs manières de réagir à ces figures : dans certains cas, elles les (re)produisent ou activent des figures féminines qui répondent à ces figures masculines ; dans d’autres, elles se les (ré)approprient et, dans d’autres cas encore, elles décident simplement de se distancer de toutes ces figures dans lesquelles elle ne se reconnaissent pas. Nous suggérons que les modes de (dé)subjectivation de ces femmes s’insèrent dans leurs pratiques qui consistent à faire ou à défaire, à co-construire ou à déconstruire ces figures. Dans tous les cas, elles ne peuvent pas les éviter. À partir de l’analyse d’entrevues qualitatives réalisées avec des femmes s’identifiant comme musulmanes à Montréal et à Saint-Jean de Terre Neuve, cet article s’articule autour de deux objectifs centraux. Premièrement, nous souhaitons mettre en exergue les relations qui existent entre les différentes figures qui se trouvent être, non pas mutuellement exclusives mais plutôt intimement reliées : elles s’activent l’une l’autre. Deuxièmement, nous souhaitons saisir la complexité de la position dans laquelle le sujet féminin musulman se trouve aujourd’hui. L’emphase mise sur les figures masculines agit comme un révélateur des processus mis en oeuvre par les musulmanes canadiennes pour enclencher et entretenir des modes de (re)subjectivation qui leur sont propres.
La cuisine des reconstitutions historiques
Authors: Tuaillon Demésy Audrey
Published: May 2018

La reconstitution historique consiste à mettre en vie des manières de faire d’un temps passé, à travers des costumes et des techniques artisanales. Prenant appui sur un travail de terrain réalisé principalement en France, l’objectif de cet article est de comprendre le système culinaire mis en place dans la communauté des reconstituteurs. En effet, la consommation alimentaire dans ce loisir est une manière de faciliter l’immersion dans le passé. L’alimentation n’est pas laissée au hasard mais informe autant sur la sociabilité mise en oeuvre dans le groupe que sur les reproductions qu’il est possible de réaliser. Mais l’expérimentation connaît aussi des limites, imposées par le poids des habitudes contemporaines. C’est la nécessité de trouver des compromis, tout en s’inscrivant dans une dialectique passé/présent, qui explique la structuration de la dimension culinaire en reconstitution.
All I's on the RADAR: role of ADAR in gene regulation
Authors: Shevchenko Galina , Morris Kevin V.
Published: May 2018

Adenosine to inosine (A‐to‐I) editing is the most abundant form of RNA modification in mammalian cells, which is catalyzed by adenosine deaminase acting on the double‐stranded RNA (ADAR) protein family. A‐to‐I editing is currently known to be involved in the regulation of the immune system, RNA splicing, protein recoding, microRNA biogenesis, and formation of heterochromatin. Editing occurs within regions of double‐stranded RNA, particularly within inverted Alu repeats, and is associated with many diseases including cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic syndromes. However, the significance of RNA editing in a large portion of the transcriptome remains unknown. Here, we review the current knowledge about the prevalence and function of A‐to‐I editing by the ADAR protein family, focusing on its role in the regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, RNA editing‐independent regulation of cellular processes by ADAR and the putative role(s) of this process in gene regulation will be discussed.
A novel amyloid designable scaffold and potential inhibitor inspired by GAIIG of amyloid beta and the HIV‐1 V3 loop
Authors: Kokotidou Chrysoula , Jonnalagadda Sai Vamshi R. , Orr Asuka A. , Seoane‐Blanco Mateo , Apostolidou Chrysanthi Pinelopi , van Raaij Mark J. , Kotzabasaki Marianna , Chatzoudis Apostolos , Jakubowski Joseph M. , Mossou Estelle , Forsyth V. Trevor , Mitchell Edward P. , Bowler Matthew W. , Llamas‐Saiz Antonio L. , Tamamis Phanourios , Mitraki Anna
Published: May 2018

The GAIIG sequence, common to the amyloid beta peptide (residues 29–33) and to the HIV‐1 gp120 (residues 24–28 in a typical V3 loop), self‐assembles into amyloid fibrils, as suggested by theory and the experiments presented here. The longer YATGAIIGNII sequence from the V3 loop also self‐assembles into amyloid fibrils, of which the first three and the last two residues are outside the amyloid GAIIG core. We postulate that this sequence, with suitably selected modifications at the flexible positions, can serve as a designable scaffold for novel amyloid‐based materials. Moreover, we report the single crystal X‐ray structure of the beta‐breaker peptide GAIPIG at 1.05 Å resolution. The structural information provided in this study could serve as the basis for structure‐based design of potential inhibitors of amyloid formation.
Activity and structure of human acetyl‐CoA carboxylase targeted by a specific inhibitor
Authors: Jang SoRi , Gornicki Piotr , Marjanovic Jasmina , Bass Ethan , P. Iurcotta Toni , Rodriguez Pedro , Austin Jotham , Haselkorn Robert
Published: May 2018

We have studied a series of human acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) 1 and ACC2 proteins with deletions and/or Ser to Ala substitutions of the known phosphorylation sites. In vitro dephosphorylation/phosphorylation experiments reveal a substantial level of phosphorylation of human ACCs produced in insect cells. Our results are consistent with AMPK phosphorylation of Ser29, Ser80, Ser1,201, and Ser1,216. Phosphorylation of the N‐terminal regulatory domain decreases ACC1 activity, while phosphorylation of residues in the ACC central domain has no effect. Inhibition of the activity by phosphorylation is significantly more profound at citrate concentrations below 2 mm. Furthermore, deletion of the N‐terminal domain facilitates structural changes induced by citrate, including conversion of ACC dimers to linear polymers. We have also identified ACC2 amino acid mutations affecting specific inhibition of the isozyme by compound CD‐017‐0191. They form two clusters separated by 60–90 Å: one located in the vicinity of the BC active site and the other one in the vicinity of the ACC1 phosphorylation sites in the central domain, suggesting a contribution of the interface of two ACC dimers in the polymer to the inhibitor binding site.
Signal sequence‐independent targeting of MID2mRNA to the endoplasmic reticulum by the yeast RNA‐binding protein Khd1p
Authors: Syed Muhammad Ibrahim , Moorthy Balaji T. , Jenner Andreas , Fetka Ingrid , Jansen Ralf‐Peter
Published: May 2018

Localization of mRNAs depends on specific RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) and critically contributes not only to cell polarization but also to basal cell function. The yeast RBP Khd1p binds to several hundred mRNAs, the majority of which encodes secreted or membrane proteins. We demonstrate that a subfraction of Khd1p associates with artificial liposomes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and that Khd1p endomembrane association is partially dependent on its binding to RNA. ER targeting of at least two mRNAs, MID2 and SLG1/WSC1, requires KHD1 but is independent of their translation. Together, our results suggest interdependence of Khd1p and mRNA for their targeting to the ER and presents additional evidence for signal sequence‐independent, RBP‐mediated mRNA targeting.
Alternative utrophin mRNAs contribute to phenotypic differences between dystrophin‐deficient mice and Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Perkins Kelly J. , Davies Kay E.
Published: May 2018

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal disorder caused by absence of functional dystrophin protein. Compensation in dystrophin‐deficient (mdx) mice may be achieved by overexpression of its fetal paralogue, utrophin. Strategies to increase utrophin levels by stimulating promoter activity using small compounds are therefore a promising pharmacological approach. Here, we characterise similarities and differences existing within the mouse and human utrophin locus to assist in high‐throughput screening for potential utrophin modulator drugs. We identified five novel 5′‐utrophin isoforms (A′,B′,C,D and F) in adult and embryonic tissue. As the more efficient utrophin‐based response in mdx skeletal muscle appears to involve independent transcriptional activation of conserved, myogenic isoforms (A′ and F), elevating their paralogues in DMD patients is an encouraging therapeutic strategy.
Arsenic Trioxide–Coated Stent Is an Endothelium‐Friendly Drug Eluting Stent
Authors: Zhao Yinping , Du Ruolin , Zhou Tian , Yang Dongchuan , Huang Yuhua , Wang Yi , Huang Junli , Ma Xiaoyi , He Fugui , Qiu Juhui , Wang Guixue
Published: May 2018

An ideal vascular stent would both inhibit in‐stent restenosis (ISR) and promote rapid re‐endothelialization. In the current study, the performance of arsenic trioxide (ATO)‐drug eluting stent (AES) is compared with the bare metal stent, poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid–coating metal stent, and rapamycin‐drug eluting stent (RES). In vivo AES is shown to prevent neointimal hyperplasia more efficiently than the others when implanted into the carotid arteries of rabbits. Moreover, AES promotes endothelial cells proliferation and re‐endothelialization more quickly than RES. In vitro ATO exposure significantly increases the viability, proliferation, adhesion, and spreading of primary porcine coronary artery endothelial cells (PCAECs), which are critical for endothelialization. However, ATO exposure reduces the viability of porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells (PCASMCs). The evaluation of mitochondrial morphology, membrane potential, and function demonstrates that ATO at 2 µmol L−1 causes enlargement of the mitochondrion, enhancement of mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in PCAECs but not in PCASMCs. Thus, both in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that AES is an effective strategy for rapid re‐endothelialization and inhibition of ISR.
Research Progress on Numerical Models for Self‐Healing Cementitious Materials
Authors: Jefferson Tony , Javierre Etelvina , Freeman Brubeck , Zaoui Ali , Koenders Eddie , Ferrara Liberato
Published: May 2018

In this paper, research progress on numerical models for self‐healing cementitious materials (SHCMs) is discussed. Models developed specifically for SHCMs, as well as other relevant work, are considered. A summary of current self‐healing (SH) techniques is provided along with descriptions of the processes that govern their behavior. Models for mechanical self‐healing, transport processes in materials with embedded healing systems, fully coupled models, and other modeling techniques used to simulate SH behavior are discussed. The mechanics models discussed include those based on continuum–damage–healing mechanics (CDHM), micromechanics, as well as models that use discrete elements and particle methods. A considerable section is devoted to the simulation of carbonation in concrete since the essential mechanisms that govern this process are applicable to SH systems that employ calcite as a healing material. A number of transport models for simulating early‐age self‐healing are also considered. This highlights the fact that there are currently very few papers that describe fully coupled models, although a number of approaches that couple some aspects of transport and mechanical healing behavior are discussed. This article closes with a discussion that highlights the fact that many models are presented with limited or no experimental validation.
A Review of Self‐Healing Concrete for Damage Management of Structures
Authors: De Belie Nele , Gruyaert Elke , Al‐Tabbaa Abir , Antonaci Paola , Baera Cornelia , Bajare Diana , Darquennes Aveline , Davies Robert , Ferrara Liberato , Jefferson Tony , Litina Chrysoula , Miljevic Bojan , Otlewska Anna , Ranogajec Jonjaua , Roig‐Flores Marta , Paine Kevin , Lukowski Pawel , Serna Pedro , Tulliani Jean‐Marc , Vucetic Snezana , Wang Jianyun , Jonkers Henk M.
Published: May 2018

The increasing concern for safety and sustainability of structures is calling for the development of smart self‐healing materials and preventive repair methods. The appearance of small cracks (<300 µm in width) in concrete is almost unavoidable, not necessarily causing a risk of collapse for the structure, but surely impairing its functionality, accelerating its degradation, and diminishing its service life and sustainability. This review provides the state‐of‐the‐art of recent developments of self‐healing concrete, covering autogenous or intrinsic healing of traditional concrete followed by stimulated autogenous healing via use of mineral additives, crystalline admixtures or (superabsorbent) polymers, and subsequently autonomous self‐healing mechanisms, i.e. via, application of micro‐, macro‐, or vascular encapsulated polymers, minerals, or bacteria. The (stimulated) autogenous mechanisms are generally limited to healing crack widths of about 100–150 µm. In contrast, most autonomous self‐healing mechanisms can heal cracks of 300 µm, even sometimes up to more than 1 mm, and usually act faster. After explaining the basic concept for each self‐healing technique, the most recent advances are collected, explaining the progress and current limitations, to provide insights toward the future developments. This review addresses the research needs required to remove hindrances that limit market penetration of self‐healing concrete technologies.
Identification of Copper Surface Index by Optical Contrast
Authors: Zhang Zhibin , Xu Xiaozhi , Zhang Zhihong , Wu Muhong , Wang Jinhuan , Liu Can , Shang Nianze , Wang Jinxiang , Gao Peng , Yu Dapeng , Wang Enge , Liu Kaihui
Published: May 2018

With the rise of 2D materials, copper (Cu) is revealed as good surface catalyst, especially in the self‐limited growth of graphene. In the regime of surface catalyst, the catalytic activities and functionalities of Cu should be highly dependent on its surface type. Traditional methods to determine the surface index are mainly high‐vacuum based surface science techniques and are typically of low throughput and in small scale. A method to fast detect the surface index of Cu in large scale is still lacking. Here, the authors report an effective optical contrast method to identify the Cu surface index in large area. This method is based on the Cu2O‐thickness dependent color of Cu surface after a mild oxidation in hot air. It is revealed that different Cu surfaces (Cu(111), Cu(100), and Cu(110) as examples) have various oxidation barriers and would exhibit distinct color evolution with heating time. It is also showed that graphene grown on Cu surfaces with varied orientations has totally different growth behaviors. The results would greatly facilitate the high‐throughput determination of Cu surface index and accelerate the large‐scale facet‐dependent catalytic research of Cu, such as in single‐crystal graphene growth.
Development of Mixed‐Cation CsxRb1–xPbX3 Perovskite Quantum Dots and Their Full‐Color Film with High Stability and Wide Color Gamut
Authors: Baek Seungmin , Kim Sunghoon , Noh Jae Young , Heo Jin Hyuck , Im Sang Hyuk , Hong Ki‐Ha , Kim Sang‐Wook
Published: May 2018

Mixed‐cation CsxRb1–xPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite quantum dots (PeQDs) are developed and show high quantum yields of 93% and 86% for green and blue wavelengths, respectively. The stability is significantly improved under heat, UV, and water aging conditions. These improved properties are explained by the increased defect formation resistance and exciton binding energy with Rb incorporation. Perovskite films are fabricated using CsxRb1–xPbX3 PeQDs and cyclic olefin copolymer. The films have a wide color gamut covering up to 104.15% of the BT.2020‐defined color space, with the white light color coordinates of (0.33, 0.32), luminance of 68.86 Cd m−2, and correlated color temperature of 5299 K at 20 mA.
Characterization of structural and optical properties of plasma polymerized diethanolamine thin films
Authors: Banu Nasima , Bhuiyan Abu H. , Hossain Khandker S.
Published: May 2018

Diethanolamine was polymerized onto glass substrates to obtain plasma polymerized diethanolamine (PPDEOA) thin films by a plasma reactor consisting of two parallel plates through AC plasma polymerization. The surface morphology of PPDEOA thin films of various thicknesses taken at different magnifications was observed to be mosaic‐like structure. The films were uniform, defect‐free, and pinhole‐free. The average roughness and root mean square roughness values are 0.706–0.997 and 1.0–1.3 nm, respectively, as observed by atomic force microscope. The structural difference between the monomer and the PPDEOA was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The direct and indirect band gaps of PPDEOA thin films were found to be 3.15–2.83 and 1.98–1.27 eV, respectively. Urbach energy, steepness parameter, refractive index, and extinction coefficient were also evaluated. All optical parameters of the PPDEOA thin films determined in this study varied with the change in thickness.
Self‐Sensing Paper Actuators Based on Graphite–Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Films
Authors: Amjadi Morteza , Sitti Metin
Published: May 2018

Soft actuators have demonstrated potential in a range of applications, including soft robotics, artificial muscles, and biomimetic devices. However, the majority of current soft actuators suffer from the lack of real‐time sensory feedback, prohibiting their effective sensing and multitask function. Here, a promising strategy is reported to design bilayer electrothermal actuators capable of simultaneous actuation and sensation (i.e., self‐sensing actuators), merely through two input electric terminals. Decoupled electrothermal stimulation and strain sensation is achieved by the optimal combination of graphite microparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the form of hybrid films. By finely tuning the charge transport properties of hybrid films, the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of self‐sensing actuators is remarkably enhanced to over 66. As a result, self‐sensing actuators can actively track their displacement and distinguish the touch of soft and hard objects.
Weak Electron Phonon Coupling and Deep Level Impurity for High Thermoelectric Performance Pb1−xGaxTe
Authors: Su Xianli , Hao Shiqiang , Bailey Trevor P. , Wang Si , Hadar Ido , Tan Gangjian , Song Tze‐Bin , Zhang Qingjie , Uher Ctirad , Wolverton Chris , Tang Xinfeng , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: May 2018

High ZT of 1.34 at 766 K and a record high average ZT above 1 in the temperature range of 300‐864 K are attained in n‐type PbTe by engineering the temperature‐dependent carrier concentration and weakening electron–phonon coupling upon Ga doping. The experimental studies and first principles band structure calculations show that doping with Ga introduces a shallow level impurity contributing extrinsic carriers and imparts a deeper impurity level that ionizes at higher temperatures. This adjusts the carrier concentration closer to the temperature‐dependent optimum and thus maximizes the power factor in a wide temperature range. The maximum power factor of 35 µW cm−1 K−2 is achieved for the Pb0.98Ga0.02Te compound, and is maintained over 20 µWcm−1 K−2 from 300 to 767 K. Band structure calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy corroborate the amphoteric role of Ga in PbTe as the origin of shallow and deep levels. Additionally, Ga doping weakens the electron–phonon coupling, leading to high carrier mobilities in excess of 1200 cm2 V−1 s−1. Enhanced point defect phonon scattering yields a reduced lattice thermal conductivity. This work provides a new avenue, beyond the conventional shallow level doping, for further improving the average ZT in thermoelectric materials.
Long‐term survival and loss in expectancy of life in a population‐based cohort of 7114 patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ekberg Sara , Jerkeman Mats , Andersson Per‐Ola , Enblad Gunilla , Wahlin Björn E , Hasselblom Sverker , Andersson Therese M. , Eloranta Sandra , Smedby Karin E.
Published: May 2018

Survival has improved among patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with the addition of anti‐CD20 antibody therapy. We aimed to quantify trends and remaining loss in expectation of life (LEL) due to DLBCL at a national population‐based level. Patients diagnosed with DLBCL 2000‐2013 (N = 7114) were identified through the Swedish Lymphoma Registry and classified according to the age‐adjusted International Prognostic Index (aaIPI). The novel measure LEL is the difference between remaining life years among patients and the general population and was predicted using flexible parametric models from diagnosis and among 2‐year survivors, by age and sex. Median age at DLBCL‐diagnosis was 70 (18‐105) years and 54.8% presented with stage III‐IV disease. On average, LEL due to DLBCL decreased from 8.0 (95% CI: 7.7‐8.3) to 4.6 (95% CI: 4.5‐4.6) years over the study period. By risk group, LEL was most reduced among patients with aaIPI ≥2 aged 50‐60 years. However, these patients were still estimated to lose >8 years in 2013 (eg, LELmales50years 8.6 years (95% CI: 5.0‐12.3)). Among 2‐year survivors, LEL was reduced from 6.1 years (95% CI: 5.6‐6.5) (aaIPI ≥ 2) and 3.8 years (95% CI: 3.6‐4.1) (aaIPI < 2) to 1.1 (95% CI: 1.1‐1.2) and 1.0 year (95% CI: 0.8‐1.1), respectively. The reduction was observed across all ages. Results for females were similar. By using LEL we illustrate the improvement of DLBCL survival over time. Despite adequate immunochemotherapy, substantial LEL among patients with IPI ≥ 2 points to remaining unmet medical needs. We speculate that observed reduced losses among 2‐year survivors indicate a reduction of late relapses.
Holoprosencephaly in the genomics era
Authors: Roessler Erich , Hu Ping , Muenke Maximilian
Published: May 2018

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is the direct consequence of specific genetic and/or environmental insults interrupting the midline specification of the nascent forebrain. Such disturbances can lead to a broad range of phenotypic consequences for the brain and face in humans. This malformation sequence is remarkably common in utero (1 in 250 human fetuses), but 97% typically do not survive to birth. The precise molecular pathogenesis of HPE in these early human embryos remains largely unknown. Here, we outline our current understanding of the principal driving factors leading to HPE pathologies and elaborate our multifactorial integrated genomics approach. Overall, our understanding of the pathogenesis continues to become simpler, rather than more complicated. Genomic technologies now provide unprecedented insight into disease‐associated variation, including the overall extent of genetic interactions (coding and noncoding) predicted to explain divergent phenotypes.
Molecular testing in holoprosencephaly
Authors: Kruszka Paul , Martinez Ariel F. , Muenke Maximilian
Published: May 2018

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a structural brain anomaly characterized by failure of the forebrain to separate during early embryogenesis. Both genetic and environmental etiologies of HPE have been discovered over the last three decades. Traditionally, the genetic workup for HPE has been a karyotype, chromosomal microarray, and/or Sanger sequencing of select genes. The recent increased availability of next‐generation sequencing has changed the molecular diagnostic landscape for HPE, associating new genes with this disorder such as FGFR1. We conducted a systematic review of the medical literature for the molecular testing of HPE for studies published in the last 20 years. We also queried known commercial diagnostic laboratories and used information on their websites to construct a list of available commercial testing. Our group released its first recommendations in 2010 and this update incorporates the technology shifts and gene discoveries over the last decade. These recommendations provide a guide for genetic diagnosis of HPE, which is paramount for patients and their families for prognosis, treatment, and genetic counseling.
Chiral Recognition and Separation by Chirality‐Enriched Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Das Saikat , Xu Shixian , Ben Teng , Qiu Shilun
Published: May 2018

Endowed with chiral channels and pores, chiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly useful; however, their synthesis remains a challenge given that most chiral building blocks are expensive. Although MOFs with induced chirality have been reported to avoid this shortcoming, no study providing evidence for the ee value of such MOFs has yet been reported. We herein describe the first study on the efficiency of chiral induction in MOFs using inexpensive achiral building blocks and fully recoverable chiral dopants to control the handedness of racemic MOFs. This method yielded chirality‐enriched MOFs with accessible pores. The ability of the materials to form host–guest complexes was probed with enantiomers of varying size and coordination and in solvents with varying polarity. Furthermore, mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) composed of chirality‐enriched MOF particles dispersed in a polymer matrix demonstrated a new route for chiral separation.
The Chemistry of the 2‐Phosphaethynolate Anion
Authors: Goicoechea Jose M. , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: May 2018

In all likelihood the first synthesis of the phosphaethynolate anion, PCO−, was performed in 1894 when NaPH2 was reacted with CO in an attempt to make Na(CP) accompanied by elimination of water. This reaction was repeated 117 years later when it was discovered that Na(OCP) and H2 are the products of this remarkable transformation. Li(OCP) was synthesized and fully characterized in 1992 but this salt proved to be too unstable to allow for a detailed investigation of its chemistry. It was not until the heavier analogues of this lithium salt were isolated, Na(OCP) and K(OCP) (both of which are remarkably stable and can be even dissolved in water), that the chemistry of this new functional group could be explored. Here we review the chemistry of the 2‐phosphaethynolate anion, a heavier phosphorus‐containing analogue of the cyanate anion, and describe the wide breadth of chemical transformations for which it has been thus far employed. Its use as a ligand, in decarbonylative and deoxygenative processes, and as a building block for novel heterocycles is described. In the mere twenty‐six years since Becker first reported the isolation of this remarkable anion, it has become a fascinating reagent for the synthesis of a vast library of, often unprecedented, molecules and compounds.
The Antifibrotic Effect of A2B Adenosine Receptor Antagonism in a Mouse Model of Dermal Fibrosis
Authors: Karmouty‐Quintana Harry , Molina Jose G. , Philip Kemly , Bellocchi Chiara , Gudenkauf Brent , Wu Minghua , Chen Ning‐Yuan , Collum Scott D. , Ko Junsuk , Agarwal Sandeep K. , Assassi Shervin , Zhong Hongyan , Blackburn Michael R. , Weng Tingting
Published: May 2018

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is a chronic disease that affects the skin and various internal organs. Dermal fibrosis is a major component of this disease. The mechanisms that promote dermal fibrosis remain elusive. Elevations in tissue adenosine levels and the subsequent engagement of the profibrotic A2B adenosine receptor (ADORA2B) have been shown to regulate fibrosis in multiple organs including the lung, kidney, and penis; however, the role of ADORA2B in dermal fibrosis has not been investigated. We undertook this study to test our hypothesis that elevated expression of ADORA2B in the skin drives the development of dermal fibrosis.

Methods

We assessed the involvement of ADORA2B in the regulation of dermal fibrosis using a well‐established mouse model of dermal fibrosis. Using an orally active ADORA2B antagonist, we demonstrated how inhibition of ADORA2B results in reduced dermal fibrosis in 2 distinct experimental models. Finally, using human dermal fibroblasts, we characterized the expression of adenosine receptors.

Results

We demonstrated that levels of ADORA2B were significantly elevated in dermal fibrosis and that the therapeutic blockade of this receptor in vivo using an ADORA2B antagonist could reduce the production of profibrotic mediators in the skin and attenuate dermal fibrosis. Antagonism of ADORA2B resulted in reduced numbers of arginase‐expressing macrophages and myofibroblasts and in reduced levels of the extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin, collagen, and hyaluronan.

Conclusion

These findings identify ADORA2B as a potential profibrotic regulator in dermal fibrosis and suggest that ADORA2B antagonism may be a useful approach for the treatment of SSc.
Bromide and Other Halide Ion Removal From Drinking Waters Using Silver‐Amended Coagulation
Authors: Gan Wenhui , Venkatesan Arjun K. , Apul Onur G. , Perreault Francois , Yang Xin , Westerhoff Paul
Published: May 2018

High bromide ion concentrations are of concern because of formation of brominated disinfection byproducts in drinking water, which may be more toxic than their chlorinated analogs. Jar tests dosed with alum and silver were performed on several water samples with chloride‐to‐bromide (Cl:Br) ratios ranging from 15 to 866 mg Cl/mg Br. In lower‐chloride waters (15 mg Cl/mg Br), silver‐amended coagulation (SAC) removed 20–90% of the initial bromide. In higher‐chloride water (525 mg Cl/mg Br), a silver dose of 15 mol Ag/mol Br achieved 40% bromide removal. Iodide and chloride removal also occurred during silver addition. SAC did not influence total organic carbon or turbidity removal, and residual silver was below the secondary maximum contaminant level but was successful in decreasing trihalomethane (THM) formation from 44 to 28 μg/L by shifting away from brominated THM species. SAC may only be applicable and cost‐effective in a narrow range of waters with lower Cl:Br ratios, and other technologies should be developed for waters with >300 mg Cl/mg Br.
Probing the interaction of l‐captopril with metallo‐β‐lactamase CcrA by fluorescence spectra and molecular dynamic simulation
Authors: Shi Penghui , Zhang Yan , Li Yuhua , Bian Liujiao
Published: May 2018

Both the molecular recognition and interaction of metallo‐β‐lactamase CcrA with l‐captopril were studied by the combined use of fluorescence spectra and molecular dynamic simulation. The results showed that the binding constant was 8.89 × 104 L mol−1 at 296 K. Both Zn1 and Zn2 displayed tetrahedral coordination geometries in the CcrA–Lcap complex, the S atom in l‐captopril displaced the nucleophilic hydroxide in apo CcrA and occupied the fourth coordination site for each ion, resulting in a competitively inhibited CcrA enzyme. Strong electrostatic interaction between the two zinc ions in CcrA and negatively charged l‐captopril provided the main driving force for the binding affinity. Through a partly structural transformation from β‐sheet to random coil, loop 1 (residues 24–34) completely opened the binding pocket of CcrA to allow an induced fit of the newly introduced ligand. This study may provide some valuable information for designing and developing a more tightly binding inhibitor to resist superbugs.
The quality of sustainability assurance reports: The expertise and experience of assurance providers as determinants
Authors: Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Ruiz‐Barbadillo Emiliano
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of sustainability assurance reports and some aspects associated with it: expertise (a practitioner attribute) and experience (a characteristic of the contractual relationship). Specifically, it examines the impact of the assurance provider's expertise and experience on assurance quality, measured through an index based on a content analysis approach with items related to the reporting format, assurance procedures, and recommendations and opinions. This paper also examines the moderating effect of the type of assurance provider on these relationships. For a sample of international listed companies from the period 2007–14, our evidence shows greater quality of assurance reports when the assurers are industry specialists than when they are nonspecialists, because of their strong industry knowledge, and when the assurers have greater experience in the assurance market because of the extended length of the assurer–client relationship. In addition, the higher quality associated with industry expertise and experience is increased when assurance providers are also accounting firms, given their greater skills and training within the audit profession.
Relationship between the ulnar nerve and the branches of the radial nerve to the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle
Authors: Cho Sung Hun , Chung In‐Hyuk , Lee U‐Young
Published: May 2018

One branch of the radial nerve to the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle (MHN) has been described as accompanying or joining the ulnar nerve. Mostly two MHN branches have been reported, with some reports of one; however, the topographical anatomy is not well documented. We dissected 52 upper limbs from adult cadavers and found one, two, and three MHN branches in 9.6%, 80.8%, and 9.6% of cases, respectively. The MHN accompanying the ulnar nerve was always the superior MHN. The relationship between the ulnar nerve and the MHN was classified into four types according to whether the MHN was enveloped along with the ulnar nerve in the connective tissue sheath and whether it was in contact with the ulnar nerve. It contacted the ulnar nerve in 75.0% of cases and accompanied it over a mean distance of 73.6 mm (range 36–116 mm). In all cases in which the connective tissue sheath enveloped the branch of the MHN and the ulnar nerve, removing the sheath confirmed that the MHN branch originated from the radial nerve. The detailed findings and anatomical measurements of the MHN in this study will help in identifying its branches during surgical procedures. Clin. Anat. 00:1–16, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prospective analysis of different combined regimens of stereotactic body radiation therapy and chemotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhu Xiaofei , Shi Dongchen , Li Fuqi , Ju Xiaoping , Cao Yangsen , Shen Yuxin , Cao Fei , Qing Shuiwang , Fang Fang , Jia Zhen , Zhang Huojun
Published: May 2018

To identify impacts of different combined regimens of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and chemotherapy on survival of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and factors correlated with determinations of different combinations. Four hundred and nineteen patients with radiographically and biopsy‐proven LAPC were prospectively enrolled. Factors associated with different strategies were analyzed with Chi‐square test and contingency coefficients. Cox regression was used to identify factors predictive of survival. Prognostic values of different multimodality were further analyzed by propensity score‐matched analysis. Median overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of all patients was 13.2 and 8.2 months, respectively. Baseline ECOG correlated with induction chemotherapy, while tumor stage, lymph node invasion, and toxicity after SBRT associated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with induction chemotherapy alone (12.2 months), adjuvant chemotherapy alone (13.6 months), and induction and adjuvant chemotherapy (13.3 months) had longer OS than those without chemotherapy (11.2 months; P < .001), while adjuvant chemotherapy alone and induction and adjuvant chemotherapy increased PFS. An adjusted overall survival benefit was gained with adjuvant chemotherapy compared with induction and adjuvant chemotherapy (OS: 14.7 months [95% CI: 14.2‐15.2 months] vs 13.1 months [95% CI: 12.3‐13.9 months]; P < .001) (PFS: 8.8 months [95% CI: 8.4‐9.2 months] vs 8.1 months [95% CI: 7.4‐8.8 months]; P = .053). Induction and adjuvant chemotherapy, especially adjuvant chemotherapy, plus SBRT may improve OS and PFS. Baseline performance status, tumor stage, lymph node involvement, and toxicity after SBRT influenced determinations of upfront multimodality.
Primary tumor sidedness is an independent prognostic marker for survival in metastatic colorectal cancer: Results from a large retrospective cohort with mutational analysis
Authors: Kamran Sophia C. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Zheng Hui , Borger Darrell R. , Blaszkowsky Lawrence S. , Allen Jill N. , Kwak Eunice L. , Wo Jennifer Y. , Parikh Aparna R. , Nipp Ryan D. , Murphy Janet E. , Goyal Lipika , Zhu Andrew X. , Iafrate A. John , Corcoran Ryan B. , Ryan David P. , Hong Theodore S.
Published: May 2018

Recent reports demonstrate inferior outcomes associated with primary right‐sided vs left‐sided colorectal tumors in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We sought to describe our experience with mCRC patients on whom we have molecular data to determine whether primary tumor sidedness was an independent prognostic marker for overall survival (OS). mCRC patients with documented primary tumor sidedness who received mutational profiling between 2009 and 2014 were identified (n = 367, median follow‐up 30.4 months). Mutational profiling for >150 mutations across commonly mutated cancer genes including RAS, PIK3CA, BRAF, and PTEN as well as treatment data, including receipt of a biologic agent, were collected. Univariable/multivariable models were used to analyze relationships between collected data and OS. Among 367 patients, sidedness breakdown was as follows: 234 left (64%), 133 right (36%). 56% were male, with a median age at diagnosis of 57 (range 24‐89). A total of 143 patients had RAS mutations. Five‐year OS was 41%, median OS was 54 months (range 1‐149). Five‐year OS for left‐ vs right‐sided tumors was 46% vs 24% (P < .0001). On univariable analysis, among both RAS wildtype and mutant tumors, left‐sided tumors continued to have improved OS vs right‐sided tumors (HR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.34‐0.69 RAS wildtype; HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40‐0.95 RAS mutant). Left‐sidedness was an important prognostic factor for OS among RAS wildtype patients despite treatment with or without a biologic agent (P < .05). Left‐sidedness remained significant for improved OS on multivariable analysis (P < .0001). Left‐sided primary tumor remained most important prognostic factor for OS, even when adjusting for mutational status and receipt of biologic agent.
A shared augmented virtual environment for real‐time mixed reality applications
Authors: Zhu Yu , Li Shiying , Luo Xi , Zhu Kang , Fu Qiang , Chen Xilin , Gong Huixing , Yu Jingyi
Published: May 2018

Headsets for virtual reality such as head‐mounted displays have become ubiquitous and bring immersive experiences to individual users. People who stand outside the virtual world may want to share the same scenes that are shown on the screen of the headset. It is therefore of great importance to merge real and virtual worlds into the same environment, where physical and virtual objects exist simultaneously and interact in real time. We propose shared augmented virtual environment (SAVE), a mixed reality (MR) system that overlays the virtual world with real objects captured by a Kinect depth camera. We refine the depth map and exploit a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) based natural image matting method to obtain the real objects from cluttered scenes. In the synthetic MR world, we can render real and virtual objects in real time and handle the depth from both worlds properly. The advantage of our system is that we connect the virtual and real worlds with a bridge controller mounted on the Kinect and need to calibrate the whole system only once before use. Our results demonstrate that the proposed SAVE system is able to create high‐quality 1080p live MR footage, enabling realistic virtual experiences to be shared among a number of people in potential applications such as education, design, and entertainment.
Transition Metal Ion–Mediated Tyrosine‐Based Short‐Peptide Amphiphile Nanostructures Inhibit Bacterial Growth
Authors: Singh Ramesh , Kumar Mishra Narendra , Kumar Vikas , Vinayak Vandana , Ballabh Joshi Khashti
Published: May 2018

We report the design and synthesis of a biocompatible small‐peptide‐based compound for the controlled and targeted delivery of encapsulated bioactive metal ions through transformation of the internal nanostructures of its complexes. A tyrosine‐based short‐peptide amphiphile (sPA) was synthesized and observed to self‐assemble into β‐sheet‐like secondary structures. The self‐assembly of the designed sPA was modulated by application of different bioactive transition‐metal ions, as was confirmed by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. These bioactive metal‐ion‐conjugated sPA hybrid structures were further used to develop antibacterial materials. As a result of the excellent antibacterial activity of zinc ions the growth of clinically relevant bacteria such as Escherichia coli was inhibited in the presence of zinc⋅sPA conjugate. Bacterial testing demonstrated that, due to high biocompatibility with bacterial cells, the designed sPA acted as a metal ion delivery agent and might therefore show great potential in locally addressing bacterial infections.
Facile Synthesis of Multi‐Ni‐Core@Ni Phyllosilicate@CeO2 Shell Hollow Spheres with High Oxygen Vacancy Concentration for Dry Reforming of CH4
Authors: Li Ziwei , Sibudjing Kawi
Published: May 2018

A great challenge for cheap and active Ni‐based catalysts to be utilized for CO2 (dry) reforming of methane (DRM) reaction is their high‐carbon‐deposition problem. Herein, we designed multi‐Ni‐core@Ni phyllosilicate@CeO2 (Ni@NiPhy@CeO2) shell hollow sphere catalysts using a facile precipitation method. Compared with Ni@NiPhy without CeO2 shell, Ni@NiPhy@CeO2 exhibits high carbon resistance for the DRM reaction at both high GHSV value of 1880 L g−1 cat h−1 at 700 °C and a low reaction temperature of 600 °C. In addition, they show high and stable CH4 and CO2 conversions of 72.8 % and 79.1 % respectively at 700 °C under normal GHSV value of 36 L g−1 cat h−1. The good catalytic performance of Ni@NiPhy@CeO2 can be attributed to their high sintering resistance of both Ni and CeO2 which yields a high concentration of oxygen vacancies thereby a high catalytic performance and carbon resistance for DRM reaction. The facile synthesis method in this work can easily be applied to design other core–shell hollow catalysts such as Ni–M (M=Mg, Co, Cu, and Fe) silicate@CeO2 according to specific applications.
Cellulose‐Templated, Dual‐Carbonized Na3V2(PO4)3 for Energy Storage with High Rate Capability
Authors: Sohn DongRak , Ko Jong Wan , Son Eun Jin , Ko Sung Hyun , Kim Tae‐Hee , Kwon HyukSang , Park Chan Beum
Published: May 2018

Sodium‐ion rechargeable batteries are a promising candidate for large‐scale electrical energy storage systems, owing to the abundance of sodium resources. Herein, we report the development of carbon‐incorporated NASICON‐Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) as an active cathode material for Na‐ion batteries, using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and sucrose as dual carbon sources. The interaction between CMC and sucrose resulted in the formation of a highly porous structure (surface area: 58.998 m2 g−1) with increased sp2 carbon species, facilitating mass and charge transportation. The specific capacity (104.99 mAh g−1) of dual‐carbonized CMC/sucrose‐NVP (CS‐NVP) was close to the theoretical capacity (117.6 mAh g−1). Furthermore, dual‐carbonized NVP exhibited stable cyclability, showing a specific capacity of 75.04 mA g−1 even at a high rate of 20 C.