bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐frequency oscillations are not better biomarkers of epileptogenic tissues than spikes
Authors: Roehri Nicolas , Pizzo Francesca , Lagarde Stanislas , Lambert Isabelle , Nica Anca , McGonigal Aileen , Giusiano Bernard , Bartolomei Fabrice , Bénar Christian‐George
Published: December 2017

Objective

High‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) in intracerebral EEG (stereoelectroencephalography; SEEG) are considered as better biomarkers of epileptogenic tissues than spikes. How this can be applied at the patient level remains poorly understood. We investigated how well HFOs and spikes can predict epileptogenic regions with a large spatial sampling at the patient level.

Methods

We analyzed non‐REM sleep SEEG recordings sampled at 2,048Hz of 30 patients. Ripples (Rs; 80–250Hz), fast ripples (FRs; 250–500Hz), and spikes were automatically detected. Rates of these markers and several combinations—spikes co‐occurring with HFOs or FRs and cross‐rate (Spk⊗HFO)—were compared to a quantified measure of the seizure onset zone (SOZ) by performing a receiver operating characteristic analysis for each patient individually. We used a Wilcoxon signed‐rank test corrected for false‐discovery rate to assess whether a marker was better than the others for predicting the SOZ.

Results

A total of 2,930 channels was analyzed (median of 100 channels per patient). The HFOs or any of its variants were not statistically better than spikes. Only one feature, the cross‐rate, was better than all the other markers. Moreover, fast ripples, even though very specific, were not delineating all epileptogenic tissues.

Interpretation

At the patient level, the performance of HFOs is weakened by the presence of strong physiological HFO generators. Fast ripples are not sensitive enough to be the unique biomarker of epileptogenicity. Nevertheless, combining HFOs and spikes using our proposed measure—the cross‐rate—is a better strategy than using only one marker. Ann Neurol 2018;83:84–97
Li2CO3: Die Achillesferse von Lithium‐Luft‐Batterien
Authors: Zhao Zhiwei , Huang Jun , Peng Zhangquan
Published: December 2017

Die Lithium‐Luft‐Batterie (LAB) gilt als das ultimative Energiespeichersystem, da sie die höchste theoretische spezifische Energie unter allen bekannten Batterien aufweist. Allerdings führen parasitäre Reaktionen zu Problemen bezüglich Effizienz und Langlebigkeit von LABs, vor allem im Zusammenhang mit der Bildung und Zersetzung von Lithiumcarbonat, Li2CO3. Die Entdeckung von Li2CO3 als Hauptentladungsprodukt in Carbonat‐Elektrolyten Anfang der 2010er Jahre bedeutete das “Ende der Idylle”. In den letzten Jahren wurden erhebliche Anstregungen unternommen, um die Bildungs‐ und Zersetzungsmechanismen von Li2CO3 zu verstehen und neuartige chemische/materialbezogene Strategien zu entwerfen, um die Li2CO3‐Bildung zu unterdrücken und die Li2CO3‐Zersetzung zu beschleunigen. In Anbetracht der raschen Entwicklung des Gebiets erscheint eine Bestandsaufnahme angebracht.
Rhythm2Recovery: A Model of Practice Combining Rhythmic Music with Cognitive Reflection for Social and Emotional Health within Trauma Recovery
Authors: Faulkner Simon
Published: December 2017

Rhythm pervades life in almost every context, from the smallest pulsating atom to the epic scale of our expanding universe. In our behaviour we are creatures of rhythm, following, initiating, and embedding patterns from the moment we are born, and within our physical anatomy rhythm is ever present, from our beating heart, through the rise and fall of our lungs and across the firing of our neurons. Healing traditions across all cultures invoke the rhythms of music, and the latest research from the field of neuro‐biology into the way this element impacts the brain, reinforces this traditional knowledge and provides a new understanding of the real potential for rhythmic music to be utilised in therapy. This article details the use of rhythmic music in combination with cognitive behavioural therapy as a model for practitioners working with those recovering from trauma, and the supporting evidence validating this approach. Since 2003 this model has been utilised in diverse settings from behavioural centres for young people at risk to refugee trauma centres, forensic psychiatric wards in prisons, and child and adult mental health services. Currently over 4,000 professionals across 20 different countries have completed training in this model. Consistent feedback has highlighted the value of this model in engaging clients not readily engaged in ‘talk‐based’ therapies, increasing social connection, and reducing psychological distress. The benefits of playing music socially with others, and of rhythmic music specifically, include increased levels of social integration, improvements in affect, mood stabilisation, reductions in anxiety and depression, and increases in self‐esteem. When combined with exercises that draw attention and initiate reflection on important life issues, such as improving relationships and overcoming adversity, this has the added benefit of utilising the whole brain and embedding learning at a deeper level.
The Caregiver–Infant Dyad as a Buffer or Transducer of Resource Enhancing or Depleting Factors That Shape Psychobiological Development
Authors: Tronick Ed
Published: December 2017

Infants must be seen as a component of a dyadic – a two‐part – communicative system in which the infant and adult mutually regulate and scaffold their engagements with each other and with the world of things. In interactions they communicate their individual needs, intentions, and meaning about themselves in the world and in relation to the other; they respond to each other's meanings. In this view, generally referred to as the Mutual Regulation Model (MRM), infants have the capacity to express their sense of themselves in the world and the capacity to respond to the expressed needs and intentions of the other person. The MRM operates in a messy reparatory manner with both positive and negative effects related to its successful function. A critical addition to the MRM, the buffer‐transducer model (BTM) of the dyad, is presented. The BTM attempts to understand the effects of events, including micro and macro events as well as trauma, that either enhance or deplete and divert the needed resources of the infant for growth and development.
The neuropsychology of consumer behavior and marketing
Authors: Shaw Steven D. , Bagozzi Richard P.
Published: December 2017

Insights and tools from neuroscience are of great value to marketers. Neuroscientific techniques allow consumer researchers to understand the fundamental neural underpinnings of psychological processes that drive consumer behavior, and elucidate the “black box” that is the consumer's mind. In the following review, we provide an overview of the fundamental tenets of consumer neuroscience, selectively outline key areas of marketing that consumer neuroscience has contributed to, compare and contrast neuroscientific tools and methods, and discuss future directions for neurophysiological work in marketing. In doing so, we illustrate the broad substantive landscape that neuroscience can add value to within marketing.
Solid‐Phase Enzymatic Remodeling Produces High Yields of Single Glycoform Antibodies
Authors: Tayi Venkata S. , Butler Michael
Published: December 2017

Antibodies are synthesized in mammalian cell culture as heterogeneous mixtures of glycoforms. Production of single glycoforms remains a challenge despite their value as therapeutics. The authors report a method of sequential enzymatic‐based changes to antibodies while immobilized on an affinity column. Various antibodies (monoclonal and polyclonal) are isolated on Protein A or G columns and their glycans modified by sequential addition of enzymes for a desired transformation. Galactosylated antibodies (>90% yield) are produced by a one stage reaction process with sialidase to remove any sialic acid residues and addition of galactose with galactosyltransferase and UDP‐Gal. Sialylated antibodies (>90%) are produced by a 2 stage conversion involving α(2,3) sialidase and galactosyltransferase followed by treatment with α(2,6) sialyltransferase in the presence of CMP‐NANA. By this method, >90% of a disialylated human‐llama antibody (EG2‐hFc) and equimolar quantities of monosialylated and disialylated forms of human antibodies (αIL8‐hFc and human polyclonal) are produced. Such high levels of sialylation are very difficult to obtain by typical cell culture methods. This method of transformation while the antibody is held on a solid‐phase column is superior to previous methods because it allows a series of enzymatic steps without the need for intermediate purification. This is an efficient and rapid method to generate therapeutic antibodies with predefined glycosylation profiles. This should also assist in investigating the structure–function relationship of antibody glycans to find the desired glycosylation profile for high functional activity. With further optimization the method can be used to modify antibodies in large‐scale manufacturing.
Gastrorenal shunt: a cause of hyperammonemia
Authors: Nakamura Yuya , Ohsawa Isao , Goto Yoshikazu , Gotoh Hiromichi
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

Gastrorenal shunts may induce hyperammonemia. Portosystemic shunts should be suspected when hyperammonemia occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Metronidazole caused profound drug‐induced immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Lew Jeffrey , Berenberg Jeffrey
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

Metronidazole is commonly prescribed and has not been known to cause drug‐induced immune thrombocytopenia. We have provided clinical and laboratory evidence with DDabs that metronidazole can cause drug‐induced immune thrombocytopenia (DITP). Providers must be aware of metronidazole causing DITP because recognition of thrombocytopenia is critical and cessation of the drug should occur promptly.
A life‐devastating cause of gastroenteritis in an immunocompetent host: was it suspected?
Authors: Wahab Ahsan , Chaudhary Siddique , Ahmad Ali , Kollu Vidya , Smith Susan
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

A 44‐year‐old immunocompetent man with gastroenteritis received supportive care and empiric antibiotics. After an initial response, he developed septic shock. Blood cultures grew Gram‐positive bacilli with antibiotic adjustment. However, he succumbed within 36 h. After the patient's death, Listeria monocytogenes was identified on blood culture.
A new soft computing‐based approach to predict oil production rate for vapour extraction (VAPEX) process in heavy oil reservoirs
Authors: Mohammadpoor Mehdi , Torabi Farshid
Published: December 2017

There are vast resources of heavy oil and bitumen reservoirs in the Western Canadian Basin. For many of them up to 95 % of reserves still remain in place, and by considering the increase in future energy demand these abundant resources can be considered as potential sources for future years. Recently, solvent‐based heavy oil recovery methods such as vapour extraction (VAPEX) have gained attention due to the potential environmental and economic assets over thermal processes. Due to the complexity of the mechanisms associated with the solvent injection process (i.e. diffusion and gravity drainage processes), such models are incapable of accurately predicting the production rate during the VAPEX process. In this study, the artificial neural networks (ANN) technique is utilized to tackle the limitations that analytical methods encounter while predicting the complex relationships, where there is uncertainty, imprecision, and partial truth. Hence, in the first phase of the research a comprehensive experimental study in two large‐scale, visual rectangular VAPEX models was carried out by utilizing various injection solvents. Based on an extensive literature review and experimental results, the drainage height, solvent type, permeability, porosity, and heavy oil viscosity were considered as the inputs of the model to predict the heavy oil production rate as the output of the model. After trying different training scenarios, it was found that the back‐propagation learning algorithm can be successfully used to predict the ultimate recovery factor after implementing the VAPEX method in the heavy oil system of interest.
Diffusion and convection mixing of non‐Newtonian liquids in an optimized micromixer
Authors: Bordbar Alireza , Taassob Arsalan , Kamali Reza
Published: December 2017

An optimized planar micromixer has been employed to study its performance in mixing liquids with various rheological behaviours. This design takes advantage of a number of passive techniques, including split‐and‐recombination of the channel, contraction of the channel, and embedding diamond‐shaped obstacles in the main channels. Three‐dimensional Navier‐Stokes equations, along with an advection‐diffusion model are solved by means of a finite‐element scheme. Numerical simulations are performed for species with power law indexes ranging from 0.6–1.4, and the resulting mixing efficiencies are compared for different cases. Pressure drop is also evaluated and compared by taking into account the rheological behaviour of the fluids. The results revealed that in the studied range of Reynolds numbers, shear‐thickening fluids present higher efficiencies in the diffusion‐dominated regimes by 5 % at the best case. Shear‐thinning flows have a better performance at higher Reynolds numbers and expedite the diffusion‐advection transition point compared to other regimes. Transition occurs at a Reynolds number of 0.1 for the shear‐thinning regime, while for Newtonian fluids this point is at a Reynolds number equal to 1. Moreover, it is found that the variation of mixing efficiency for shear‐thickening flows with different fluid behaviour indexes is not significant in the studied Reynolds number range.
QTc dispersion and Cornell duration product can predict 10‐year outcomes in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Djordjević Dragan B. , Tasić Ivan S. , Kostić Svetlana I. , Stamenković Bojana N. , Djordjević Aleksandar D. , Lović Dragan B.
Published: December 2017

Background

Persistent and adequate treatment of patients with arterial hypertension leads to more favorable disease outcome.

Hypothesis

Aside for the present left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), there are other non‐invasive parameters which can represent additional predictors of unfavorable prognosis in patients with essential arterial hypertension during the 10‐year follow‐up.

Methods

A hypertensive group with LVH (124 patients; age 57.0 ± 8.0; 84 males and 40 females) was included in the study and examined noninvasively. Patients used regular medication therapy during the follow‐up period.

Results

During the 10‐year follow‐up period, unfavorable outcome was recorded for 40 (32.3%) patients. Patients with unfavorable outcome had higher baseline values of left ventricular mass index (178.9 ± 29.5 g/m2 vs 165.5 ± 29.5 g/m2; P < 0.05) and QTc dispersion (64.1 ± 24.7 ms vs 54.8 ± 19.4 ms; P < 0.05). Frequency of positive Cornell product was higher in the group of patients with unfavorable outcome (35% vs 22.2%; P < 0.01). Positive Lyon‐Sokolow score did not show statistical significance (25% vs 11.9%; P = 0.06). Cornell product (β = 0.234; P < 0.01) and QTc dispersion >65 ms (β = 0.184; P < 0.05) had prognostic significance in LVH (multiple regression analysis: R = 0.314, R = 0.099, adjusted R = 0.084, standard error of the estimate = 0.449, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with a positive Cornell product and larger QTc dispersion had more unfavorable 10‐year outcomes compared with other patients with LVH.
Prevalence and predictors of elevated high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein in post–myocardial infarction patients: Insights from the VIRGO and TRIUMPH registries
Authors: Qintar Mohammed , Sharma Puza P. , Pokharel Yashashwi , Tang Yuanyuan , Lu Yuan , Jones Philip , Dreyer Rachel P. , Spertus John A.
Published: December 2017

Elevated high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but little is known about the distribution of hs‐CRP levels and predictors of elevated hs‐CRP after AMI in the real world. Translational Research Investigating Underlying Disparities in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients' Health Status (TRIUMPH) and Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients (VIRGO) are prospective AMI registries in the United States that assessed hs‐CRP levels 30 days after AMI. TRIUMPH additionally assessed hs‐CRP levels at the time of AMI and at 6 months. Hierarchical models were built to examine predictors of elevated hs‐CRP (≥2.0 mg/L) at 30 days in both registries and at 6 months after AMI in TRIUMPH. Of 3410 patients in both registries, 58.6% had elevated hs‐CRP 30 days after AMI. Patients with elevated hs‐CRP at 30 days were more likely to be older, female, obese, smokers, report financial difficulties, and have higher low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on admission, diabetes, and hypertension. In TRIUMPH, baseline hs‐CRP ≥2 mg/L (n = 1301) was significantly associated with elevated hs‐CRP at follow‐up (P < 0.001). Similar associations were found in TRIUMPH patients with elevated hs‐CRP at 6 months. Our study identified a high prevalence and several patient characteristics associated with elevated hs‐CRP at 1 and 6 months after discharge. Further studies to test routine screening after AMI may be warranted to identify higher‐risk patients for more aggressive secondary prevention.
Isometric handgrip echocardiography: A noninvasive stress test to assess left ventricular diastolic function
Authors: Jake Samuel T. , Beaudry Rhys , Haykowsky Mark J. , Sarma Satyam , Park Suwon , Dombrowsky Thomas , Bhella Paul S. , Nelson Michael D.
Published: December 2017

Background

Cycle exercise echocardiography is a useful tool to “unmask” diastolic dysfunction; however, this approach can be limited by respiratory and movement artifacts. Isometric handgrip avoids these issues while reproducibly increasing afterload and myocardial oxygen demand.

Hypothesis

Isometric handgrip echocardiography (IHE) can differentiate normal from abnormal diastolic function.

Methods

First recruited 19 young healthy individuals (mean age, 24 ± 4 years) to establish the “normal” response. To extend these observations to a more at‐risk population, we performed IHE on 17 elderly individuals (mean age, 72 ± 6 years) with age‐related diastolic dysfunction. The change in the ratio of mitral valve inflow velocity to lateral wall tissue velocity (E/e'), a surrogate for left ventricular filling pressure, was used to assess the diastolic stress response in each group.

Results

In the young subjects, isometric handgrip increased heart rate and mean arterial pressure (25 ± 12 bpm and 26 ± 17 mmHg, respectively), whereas E/e' changed minimally (0.6 ± 0.9). In the elderly subjects, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were similarly increased with isometric handgrip (19 ± 16 bpm and 25 ± 11 mmHg, respectively), whereas E/e' increased more dramatically (2.3 ± 1.7). Remarkably, 11 of the 17 elderly subjects had an abnormal diastolic response (ΔE/e': 3.4 ± 1.1), whereas the remaining 6 elderly subjects showed very little change (ΔE/e': 0.3 ± 0.7), independent of age or the change in myocardial oxygen demand.

Conclusions

IHE is a simple, effective tool for evaluating diastolic function during simulated activities of daily living.
Lithium‐induced electrocardiographic changes: A complete review
Authors: Mehta Nikhil , Vannozzi Robert
Published: December 2017

Lithium has been used for the treatment of bipolar disorder for more than 6 decades. Reports of cardiac side effects resulting in both benign electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and near fatal arrhythmias have been reported in the literature. A systematic literature search was conducted on 2 electronic databases—PubMed and Medline—for the time period between January 1970 and March 2016 using the key word “lithium,” along with “electrocardiography” or “ECG.” All articles and their references were then screened by title for relevance by 2 authors and a librarian. A total of 406 articles were found on literature search, of which 56 met the screening criteria. T wave inversion was the most frequently reported ECG finding. Other findings include sinus node dysfunction, sinoatrial blocks, PR prolongation, QT prolongation/dispersion, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Some cases have shown lithium‐treated patients experiencing serious cardiac outcomes, such as ST elevation myocardial infarction, heart blocks, and the Brugada pattern. Electrical changes from lithium were found to be dependent on both duration of treatment and the serum lithium level. Although there are no standardized ECG guidelines, frequent monitoring of patients on lithium therapy can ensure the medication's safe use.
Gender differences in the association between discharge hemoglobin and 12‐month mortality after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Thompson Lauren E. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Gosch Kensey L. , Peterson Pamela N. , Jones Philip G. , Salisbury Adam C. , Kosiborod Mikhail , Daugherty Stacie L.
Published: December 2017

Background

Anemia at discharge in patients with acute myocardial infarction is associated with poor prognosis; whether this differs in women and men or if there is a threshold value at which these relationships change is unknown.

Hypothesis

Women have a lower discharge hemoglobin (Hb) at which outcomes worsen.

Methods

We identified patients with acute myocardial infarction in the TRIUMPH registry between 2005 and 2008. In multivariable models, we evaluated the relationship between discharge Hb and 12‐month mortality and tested whether this relationship varied by gender. We assessed whether the relationship with discharge Hb values was nonlinear using a restricted cubic spline term.

Results

Of 4243 patients with AMI, 32.9% were female. Mean admission Hb was 12.9 ± 1.9 g/dL in women and 14.5 ± 2.0 g/dL in men, with mean discharge Hb 11.4 ± 1.8 g/dL and 12.9 ± 1.9 g/dL, respectively. Lower discharge Hb was independently associated with increased mortality (P < 0.05). In multivariable models, discharge Hb decline was similarly associated with increased 12‐month mortality in women and men (per 1‐g/dL decrease Hb; women HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09‐1.42, P < 0.01; and men HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.13‐1.37, P < 0.01; P for gender interaction = 0.99). The relationship between discharge Hb and 12‐month mortality was linear (P for nonlinear spline term = 0.12).

Conclusions

Lower discharge Hb levels were similarly associated with increased 12‐month mortality in women and men. These relationships are linear without a clear threshold, suggesting any decline in discharge Hb is associated with poor outcomes.
Regional Susceptibility in VCD Spectra to Dynamic Molecular Motions: The Case of a Benzyl α‐Hydroxysilane
Authors: Xia Yiyin , Koenis Mark A. J. , Collados Juan F. , Ortiz Pablo , Harutyunyan Syuzanna R. , Visscher Lucas , Buma Wybren J. , Nicu Valentin P.
Published: December 2017

Experimental and theoretical studies of the vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectrum of 3‐methyl‐1‐(methyldiphenlsilyl)‐1‐phenylbutan‐1‐ol, whose absolute configuration is key to elucidating the Brook rearrangement of tertiary benzylic α‐hydroxylsilanes, are presented. It is found that the entire OH‐bending region in this spectrum—a region that provides important marker bands—cannot be reproduced at all by standard theoretical approaches even though other regions are well described. Using a novel approach to disentangle contributions to the rotational strength of these bands, internal coordinates are identified that critically influence the appearance of this part of the spectrum. We show that the agreement between experiment and theory is greatly improved when structural dynamics along these coordinates are explicitly taken into account. The general applicability of the approach underlines its usefulness for structurally flexible chiral systems, a situation that is more the rule rather than the exception.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Durvalumab in Cancer Patients and Association With Longitudinal Biomarkers of Disease Status
Authors: Baverel Paul G. , Dubois Vincent F.S. , Jin Chao Yu , Zheng Yanan , Song Xuyang , Jin Xiaoping , Mukhopadhyay Pralay , Gupta Ashok , Dennis Phillip A. , Ben Yong , Vicini Paolo , Roskos Lorin , Narwal Rajesh
Published: December 2017

The objectives of this analysis were to develop a population pharmacokinetics (PK) model of durvalumab, an anti‐PD‐L1 antibody, and quantify the impact of baseline and time‐varying patient/disease characteristics on PK. Pooled data from two studies (1,409 patients providing 7,407 PK samples) were analyzed with nonlinear mixed effects modeling. Durvalumab PK was best described by a two‐compartment model with both linear and nonlinear clearances. Three candidate models were evaluated: a time‐invariant clearance (CL) model, an empirical time‐varying CL model, and a semimechanistic time‐varying CL model incorporating longitudinal covariates related to disease status (tumor shrinkage and albumin). The data supported a slight decrease in durvalumab clearance with time and suggested that it may be associated with a decrease in nonspecific protein catabolic rate among cancer patients who benefit from therapy. No covariates were clinically relevant, indicating no need for dose adjustment. Simulations indicated similar overall PK exposures following weight‐based and flat‐dosing regimens.
N‐Donor/Fluorenylo‐Carborane Fluorophores with Strong Crystallization‐Induced Emission
Authors: Wang Zhaojin , Wang Tianyu , Zhang Chi , Humphrey Mark G.
Published: December 2017

N‐Donor/fluorenyl (D/Fl) substitutedo‐carborane triads (2 a–2 e) exhibit strong crystallization‐induced emission. Crystallographic studies reveal H⋅⋅⋅π interactions in2 a–2 eand π⋅⋅⋅π interactions in2 c/2 d/2 econtributing to the close packing to varying degrees. In solution, the D‐Cb‐Fl triads exhibit strong quenching of charge‐transfer (CT) emission with quantum efficiencies (Φ) less than 0.05, whereas in solvated aggregates, they display blue‐shifted CT emission and enhancedΦ values (up to 0.15). Further enhancement in emission is seen in the crystalline state, with2 b/2 c/2 dexhibiting moderateΦ values (34 %–43 %) and2 a/2 eshowing highΦ(85 %–95 %). The π⋅⋅⋅π stacked2 c/2 epossess short lifetimes (ns), whereas the H⋅⋅⋅π stacked2 a/2 bhave much longer lifetimes (0.83 μs/0.16 ms). Theoretical calculations show the key role that multiple H⋅⋅⋅π interactions play in stabilizing the crystalline aggregates. An “ONIOM” theoretical model has mimicked the PL behavior of2 ain the crystalline state.
Microglia: Driving critical periods and sexual differentiation of the brain
Authors: VanRyzin Jonathan W. , Pickett Lindsay A. , McCarthy Margaret M.
Published: December 2017

The proverbial role of microglia during brain development is shifting from passive members of the brain's immune system to active participants that are able to dictate enduring outcomes. Despite these advances, little attention has been paid to one of the most critical components of early brain development—sexual differentiation. Mounting evidence suggests that the normal developmental functions microglia perform—cell number regulation and synaptic connectivity—may be involved in the sex‐specific patterning of the brain during these early sensitive periods, and may have lasting sex‐dependent and sex‐independent effects on behavior. In this review, we outline the known functions of microglia during developmental sensitive periods, and highlight the role they play in the establishment of sex differences in brain and behavior. We also propose a framework for how researchers can incorporate microglia in their study of sex differences and vice versa. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 580–592, 2018
A stoichiometric perspective of the effect of herbivore dung on ecosystem functioning
Authors: Sitters Judith , Olde Venterink Harry
Published: December 2017

Ungulate herbivores play a prominent role in maintaining the tree–grass balance in African savannas. Their top‐down role through selective feeding on either trees or grasses is well studied, but their bottom‐up role through deposition of nutrients in dung and urine has been overlooked. Here, we propose a novel concept of savanna ecosystem functioning in which the balance between trees and grasses is maintained through stoichiometric differences in dung of herbivores that feed on them. We describe a framework in which N2‐fixing trees and grasses, as well as ungulate browsing and grazing herbivores, occupy opposite positions in an interconnected cycle of processes. The framework makes the testable assumption that the differences in dung N:P ratio among browsers and grazers are large enough to influence competitive interactions between N2‐fixing trees and grasses. Other key elements of our concept are supported with field data from a Kenyan savanna.
Genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphism data reveal cryptic species within cryptic freshwater snail species—The case of the Ancylus fluviatilis species complex
Authors: Weiss Martina , Weigand Hannah , Weigand Alexander M. , Leese Florian
Published: December 2017

DNA barcoding utilizes short standardized DNA sequences to identify species and is increasingly used in biodiversity assessments. The technique has unveiled an unforeseeably high number of morphologically cryptic species. However, if speciation has occurred relatively recently and rapidly, the use of single gene markers, and especially the exclusive use of mitochondrial markers, will presumably fail in delimitating species. Therefore, the true number of biological species might be even higher. One mechanism that can result in rapid speciation is hybridization of different species in combination with polyploidization, that is, allopolyploid speciation. In this study, we analyzed the population genetic structure of the polyploid freshwater snail Ancylus fluviatilis, for which allopolyploidization was postulated as a speciation mechanism. DNA barcoding has already revealed four cryptic species within A. fluviatilis (i.e., A. fluviatilis s. str., Ancylus sp. A–C), but early allozyme data even hint at the presence of additional cryptic lineages in Central Europe. We combined COI sequencing with high‐resolution genome‐wide SNP data (ddRAD data) to analyze the genetic structure of A. fluviatilis populations in a Central German low mountain range (Sauerland). The ddRAD data results indicate the presence of three cryptic species within A. fluviatilis s. str. occurring in sympatry and even syntopy, whereas mitochondrial sequence data only support the existence of one species, with shared haplotypes between species. Our study hence points to the limitations of DNA barcoding when dealing with organismal groups where speciation is assumed to have occurred rapidly, for example, through the process of allopolyploidization. We therefore emphasize that single marker DNA barcoding can underestimate the true species diversity and argue in strong favor of using genome‐wide data for species delimitation in such groups.
Conveyance Method of Thin Plate by Using Multiple‐phase Air Flow
Authors: FURUTANI KATSUSHI , NAKAMURA YUSUKE , URITA AKIRA
Published: December 2017

This paper deals with a transfer method for a thin plate by levitating with multiphase air flow. Noncontact transfer methods are required for glass plates and semiconductor wafers in order to keep them clean. In the proposed method, a thin plate was slightly levitated with a small inclination by blowing and sucking air from orifice restrictors, and airflow was blown against the lower side of the plate so that the driving force was generated. The plate was continuously carried by shifting the air flow pattern in accordance with the plate position. Forty‐eight air flow slots were arranged with intervals of 15 mm. The velocity of a plate with dimensions of 90 mm × 100 mm × 2 mm and a weight of 139 g was almost linearly increased at an acceleration of 15 mm/s2 and reached 50 mm/s after driving for 3 s. The levitated height was 0.13 and 0.28 mm at the lower and higher sides at air pressures of the positive and negative restrictors of +7.0 and less than −3.0 kPa, respectively. In the case of an initial velocity of 60 mm/s, the plate was turned in reverse after moving for 100 mm. The plate can move reciprocally by reversing the air flow pattern.
Municipalities as Frontrunners in Mitigation of Climate Change: Does soft regulation make a difference?
Authors: Kasa Sjur , Westskog Hege , Rose Lawrence E.
Published: December 2017

Soft regulatory measures are argued to represent a useful alternative to hard regulation when policy‐makers seek to deal with difficult problems. This article investigates the impact of a national guideline on climate and energy planning adopted in Norway, a soft regulatory instrument, which sought to encourage stronger local climate mitigation policies. To assess the effectiveness of this policy approach the research reported here investigated the impact of the guideline on the institutionalization of local climate policy activity in a set of Norwegian municipalities. Our findings indicate that for municipalities in the early phases of developing their climate mitigation policy the planning guideline contributed to legitimizing climate policy by linking it to other policy areas. For municipalities that had come further in developing their climate mitigation policy, however, the planning guideline made little difference. The findings indicate that even if soft policy instruments might be needed in a situation with complex regulatory issues, it is difficult to achieve results without the support of harder policy measures. This is particularly the case if local authorities face financial constraints and lack manpower in their work in developing effective climate mitigation policy. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Difluoroalkylation of 8‐Aminoquinoline Amides at the C5‐Position
Authors: Chen Changpeng , Zeng Runsheng , Zhang Jingyu , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: December 2017

A ruthenium‐catalyzed highly selective difluoromethylation of 8‐aminoquinoline amides at the C5 position has been developed. It tolerates a broad range of functional groups, providing the corresponding difluoromethylated products in moderate to good yields. Preliminary experimental results indicate that the tricoordinate ruthenium intermediate is the key factor in achieving the C5‐position selectivity.
Mechanical Energy Harvesting Performance of Ferroelectric Polymer Nanowires Grown via Template‐Wetting
Authors: Whiter Richard A. , Boughey Chess , Smith Michael , Kar‐Narayan Sohini
Published: December 2017

Nanowires of the ferroelectric co‐polymer poly(vinylidenefluoride‐co‐triufloroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE)] are fabricated from solution within nanoporous templates of both “hard” anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) and “soft” polyimide (PI) through a facile and scalable template‐wetting process. The confined geometry afforded by the pores of the templates leads directly to highly crystalline P(VDF‐TrFE) nanowires in a macroscopic “poled” state that precludes the need for external electrical poling procedure typically required for piezoelectric performance. The energy‐harvesting performance of nanogenerators based on these template‐grown nanowires are extensively studied and analyzed in combination with finite element modelling. Both experimental results and computational models probing the role of the templates in determining overall nanogenerator performance, including both materials and device efficiencies, are presented. It is found that although P(VDF‐TrFE) nanowires grown in PI templates exhibit a lower material efficiency due to lower crystallinity as compared to nanowires grown in AAO templates, the overall device efficiency was higher for the PI‐template‐based nanogenerator because of the lower stiffness of the PI template as compared to the AAO template. This work provides a clear framework to assess the energy conversion efficiency of template‐grown piezoelectric nanowires and paves the way towards optimization of template‐based nanogenerator devices.
Reactive security for SDN/NFV‐enabled industrial networks leveraging service function chaining
Authors: Petroulakis Nikolaos E. , Fysarakis Konstantinos , Askoxylakis Ioannis , Spanoudakis George
Published: December 2017

The innovative application of fifth‐generation core technologies, ie, software‐defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization, can help reduce capital and operational expenditures in industrial networks. Nevertheless, SDN expands the attack surface of the communication infrastructure, thus necessitating the introduction of additional security mechanisms. These major changes could not leave the industrial environment unaffected, with smart industrial deployments gradually becoming a reality, a trend that is often referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0. A wind park is a good example of an industrial application relying on a network with strict performance, security, and reliability requirements and was chosen as a representative example of industrial systems. This work highlights the benefit of leveraging the flexibility of SDN/network function virtualization–enabled networks to deploy enhanced reactive security mechanisms for the protection of the industrial network via the use of service function chaining. Moreover, the implementation of a proof‐of‐concept reactive security framework for an industrial‐grade wind park network is presented, along with a performance evaluation of the proposed approach. The framework is equipped with SDN and supervisory control and data acquisition honeypots, modeled on and deployable to the wind park, allowing continuous monitoring of the industrial network and detailed analysis of potential attacks, thus isolating attackers and enabling the assessment of their level of sophistication. Moreover, the applicability of the proposed solutions is assessed in the context of the specific industrial application based on the analysis of the network characteristics and requirements of an actual operating wind park.
Influence of steeping duration, drying temperature, and duration on the chemical composition of sorghum starch
Authors: Odunmbaku Lukumon A. , Sobowale Sunday S. , Adenekan Monilola K. , Oloyede Taiwo , Adebiyi Janet A. , Adebo Oluwafemi A.
Published: December 2017

The quest for high‐quality starch that would meet the needs of manufacturers is ever increasing. This study investigated the effect of steeping duration, drying temperature, and duration on the chemical properties of sorghum starch, to possibly alter the characteristics of sorghum starch for food applications. Steeping duration, drying temperature, and drying time of starch isolation were optimized using a central composite design and nine parameters including pH, amylose content, moisture, protein, ash, crude fiber, fat, carbohydrate, and total energy determined. Results obtained showed that most of the parameters were majorly influenced by steeping and drying duration. Steeping duration significantly (p < .05) increased the moisture, protein, and ash content of the sorghum with a corresponding decrease in pH values. The obtained experimental and predicted values of the investigated parameters were similar, with statistical indices indicating the relative validity of the generated models [absolute average deviation (AAD between 0 and 0.20), bias factor (Bf, 1–1.02), and accuracy factor (Af, 1–1.21)]. The varying values of the parameters obtained indicates the potential use of the sorghum starches as thickeners, starch substitutes, and for other desired roles in food processing.
Delmopinol hydrochloride reduces Salmonella on cantaloupe surfaces
Authors: Saucedo‐Alderete Raúl O. , Eifert Joseph D. , Boyer Renee R. , Williams Robert C. , Welbaum Gregory E.
Published: December 2017

Since the surfaces of cantaloupes are highly rough or irregular, bacteria can easily attach and become difficult to remove. Appropriate postharvest washing and sanitizing procedures can help control Salmonella and other pathogens on cantaloupe or other melons during postharvest operations. Delmopinol hydrochloride (delmopinol) is a cationic surfactant that is effective for treating and preventing gingivitis and periodontitis. The application of delmopinol to two cantaloupe cultivars was evaluated for reducing the level of inoculated Salmonella. Athena and Hale's Best Jumbo (HBJ) cantaloupe rind plugs (2.5 cm. dia.) were inoculated with nalidixic acid‐resistant Salmonella Michigan (approx. 1.0 × 109 CFU/ml). After 15 min, rind plugs were sprayed with 10 ml of a delmopinol spray solution (0% or 1.0% vol/vol) and held at 35°C for 1 hr or 24 hr. Rind plugs were diluted with Butterfield's phosphate buffer, shaken and sonicated, and solutions were enumerated on 50 ppm nalidixic acid‐tryptic soy agar. The texture quality and color of additional cantaloupes were evaluated, after 1% delmopinol spray treatment, over 14‐day storage at 4°C. A 1.0% application of delmopinol after 1 hr reduced Salmonella concentration by ~3.1 log CFU/ml for both “HBJ” skin rind plugs and “Athena” stem scar rind plugs in comparison to the control (p < .05). No differences were observed in the texture and color (L*, a*, b* values) of 1% delmopinol‐treated cantaloupes as compared to control. Storage of cantaloupes treated with 1.0% delmopinol solution for 1 hr had a greater effect on reducing concentration of Salmonella compared to 24‐hr treatment. A surface spray application of 1% delmopinol on cantaloupes could be an alternative antimicrobial postharvest treatment that could make surface bacteria more susceptible to sanitizers or physical removal.
Ligustrazine suppresses neuron apoptosis via the Bax/Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 pathway in PC12 cells and in rats with vascular dementia
Authors: Zhao Tengfei , Fu Yingxue , Sun Hao , Liu Xiaoquan
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the comprehensive neuroprotective mechanism of ligustrazine, which is extracted from Ligusticum Chuanxiong Hort., against vascular dementia (VD) in rats and apoptosis in oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) PC12 cells. Rats were subjected to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) surgery and administered ligustrazine intragastrically for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiments, the hippocampal biomarkers brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1), and homocysteine (Hcy) were examined. In experiments in vitro, OGD PC12 cells were treated with ligustrazine for 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, or 24 h. The cell‐released biomarkers BDNF, MCP‐1, and Hcy were examined. Microscopy, acridine orange–ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, and flow cytometry assays were performed to investigate apoptosis. Cleaved caspase‐3, Bcl‐2 associated X protein (Bax), and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) expression was examined using Western blot assays. The results showed that biomarkers, including MCP‐1 and Hcy, were significantly increased in both the in vivo and in vitro models, while the BDNF level was significantly decreased compared with the sham or vehicle models. Microscopy, AO/EB staining, and flow cytometry analysis showed that severe cell damage occurred in OGD PC12 cells, and apoptosis played a major role in this environment. Further Western blot studies showed that the apoptosis‐related Bax/Bcl‐2 protein ratio and cleaved caspase‐3 were significantly increased in the experiment. However, ligustrazine profoundly suppressed the imbalance of these biomarkers, reduced cell damage, decreased the Bax/Bcl‐2, and downregulated cleaved caspase‐3. Pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic biomarkers of multiple pathways including BDNF, MCP‐1, and Hcy played a joint role in triggering the activation of the mitochondria‐related Bax/Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 apoptosis pathway in VD. Ligustrazine attenuated VD by comprehensively regulating BDNF, MCP‐1, and Hcy and inactivating the Bax/Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 apoptosis pathway. Our data provide novel insight into ligustrazine, which is a promising neuroprotective agent for VD disease treatment strategies. © IUBMB Life, 70(1):60–70, 2018
Sterilization of hydrogels for biomedical applications: A review
Authors: Galante Raquel , Pinto Terezinha J. A. , Colaço Rogério , Serro Ana Paula
Published: December 2017

Despite the beneficial properties and outstanding potential of hydrogels for biomedical applications, several unmet challenges must be overcome, especially regarding to their known sensitivity to conventional sterilization methods. It is crucial for any biomaterial to withstand an efficient sterilization to obtain approval from regulatory organizations and to safely proceed to clinical trials. Sterility assurance minimizes the incidence of medical device‐related infections, which still constitute a major concern in health care. In this review, we provide a detailed and comprehensive description of the published work from the past decade regarding the effects of sterilization on different types of hydrogels for biomedical applications. Advances in hydrogel production methods with simultaneous sterilization are also reported. Terminal sterilization methods can induce negative or positive effects on several material properties (e.g., aspect, size, color, chemical structure, mechanical integrity, and biocompatibility). Due to the complexity of factors involved (e.g., material properties, drug stability, sterilization conditions, and parameters), it is important to note the virtual impossibility of predicting the outcome of sterilization methods to determine a set of universal rules. Each system requires case‐by‐case testing to select the most suitable, effective method that allows for the main properties to remain unaltered. The impact of sterilization methods on the intrinsic properties of these systems is understudied, and further research is needed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2472–2492, 2018.
Effects of sodium benzoate, a commonly used food preservative, on learning, memory, and oxidative stress in brain of mice
Authors: Khoshnoud Mohammad Javad , Siavashpour Asma , Bakhshizadeh Mojgan , Rashedinia Marzieh
Published: December 2017

Sodium benzoate (SB) is a widely used preservative and antimicrobial substance in many foods and soft drinks. However, this compound is generally recognized as safe food additives, but evidence has suggested that a high intake of SB may link to attention deficit‐hyperactivity disorder in children. Present study investigate the effects of oral administration of different concentrations of SB (0.56, 1.125, and 2.25 mg/mL) for 4 weeks, on the learning and memory performance tests, and also the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) in the mouse brain. The results showed that SB significantly impaired memory and motor coordination. Moreover, SB decreased reduced GSH and increased the MDA level in the brain significantly (P < 0.001). However, nonsignificant alteration was observed in the AChE activity. These findings suggest that short‐term consumption of SB can impair memory performance and increased brain oxidative stress in mice.