bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Merely a rhetorical promise? Older users' opportunities for choice and control in Swedish individualised home care services
Authors: DUNÉR ANNA , BJÄLKEBRING PÄR , JOHANSSON BOO
Published: October 2017

A policy shift has taken place in Sweden towards individualised elder-care and consumer choice. The aim of the study is to investigate how older users of home care services view and experience their opportunities of exerting influence and having choice and control in their everyday living, in terms of receiving preferred services that are flexible and responsive to their actual needs and priorities. The study was conducted in three local elder-care authorities, reflecting diverse present models of organising home care services in Sweden. Data consisted of responses to a postal survey (N = 2,792) and reports from qualitative interviews (N = 28) with older users. Our findings point to similarities rather than differences between the views and experiences of the users in the three participating local municipal elder-care authorities. A majority of users were positive about their home care services. The experiences ranged from being active and enabled to choose between providers and services, to being more or less passive dependants having to rely on the decisions of family and staff. The importance of supportive relationships, and interdependence between older people and their formal as well as informal support networks, became clear. Our findings may guide policy makers in refining home care services, irrespective of preferred model. In particular, efforts to facilitate staff continuity and prevent high staff turnover need to be prioritised.
Design and development of a five-bar robot for research into lower extremity proprioception
Authors: Cui Lei , Isaac Andy , Allison Garry
Published: October 2017

Ankle inversion is a common injury of musculoskeletal system among athletes and also in the older population. Investigation into ankle inversion requires quantitative assessment of the smallest amount of height/angle change in the floor that can be perceived by human. Blocks of different thickness have been used to change floor height manually during tests. We aimed to develop an automatic apparatus that is able to provide improved height and angle resolutions for dynamic ankle proprioception. We designed and manufactured a five-bar planar robot with one coupler serving as the mobile platform. We used a stiffening rib to achieve consistent differences in deflection across the workspace of the mobile platform. The reported robot translates at the maximal speed 423 mm/s with a resolution at 0.21 mm under a maximal load of 358 kg. This robot allows for increased sensitivity, which may lead to further investigation of functional proprioceptive ability and reflect finely tuned sensory requirements for upright stance.
“The Prostitution of the Russian Flag”: Privateers in Russian Admiralty Courts, 1787–98
Authors: Leikin Julia
Published: October 2017

In 1794, the Russian Empire convened the first high admiralty court for appeals to review petitions of merchants and privateers embroiled in the second Russian–Ottoman war of Catherine II's reign (1787–91). The Commission for Archipelago Affairs, as this admiralty court was called, decided more than 170 cases on the basis of Russian maritime law and its interpretation of the law of nations concerning commercial navigation and privateers. A year into its work, the commission determined that one case sat at the center of most disputes that pitted merchants against Russian-flagged privateers: the affair of Lambros Katsonis. The commission's decisions for most of the cases on its docket rested on its determination of Katsonis's standing in the Russian Empire. Once decided, the outcome of the matter went on to define the distinction between Russian privateers and naval officers in Russian law: precedents that shaped Russian naval practices for the next 50 years.
Predicting iron ore sinter strength through partial least square regression (PLSR) analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns
Authors: Webster Nathan A.S. , Pownceby Mark I. , Ware Natalie , Pattel Rachel
Published: October 2017

The decrease in quality of Australian iron ore, coupled with the demand for more efficient energy use, means that closer monitoring and optimisation of process conditions for iron ore sinter production is required. Here, the suitability of using partial least-squares regression analysis of powder X-ray diffraction data, collected for iron ore sinter samples, for the prediction of iron ore sinter strength has been further assessed. In addition, a preliminary assessment of the effect of 2θrange on the quality of prediction has been made. For the purposes of process control, the level of correlation between predicted strength and actual sinter strength would inform an operator whether or not the process was operating within the acceptable limits, or whether there was a potential problem requiring further investigation or rapid intervention. Reducing the 2θrange was found to reduce the level of correlation between predicted and actual strength, to a point where the particular analysis may no longer be suitable for process control.
Exploring open information via event network
Authors: CHEN YANPING , ZHENG QINGHUA , TIAN FENG , LIU HUAN , HAO YAZHOU , SHAH NAZARAF
Published: October 2017

It is a challenging task to discover information from a large amount of data in an open domain.1In this paper, an event network framework is proposed to address this challenge. It is in fact an empirical construct for exploring open information, composed of three steps: document event detection, event network construction and event network analysis. First, documents are clustered into document events for reducing the impact of noisy and heterogeneous resources. Secondly, linguistic units (e.g., named entities or entity relations) are extracted from each document event and combined into an event network, which enables content-oriented retrieval. Then, in the final step, techniques such as social network or complex network can be applied to analyze the event network for exploring open information. In the implementation section, we provide examples of exploring open information via event network.
Viable retirement solutions for the long-run: Are there any sustainable retirement solutions out there?
Authors: Richards J. , Hurd M. , Clacher I.
Published: October 2017

This paper examines the resilience of various retirement solutions in the context of factors that can influence their sustainability. First, by considering the desirable features of retirement solutions within the United Kingdom, the authors outline the key levers available to the architects of retirement vehicles to ensure stability. Second, to measure “resilience” the authors create a failure score to establish a method of determining if a vehicle has “failed”. Third and finally, we look at those external forces that influence the likely longevity of a retirement solution.
Where are the low-calorie sweeteners? An analysis of the presence and types of low-calorie sweeteners in packaged foods sold in Brazil from food labelling
Authors: Figueiredo Luiza dos Santos , Scapin Tailane , Fernandes Ana Carolina , Proença Rossana Pacheco da Costa
Published: October 2017

Objective

Studies have shown that consumption of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) may be associated with harmful health effects. The current study investigated the presence and types of LCS added to packaged foods.

Design

Cross-sectional study analysing the presence and types of LCS in the ingredients lists of packaged foods sold at a major Brazilian supermarket. To identify types of LCS allowed for use in foods in Brazil, current legislation was consulted. Data were organised and analysed through descriptive statistics, presenting simple and relative frequencies of LCS presence categorised by food group.

Setting

Supermarket in Florianópolis, southern Brazil.

Subjects

Packaged food products (n4539) from eight food groups.

Results

One or more LCS were found in 602 (13·3 %) of the packaged foods analysed. There were 1329 citations of LCS among these foods, with a mean of 2·2 sweeteners per food. Groups with the highest frequency of foods containing LCS were: products with energy derived from carbohydrates and fats (25·0 %); milk and dairy products (11·7 %); bakery products, cereals, legumes, roots and tubers (11·2 %); and fruits, juices, nectars and fruit drinks (8·3 %).

Conclusions

There was high prevalence of packaged foods with LCS, especially in food groups that form the basis of the Brazilian diet. The study was the first to extensively analyse the presence and types of LCS in packaged foods available for sale in a Brazilian supermarket and can be useful to monitor the use of LCS in these foods, as well as to support future changes in legislation to label sugars.
Policy Mobilities of Exclusion: Implications of Australian Disability Pension Retraction for Indigenous Australians
Authors: Soldatic Karen
Published: October 2017

There is growing concern surrounding the retraction of disability social provisioning measures across the western world, with state fiscal policy trends foregrounding austerity as a central principle of welfare provisioning. This is occurring within many of the nation-states that have ratified and legislated rights enshrined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This article undertakes a critical analysis of disability income retraction in Australia since the early 2000s and examines these changes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians living with disability by focusing on Article 20 of the CRPD, the right to personal mobility, a core right for people with disabilities and Indigenous peoples. Beyond economic inequality, the article illustrates that the various administrative processes attached to welfare retraction have implications for the realisation of mobility practices that are critical for individual cultural identity and wellbeing. Disability austerity has resulted in a new form of Indigenous containment, fixing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities in a cyclical motion of poverty management.
Patient–family EoL communication and its predictors: Reports from caregivers of Latino patients in the rural U.S.–Mexico border region
Authors: Ko Eunjeong , Lee Jaehoon , Ramirez Carlos , Lopez Denicka , Martinez Stephanie
Published: October 2017

Objective:

Family caregivers play an important role in end-of-life (EoL) decision making when the patient is unable to make his/her own decisions. While communication about EoL care between patients and family is perhaps a first step toward advance care planning (ACP)/EoL decisions, not every culture puts great value on open communication about this topic. The aims of the present study were to explore EoL communication and the aspects of communication among caregivers of Latino patients in the rural United States (U.S.)–Mexico border region.

Method:

This study analyzed data from a hospice needs assessment collected from 189 family caregivers of Latino patients at a home health agency in a rural U.S.–Mexico border region. Bivariate tests and logistic regression were used to address our aims.

Results:

About half of the family caregivers (n = 96, 50.8%) reported to have ever engaged in EoL discussion with patients. Significant predictors of EoL discussion included life-sustaining treatment preference (odds ratio [OR] = 0.44, p < 0.05); knowledge of an advance directive (AD) (OR = 5.50, p < 0.01); and distrust of physicians (OR = 0.29, p < 0.01). Caregivers who preferred extending the life of their loved one even if he/she had to rely on life supports were less likely to engage in EoL communication. Also, caregivers who worried that physicians might want to stop treatments (i.e., “pull the plug”) too soon were less likely to do so. Conversely, caregivers who had knowledge about ADs were more likely to engage in EoL communication.

Significance of Results:

EoL communication is a complex process influenced by individual, social, and cultural values and the beliefs of both the patient and his/her family. Inclusion of family caregivers in the ACP process and facilitating culturally tailored EoL communication between patients and family caregivers is important.
Pattern of Changes during Treatment: A Comparison between a Positive Psychology Intervention and a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Clinical Depression
Authors: Lopez-Gomez Irene , Chaves Covadonga , Hervas Gonzalo , Vazquez Carmelo
Published: October 2017

Research on psychotherapy has traditionally focused on analyzing changes between the beginning and the end of a treatment. Few studies have addressed the pattern of therapeutic change during treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the pattern of changes in clinical and well-being variables during a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program compared with an integrative positive psychology interventions program for clinical depression IPPI-D. 128 women with a diagnosis of major depression or dysthymia were assigned to the CBT or PPI group. A measure of depressive symptoms (i.e., Beck Depression Inventory) and well-being (i.e., Pemberton Happiness Index) were administered four times: at the beginning and end of the treatment, as well as during treatment (at sessions 4 and 7). Through mixed-model repeated measures ANOVAs, both depressive symptoms (p < .001, partial η2 = .52) and well-being (p < .001, partial η2 = .29) showed a significant improvement through the four assessment times. No significant interactions between time and treatment modality were found (ps > .08). The percentage of improvement in depressive symptoms in the first treatment period was higher than in the later ones (ps < .005). On the contrary, well-being showed a more gradual improvement (p = .15). These results highlight the importance of assessing the pattern of changes in symptoms and well-being separately.
Structured Interview for Hoarding Disorder (SIHD)
Authors: Novara Caterina , Cavedini Paolo , Dorz Stella , Pardini Susanna , Sica Claudio
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The Structured Interview for Hoarding Disorder (SIHD) is a semi-structured interview designed to assist clinicians in diagnosing a hoarding disorder (HD). This study aimed to validate the Italian version of the SIHD. For this purpose, its inter-rater reliability has been analyzed as well as its ability to differentiate HD from other disorders often comorbid. The sample was composed of 74 inpatients who had been diagnosed within their clinical environment: 9 with HD, 11 with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and HD, 22 with OCD, 19 with major depressive disorder (MDD), and 13 with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). The results obtained indicated “substantial” or “perfect” inter-rater reliability for all the core HD criteria, HD diagnosis, and specifiers. The SIHD differentiated between subjects suffering from and not suffering from a HD. Finally, the results indicated “good” convergent validity and high scores were shown in terms of both sensitivity and specificity for HD diagnosis. Altogether, the SIHD represents a useful instrument for evaluating the presence of HD and is a helpful tool for the clinician during the diagnostic process.
MicroRNA-145 attenuates TNF-α-driven cartilage matrix degradation in osteoarthritis via direct suppression of MKK4
Authors: Hu Guoli , Zhao Xiaoying , Wang Chuandong , Geng Yiyun , Zhao Jingyu , Xu Jiajia , Zuo Bin , Zhao Chen , Wang Chenglong , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: October 2017

Cartilage dyshomeostasis contributes to osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α has critical role in this process by driving inflammatory cascades and cartilage degradation. However, the negative regulation of TNF-α-mediated signaling remains undefined. Here we demonstrate the crucial role of miR-145 in the modulation of TNF-α-mediated signaling and cartilage matrix degradation. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of TNF-α-stimulated chondrocytes showed that miR-145 expression was rapidly downregulated by TNF-α. Moreover, miR-145 was directly repressed by p65 and was negatively correlated with TNF-α secretion during OA progression. Further, we found that miR-145 directly targeted mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) and broadly restrained the production of several TNF-α-triggered matrix-degrading enzymes (MMP-3, MMP-13, and Adamts-5). Mechanistic studies unveiled that miR-145 negatively regulated TNF-α-mediated JNK and p38 activation, as well as the nuclear accumulation of p-c-Jun and p-ATF2, by inhibiting MKK4 phosphorylation, eventually resulting in the alteration of catabolic genes transcription. Indeed, p-ATF2 interacted with the promoter of Mmp-13, whereas p-c-Jun bound to promoters of Mmp-3 and Adamts-5. MKK4 was significantly elevated in OA cartilage. Eliminating MKK4 by short hairpin RNA resulted in obviously decreased matrix-degrading enzymes production, JNK and p38 inactivation, and an inhibition of cartilage degradation. On the contrary, MKK4 overexpression enhanced TNF-α-mediated signaling activation and transcription of downstream catabolic genes, and consequently worsened cartilage degradation. Moreover, intra-articular (IA) injection of miR-145 agonist to rat with surgery-induced OA alleviated cartilage destruction. Altogether, we elucidate a novel regulatory mechanism underlying TNF-α-triggered cartilage degradation and demonstrate the potential utility of miR-145 and MKK4 as therapy targets for OA.
Guanylate-binding protein 2 regulates Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission to suppress breast cancer cell invasion
Authors: Zhang Juan , Zhang Yu , Wu Wenshuang , Wang Fang , Liu Xinyu , Shui Guanghou , Nie Chunlai
Published: October 2017

Guanylate-binding protein 2 (GBP2) is a member of the large GTPase superfamily that is strongly induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Although the biochemical characteristics of GBP2 have been reported in detail, its biological function has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first demonstration that GBP2 inhibits mitochondrial fission and cell metastasis in breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our previous work demonstrated that dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-dependent mitochondrial fission has a key role in breast cancer cell invasion. In this study, we demonstrate that GBP2 binds directly to Drp1. Elimination of Drp1 by shRNA or Mdivi-1 (a Drp1-specific inhibitor) suppressed GBP2’s regulatory function. Furthermore, GBP2 blocks Drp1 translocation from the cytosol to mitochondria, thereby attenuating Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission and breast cancer cell invasion. In summary, our data provide new insights into the function and molecular mechanisms underlying GBP2’s regulation of breast cancer cell invasion.
C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 produced by mouse Sertoli cells in response to mumps virus infection induces male germ cell apoptosis
Authors: Jiang Qian , Wang Fei , Shi Lili , Zhao Xiang , Gong Maolei , Liu Weihua , Song Chengyi , Li Qihan , Chen Yongmei , Wu Han , Han Daishu
Published: October 2017

Mumps virus (MuV) infection usually results in germ cell degeneration in the testis, which is an etiological factor for male infertility. However, the mechanisms by which MuV infection damages male germ cells remain unclear. The present study showed that C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) is produced by mouse Sertoli cells in response to MuV infection, which induces germ cell apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3. CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3), a functional receptor of CXCL10, is constitutively expressed in male germ cells. Neutralizing antibodies against CXCR3 and an inhibitor of caspase-3 activation significantly inhibited CXCL10-induced male germ cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) upregulated CXCL10 production in Sertoli cells after MuV infection. The knockout of either CXCL10 or TNF-αreduced germ cell apoptosis in the co-cultures of germ cells and Sertoli cells in response to MuV infection. Local injection of MuV into the testes of mice confirmed the involvement of CXCL10 in germ cell apoptosisin vivo. These results provide novel insights into MuV-induced germ cell apoptosis in the testis.
The spontaneous differentiation and chromosome loss in iPSCs of human trisomy 18 syndrome
Authors: Li Ting , Zhao Hanzhi , Han Xu , Yao Jiaying , Zhang Lingling , Guo Ying , Shao Zhen , Jin Ying , Lai Dongmei
Published: October 2017

Aneuploidy including trisomy results in developmental disabilities and is the leading cause of miscarriages in humans. Unlike trisomy 21, pathogenic mechanisms of trisomy 18 remain unclear. Here, we successfully generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from human amniotic fluid cells (AFCs) with trisomy 18 pregnancies. We found that trisomy 18 iPSCs (18T-iPSCs) were prone to differentiate spontaneously. Intriguingly, 18T-iPSCs lost their extra 18 chromosomes and converted to diploid cells after 10 generations. fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed chromosome loss was a random event that might happen in any trisomic cells. Selection undifferentiated cells for passage accelerated the recovery of euploid cells. Overall, our findings indicate the genomic instability of trisomy 18 iPSCs bearing an extra chromosome 18.
Optical Controlled Terahertz Modulator Based on Tungsten Disulfide Nanosheet
Authors: Fan Zhiyuan , Geng Zhaoxin , Lv Xiaoqin , Su Yue , Yang Yuping , Liu Jian , Chen Hongda
Published: October 2017

The terahertz (THz) modulator, which will be applied in next-generation wireless communication, is a key device in a THz communication system. Current THz modulators based on traditional semiconductors and metamaterials have limited modulation depth or modulation range. Therefore, a THz modulator based on annealed tungsten disulfide (WS2, p-type) and high-resistivity silicon (n-type) is demonstrated. Pumped by a laser, the modulator presents a laser power-dependent modulation effect. Ranging from 0.25 to 2 THz, the modulation depth reaches 99% when the pumping laser is 2.59 W/cm2. The modulator works because the p-n heterojunction can separate and limit carriers to change the conductivity of the device, which results in a modulation of the THz wave. The wide band gap of WS2 can promote the separation and limitation of carriers to obtain a larger modulation depth, which provides a new direction for choosing new materials and new structures to fabricate a better THz modulator.
Antithrombotic properties of JJ1, a potent and novel thrombin inhibitor
Authors: Lee Wonhwa , Lee Suyeon , Choi Joonhyeok , Park Jun-Hyeong , Kim Kyung-Min , Jee Jun-Goo , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: October 2017

The development of new anticoagulants is an important goal for the improvement of thrombosis treatment. Recent studies have suggested the importance of thrombin inhibitors in the modulation of thromboembolic disorders. The aim of this study was to discover a new small-molecule thrombin inhibitor. In this study, the compoundJJ1, which has a novel scaffold, was selected by structure-based docking simulation to determine its potential inhibitory activity against thrombin.JJ1was shown to inhibit the catalytic activity of human α-thrombin with aKiof 0.019 μM by direct binding to the active site and with at least 10,000-fold selectivity relative to that reported for the inhibition of other biologically important serine proteases.JJ1prolonged clotting times (activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time) and inhibited the activity and production of thrombin. Furthermore, it inhibited thrombin-catalyzed fibrin polymerization and platelet aggregation. Similar to itsin vitroantithrombotic activities,JJ1showed enhanced antithrombotic effects in anin vivopulmonary embolism and arterial thrombosis model. It also exhibited anticoagulant effects in mice. Collectively, these results demonstrated thatJJ1was a potent, direct, and selective thrombin inhibitor that may be useful in the management of various thrombotic disorders.
Dosimetric comparison of the helical tomotherapy, volumetric-modulated arc therapy and fixed-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy for stage IIB-IIIB non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Yujin , Deng Weiye , Yang Shuangyan , Li Pu , Kong Yue , Tian Ye , Liao Zhongxing , Chen Ming
Published: October 2017

The study aimed to compare the dosimetric parameters to target dose coverage and the critical structures in the treatment planning of helical tomotherapy (TOMO), volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and fixed-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for NSCLC delivering conventionally fractionated radiotherapy. Thirty patients with pathologically confirmed NSCLC were included. Three radiation treatment plans were designed for each patient. All patients received the uniform prescription dose of 60 Gy to the planning target volume. The conformity index (CI), heterogeneity index (HI), and parameters of critical structures were calculated. A significantly superior mean CI was observed in VMAT than in TOMO or IMRT (P = 0.013, 0.001). Mean HI was also better using VAMT or IMRT than TOMO (P = 0.002, 0.003). Mean lung V20 and V30 were significantly reduced by TOMO compared to IMRT (P = 0.019, 0.029). The heart was spared by IMRT compared to TOMO in terms of mean heart dose, V5, V10, and V20 (P < 0.05). In larger tumor, VMAT provided the optimal dose distribution and sparing to heart. Compared to TOMO and IMRT, VMAT achieved better target dose distribution and similar sparing of critical structures. VMAT seemed to be the optimal technique for NSCLC.
A Lithium-ion Battery Using Partially Lithiated Graphite Anode and Amphi-redox LiMn2O4 Cathode
Authors: Jeon Yuju , Noh Hyun Kuk , Song Hyun-Kon
Published: October 2017

Delithiation followed by lithiation of Li+-occupied (n-type) tetrahedral sites of cubic LiMn2O4 spinel (LMO) at ~4 $${{\bf{V}}}_{{{\bf{Li}}{\boldsymbol{/}}{\bf{Li}}}^{{\boldsymbol{+}}}}$$

V

Li
/
Li

+

(delivering ~100 mAh gLMO−1) has been used for energy storage by lithium ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, we utilized unoccupied (p-type) octahedral sites of LMO available for lithiation at ~3 $${{\bf{V}}}_{{{\bf{Li}}{\boldsymbol{/}}{\bf{Li}}}^{{\boldsymbol{+}}}}$$

V

Li
/
Li

+

(delivering additional ~100 mAh gLMO−1) that have never been used for LIBs in full-cell configuration. The whole capacity of amphi-redox LMO, including both oxidizable n-type and reducible p-type redox sites, at ~200 mAh gLMO−1 was realized by using the reactions both at 4 $${{\bf{V}}}_{{{\bf{Li}}{\boldsymbol{/}}{\bf{Li}}}^{{\boldsymbol{+}}}}$$

V

Li
/
Li

+

and 3 $${{\bf{V}}}_{{{\bf{Li}}{\boldsymbol{/}}{\bf{Li}}}^{{\boldsymbol{+}}}}$$

V

Li
/
Li

+

. Durable reversibility of the 3 V reaction was achieved by graphene-wrapping LMO nanoparticles (LMO@Gn). Prelithiated graphite (LinC6, n < 1) was used as anodes to lithiate the unoccupied octahedral sites of LMO for the 3 V reaction.
Retinoic acid signaling maintains epithelial and mesenchymal progenitors in the developing mouse ureter
Authors: Bohnenpoll Tobias , Weiss Anna-Carina , Labuhn Maurice , Lüdtke Timo H. , Trowe M.-O. , Kispert Andreas
Published: October 2017

The differentiated cell types of the mature ureter arise from the distal ureteric bud epithelium and its surrounding mesenchyme. Uncommitted epithelial cells first become intermediate cells from which both basal and superficial cells develop. Mesenchymal progenitors give rise to separated layers of adventitial fibrocytes, smooth muscle cells and lamina propria fibrocytes. How progenitor expansion and differentiation are balanced is poorly understood. Here, we addressed the role of retinoic acid (RA) signaling in these programs. Using expression analysis of components and target genes, we show that pathway activity is restricted to the mesenchymal and epithelial progenitor pools. Inhibition of RA signaling in ureter explant cultures resulted in tissue hypoplasia with a relative expansion of smooth muscle cells at the expense of lamina propria fibroblasts in the mesenchyme, and of superficial cells at the expense of intermediate cells in the ureteric epithelium. Administration of RA led to a slight reduction of smooth muscle cells, and almost completely prevented differentiation of intermediate cells into basal and superficial cells. We identified cellular programs and transcriptional targets of RA signaling that may account for this activity. We conclude that RA signaling is required and sufficient to maintain mesenchymal and epithelial progenitors in early ureter development.
Therapeutic siRNA targeting endothelial KDR decreases portosystemic collateralization in portal hypertension
Authors: Gallego Javier , Garcia-Pras Ester , Mejias Marc , Pell Nuria , Schaeper Ute , Fernandez Mercedes
Published: October 2017

Development of portosystemic collateral vessels and gastroesophageal varices is responsible for the most serious clinical consequences of portal hypertension, but effective clinical therapies are limited. Here we developed and investigated the therapeutic potential of an innovative liposomally-formulated short-interfering RNA (siRNA) technology based on clinical stage components, capable to attenuate production of the endothelial kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), which controls portosystemic collateralization and contributes to disease progression and aggravation. These siRNAs were first validated in vitro, and then, their therapeutic potential on portosystemic collateralization and pathological angiogenesis was tested in vivo in mouse models of portal hypertension (portal vein-ligation). siRNAKDR-lipoplexes efficiently transported siRNAKDR to vascular endothelial cells in mesenteric microvenules and portal vein of portal hypertensive mice, where collaterogenesis and angiogenesis take place. This systemic treatment significantly downregulated pathological KDR overexpression, without causing complete KDR knockout, preserving homeostatic baseline KDR levels and thus limiting adverse effects. siRNAKDR-lipoplex-induced endothelial-specific KDR knockdown drastically reduced by 73% the portosystemic collateralization, and impaired the pathologic angiogenic potential of vascular endothelial cells at different levels (cell proliferation, sprouting and remodeling). Targeting endothelial KDR with therapeutic siRNAKDR-lipoplexes could be a promising and plausible treatment modality for attenuating the formation of portosystemic collaterals in a clinical setting.
Sporadic Hirschsprung Disease: Mutational Spectrum and Novel Candidate Genes Revealed by Next-generation Sequencing
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Qi , Diao Mei , Liu Na , Cheng Wei , Xiao Ping , Zou Jizhen , Su Lin , Yu Kaihui , Wu Jian , Li Long , Jiang Qian
Published: October 2017

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a common cause of functional colonic obstruction in children. The currently available genetic testing is often inadequate as it mainly focuses on RET and several other genes, accounting for only 15–20% of cases. To identify novel, potentially pathogenic variants, we isolated a panel of genes from a whole-exome sequencing study and from the published mouse aganglionosis phenotypes, enteric nervous system development, and a literature review. The coding exons of 172 genes were analyzed in 83 sporadic patients using next-generation sequencing. Rare stop-gain, splice-site variants, frameshift and in-frame insertions/deletions and non-synonymous variants (conserved and predicted to be deleterious) were prioritized as the most promising variants to have an effect on HSCR and subjected to burden analysis. GeneMANIA interaction database was used to identify protein–protein interaction-based networks. In addition, 6 genes (PTPN13, PHKB, AGL, ZFHX3, LAMA1, and AP3B2) were prioritized for follow-up studies: both their time-space expression patterns in mouse and human colon showed that they are good candidates for predicting pathogenicity. The results of this study broaden the mutational spectrum of HSCR candidate genes, and they provide an insight into the relative contributions of individual genes to this highly heterogeneous disorder.
Intraoperative Assessment of Parathyroid Viability using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging
Authors: Mannoh E. A. , Thomas G. , Solórzano C. C. , Mahadevan-Jansen A.
Published: October 2017

Post-surgical hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia are known to occur after nearly 50% of all thyroid surgeries as a result of accidental disruption of blood supply to healthy parathyroid glands, which are responsible for regulating calcium. However, there are currently no clinical methods for accurately identifying compromised glands and the surgeon relies on visual assessment alone to determine if any gland(s) should be excised and auto-transplanted. Here, we present Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) for real-time assessment of parathyroid viability. Taking an experienced surgeon’s visual assessment as the gold standard, LSCI can be used to distinguish between well vascularized (n = 32) and compromised (n = 27) parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery with an accuracy of 91.5%. Ability to detect vascular compromise with LSCI was validated in parathyroidectomies. Results showed that this technique is able to detect parathyroid gland devascularization before it is visually apparent to the surgeon. Measurements can be performed in real-time and without the need to turn off operating room lights. LSCI shows promise as a real-time, contrast-free, objective method for helping reduce hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery.
From Bench to Bedside: Development and Optimization of Clinical Therapies for Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Alves Fabiana , Gillon Jean-Yves , Arana Byron , Dorlo Thomas P. C.
Published: October 2017

This chapter provides an overview of the different in vitro and in vivo strategies to progress a new compound for visceral leishmaniasis from early screening, through in vivo testing and potential translation, to clinical development, including the value of novel pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation tools to support this transition. The case of miltefosine, the only oral drug currently available for leishmaniasis, is presented to demonstrate how pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation can provide new insights into how to optimize currently available drugs, such as the use of allometric dosing of miltefosine to overcome the lower drug exposure in children and the practical example of the clinically recommended minimal duration of contraception for female patients of child-bearing age.
Drug Assay Methodology in Leishmaniasis: From the Microplate to Image Analysis
Authors: Yardley Vanessa , Koniordou Markella
Published: October 2017

Drug assays are critical to the anti-leishmanial discovery process. In this chapter, we look at the ways that different methodologies of drug assays contribute to the acquisition of essential data on drug efficacy and safety against live Leishmania infections. We outline essential considerations for designing robust drug screening assays, covering both old and new models of Leishmania infection and technologies for the detection of drug activity of new compounds.
In silicoTools for Target Identification and Drug Molecular Docking inLeishmania
Authors: Roca Carlos , Sebastián-Pérez Víctor , Campillo Nuria E.
Published: October 2017

Neglected tropical diseases represent a significant health burden in large parts of the world. Drug discovery is currently a key bottleneck in the pipeline of these diseases. In this chapter, the in silico approaches used for the processes involved in drug discovery, identification and validation of druggable Leishmania targets, and design and optimisation of new anti-leishmanial drugs are discussed. We also provide a general view of the different computational tools that can be employed in pursuit of this aim, along with the most interesting cases found in the literature.
Nutrient Transport and Sensing as Pharmacological Targets for Leishmaniasis
Authors: Zilberstein Dan
Published: October 2017

Leishmania parasites are intracellular parasitic protozoa that cycle between two distinct environments: mid-gut in sand flies (extracellular promastigotes) and mammalian phagolysosome (intracellular amastigotes). Host and vector provide distinct hydrolytic environments, both of which are hostile. Leishmania parasites have developed means of adaptation that enable survival in these niches. Interaction with the environment requires development of effective survival mechanisms. This chapter discusses nutrient transporters in Leishmania and their role in parasite survival. Most Leishmania nutrient transporters differ in structure and function from host nutrient transporters. Therefore, they might be exploited as drug-delivery systems. This chapter describes the current knowledge on these two topics.
A new tetraphenylethylene based AIE sensor with light-up and tunable measuring range for adenosine triphosphate in aqueous solution and in living cells
Authors: Jiang Guoyu , Zhu Wenping , Chen Qingqing , Shi Aiping , Wu Yongquan , Zhang Guanxin , Li Xun , Li Yongdong , Fan Xiaolin , Wang Jianguo
Published: October 2017

An AIE probe, TPPTPE, was synthesized with light-up sensing and tunable measuring range for adenosine triphosphate in aqueous solution and in living cells.
Improved identification and quantitation of mature endogenous peptides in the rodent hypothalamus using a rapid conductive sample heating system
Authors: Yang Ning , Anapindi Krishna D. B. , Romanova Elena V. , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Sweedler Jonathan V.
Published: October 2017

The efficacy of two heat tissue stabilization methods has been evaluated for the identification and quantitation of endogenous neuropeptides from the rodent brain.
Correction: Mapping the interaction sites of Mucin 1 and DNA aptamer by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Wang Nan , Zhang Miaomiao , Chen Xuejuan , Ma Xingxing , Li Chen , Zhang Zhe , Tang Jilin
Published: October 2017

Correction for ‘Mapping the interaction sites of Mucin 1 and DNA aptamer by atomic force microscopy’ by Nan Wang, et al., Analyst, 2017, 142, 3800–3804.
Polymer brushes on structural surfaces: a novel synergistic strategy for perfectly resisting algae settlement
Authors: Zhang Yu , Hu Haiyuan , Pei Xiaowei , Liu Yupeng , Ye Qian , Zhou Feng
Published: October 2017

A synergistic anti-algae fouling strategy is reported by grafting foul-resistant polymer brushes on a wrinkled structural silicone elastomer.
Palladium catalyzed direct aliphatic γC(sp3)–H alkenylation with alkenes and alkenyl iodides
Authors: Thrimurtulu Neetipalli , Khan Salman , Maity Soham , Volla Chandra M. R. , Maiti Debabrata
Published: October 2017

The catalytic alkenylation of the unactivated distal γC(sp3)–H bonds of aliphatic acids with simple acrylates and vinyl iodides is described.
Diastereo- and enantioselective phase-transfer alkylation of 3-substituted oxindoles with racemic secondary alkyl halides
Authors: Ohmatsu Kohsuke , Furukawa Yukino , Kiyokawa Mari , Ooi Takashi
Published: October 2017

A catalytic asymmetric alkylation of fully substituted enolates with racemic, non-activated secondary alkyl halides is described.
Proton-detected solid-state NMR detects the inter-nucleotide correlations and architecture of dimeric RNA in microcrystals
Authors: Yang Yufei , Xiang ShengQi , Liu Xiaodan , Pei Xiaojing , Wu Pengzhi , Gong Qingguo , Li Na , Baldus Marc , Wang Shenlin
Published: October 2017

A novel proton-detected solid-state NMR experiment detects the NH⋯N H-bonds within the Watson–Crick base pairs of RNA in crystals.
Charge directed assembly of CdTe/CdS nanoparticles inside monocrystalline KH2PO4
Authors: Vorontsov D. , Filonenko S. , Kanak A. , Okrepka G. , Khalavka Y.
Published: October 2017

The synthesis of aqueous CdTe/CdS quantum dots (QDs) embedded in potassium dihydrogen phosphate KH2PO4(KDP) is demonstrated.
Current–voltage characteristics and electroresistance in LaMnO3−δ/La0.7Ca0.3MnO3/LaAlO3 thin film composites
Authors: Gadani Keval , Keshvani M. J. , Rajyaguru Bhargav , Dhruv Davit , Kataria B. R. , Joshi A. D. , Asokan K. , Shah N. A. , Solanki P. S.
Published: October 2017

We report electrical transport properties across the interface of composites consisting of n-type LaMnO3−δ and p-type La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 manganites grown on LaAlO3 single crystalline substrates using low cost wet CSD and well-controlled dry CVD techniques.
Engineering of inorganic nanoparticles as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents
Authors: Ni Dalong , Bu Wenbo , Ehlerding Emily B. , Cai Weibo , Shi Jianlin
Published: October 2017

This review focuses on the design principles of inorganic nanoparticles to engineer high-performance contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging.
A chemical approach to perovskite solar cells: control of electron-transporting mesoporous TiO2and utilization of nanocarbon materials
Authors: Umeyama Tomokazu , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: October 2017

This Perspective highlights recent chemical approaches to perovskite solar cells, including the control of electron-transporting mesoporous TiO2and the utilization of nanocarbon materials.
Phosphorescent heterobimetallic complexes involving platinum(iv) and rhenium(vii) centers connected by an unsupported μ-oxido bridge
Authors: Molaee Hajar , Nabavizadeh S. Masoud , Jamshidi Mahboubeh , Vilsmeier Max , Pfitzner Arno , Samandar Sangari Mozhgan
Published: October 2017

Heterobimetallic compounds containing an unsupported Pt(iv)–O–Re(vii) bridge are synthesized. The complexes exhibit rare phosphorescence emission in solid and frozen states.
Highly selective adsorption of p-xylene over other C8 aromatic hydrocarbons by Co-CUK-1: a combined experimental and theoretical assessment
Authors: Yoon Ji Woong , Lee Ji Sun , Piburn Graham W. , Cho Kyoung Ho , Jeon Keonghee , Lim Hyung-Kyu , Kim Hyungjun , Jun Chul-Ho , Humphrey Simon M. , Krishna Rajamani , Chang Jong-San
Published: October 2017

Co-CUK-1 synthesized by a microwave method exhibits highly selective adsorption of p-xylene over other C8 aromatic hydrocarbons.
Engineering transition metal phosphide nanomaterials as highly active electrocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Shi Yanmei , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2017

This Frontier article will highlight recent advances in engineering the composition and structure of TMPs for higher water electrolysis performances.
Sustainable synthesis routes towards urazole compounds
Authors: Vlaminck Laetitia , Van de Voorde Babs , Du Prez Filip E.
Published: October 2017

The synthesis of urazoles in a one-pot, fast and high-yielding fashion without the use of isocyanates or chloroformates is described.
Synthesis of urea derivatives via reductive carbon dioxide fixation into contracted porphyrin analogues
Authors: Patra Sajal Kumar , Sahu Kasturi , Patra Bratati , Sahoo Dipak Kumar , Mondal Sruti , Mukherjee Payel , Biswal Himansu S. , Kar Sanjib
Published: October 2017

Carbon dioxide from ammonium carbonate is trapped by the free base corroles which forms the N21,N22-carbamide-corrole derivatives.
Visualization of periodic electric polarizability of helical nanofibers formed by self-assembly of nucleotide-bearing bolaamphiphiles and natural-source DNA as a template
Authors: Iwaura Rika
Published: October 2017

Periodically polarizable nanofibers, produced by self-assembly of nucleotide-bearing bolaamphiphiles and natural-source DNA as a template, were visualized by electrostatic force microscopy at nanoscale resolution.
Optimising low molecular weight hydrogels for automated 3D printing
Authors: Nolan Michael C. , Fuentes Caparrós Ana M. , Dietrich Bart , Barrow Michael , Cross Emily R. , Bleuel Markus , King Stephen M. , Adams Dave J.
Published: October 2017

We demonstrate the optimised 3D printing of low molecular weight gels.
Engineering oxidative stability in human hemoglobin based on the Hb providence (βK82D) mutation and genetic cross-linking
Authors: Strader Michael Brad , Bangle Rachel , Parker Siburt Claire J. , Varnado Cornelius L. , Soman Jayashree , Benitez Cardenas Andres S. , Samuel Premila P. , Singleton Eileen W. , Crumbliss Alvin L. , Olson John S. , Alayash Abdu I.
Published: October 2017

Previous work suggested that hemoglobin (Hb) tetramer formation slows autoxidation and hemin loss and that the naturally occurring mutant, Hb Providence (HbProv; βK82D), is much more resistant to degradation by H2O2. We have examined systematically the effects of genetic cross-linking of Hb tetramers with and without the HbProv mutation on autoxidation, hemin loss, and reactions with H2O2, using native HbA and various wild-type recombinant Hbs as controls. Genetically cross-linked Hb Presbyterian (βN108K) was also examined as an example of a low oxygen affinity tetramer. Our conclusions are: (a) at low concentrations, all the cross-linked tetramers show smaller rates of autoxidation and hemin loss than HbA, which can dissociate into much less stable dimers and (b) the HbProv βK82D mutation confers more resistance to degradation by H2O2, by markedly inhibiting oxidation of the β93 cysteine side chain, particularly in cross-linked tetramers and even in the presence of the destabilizing Hb Presbyterian mutation. These results show that cross-linking and the βK82D mutation do enhance the resistance of Hb to oxidative degradation, a critical element in the design of a safe and effective oxygen therapeutic.
Influence of Altered Auditory Feedback on Oral–Nasal Balance in Speech
Authors: de Boer Gillian , Bressmann Tim
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study explored the role of auditory feedback in the regulation of oral–nasal balance in speech.

Method

Twenty typical female speakers wore a Nasometer 6450 (KayPentax) headset and headphones while continuously repeating a sentence with oral and nasal sounds. Oral–nasal balance was quantified with nasalance scores. The signals from 2 additional oral and nasal microphones were played back to the participants through the headphones. The relative loudness of the nasal channel in the mix was gradually changed so that the speakers heard themselves as more or less nasal. An additional amplitude control group of 9 female speakers completed the same task while hearing themselves louder or softer in the headphones.

Results

A repeated-measures analysis of variance of the mean nasalance scores of the stimulus sentence at baseline, minimum, and maximum nasal feedback conditions demonstrated a significant effect of the nasal feedback condition. Post hoc analyses found that the mean nasalance scores were lowest for the maximum nasal feedback condition. The scores of the minimum nasal feedback condition were significantly higher than 2 of the 3 baseline feedback conditions. The amplitude control group did not show any effects of volume changes on nasalance scores.

Conclusions

Increased nasal feedback led to a compensatory adjustment in the opposite direction, confirming that oral–nasal balance is regulated by auditory feedback. However, a lack of nasal feedback did not lead to a consistent compensatory response of similar magnitude.
Greedy hybrid beamforming for multiuser MmWave MIMO systems
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Lin Yingchao , Yang Xu , Pu Wenjuan , Meng Meimei , Hei Yongqiang
Published: October 2017

Due to the high cost and power consumption, it is impractical to perform full‐digital beamforming at baseband in millimetre‐wave systems. Thus, as a cost‐effective alternative, a hybrid beamforming (HBF) is introduced in this study. Since the HBF can be designed as a matrix factorisation problem, an effective greedy algorithm with low complexity for multiuser scenes is proposed to approach the full‐digital matrix. Firstly, initialisation for partial columns of the analogue matrix is enabled by extracting the phases of the full‐digital scheme. Then the singular value decomposition in low‐dimension matrix can be used to obtain the rest columns of the analogue matrix. Finally, based on effective channel, the digital matrix can be easily designed. Therefore, the authors' proposed algorithm has low complexity and only needs fewer iterations. Furthermore, by handling the inter‐user interference, the full‐digital matrix needed for the initialisation in analogue domain can be approximated to an orthogonal matrix, which can further reduce computational complexity. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed greedy algorithm performs very close to the optimal unconstrained solution and enjoys low complexity.