bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical correlation of apoptosis in human granulosa cells—A review
Authors: Almeida Camila P. , Ferreira Márcia C.F. , Silveira Camila O. , Campos Jacira R. , Borges Isabella T. , Baeta Pedro G. , Silva Felipe H.S. , Reis Fernando M. , Del Puerto Helen L.
Published: August 2018

The quality of oocytes depends on interactions with surrounding granulosa cells. Granulosa cells are essential in normal follicular maturation process since they produce steroidal hormones and growth factors, and they play a crucial role in follicular atresia. The success in reproductive biology and medicine depends on reliable assessment of oocyte and embryo viability which presently mainly bases on oocyte and embryo morphology. Recent investigations have tried to establish an evaluation system for oocyte quality and to predict outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) based on the incidence of granulosa cells and cumulus cells apoptosis. Apoptosis of granulosa cells seems to have a negative effect on conception and pregnancy rates in IFV programs. Thus, in this review we present a brief outline of clinical correlation of apoptosis in human granulosa cells and cumulus cells, and its influence upon oocyte quality and IFV outcome. Taken together, understanding the influence of granulosa cell apoptosis on oocyte quality and maturity as well as on embryo health may ultimately allow scientists and clinicians to harness better protocols of ovarian stimulation for infertility treatments.
Safety and clinical performance of a drug eluting absorbable metal scaffold in the treatment of subjects with de novo lesions in native coronary arteries: Pooled 12‐month outcomes of BIOSOLVE‐II and BIOSOLVE‐III
Authors: Haude Michael , Ince Hüseyin , Kische Stephan , Abizaid Alexandre , Tölg Ralph , Alves Lemos Pedro , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Verheye Stefan , von Birgelen Clemens , Christiansen Evald Høj , Barbato Emanuele , Garcia‐Garcia Hector M. , Waksman Ron ,   on behalf of the BIOSOLVE‐II and III investigators
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Based on outcomes of the BIOSOLVE‐II study, a novel second generation drug‐eluting absorbable metal scaffold gained CE‐mark in 2016. The BIOSOLVE‐III study aimed to confirm these outcomes and to obtain additional 12‐month angiographic data.

Background

Bioresorbable scaffolds are intended to overcome possible long‐term effects of permanent stents such as chronic vessel wall inflammation, stent crushing, and fractures.

Methods

The prospective, multicenter BIOSOLVE‐II and BIOSOLVE‐III studies enrolled 184 patients with 189 lesions (123 patients in BIOSOLVE‐II and 61 patients in BIOSOLVE‐III). Primary endpoints were in‐segment late lumen loss at 6 months (BIOSOLVE‐II) and procedural success (BIOSOLVE‐III).

Results

Mean patient age was 65.5 ± 10.8 years and mean lesion reference diameter was 2.70 ± 0.43 mm. In BIOSOLVE‐III, there were significantly more type B2/C lesions than in BIOSOLVE‐II (80.3% versus 43.4%, P < 0.0001) and significantly more moderate‐to‐severe calcifications (24.2% versus 10.7%, P = 0.014). At 12 months, there was no difference in late lumen loss between the two studies; in the overall population, it was 0.25 ± 0.31 mm in‐segment and 0.39 ± 0.34 mm in‐scaffold. Target lesion failure occurred in six patients (3.3%) and included two cardiac deaths, one target‐vessel myocardial infarction, and three clinically driven target lesion revascularizations. No definite or probable scaffold thrombosis was observed.

Conclusion

The pooled outcomes of BIOSOLVE‐II and BIOSOLVE‐III provide further evidence on the safety and performance of a novel drug‐eluting absorbable metal scaffold with constant clinical and angiographic performance parameters at 12 months and no definite or probable scaffold thrombosis.
Don't worry and measure FFR
Authors: Ahn Jung‐Min , Park Seung‐Jung
Published: August 2018

KEY POINTS

FFR‐guided PCI was associated with better clinical outcomes regarding the reduction of myocardial infarction and major adverse cardiac events.

The clinical benefit of FFR‐guided PCI was achieved with less stents and procedural cost, without additional effects on procedural time and contrast volume.

Physicians should measure FFR of target stenosis prior to PCI if there is no objective evidence of myocardial ischemia.
Precision percutaneous coronary intervention: Is optical coherence tomography co‐registration the future?
Authors: Shlofmitz Evan , Jeremias Allen
Published: August 2018

KEY POINTS

Integration of angiographic co‐registration (ACR) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) leads to significant changes in PCI strategy.

ACR with OCT allows complete integration of all available data‐points to aid decision making.

Randomized clinical trials comprehensively evaluating the impact of OCT with ACR to improve clinical outcomes are ongoing.
Patent foramen ovale closure for cryptogenic stroke: Effective, but only in select patients
Authors: Chatterjee Arka , Hillegass William B.
Published: August 2018

Key Points

PFO closure reduces risk of recurrent stroke in some patients with cryptogenic stroke, particularly younger patients <45 years with moderate or greater right to left shunting

Number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one stroke at 5 years are 28 to 69 (95% confidence limits of 21 to 351) suggesting need for individualized risk stratification models

PFO closure may increase short‐ and possibly long‐term risk of atrial flutter/fibrillation
Hemophilia in the cath lab: Balancing the need to clot with the treatment of thrombosis
Authors: Loloi Justin , Gilchrist Ian C.
Published: August 2018

KEY POINTS

Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that inherently results in bleeding risks that can be successfully managed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Standard of care options such as drug‐coated stents should not be denied hemophiliacs solely on the basis of their genetic defect.

Successful care of hemophilia requires a close collaboration with a specialist in these bleeding disorders to optimize care.
Mortality prediction after transcatheter treatment of failed bioprosthetic aortic valves utilizing various international scoring systems: Insights from the Valve‐in‐Valve International Data (VIVID)
Authors: Aziz Mina , Simonato Matheus , Webb John G. , Abdel‐Wahab Mohamed , McElhinney Doff , Duncan Alison , Tchetche Didier , Barbanti Marco , Petronio Anna Sonia , Maisano Francesco , Ribeiro Vasco Gama , Gaia Diego Felipe , Rana Ruhina , Kocka Viktor , Mathur Moses , Wijeysundera Harindra , Hellig Farrel , Nissen Henrik , Bekeredjian Raffi , Rihal Charanjit , Duffy Stephen J. , Dvir Danny
Published: August 2018

Background

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is commonly used to deploy new bioprosthetic valves inside degenerated surgically implanted aortic valves in high risk patients. The three scoring systems used to assess risk of postprocedural mortality are: Logistic EuroSCORE (LES), EuroSCORE II (ES II), and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).

Objective

The purpose of this study is to analyze the accuracy of LES, ES II, and STS in estimating all‐cause mortality after transcatheter aortic valve‐in‐valve (ViV) implantations, which was not assessed before.

Methods

Using the Valve‐in‐Valve International Data (VIVID) registry, a total of 1,550 patients from 110 centers were included. The study compared the observed 30‐day overall mortality vs. the respective predicted mortalities calculated by risk scores. The accuracy of prediction models was assessed based on calibration and discrimination.

Results

Observed mortality at 30 days was 5.3%, while average expected mortalities by LES, ES II and STS were 29.49 (± 17.2), 14.59 (± 8.6), and 9.61 (± 8.51), respectively. All three risk scores overestimated 30‐day mortality with ratios of 0.176 (95% CI 0.138–0.214), 0.342 (95% CI 0.264–0.419), and 0.536 (95% CI 0.421–0.651), respectively. 30‐day mortality ROC curves demonstrated that ES II had the largest AUC at 0.722, followed by STS at 0.704, and LES at 0.698.

Conclusions

All three scores overestimated mortality at 30 days with ES II showing the highest predictability compared to LES and STS; and therefore, should be recommended for ViV procedures. There is a need for a dedicated scoring system for patients undergoing ViV interventions.
Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion with the Amulet device: The impact of device disc position upon periprocedural and long‐term outcomes
Authors: Oraii Yazdani Kaveh , Mitomo Satoru , Ruparelia Neil , Candilio Luciano , Giannini Francesco , Jabbour Richard J. , Regazzoli Damiano , Mazzone Patrizio , Stella Stefano , Sora Nicoleta , Montorfano Matteo , Colombo Antonio , Latib Azeem
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the effect of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device positioning upon periprocedural and long‐term outcomes.

Background

The Amulet device is designed to cover the ostium of the LAA. Prolapse of the device into the neck of the LAA is not uncommon resulting in incomplete coverage of the ostium. The clinical consequences of this remain uncertain.

Methods

Outcomes of 87 patients with successful LAA closure were analyzed according to Amulet disc position: group A (n = 45) had complete LAA ostium coverage; group B (n = 42) had incomplete ostium coverage because of disc prolapse. Periprocedural major adverse events (MAE) (composite of all cause death, tamponade, device/air embolization, cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarction, and major bleeding not related to vascular access complications) and total device‐related periprocedural adverse events (defined as MAE and pericardial effusion) were evaluated. All patients were followed up longitudinally with long‐term events defined as a composite of: cardiovascular death, cerebrovascular events, systemic embolization, and major bleeding requiring transfusion or intervention.

Results

Median follow‐up was 234 days (IQR 150–436 days). There was a trend toward more periprocedural MAE in group B (P = 0.07) with deep implantation of the Amulet device associated with significantly more periprocedural adverse events (P = 0.03). There were no differences in reposition attempts (P = 0.9) or long‐term events (P = 0.57).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that suboptimal device positioning may be associated with worse periprocedural outcomes but no difference in long‐term clinical outcomes. The results of this relatively small cohort does not seem to be affected by repositioning attempts during the index procedure.
Poly(vinylidene difluoride) Membrane Assisted by Modified ZnO/ZIF Nanoparticles for Membrane Distillation
Authors: Salehi Setareh , Jahanshahi Mohsen , Peyravi Majid
Published: August 2018

Poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) polymeric membranes incorporated by synthesized hydrophobic agents were applied for membrane distillation. ZnO nanoparticles were modified with a silane coupling agent (n‐octyltriethoxysilane) and coupled by zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF)‐8 crystals. In particular, hydrophobic and porous membranes were prepared with ZIF crystals and modified ZnO/ZIF‐coupled nanoparticles. The influences of feed concentration and temperature of NaCl solution and seawater during filtration were evaluated. The hydrophobic modified membranes showed a higher permeate flux than pure PVDF membranes at different feed concentrations and feed temperatures. After modification, the porosity increased significantly and the contact angle became larger.
Design and Control of Heterogeneous Azeotropic Distillation for Separating 2‐Methylpyridine/Water
Authors: Chen Jingxing , Ye Qing , Liu Tong , Xia Hui , Feng Shenyao
Published: August 2018

In industrial processes, 2‐methylpyridine/water mixtures can be separated via the conventional heterogeneous azeotropic distillation (HAD) using benzene as entrainer. 2‐Methylpyridine and water can form a heterogeneous azeotrope by themselves, based on which an improved HAD process is proposed. This allows for reducing the total operating cost and total annual cost (TAC) by more than one‐tenth compared with the conventional HAD process. Two different control structures were established for the enhanced HAD process. The results indicate that applying the feedforward ratio controllers to the control structure can handle the feed disturbances and maintain product purities with smaller transient deviations and shorter settling times.
Electronic Properties of Single‐Atom and ‐Molecule Junctions
Authors: Aiba Akira , Iwane Madoka , Fujii Shintaro , Kiguchi Manabu
Published: August 2018

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Manabu Kiguchi and Shintaro Fujii from Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan). The cover picture shows a single‐molecule junction, where a single molecule bridges the metal electrodes, and several fabrication techniques of the single‐molecule junction. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/celc.201800787.
Supramolecular Coordination Cages for Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Tan Chunxia , Chu Dandan , Tang Xianhui , Liu Yan , Xuan Weimin , Cui Yong
Published: August 2018

Inspired by the high efficiency and specificity of enzymes in living systems, the development of artificial catalysts intrinsic to the key features of enzyme has emerged as an active field. Recent advances in supramolecular chemistry have shown that supramolecular coordination cages, built from non‐covalent coordination bonds, offer a diverse platform for enzyme mimics. Their inherent confined cavity, analogous to the binding pocket of an enzyme, and the facile tunability of building blocks are essential for substrate recognition, transition‐state stabilization, and product release. In particular, the combination of chirality with supramolecular coordination cages will undoubtedly create an asymmetric microenvironment for promoting enantioselective transformation, thus providing not only a way to make synthetically useful asymmetric catalysts, but also a model to gain a better understanding for the fundamental principles of enzymatic catalysis in a chiral environment. The focus here is on recent progress of supramolecular coordination cages for asymmetric catalysis, and based on how supramolecular coordination cages function as reaction vessels, three approaches have been demonstrated. The aim of this review is to offer researchers general guidance and insight into the rational design of sophisticated cage containers for asymmetric catalysis.
Radical Anions, Radical‐Anion Salts, and Anionic Complexes of 2,1,3‐Benzochalcogenadiazoles
Authors: Pushkarevsky Nikolay A. , Chulanova Elena A. , Shundrin Leonid A. , Smolentsev Anton I. , Salnikov Georgy E. , Pritchina Elena A. , Genaev Alexander M. , Irtegova Irina G. , Bagryanskaya Irina Yu. , Konchenko Sergey N. , Gritsan Nina P. , Beckmann Jens , Zibarev Andrey V.
Published: August 2018

By means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and DFT calculations, it was found that the electron‐acceptor ability of 2,1,3‐benzochalcogenadiazoles1–3(chalcogen: S, Se, and Te, respectively) increases with increasing atomic number of the chalcogen. This trend is nontrivial, since it contradicts the electronegativity and atomic electron affinity of the chalcogens. In contrast to radical anions (RAs) [1].−and [2].−, RA [3].−was not detected by EPR spectroscopy under CV conditions. Chemical reduction of1–3was performed and new thermally stable RA salts [K(THF)]+[2].−(8) and [K(18‐crown‐6)]+[2].−(9) were isolated in addition to known salt [K(THF)]+[1].−(7). On contact with air, RAs [1].−and [2].−underwent fast decomposition in solution with the formation of anions [ECN]−, which were isolated in the form of salts [K(18‐crown‐6)]+[ECN]−(10, E=S;11, E=Se). In the case of3, RA [3].−was detected by EPR spectroscopy as the first representative of tellurium–nitrogen π‐heterocyclic RAs but not isolated. Instead, salt [K(18‐crown‐6)]+2[3‐Te2]2−(12) featuring a new anionic complex with coordinate Te−Te bond was obtained. On contact with air, salt12transformed into salt [K(18‐crown‐6)]+2[3‐Te4‐3]2−(13) containing an anionic complex with two coordinate Te−Te bonds. The structures of8–13were confirmed by XRD, and the nature of the Te−Te coordinate bond in [3‐Te2]2−and [3‐Te4‐3]2−was studied by DFT calculations and QTAIM analysis.
Crystal Structures of Expanded Poly(l‐leucine) Isomers Containing Bis(pyridine)silver(I) Moieties: Precise Formation of Secondary Structure Depending on the Side Chain
Authors: Okamura Taka‐aki
Published: August 2018

Precise construction of a three‐dimensional molecular structure is key for functional macromolecules, such as enzymes or proteins. Previously, a new concept, “expanded poly(α‐amino acid)s” containing rigid spacers, was proposed for strategic construction of chiral helices. Herein, expanded poly(l‐leucine) isomers containing bis(pyridine)silver(I) moieties were synthesized, and their crystal structures were determined by X‐ray analysis. Each expanded polypeptide forms a unique secondary structure, a left‐handed 61 helix or zigzag chain (21 helix), precisely depending on the chemical structure of the side chain, that is, slight branching. Distinct conformations were indicated by two main areas in the Ramachandran plot. These results suggest that the appropriate selection of the amino acid sequence and rigid spacers will lead to a new expanded protein with a tailor‐made three‐dimensional structure and desired functions.
Photocatalytic Additions of 1‐Sulfoximidoyl‐1,2‐Benziodoxoles to Styrenes
Authors: Wang Han , Zhang Duo , Bolm Carsten
Published: August 2018

Sulfoximidoyl‐containing 1,2‐benziodoxoles add to styrenes by a photoredox radical process affording difunctionalized products with high regioselectivity. The solvent plays a significantly role in the reaction path, in which Eosin Y appears to have a dual role rendering the process diastereoselective.
Synthesis of Aryl Hydrazines via CuI/BMPO Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Halides with Hydrazine Hydrate in Water
Authors: Kumar Siripuram Vijay , Ma Dawei
Published: August 2018

The N,N’‐bis(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)oxalamide was discovered as a powerful ligand for Cu‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aryl halides with hydrazine hydrate, leading to the formation of a variety of aryl hydrazines at 80 oC in water under the assistance of K3PO4 and 4 mol% cetyltrimethylammonium bromide from aryl bromides and aryl iodides. Good to excellent yields were observed in most cases.
Single‐Protein‐Specific Redox Targeting in Live Mammalian Cells and C. elegans
Authors: Van Hall‐Beauvais Alexandra , Zhao Yi , Urul Daniel A. , Long Marcus J. C. , Aye Yimon
Published: August 2018

T‐REX (targetable reactive electrophiles and oxidants) enables electrophile targeting in living systems with high spatiotemporal precision and at single‐protein‐target resolution. T‐REX allows functional consequences of individual electrophile signaling events to be directly linked to on‐target modifications. T‐REX is accomplished by expressing a HaloTagged protein of interest (POI) and introducing a Halo‐targetable bioinert photocaged precursor to a reactive electrophilic signal (RES). Light exposure releases the unfettered RES on demand, enabling precision modification of the POI due to proximity. Using alkyne‐functionalized 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE) as a representative RES, this protocol delineates optimized strategies to (1) execute T‐REX in live human cells and C. elegans, (2) quantitate the POI's RES‐sensitivity by either azido‐fluorescent‐dye conjugation or (3) enrich using biotin‐azide/streptavidin pulldown procedure in both model systems, and (4) identify the site of RES‐labeling on the POI using proteomics. Built‐in T‐REX controls that allow users to directly confirm on‐target/on‐site specificity of RES‐sensing are also described. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Deuterium Rotating Frame NMR Relaxation Measurements in the Solid State under Static Conditions for Quantification of Dynamics
Authors: Vugmeyster Liliya , Ostrovsky Dmitry
Published: August 2018

The feasibility of static deuterium rotating frame NMR relaxation measurements for characterization of slow timescale motions in powder systems is demonstrated. Using a model compound dimethyl sulfone‐d6, we show that these measurements yield conformational exchange rates and activation energy values in accordance with results obtained with other techniques. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the full Liouvillian approach as opposed to the Redfield approximation is necessary to analyze the experimental data.
Effectiveness and Limitations of Computational Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry in the Rational Design of Target‐specific Shift Reagents for Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Kune Christopher , Haler Jean R. N. , Far Johann , De Pauw Edwin
Published: August 2018

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a gas‐phase separation technique based on ion mobility differences in an electric field. It is largely used for the detection of specific ions such as small molecule explosives. IMS detection system includes the use of e. g. a Faraday cupor mass spectrometry (MS). The presence of interfering ion signals in standalone IMS may lead to the detection of false positives or negatives due to e. g. lacking resolving power. In this case, selective mobility shifts obtained using shift reagents (SR), i. e. ligands complexing a specific target, can bring help. The effectiveness of an SR strategy relies on the SR‐target ion selectivity. The crucial step lies in the SR design. The aim of this paper is to present an efficient interplay of experimental ion mobility mass spectrometry (IMMS) and predictive computational chemistry using various levels of computational efforts for rationally designing target‐specific SR. Mass spectrometry is used to evaluate the efficiency of the SR selectivity with identification and semi‐quantification of free and complexed ions. Minimal computational efforts allow the design of the SR, predicting the SR‐target ion relative stabilities, and predicting the ion mobility shifts. We demonstrate our approach using crown ethers and β‐cyclodextrin to selectively shift interfering perchlorate, amino acids and diaminonaphthalene isomers. We also release the software ParsIMoS for the straightforward use of ion mobility calculator IMoS.
The Role of Non‐Reactive Binding Sites in the AlVO4++CO/AlVO3++N2O Catalytic Cycle
Authors: Sweeny Brendan C. , Ard Shaun G. , Shuman Nicholas S. , Viggiano Albert A.
Published: August 2018

The mechanisms involved in catalytic oxidation of CO by N2O promoted by the AlVO3+ and AlVO4+ ions are evaluated using temperature‐dependent rate constants and statistical modeling. Reactions were studied from 300–600 K using a selected ion flow tube (SIFT) apparatus, and the data compared to statistical modeling of proposed mechanisms previously identified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Reduction of N2O by AlVO3+ was found to take place only by complexation to the Al site; however, attack on the V site also occurred and led to stable association complexes, reducing the overall efficiency of the reaction. As the AlVO3+(N2O) complex resulted from approach on the V site, it did not block the reactive Al site and was observed to further react with N2O to form AlVO4+(N2O). The oxidation of CO by AlVO4+ was found to proceed solely by activation on the Al−O site; however, isomerization of complexes formed with CO initially complexed to the V site were found to add to the reactivity, especially at lower temperatures.
The efficacy of narrative exposure therapy in a sample of Iranian women exposed to ongoing intimate partner violence—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Orang Tahereh , Ayoughi Sarah , Moran James K. , Ghaffari Hakimeh , Mostafavi Saeedeh , Rasoulian Maryam , Elbert Thomas
Published: August 2018

Objective

The mental health needs of women affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) and living under continuous domestic violence are currently not well understood. The present study investigates the feasibility and efficacy of narrative exposure therapy (NET), compared with commonly used counselling (treatment‐as‐usual, TAU), in a group of currently IPV‐affected women in Tehran, Iran.

Method

Forty‐five IPV‐affected women with a diagnosis of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were randomized to 10 to 12 sessions of either NET (n = 24) or TAU (n = 21). Primary outcome measures, including PTSD, depression, and perceived stress symptoms, were examined at pretreatment and 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups. IPV experiences, general lifetime traumatic events, childhood adversities, borderline symptoms, and daily functioning impairment were also inspected.

Results

NET participants showed a significantly greater symptom reduction in comparison with the TAU group in PTSD, depression, and perceived stress at both follow‐ups. Improvement in daily functioning and reduction of IPV experiences and borderline symptoms at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups were pronounced but not significantly different between the two treatment groups.

Conclusion

IPV‐affected women living under continuous threat and violence would benefit from trauma‐focused interventions such as NET.
Dental fear and anxiety in Estonian and Vietnamese schoolchildren: A comparative study of two populations
Authors: Nguyen Minh Son , Nguyen Thuy Trang , Nguyen Bui Bao Tien , Saag Mare , Olak Jana
Published: August 2018

Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) has the impact on the development of dental caries. Ethnic background and oral health care system may contribute to DFA model. The aim of the study was to compare DFA in relation to dental health between Estonian and Vietnamese schoolchildren and to determine DFA cutoff point for schoolchildren of two countries. The sample comprised 900 schoolchildren (344 from Estonia and 556 from Vietnam). DFA was measured by using 11 fear items of the modified Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS‐DS). Dental health was recorded by using the dental caries experience index of mixed dentition (dmft/DMFT). Results showed that the mean score of dmft/DMFT in Estonian and Vietnamese schoolchildren was 5.2 ± 3.1 and 4.1 ± 3.2, respectively. The mean score of 11‐item CFSS‐DS of Vietnamese schoolchildren (20.8 ± 9.1) was significantly higher compared with Estonian schoolchildren (15.4 ± 4.4, p < 0.001). The DFA cutoff point of 11‐item CFSS‐DS in Estonian schoolchildren was 17.5, whereas in Vietnamese, it was 24.5. The lower ranking of DFA was significantly associated with Estonian schoolchildren who had more FT (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the level of DFA of schoolchildren was different in Estonia and Vietnam. Vietnamese schoolchildren had higher DFA scores and cutoff point of the modified CFSS‐DS than Estonian schoolchildren. The obtained results suggest that DFA in schoolchildren can be related to oral health care system of each country.
The impact of water information disclosure on the cost of capital: An empirical study of China's capital market
Authors: Zhou Zhifang , Zhou Hong , Zeng Huixiang , Chen Xiaohong
Published: August 2018

This study seeks to understand the underlying relationship between water information disclosure and the cost of capital in Chinese high‐water risk firms. With continuous strengthening of the Chinese Government's water regulation policy, water resources have begun to affect the sustainable development of enterprises. Many stakeholders have begun to pay attention to a series of water resources issues that companies face. As an important means of transmitting signals between enterprises and capital markets, water information disclosure can help enterprises achieve more favourable views of stakeholders. Using a sample of 334 listed companies in the Chinese high‐water sensitivity industry from 2010 to 2015, this paper examines the influence of these firms' water information disclosure on the cost of capital, and analyses the function mechanism of political connection on the relationship between water information disclosure and enterprise capital cost by using a panel regression model.
Low‐power and wide‐band delay‐locked loop with switching delay line
Authors: Rezaeian Adel , Ardeshir Gholamreza , Gholami Mohammad
Published: August 2018

A low‐power and wide‐band delay‐locked loop (DLL) is presented. Switching the delay line is used to enhance the input frequency range of the DLL. First delay line with short delay times is designed for high frequencies, and second delay line with long delay times is designed for low frequencies. Also, a switching circuit is used to control the delay lines. Proposed delay lines give delay range 0.5 to 34 nanoseconds in which DLL can operate input frequency range of 30 MHz to 2 GHz. This DLL has been simulated in 0.18‐μm CMOS technology. The simulated root‐mean‐square and peak‐to‐peak jitters are 3.12 and 11.03 picoseconds at 2 GHz, respectively. The power dissipation at 2 GHz is 3.24 mW for a supply voltage of 1.8 V.
Can light‐based approaches overcome antimicrobial resistance?
Authors: Hamblin Michael R. , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: August 2018

The relentless rise of antibiotic resistance is considered one of the most serious problems facing mankind. This mini‐review will cover three cutting‐edge approaches that use light‐based techniques to kill antibiotic‐resistant microbial species, and treat localized infections. First, we will discuss antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation using rationally designed photosensitizes combined with visible light, with the added possibility of strong potentiation by inorganic salts such as potassium iodide. Second, the use of blue and violet light alone that activates endogenous photoactive porphyrins within the microbial cells. Third, it is used for “safe UVC” at wavelengths between 200 nm and 230 nm that can kill microbial cells without damaging host mammalian cells. We have gained evidence that all these approaches can kill multidrug resistant bacteria in vitro, and they do not induce themselves any resistance, and moreover can treat animal models of localized infections caused by resistant species that can be monitored by noninvasive bioluminescence imaging. Light‐based antimicrobial approaches are becoming a growing translational part of anti‐infective treatments in the current age of resistance.
Tropical dung beetle morphological traits predict functional traits and show intraspecific differences across land uses
Authors: Raine Elizabeth H. , Gray Claudia L. , Mann Darren J. , Slade Eleanor M.
Published: August 2018

Functional traits and functional diversity measures are increasingly being used to examine land use effects on biodiversity and community assembly rules. Morphological traits are often used directly as functional traits. However, behavioral characteristics are more difficult to measure. Establishing methods to derive behavioral traits from morphological measurements is necessary to facilitate their inclusion in functional diversity analyses. We collected morphometric data from over 1,700 individuals of 12 species of dung beetle to establish whether morphological measurements can be used as predictors of behavioral traits. We also compared morphology among individuals collected from different land uses (primary forest, logged forest, and oil palm plantation) to identify whether intraspecific differences in morphology vary among land use types. We show that leg and eye measurements can be used to predict dung beetle nesting behavior and period of activity and we used this information to confirm the previously unresolved nesting behavior for Synapsis ritsemae. We found intraspecific differences in morphological traits across different land use types. Phenotypic plasticity was found for traits associated with dispersal (wing aspect ratio and wing loading) and reproductive capacity (abdomen size). The ability to predict behavioral functional traits from morphology is useful where the behavior of individuals cannot be directly observed, especially in tropical environments where the ecology of many species is poorly understood. In addition, we provide evidence that land use change can cause phenotypic plasticity in tropical dung beetle species. Our results reinforce recent calls for intraspecific variation in traits to receive more attention within community ecology.
Constructing Organometallic Architectures from Aminoalkylidyne Diiron Complexes
Authors: Marchetti Fabio
Published: August 2018

The chemistry of diiron complexes has seen a recent renaissance, due to the prominent role played by the element iron in the development of sustainable synthetic processes and the cooperative effects provided by two metal centers working in concert, that is a concept amazingly exploited by Nature. Aminoalkylidyne derivatives of [Fe2Cp2(CO)4] are a convenient scaffold to grow organic fragments; in particular, the facile removal of one CO ligand opens the doors to the unconventional assembly of molecules/ions, affording unusual structural motifs. In particular, vinyliminium complexes result from carbyne–alkyne coupling and offers the opportunity for a great variety of selective derivatization pathways, including addition of nucleophiles, access to substituted ferrocenes, deprotonation and reduction processes, and trapping of small molecules.
Encapsulated Fish Oil Products Available in the UK Meet Regulatory Guidelines With Respect to EPA + DHA Contents and Oxidative Status
Authors: Sprague Matthew , Cooper Sean , Tocher Douglas R. , Betancor Mónica B.
Published: August 2018

Encapsulated fish oil products continue to be of high interest, particularly concerning labeling claims and oxidative status. Thus, the present study analyzes 23 encapsulated fish oil products from the UK for their lipid and fatty acid composition as well as oxidation parameters. Oil contents range from 91.4% to 118.9% of the manufacturers' stated level. Lipid class analyses reveals three different types of oil products consisting of either triacylglycerol (TAG), ethyl ester (EE), or in combination (EE/TAG). Fatty acid profiles vary according to oil form with long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), more concentrated in EE compared to TAG‐based oils with TAG/EE oils containing intermediary levels. Twelve products have EPA + DHA contents lower than advertised, although this is reduced to 11 when the actual measured capsule oil content is taken into consideration. All products have peroxide (PV) and anisidine values below those set by pharmacopeias, although four products have a PV above the industry set limit of 5 meq kg−1. No relationships are found between oxidative parameters and missing EPA + DHA contents, although a significant relationship is observed between PV and days to expiry. In summary, encapsulated fish oil products on the UK market are not oxidized and meet regulatory guidelines with respect to EPA + DHA contents and oxidative status.

Practical Applications: The study highlights the importance of quantifying the actual capsule oil content when determining EPA + DHA levels with respect to label claims. Furthermore, it also places results into context regarding regulatory guidelines demonstrating to regulatory bodies and consumers alike that UK fish oil products do meet specification and are not oxidized.

The capsule oil content, lipid class composition, EPA+DHA content, and oxidative status of commercially available fish oil capsules are tested to see if products meet stated values and are not oxidized. The outcome shows that encapsulated fish oil products available in the UK do meet specification with regards to EPA+DHA levels and are not oxidized.
Preparation and Characterization of Phenyl Phosphine Diselenide – The Monomeric Form of Woollins' Reagent
Authors: Mardyukov Artur , Keul Felix , Schreiner Peter R.
Published: August 2018

We report the preparation, matrix‐isolation, and IR and UV/Vis spectroscopic characterization of phenyl phosphine diselenide, thus providing the first experimental evidence of the monomeric form of Woollins' reagent. Phenyl phosphine diselenide was prepared by thermal dissociation of Woollins' reagent and was identified by matching its spectroscopic data with density functional theory [B3LYP‐D3/6‐311++G(3df,3pd)] computations. The title compound proved to be highly photolabile and irradiation with light atλ= 334 nm results in the formation of hitherto unknown phenyldiselenyl phosphirane. Uponλ= 465 nm irradiation it rearranges back to phenyl phosphine diselenide.
Fear of death mediates ostracism distress and the moderating role of attachment internal working models
Authors: Yaakobi Erez
Published: August 2018

Ostracism is known to cause psychological distress; however, it remains unclear why ostracism evokes this response. Two experiments tested empirically whether fear of death mediates ostracism effects and whether attachment internal working models moderate this role. A total of 288 participants played Cyberball with two other ostensible players. After the game the accessibility of their death‐related thoughts was assessed by a word completion task, and the Needs Satisfaction Scale was used to measure their distress. Participants’ attachment orientation was measured using the Experiences in Close Relationship scale. Death anxiety fully mediated ostracism distress. However, this effect was stronger in low‐anxiety individuals. These studies contribute to the ostracism literature by providing further empirical support that death anxiety mediates ostracism distress, and to the attachment literature by documenting the moderation effect of attachment anxiety.
3D Printed Adapter to Commercial Electronic Micropipettes for Electroanalysis Directly Inside Disposable Tips
Authors: Azevedo Gustavo Chevitarese , Quirino Welber Gianini , Matos Maria Auxiliadora Costa , Matos Renato Camargo
Published: August 2018

The aim of this paper was to design a low cost 3D printed adapter to commercial micropipette that allows a pipette tip to be used as an electrochemical cell, for measurements at a microelectrode. This device combine the advantages of microelectrodes, electronic micropipettes and disposable tips for direct electrochemical analysis. The 3D printed device was used as a proof of concept, to analyze the voltammetric behavior of ferrocene using gold microelectrode in N,N‐Dimethylformamide (DMF) by square wave voltammetry (SWV), showing good response in non‐aqueous medium. The developed adapter was also tested for modifying a gold electrode directly inside a pipette tip, using only 10 μL of modification solution, with further dopamine analysis. The developed methodology was applied for determining dopamine in tap water samples as a proof of principle. The system was evaluated for repeatability (RSD 4 %, n=50), and reproducibility (RSD 4 %), indicating good performance for the considered concentration level. The work developed shows the efficacy and reliability of the constructed device, applicable to electrochemical analysis both in aqueous or non‐aqueous media.
Massive parallel sequencing of short tandem repeats in the Korean population
Authors: Kim Se‐Yong , Lee Han‐Chul , Chung Ukhee , Ham Seon‐Kyu , Lee Ho Yeon , Park Su Jeong , Roh Ye Jee , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: August 2018

STR analysis using capillary electrophoresis has been the most widely used method for forensic DNA typing. Recently, massive parallel sequencing (MPS) technique has been emerging as an innovative tool to supplement or replace the conventional CE process. In this study, we evaluated the application of commercial MiSeqFGx™ forensic signature kit (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) in the Korean population, including performance comparison with CE‐based STR profiling kits. The genotyping results of 209 unrelated random Korean individuals were summarized according to the International Society for Forensic Genetics guideline. The study revealed that 26 novel sequence variations in autosomal STR were newly found that had not been previously reported in other forensic literature. This indicates that MPS may be an effective supplementary tool for forensic DNA typing and the database to increase the discriminatory power of individual identification.
Earthquake response of a multiblock nuclear reactor graphite core: Experimental model vs simulations
Authors: Voyagaki Elia , Kloukinas Panos , Dietz Matt , Dihoru Luiza , Horseman Tony , Oddbjornsson Olafur , Crewe Adam J. , Taylor Colin A. , Steer Alan
Published: August 2018

The complex dynamics of a quarter‐scale model of a graphite nuclear reactor core, representative of the second generation of British advanced gas‐cooled nuclear reactors, is investigated numerically and experimentally. Advanced gas‐cooled nuclear reactor cores are polygonal, multilayer, arrays of graphite bricks, with each brick allowed to rock by design relative to each other in accordance with the boundary conditions. A 35 000 DOF, nonlinear finite element model of the core created by Atkins Nuclear, was analysed on a high performance computing facility at the University of Bristol, and a corresponding 8 t physical model, equipped with 3200 data acquisition channels, was built and tested on the University of Bristol 6‐DOF shaking table. In this paper, the two models are subjected to a series of (1) synthetic earthquake and (2) idealised harmonic input motions. The experimental data are used to compare and verify the two models and explore the dynamics of the core. A kinematic model of the response is also developed based solely on geometric constraints. The results are presented in the form of response maps and graphs. Important conclusions are drawn as to the dynamics and earthquake response of such systems, which inform numerical model validation. It is found that contrary to the case of a small number of rocking blocks that exhibit highly complex response patterns, the behaviour of the model at hand is both smooth and repeatable. An analogy between the response of the core and that of dense granular matter exhibiting particle interlocking and dilatancy is highlighted.
Enabling radioprotection capabilities in next generation wireless communication systems: An ecological green approach
Authors: Zarakovitis Charilaos C. , Ni Qiang , Kourtis Michail‐Alexandros
Published: August 2018

In future fifth‐generation and beyond radio systems, access points equipped with massive antennas will be deployed to support the increased communication demands. As a result, radio environments will become more dense and users will be exposed to higher electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from wireless devices than today. This paper proposes to take preemptive action toward protecting the public health from potential EMF‐related ill effects by examining radiation‐aware solutions for future green wireless communication systems from the radio resource scheduling perspective. Our efforts focus on correlating the transmit power levels of the wireless system with the operands used to express the EMF dosimetry metrics known as maximum permissible exposure and specific absorption rate. In addition, we formulate power minimization problems subject to the maximum permissible exposure and specific absorption rate safety standards, and the individual user quality‐of‐service demands to derive convex optimization‐based solution of dynamic subcarrier allocation and adaptive power management. The simulation results confirm that our green solution reduces significantly the user exposure to radiation, while providing the required quality of service. We expect that our findings can kick off new research directions for controlling the public exposure to radiation from wireless devices in dense networks toward safer fifth‐generation communication systems.
Coastal morphology explains global blue carbon distributions
Authors: Twilley Robert R , Rovai André S , Riul Pablo
Published: August 2018

Because mangroves store greater amounts of carbon (C) per area than any other terrestrial ecosystem, conservation of mangrove forests on a global scale represents a potentially meaningful strategy for mitigating atmospheric greenhouse‐gas (GHG) emissions. However, analyses of how coastal ecosystems influence the global C cycle also require the mapping of ecosystem area across the Earth's surface to estimate C storage and flux (movement) in order to compare how different ecosystem types may mitigate GHG enrichment in the atmosphere. In this paper, we propose a new framework based on diverse coastal morphology (that is, different coastal environmental settings resulting from how rivers, tides, waves, and climate have shaped coastal landforms) to explain global variations in mangrove C storage, using soil organic carbon (SOC) as a model to more accurately determine mangrove contributions to global C dynamics. We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first global mangrove area estimate occupying distinct coastal environmental settings, comparing the role of terrigenous and carbonate settings as global “blue carbon” hotspots. C storage in deltaic settings has been overestimated, while SOC stocks in carbonate settings have been underestimated by up to 50%. We encourage the scientific community, which has largely focused on blue carbon estimates, to incorporate coastal environmental settings into their evaluations of C stocks, to obtain more robust estimates of global C stocks.
Enzymatic catalysis for sustainable production of high omega‐3 triglyceride oil using imidazolium‐based ionic liquids
Authors: Fu Hong , Li Mengqi , Ni Ruimin , Lo Yangming Martin
Published: August 2018

Two different fish oil preparations, namely triglycerides and ethyl esters containing, respectively, 30.02% and 74.38% of omega‐3 fatty acids, were employed as the substrates for transesterification. Catalyzed by immobilized lipase using imidazolium‐based ionic liquid systems, the total content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the resulting triglyceride reached 63.60% when 4% hydrophobic ionic liquid was used, which was 11.74% higher than that of the triglyceride produced in a solvent‐free reaction system. The activation energy of the product (triglyceride‐type fish oil) was 173.64 KJ mol−1, which was not significantly different from that of the commercial ethyl ester‐type fish oil, so were the other thermal oxidative kinetic parameters. The kinetic parameters depicting the thermal and oxidative stability of the fish oil product provide the basis for industrial processing, storage, and applications.
Repeatability of language fMRI lateralization and localization metrics in brain tumor patients
Authors: Agarwal Shruti , Hua Jun , Sair Haris I. , Gujar Sachin , Bettegowda Chetan , Lu Hanzhang , Pillai Jay J.
Published: August 2018

To assess the within‐subject intra‐scan session repeatability of language functional MRI (fMRI) activation maps in patients with brain tumors who were undergoing presurgical fMRI as part of their preoperative clinical workup. Sentence completion (SC) and silent word generation (SWG) tasks were used for language localization and hemispheric lateralization for identifying the primary language cortex. Within‐subject repeatability for each of these paradigms was assessed in right‐handed patients—37 for SC and 78 for SWG. Repeatability of activation maps between consecutive runs of the same task within the same scan session was evaluated by comparing lateralization indexes in holohemispheric and regional language areas. Displacement of center of activation between consecutive runs was also used to assess the repeatability of activation maps. Holohemispheric and regional language lateralization results demonstrated high intra‐subject intra‐scan repeatability when lateralization indices were calculated using threshold‐dependent and threshold‐independent approaches. The high repeatability is demonstrated both when centers of mass of activation are considered within key eloquent regions of the brain, such as Broca's area and Wernicke's area, as well as in larger more inclusive expressive and receptive language regions. We examined two well‐known and widely accepted language tasks that are known to activate eloquent language cortex. We have demonstrated very high degree of repeatability at a single‐subject level within single scan sessions of language mapping in a large cohort of brain tumor patients undergoing presurgical fMRI across several years at our institution.