bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Imaging of N‐Glycans by MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry of Fresh or Formalin‐Fixed Paraffin‐Embedded Tissue
Authors: Drake Richard R. , Powers Thomas W. , Norris‐Caneda Kim , Mehta Anand S. , Angel Peggi M.
Published: August 2018

Glycosylation of cell surface, secreted, and circulating proteins is one of the most common types of post‐translational modification. These modifications occur most commonly as one of three major classes: N‐linked glycosylation on asparagine residues, O‐linked glycosylation on serine or threonine residues, or as glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharide polymers on serine. Specifically, for N‐linked glycans, an endoglycosidase enzyme, peptide N‐glycosidase F (PNGase F), cleaves the attached oligosaccharides between the asparagine and first sugar. A method to analyze released N‐glycans and map them to specific locations within a tissue is presented here. The PNGase F is applied by solvent sprayer as a molecular layer on frozen or formalin‐fixed tissues and all released N‐glycans in a given region of tissue are detected using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI‐IMS). Using the described MALDI‐IMS protocol, at least 40 or more individual N‐glycans can be mapped to tissue histopathology and extracted for further structural analysis approaches. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Numerical Simulation on Effect of Rotation on Thermal Convection in a Shallow Model Czochralski Configuration with a Heated Bottom
Authors: Shen Ting , Wu Chun‐Mei , Li You‐Rong
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a set of numerical simulations on the effect of rotation on thermal convection in a shallow model Czochralski configuration with a heated crucible bottom. Results show that when the bottom is heated by low heat flux, the temperature fluctuation can be significantly weakened and the melt can be kept from solidifying. Once the heat flux exceeds a threshold value, the thermocapillary convection will transit to the Benard–Marangoni convection. The temperature fluctuation is amplified by increasing crystal rotation rate or heat flux. The crystal rotation can restrain the azimuthal traveling of the waves. However, the propagating direction of the waves is related to the temperature gradient and the crucible rotation, and is independent of the crystal rotation. The wavenumber is reduced by the crystal rotation individually. Furthermore, the crucible rotation can reduce the effect of the crystal rotation on the wavenumber.
Flow cytometric seed screen data are consistent with models of chromosome inheritance in asymmetrically compensating allopolyploids
Authors: Kolarčik V. , Kocová V. , Vašková D.
Published: August 2018

Angiosperms have evolved a mechanism of double fertilization, which results in the production of a separate embryo (new individual) and endosperm (nutritive tissue). The flow cytometric seed screen (FCSS) was developed to infer plant reproduction modes based on endosperm‐to‐embryo DNA content ratio (Pind). A ratio of 1.5 indicates sexual reproduction, whereas higher values of ≥2.0 are consistent with apomixis. Although FCSS has been successfully applied to the study of sexual and asexual plants, the limits of FCSS and particularly its potential for determination of reproduction modes in hemisexual plants have not been explored. Here, we evaluated the application of FCSS to the study of reproduction modes in two asymmetrically compensating allopolyploids (ACAs), Onosma arenaria and Rosa canina. These two species are characterized by the presence of asexually inherited univalent‐forming and sexually inherited bivalent‐forming chromosome sets. They both use asymmetric meiosis, which eliminates univalent‐forming chromosome sets from the male gamete and retains them in the female gamete. Different chromosomal behavior in male and female meiosis in these plants is reflected in different theoretically derived Pind values, which deviate from a sexual 1.5 value. Here, we determined Pind FCSS‐based values in seeds of ACAs, and compared the results to sexual species. As expected, we determined that the mean Pind is 1.51, 1.52, and 1.52 in the sexual plants, that is, Capsella bursa‐pastoris, Crataegus monogyna, and O. pseudoarenaria, respectively. In the ACAs, different mean Pind values were determined for O. arenaria (1.61) and R. canina (1.82). These values are consistent with the theoretical Pind values determined based on models of chromosome inheritance. This study highlights the precision of flow cytometry in determining DNA content and it's utility in screening reproduction modes. Additionally, it advocates for more in‐depth investigations into rapid screening of accessions where the Pind ratio has deviated from the 1.5 value typical of sexual species, which may indicate meiotic irregularities.
Phenotypic profile of Ile68Leu transthyretin amyloidosis: an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure
Authors: Gagliardi Christian , Perfetto Federico , Lorenzini Massimiliano , Ferlini Alessandra , Salvi Fabrizio , Milandri Agnese , Quarta Cristina Candida , Taborchi Giulia , Bartolini Simone , Frusconi Sabrina , Martone Raffaele , Cinelli Michele Mario , Foffi Serena , Reggiani Maria Letizia Bacchi , Fabbri Gioele , Cataldo Paolo , Cappelli Francesco , Rapezzi Claudio
Published: August 2018

Aims

Cardiac amyloidosis remains a great challenge for the cardiologist. One of the three main aetiological forms, transthyretin‐related hereditary amyloidosis (ATTRm), can present with several phenotypes, depending mainly on the specific mutation. We aimed to characterize the phenotype of patients with ATTRm due to Ile68Leu mutation, comparing them to patients with wild‐type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt).

Methods and results

Data of 67 Ile68Leu ATTRm patients from two Italian referral centres (Bologna and Florence) were retrospectively analysed and compared to those of 82 ATTRwt patients. Fifty‐five unaffected mutation carriers were also analysed. Cumulative disease onset was 50% at age 71. A total of 56/67 (84%) patients had a predominantly cardiac phenotype at presentation with concentric increase in left ventricular wall thickness [median 17 mm], and normal or near normal left ventricular ejection fraction (79% of patients). Low QRS voltages were present only in 29% of patients but voltage/mass ratio was low (0.5). Carpal tunnel syndrome was noted in 43%. The overall phenotypic profile was similar to ATTRwt but Ile68Leu ATTRm patients typically presented younger (median 71 vs. 78 years) and were more likely to have (mild) symptomatic neurological involvement (19% vs. 2%). Male prevalence was 44% in unaffected mutation carriers and 78% in affected patients. Age‐adjusted survival was comparable between groups.

Conclusions

Ile68Leu ATTRm is a cause of familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy endemic in central‐northern Italy and presents as hypertrophic/restrictive cardiomyopathy quite similar to ATTRwt. Male preponderance is present in affected patients but not in unaffected mutation carriers. Age‐adjusted survival is similar to ATTRwt.
Characterization of Virgin Avocado Oil Obtained via Advanced Green Techniques
Authors: Tan Chin Xuan , Chong Gun Hean , Hamzah Hazilawati , Ghazali Hasanah Mohd
Published: August 2018

The quality characteristics, bioactive phytochemicals, volatile compounds, and antioxidant capacities of virgin avocado oil extracted using a couple of green methods, namely, subcritical CO2 extraction (SCO2) and ultrasound‐assisted aqueous extraction (UAAE), are compared with the oil extracted using the conventional solvent extraction. Results indicate the quality properties of avocado oil are unaffected by extraction methods. The total phenolic content of avocado oil is in the range of 111.27–130.17 mg GAE/100 g and the major phytosterol is β‐sitosterol (1.91–2.47 g kg−1). Avocado oil extracted using SCO2 exhibits two to four times greater levels of α‐ and γ‐tocopherols than solvent extraction and UAAE. The volatile components associated with nutty and grassy flavors are only detected in avocado oil extracted under low‐temperature extraction conditions such as SCO2 and UAAE. Based on the antioxidant capacity tests, avocado oil obtained by SCO2 exhibits the strongest antioxidant capacity compared with solvent extraction and UAAE.

Practical Applications: Virgin avocado oil extracted using subcritical CO2 method exhibits superior levels of tocopherols content and antioxidant capacity than ultrasound‐assisted aqueous and conventional solvent methods. Subcritical CO2 is a promising oil extraction technique to obtain solvent‐free avocado oil with potential uses in functional foods and health care products.

Virgin avocado oil is extracted using subcritical CO2 and ultrasound‐assisted aqueous techniques. The properties of the oil are compared with conventional solvent‐extracted oil. The percentage of antioxidant activity decreases in the order of SCO2‐extracted oil > solvent‐extracted oil > UAAE‐extracted oil.
Static magnetic field exposure in 1.5 and 3 Tesla MR scanners does not influence pain and touch perception in healthy volunteers
Authors: Kamm Katharina , Pomschar Andreas , Ruscheweyh Ruth , Straube Andreas , Reiser Maximilian F. , Hernádi Istvan , László Janos F. , Ertl‐Wagner Birgit
Published: August 2018

Background

Magnetic field therapy is a popular approach to pain therapy, but scientific evidence on treatment effects or even effects on sensory and pain perception in healthy controls is scarce.

Methods

In the present randomized, placebo‐controlled study, we investigated the influence of static magnetic field exposure on sensory (touch) and pain (pinprick, pressure and heat) perception. Eighteen healthy volunteers (age: 23 ± 2 years, nine women) underwent three 10‐min static magnetic field exposures using field strengths of 0 T (placebo), 1.5 T and 3 T within clinical MR scanners in randomized order on three separate days. Participants were blinded to magnetic field strength. Experimental sensory and pain testing was performed immediately before and after each magnetic field exposure.

Results

There was no significant effect of field strength on the assessed experimental sensory and pain testing parameters (mechanical detection threshold, pinprick threshold, pressure pain threshold, heat pain threshold and suprathreshold heat pain rating).

Conclusion

We found no evidence that a 10‐min 1.5 T or 3 T static magnetic field exposure affects experimental sensory or pain perception in young healthy volunteers.

Significance

We used clinical MR scanners to investigate the effect of magnetic fields on pain perception. Using a rigorous, straightforward, placebo‐controlled design, no effect of static magnetic fields on human experimental pain perception was detected. This provides a base for a more systematic investigation of magnetic field effects on pain.
Composing network service chains at the edge: A Resilient and adaptive software‐defined approach
Authors: Kathiravelu Pradeeban , Van Roy Peter , Veiga Luís
Published: August 2018

The scale of data and the demand for high data rates in applications are rapidly increasing over the years. By moving the computing resources closer to the users, edge computing minimizes the latency caused by otherwise pulling the data between the user and a centralized platform. Thus, data centers and computing nodes at the edge continue to overtake or replace traditional centralized cloud platforms in various 5G applications and use cases. Network functions virtualization virtualizes dedicated hardware network middleboxes into virtual network functions (VNFs) and deploys them on top of servers and data centers. Due to the inherent bandwidth cost associated with the distance between the network services and the end user, more and more third‐party VNF providers choose to deploy their services at the edge, rather than in a centralized cloud. A typical network service chaining (NSC) consumes various network services, where one's output becomes the input of another. As network services are often latency sensitive, NSC needs to be carried out, maintaining proximity to the user as well as among the services composing the NSC. In this paper, we present the design of a resilient and adaptive framework, following an approach inspired by software‐defined networking, for the remote users to construct network service chains in the mobile and edge computing environments. Our evaluations highlight the efficiency and optimality of the framework in finding the best fit among several third‐party edge VNFs in deploying the user network service chains, abiding by various user policies.
Reasonable patient care under uncertainty
Authors: Manski Charles F.
Published: August 2018

This paper discusses how limited ability to predict illness and treatment response may affect the welfare achieved in patient care. The discussion covers both decentralized clinical decision making and care that adheres to clinical practice guidelines. I explain why predictive ability has been limited, calling attention to questionable methodological practices in the research that supports evidence‐based medicine. I summarize research on identification whose objective is to yield credible prediction of patient outcomes. Recognizing that uncertainty will continue to afflict medical decision making, I apply basic decision theory to suggest reasonable decision criteria with well‐understood welfare properties. Previous research on medical decision making has largely embraced Bayesian decision theory. I summarize research studying the minimax‐regret criterion, which seeks uniformly near‐optimal decisions.
Impact of the Treating Hospital on Care Outcomes for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cotton Ronald T. , Tran Cao Hop S. , Rana Abbas A. , Sada Yvonne H. , Axelrod David A. , Goss John A. , Wilson Mark A. , Curley Steven A. , Massarweh Nader N.
Published: August 2018

Multidisciplinary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment is associated with optimal outcomes. There are few data analyzing the impact of treating hospitals' therapeutic offerings on survival. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18‐70 years with HCC in the National Cancer Database (2004‐2012). Hospitals were categorized based on the level of treatment offered (Type I—nonsurgical; Type II—ablation; Type III—resection; Type IV—transplant). Associations between overall risk of death and hospital type were evaluated with multivariable Cox shared frailty modeling. Among 50,381 patients, 65% received care in Type IV hospitals, 26% in Type III, 3% in Type II, and 6% in Type I. Overall 5‐year survival across modalities was highest at Type IV hospitals (untreated: Type IV—13.1% versus Type I—5.7%, Type II—7.0%, Type III—7.4% [log‐rank, P < 0.001]; chemotherapy and/or radiation: Type IV—18.1% versus Type I—3.6%, Type II—4.6%, Type III—7.7% [log‐rank, P < 0.001]; ablation: Type IV—33.3% versus Type II—13.6%, Type III—23.6% [log‐rank, P < 0.001]; resection: Type IV—48.4% versus Type III—39.1% [log‐rank, P < 0.001]). Risk of death demonstrated a dose‐response relationship with the hospital type—Type I (ref); Type II (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [0.73‐0.90]); Type III (HR 0.67 [0.62‐0.72]); Type IV hospitals (HR 0.43 [0.39‐0.47]). Conclusion: Although care at hospitals offering the full complement of HCC treatments is associated with decreased risk of death, one third of patients are not treated at these hospitals. These data can inform the value of health policy initiatives regarding regionalization of HCC care.
The Lysosomal Protein Arylsulfatase B Is a Key Enzyme Involved in Skeletal Turnover
Authors: Pohl Sandra , Angermann Alexandra , Jeschke Anke , Hendrickx Gretl , Yorgan Timur A , Makrypidi-Fraune Georgia , Steigert Anita , Kuehn Sonja C , Rolvien Tim , Schweizer Michaela , Koehne Till , Neven Mona , Winter Olga , Velho Renata Voltolini , Albers Joachim , Streichert Thomas , Pestka Jan M , Baldauf Christina , Breyer Sandra , Stuecker Ralf , Muschol Nicole , Cox Timothy M , Saftig Paul , Paganini Chiara , Rossi Antonio , Amling Michael , Braulke Thomas , Schinke Thorsten
Published: August 2018

Skeletal pathologies are frequently observed in lysosomal storage disorders, yet the relevance of specific lysosomal enzymes in bone remodeling cell types is poorly defined. Two lysosomal enzymes, ie, cathepsin K (Ctsk) and Acp5 (also known as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase), have long been known as molecular marker proteins of differentiated osteoclasts. However, whereas the cysteine protease Ctsk is directly involved in the degradation of bone matrix proteins, the molecular function of Acp5 in osteoclasts is still unknown. Here we show that Acp5, in concert with Acp2 (lysosomal acid phosphatase), is required for dephosphorylation of the lysosomal mannose 6-phosphate targeting signal to promote the activity of specific lysosomal enzymes. Using an unbiased approach we identified the glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzyme arylsulfatase B (Arsb), mutated in mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS-VI), as an osteoclast marker, whose activity depends on dephosphorylation by Acp2 and Acp5. Similar to Acp2/Acp5–/– mice, Arsb-deficient mice display lysosomal storage accumulation in osteoclasts, impaired osteoclast activity, and high trabecular bone mass. Of note, the most prominent lysosomal storage accumulation was observed in osteocytes from Arsb-deficient mice, yet this pathology did not impair production of sclerostin (Sost) and Fgf23. Because the influence of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on bone remodeling in MPS-VI is still unknown, we additionally treated Arsb-deficient mice by weekly injection of recombinant human ARSB from 12 to 24 weeks of age. We found that the high bone mass phenotype of Arsb-deficient mice and the underlying bone cell deficits were fully corrected by ERT in the trabecular compartment. Taken together, our results do not only show that the function of Acp5 in osteoclasts is linked to dephosphorylation and activation of lysosomal enzymes, they also provide an important proof-of-principle for the feasibility of ERT to correct bone cell pathologies in lysosomal storage disorders. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Optimal design of IIR filters based on least ℓp‐norm using a novel meta‐heuristic algorithm
Authors: Ghibeche Youcef , Saadi Slami , Hafaifa Ahmed
Published: August 2018

In this work, an optimal infinite impulse response (IIR) filter is designed using least Pth norm and new meta‐heuristic optimization algorithm called Crow Search Algorithm (CSA). The two approaches try to get a resolution to the specified problem but use unlike approaches to perform so. Furthermore, the ℓp‐norm is used to design optimum IIR filters. The main motivation of using CSA is its user‐friendly optimization tool for both beginner and professional users. This Algorithm provides a good stability between variety and strength which are mainly controlled by the parameter of awareness probability. Some examples of IIR filter design cases are treated, and a comparison is done. It is revealed that the design objective is successfully attained, and the resultant filter parameters are better using the ℓp‐norm combined with the proposed CSA meta‐heuristic optimization algorithms compared with IIR filter designed using butter synthesis approach in terms of accuracy and robustness. Classical approaches are largely outperformed by CSA for the same filter order.
Investigating vancomycin dosing during a patient's transition from intermittent dosing to continuous infusion
Authors: Sclater Erin J. A. , Welch Susan A. , Samios Peter
Published: August 2018

Aim

To investigate vancomycin dosing during the transition from intermittent dosing (ID) to continuous infusion (CI) in preparation for discharge on infuser bottles.

Methods

Patients discharged with vancomycin infuser bottles (01/01/11 to 31/12/13) were identified from pharmacy dispensing software. Data including demographics, microbiology, dosing and plasma concentrations were analysed using Microsoft Excel. Dosing was compared against current guidelines.

Results

Twenty patients had switched from ID to CI and were discharged on infuser bottles. At initiation of ID 65% (13/20) were started on total daily doses (TDD) that reflected guidelines. At the switch, 50% (10/20) were at steady state and 30% (6/20) were known to have therapeutic plasma concentrations. When switched to CI, 50% (10/20) were started on a dose that matched the TDD received during ID, while 30% (6/20) were switched to a lower — and 20% (4/20) to a higher — CI starting dose. At discharge 60% (12/20) of patients recorded therapeutic plasma concentrations; 30% (6/20) of patients remained on a CI dose that was equal to the TDD received prior to switching and 45% (9/20) had a decreased dose; while 25% (5/20) had their doses increased. Compared to current guidelines, 65% (13/20) were receiving a lower than recommended TDD. Patients stabilised on a CI for at least 72 h before discharge were less likely to require dose changes post‐discharge.

Conclusion

The TDD recommended in current guidelines for ID may not reflect the patients’ needs when prescribing a CI. Lower than recommended doses are more often required. Stabilising CI dosing prior to discharge can improve outpatient treatment by reducing post‐discharge dosage changes.
Physician perceptions of integrating pharmacists into health care in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammed A. , Khan Seher A. , Gunaseelan Simi , Talukder Rahmat M.
Published: August 2018

Background

Pharmacy schools in Bangladesh are introducing clinical pharmacy education so that future graduates can provide patient care services in collaboration with physicians.

Aims

The objective of this study is to assess physicians’ attitude towards future patient‐centered roles of pharmacists in Bangladesh.

Methods

An electronic survey was distributed to randomly selected physicians (n = 160) practising at various settings in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Results

The survey response rate was 64%. Physicians felt comfortable with the future roles of pharmacists in dispensing medications (81%), educating patients on the safe use of medications (85%), detecting/preventing prescription errors (56%), designing drug therapy regimens (78%), monitoring safety (80%) and therapeutic outcomes (62%).

Conclusion

Physicians were in favor of expanded roles of the profession towards patient‐centered care. These findings may positively impact interprofessional dialogue as pharmacy education is undergoing restructuring to introduce clinical pharmacy practice in Bangladesh.
Purification and characterization of FtsZ from the citrus canker pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri
Authors: Kopacz Malgorzata M. , Lorenzoni André S. G. , Polaquini Carlos R. , Regasini Luis O. , Scheffers Dirk‐Jan
Published: August 2018

Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xac) is the causative agent of citrus canker, a plant disease that significantly impacts citriculture. In earlier work, we showed that alkylated derivatives of gallic acid have antibacterial action against Xac and target both the cell division protein FtsZ and membrane integrity in Bacillus subtilis. Here, we have purified native XacFtsZ and characterized its GTP hydrolysis and polymerization properties. In a surprising manner, inhibition of XacFtsZ activity by alkyl gallates is not as strong as observed earlier with B. subtilis FtsZ. As the alkyl gallates efficiently permeabilize Xac membranes, we propose that this is the primary mode of antibacterial action of these compounds.
Comparison of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunctions in open versus closed spinal dysraphism: A prospective cross‐sectional study of 318 patients
Authors: Peyronnet Benoit , Brochard Charlène , Jezequel Magali , Hascoet Juliette , Alimi Quentin , Senal Nelly , Carsin‐Nicole Béatrice , Riffaud Laurent , Le Reste Pierre‐Jean , Bonan Isabelle , Olivari‐Philiponnet Camille , Siproudhis Laurent , Kerdraon Jacques , Game Xavier , Manunta Andrea
Published: August 2018

Aims

To compare the neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in patients with closed spinal dysraphism (CSD) versus patients with open spinal dysraphism (OSD) as well as their management patterns.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted between September 2007 and December 2015 including all spina bifida patients seen at the multidisciplinary French national referral center for spina bifida. NLUTD and its management were compared between the OSD and CSD groups.

Results

Three hundred and eighteen patients were included for analysis: 100 with a CSD (31.5%) and 218 with an OSD (68.6%). The prevalence of urinary incontinence did not differ significantly between the two groups (43% vs 52.8%; P = 0.11), the mean Qualiveen score was also similar (2.7 vs 2.5, P = 0.22). The voiding mechanism was clean intermittent catheterization, spontaneous voiding, suprapubic tube, and ileal conduit in 55% versus 44%; 29.8% versus 47%; 2.8% versus 3% and 11.9% versus 6% of OSD and CSD patients, respectively (P = 0.02). There were comparable prevalences of detrusor overactivity (36.5% vs 38.8%; P = 0.68) and impaired bladder compliance (34.9% vs 31.7%; P = 0.56) in both groups. Augmentation cystoplasty was more common in patients with OSD (32.1% vs 11%; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In this prospective cohort, NLUTD were more common in OSD with a higher rate of patients requiring a surgical treatment and a lower rate of patients with preserved spontaneous voiding. However, when present, NLUTD was as severe and troublesome in patients with closed versus open spinal dysraphism.
Enteral Nutrition via Nasogastric Tube for Refeeding Patients With Anorexia Nervosa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rizzo Saara M. , Douglas Joy W. , Lawrence Jeannine C.
Published: August 2018

Weight restoration is an important first step in treating patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), because it is essential for medical stabilization and reversal of long‐term complications. Tube feeding may help facilitate weight restoration, but its role in treatment remains unclear. This study aimed to review the literature describing the efficacy, safety, tolerance, and long‐term effects of nasogastric (NG) refeeding for patients with AN. Four electronic databases were systematically searched through May 2018. Boolean search terms included “anorexia nervosa,” “refeeding,” and “nasogastric tube feeding.” Ten studies were eligible for inclusion: 8 retrospective chart reviews, 1 prospective cohort, and 1 randomized controlled trial. Nine of the studies were performed in‐hospital. In 8 studies, NG nutrition resulted in an average rate of weight gain exceeding 1 kg/wk. In 4 of 5 studies including an oral‐only control group, mean weekly weight gain and caloric intake were significantly higher in tube‐fed patients. Six studies provided prophylactic phosphate supplementation, all with <1% occurrence rate of refeeding hypophosphatemia. Seven studies reported on other physiological disturbances, 6 evaluated medical and gastrointestinal side effects, 3 considered psychological outcomes, and 4 assessed patients postdischarge. Results indicated that NG feeding was not associated with an increased risk for adverse outcomes. Overall, in these studies, NG nutrition was considered safe and well tolerated, and effectively increased caloric intake and rate of weight gain in patients with AN. However, results are limited by weaknesses in study designs, and more rigorous methods are needed for development of evidence‐based, standardized refeeding protocols.
Energetic Microparticle Adhesion to Functionalized Surfaces
Authors: Hoss Darby J. , Mukherjee Sanjoy , Boudouris Bryan W. , Beaudoin Stephen P.
Published: August 2018

Surface chemistry influences interfacial interactions, and while these interactions have been evaluated in many synthetic and biological systems, they have important but unexplored implications in trace explosives detection. Specifically, the detection of energetic materials is a challenging, urgent goal, and one of the most common means by which this effort is implemented at air transportation checkpoints is using methods based on contact sampling. Elucidating the molecular and interfacial interactions of energetic materials with functionalized surfaces provides fundamental knowledge and also advances the goal of improved materials for trace detection. Here, in order to evaluate the effects of specific functional groups on adhesion, atomic force microscopy (AFM) pull‐off force measurements were performed using nitrate‐based energetic (and non‐energetic) particles against self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of representative chemical functionalities. These SAMs‐on‐gold substrates were selected to evaluate surface chemistry effects due to their reproducibility, facile production, and versatile tunability. In addition to the experimental results, stabilization energies for the optimized most‐stable configurations for a coupled receptor‐analyte system were determined using density functional theory (DFT). From these combined experimental and computational efforts, it is established that the adhesion between detection surfaces and common energetic materials at the macroscopic scales is correlated to the interaction energies at the molecular level. Moreover, the electron deficient nature of nitro‐rich energetic compounds results in stronger interactions with surfaces functionalized with electron‐donating units. Ultimately, these results will facilitate the rational design of energetic particle collection materials through chemical tailoring in order to enhance the detection and defeat of explosive materials.
Front Cover: Cover Image, Volume 74, Issue 9
Authors: Krugner Rodrigo , Gordon Shira D
Published: August 2018

The front cover image, by Rodrigo Krugner and Shira D. Gordon, is based on the Research Article Mating disruption of Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) by playback of vibrational signals in vineyard trellis, DOI: 10.1002/ps.4930.

image
A Matter of Drying: Blade‐Coating of Lead Acetate Sourced Planar Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells on Active Areas >1 cm2
Authors: Kohlstädt Markus , Yakoob Mohammed A. , Würfel Uli
Published: August 2018

Among various coating techniques, blade coating is one promising alternative for upscaling perovskite photovoltaic devices from small area research cells to intermediately sized cells and modules. Also, it is potentially compatible for future roll‐to‐roll processing. In this work, planar inverted (p‐i‐n) solution‐processed perovskite solar cells are presented, with absorber layers deposited via blade coating in a one‐step process, employing lead(II) acetate trihydrate as lead source. It is found that control of the perovskite layer drying before annealing is most critical for device function. Various drying approaches by temperature and/or blowing with a directed nitrogen stream are compared and demonstrate a large impact on device performance. Whereas drying without additional gas flow leads to chaotic morphologies, inhomogeneous layers, and low power conversion efficiencies, controlled drying with a directed nitrogen stream results in power conversion efficiencies of up to 11.8% for devices with an active area of 1.1 cm2. In comparison, solar cells with spin‐coated absorber layers achieve an efficiency of 14.3% on small areas. Detailed analyses using photoluminescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy reveal a strongly enhanced layer quality and crystallinity for the actively dried perovskite layers, leading to enhanced device performance.
Thermoelectric Properties and Carrier Localization in Ultrathin Layer of Nb‐Doped MoS2
Authors: Thi Pham Xuan , Miyata Masanobu , Van Ngoc Huynh , Lam Pham Tien , Tung Nguyen Thanh , Muruganathan Manoharan , Tue Phan Trong , Akabori Masashi , Chi Dam Hieu , Mizuta Hiroshi , Takamura Yuzuru , Koyano Mikio
Published: August 2018

Thermoelectric properties of Nb‐doped MoS2 ((Mo, Nb)S2) ultrathin layers have been experimentally investigated. At temperatures of 300–450 K, these ultrathin layers display p‐type degenerate semiconducting behavior. Because of the carrier scattering and weak localization (WL) of the conduction carriers by random potential originated from stacking faults and edge roughness, electrical resistivity decreases with rising temperature. The lack of change of the Seebeck coefficient with layer thickness suggests that the modulation of spectral conductivity is cancelled, even in the WL condition. The experimentally obtained results are consistent with first principles calculations for the density of state of the pristine MoS2 and (Mo, Nb)S2 monolayer.
Forbidden Band‐Edge Excitons of Wurtzite‐GaP: A Theoretical View
Authors: Belabbes Abderrezak , Bechstedt Friedhelm
Published: August 2018

By means of an approximate quasiparticle description we study the electronic structure of wurtzite‐GaP in more detail for the two lowest and conduction bands and the three highest , , and valence bands. We conclude that the corresponding three gaps between the valence bands and the conduction band are quasi‐direct, while the ones involving the s‐like conduction band are direct. The optical oscillator strengths are also calculated outside the point. Their influence on the observability of excitons in absorption and emission spectra is investigated. The almost dipole‐forbidden transitions into the lowest p‐like conduction band become substantial for finite wave vectors perpendicular to the c‐axis. Therefore, the finite extent of the exciton envelope functions gives rise to non‐vanishing transition strengths, which explain the intense photoluminescence observed experimentally by forbidden p‐type excitons.
Chemistry‐Driven Epigenetic Investigation of Histone and DNA Modifications
Authors: Sueoka Takuma , Koyama Kenta , Hayashi Gosuke , Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: August 2018

In the regulation processes of gene expression, genomic DNA and nuclear proteins, including histone proteins, cooperate with each other, leading to the distinctive functions of eukaryotic cells such as pluripotency and differentiation. Chemical modification of histone proteins and DNA has been revealed as one of the major driving forces in the complicated epigenetic regulation system. However, understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms is still limited. To address this issue, researchers have proposed both biological and chemical strategies for the preparation and detection of modified proteins and nucleic acids. In this review, we focus on chemical methods around the field of epigenetics. Chemical protein synthesis has enabled the preparation of site‐specifically modified histones and their successful application to various in vitro assays, which have emphasized the significance of posttranslational modifications of interest. We also review the modification‐specific chemical reactions against synthetic and genomic DNA, which enabled discrimination of several modified bases at single‐base resolution.
Updated global analysis of neutrino oscillations in the presence of eV-scale sterile neutrinos
Authors: Dentler Mona , Hernández-Cabezudo Álvaro , Kopp Joachim , Machado Pedro , Maltoni Michele , Martinez-Soler Ivan , Schwetz Thomas
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We discuss the possibility to explain the anomalies in short-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments in terms of sterile neutrinos. We work in a 3 + 1 framework and pay special attention to recent new data from reactor experiments, IceCube and MINOS+. We find that results from the DANSS and NEOS reactor experiments support the sterile neutrino explanation of the reactor anomaly, based on an analysis that relies solely on the relative comparison of measured reactor spectra. Global data from the ν

e
disappearance channel favour sterile neutrino oscillations at the 3σ level with Δm
41
2
 ≈ 1.3 eV2 and |U

e4| ≈ 0.1, even without any assumptions on predicted reactor fluxes. In contrast, the anomalies in the ν

e
appearance channel (dominated by LSND) are in strong tension with improved bounds on ν

μ
disappearance, mostly driven by MINOS+ and IceCube. Under the sterile neutrino oscillation hypothesis, the p-value for those data sets being consistent is less than 2.6 × 10−6. Therefore, an explanation of the LSND anomaly in terms of sterile neutrino oscillations in the 3 + 1 scenario is excluded at the 4.7σ level. This result is robust with respect to variations in the analysis and used data, in particular it depends neither on the theoretically predicted reactor neutrino fluxes, nor on constraints from any single experiment. Irrespective of the anomalies, we provide updated constraints on the allowed mixing strengths |U

α4| (α = e, μ, τ ) of active neutrinos with a fourth neutrino mass state in the eV range.
Morphological diversity and connectivity of hippocampal interneurons
Authors: Booker Sam A. , Vida Imre
Published: August 2018

The mammalian forebrain is constructed from ensembles of neurons that form local microcircuits giving rise to the exquisite cognitive tasks the mammalian brain can perform. Hippocampal neuronal circuits comprise populations of relatively homogenous excitatory neurons, principal cells and exceedingly heterogeneous inhibitory neurons, the interneurons. Interneurons release GABA from their axon terminals and are capable of controlling excitability in every cellular compartment of principal cells and interneurons alike; thus, they provide a brake on excess activity, control the timing of neuronal discharge and provide modulation of synaptic transmission. The dendritic and axonal morphology of interneurons, as well as their afferent and efferent connections within hippocampal circuits, is central to their ability to differentially control excitability, in a cell-type- and compartment-specific manner. This review aims to provide an up-to-date compendium of described hippocampal interneuron subtypes, with respect to their morphology, connectivity, neurochemistry and physiology, a full understanding of which will in time help to explain the rich diversity of neuronal function.
The Positive Predictive Value of Onconeural Antibody Testing: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Budhram Adrian , Nicolle Michael W. , Yang Liju
Published: August 2018

Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) are immune-mediated neurologic diseases that occur as an indirect effect of malignancy, and can be challenging to diagnose. Onconeural antibodies have a greater than 95% association with cancer, and their presence in a patient with neurologic symptoms is reportedly highly indicative of PNS. However, we performed a single-centre retrospective review to determine the positive predictive value of onconeural antibody testing, and found it to be concerningly low (39%). Recognising the limitations of onconeural antibody testing is critical to ensure accurate test interpretation, avoid unnecessary repeated malignancy screening and prevent the use of potentially hazardous immunotherapy.
Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic measurement of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in major depression before and after electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Knudsen Marie Krøll , Near Jamie , Blicher Anne Bastholm , Videbech Poul , Blicher Jakob Udby
Published: August 2018

Objective

Prior studies suggest that a dysregulation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is involved in the pathophysiology of major depression. We aimed to elucidate changes in cortical GABA content in relation to depression and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

Methods

In total, 11 patients with major depression or depressive episode of bipolar disorder (mean pre-ECT Ham-17 of 26) and 11 healthy subjects were recruited. GABA was quantified using short-TE MRS in prefrontal and occipital cortex. Other neurometabolites such as glutathione (GSH), N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and glutamate (Glu) were secondary outcome measures.

Results

No significant differences in GABA/Cr levels were observed between patients at baseline and healthy subjects in prefrontal cortex, t(20)=0.089, p=0.93 or occipital cortex t(21)=0.37, p=0.72. All patients improved on Ham-17 (mean post-ECT Ham-17 of 9). No significant difference was found in GABA, Glu, glutamine, choline or GSH between pre- and post-ECT values. However, we observed a significant decrease in NAA levels following ECT t(22)=3.89, p=0.0038, and a significant correlation between the NAA decline and the number of ECT sessions p=0.035.

Conclusions

Our study does not support prior studies arguing for GABA as a key factor in the treatment effect of ECT on major depression. The reduction in NAA levels following ECT could be due to neuronal loss or a transient dysfunction in prefrontal cortex. As no long-term follow-up scan was performed, it is unknown whether NAA levels will normalise over time.
Keto analogues and amino acid supplementation and its effects on ammonaemia during extenuating endurance exercise in ketogenic diet-fed rats
Authors: Ferreira Rogério T. , Gonçalves Sandra C. , Pedrosa Maria L. , Silva Marcelo E. , Bassini Adriana , Coelho Wagner S. , de Magalhães-Neto Aníbal M. , Prado Eduardo S. , Cameron L. C.
Published: August 2018

Keto analogues and amino acids (KAAA) supplementation can reduce blood ammonia concentrations in athletes undergoing high-intensity exercise under both ketogenic and thermoneutral conditions. This study evaluated the acute effects of KAAA supplementation on ammonia metabolism during extenuating endurance exercise in rats fed a ketogenic diet. In all, eighty male Fischer rats at 90 d of age were divided into eight groups, and some were trained using a swimming endurance protocol. A ketogenic diet supplemented with keto analogues was administered for 10 d. Administration of the ketogenic diet ended 3 d before the exhaustion test (extenuating endurance exercise). A ketogenic diet plus KAAA supplementation and extenuating endurance exercise (trained ketogenic diet supplemented with KAAA (TKKa)) increased blood ammonia concentrations by approximately 50 % compared with the control diet (trained control diet supplemented with KAAA (TCKa)) and similar training (effect size=1·33; statistical power=0·50). The KAAA supplementation reduced blood urea concentrations by 4 and 18 % in the control and ketogenic diet groups, respectively, compared with the groups fed the same diets without supplementation. The trained groups had 60 % lower blood urate concentrations after TCKa treatment than after TKKa treatment. Our results suggest that KAAA supplementation can reduce blood ammonia concentrations after extenuating endurance exercise in rats fed a balanced diet but not in rats fed a ketogenic diet.
Predicting serum vitamin D concentrations based on self-reported lifestyle factors and personal attributes
Authors: Ho Vikki , Danieli Coraline , Abrahamowicz Michal , Belanger Anne-Sophie , Brunetti Vanessa , Delvin Edgard , Lacaille Julie , Koushik Anita
Published: August 2018

Evidence supports the role of vitamin D in various conditions of development and ageing. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is the best indicator for current vitamin D status. However, the cost of its measurement can be prohibitive in epidemiological research. We developed and validated multivariable regression models that quantified the relationships between vitamin D determinants, measured through an in-person interview, and serum 25(OH)D concentrations. A total of 200 controls participating in a population-based case–control study in Montreal, Canada, provided a blood specimen and completed an in-person interview on socio-demographic, reproductive, medical and lifestyle characteristics and personal attributes. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem MS. Multivariable least squares regression was used to build models that predict 25(OH)D concentrations from interview responses. We assessed high-order effects, performed sensitivity analysis using the lasso method and conducted cross-validation of the prediction models. Prediction models were built for users and non-users of vitamin D supplements separately. Among users, alcohol intake, outdoor time, sun protection, dose of supplement use, menopausal status and recent vacation were predictive of 25(OH)D concentrations. Among non-users, BMI, sun sensitivity, season and recent vacation were predictive of 25(OH)D concentrations. In cross-validation, 46–47 % of the variation in 25(OH)D concentrations were explained by these predictors. In the absence of 25(OH)D measures, our study supports that predicted 25(OH)D scores may be used to assign exposure in epidemiological studies that examine vitamin D exposure.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AS ‘A NATION IN MINIATURE’: CATHOLIC CIVISM IN SENEGAL AND BENIN, 1960–1970s
Authors: KANTROWITZ RACHEL A.
Published: August 2018

Catholic school alumni played a crucial role in shaping Senegal and Benin in the first decades after independence.1Though they came from a variety of religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, they nevertheless strongly identified with their Catholic schooling experience. Indeed, these West African alumni composed a distinct social group that had been inculcated in the habits and values of ‘Catholic civism’, an ideology based around public service, self-discipline, moral restraint, honesty, and community. While many studies of educated youth emphasize their political activism, Catholic school youth engaged in the subtler process of shaping their new countries by transforming colonial-era institutions from within. Beyond politics, students who graduated in the early independence era used Catholic civism as both a social marker and an implicit social critique.
PRIMITIVE TECHNIQUES: FROM ‘CUSTOMARY’ TO ‘ARTISANAL’ MINING IN FRENCH WEST AFRICA
Authors: D'AVIGNON ROBYN
Published: August 2018

Since the commodity boom of the early 2000s, the visibility of ‘artisanal’ or ‘small-scale’ mining has grown in media coverage and development policies focused on Africa. This article argues that the regulatory category of ‘artisanal’ mining in Africa originated during the colonial period as ‘customary mining’. I build this case through a regional case study of mining policies in the colonial federation of French West Africa, where a single decree accorded African subjects ‘customary rights’ to seasonally mine gold and rock salt in restricted areas. By contrast, colonial citizens, mostly Europeans, accessed stable mining titles. Customary mining rights never codified actual African mining ‘customs’, as colonial officials argued. Rather, this law marked the boundary between the technological status of French subjects and citizens. Core elements of this colonial legal framework have been incorporated into postcolonial policies governing the rights of citizens to mineral resources in Africa.
Trading in the Presence of Short-Lived Private Information: Evidence from Analyst Recommendation Changes
Authors: Kadan Ohad , Michaely Roni , Moulton Pamela C.
Published: August 2018

We use a proprietary data set to test the implications of several asymmetric information models on how short-lived private information affects trading strategies and liquidity provision. Our identification rests on information acquisition before analyst recommendations are publicly announced. We provide the first empirical evidence supporting theoretical predictions that early-informed traders “sell the news” after “buying the rumor.” Further, we find distinct profit-taking patterns across different classes of institutions. Uninformed institutions, but not individuals, emerge as de facto liquidity providers to better-informed institutions. Placebo tests confirm that these trading patterns are unique to situations in which some investors have a short-lived informational advantage.