bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights into the cellular temporal response to proteostatic stress
Authors: Rendleman Justin , Cheng Zhe , Maity Shuvadeep , Kastelic Nicolai , Munschauer Mathias , Allgoewer Kristina , Teo Guoshou , Zhang Yun Bin Matteo , Lei Amy , Parker Brian , Landthaler Markus , Freeberg Lindsay , Kuersten Scott , Choi Hyungwon , Vogel Christine
Published: October 2018

Maintaining a healthy proteome involves all layers of gene expression regulation. By quantifying temporal changes of the transcriptome, translatome, proteome, and RNA-protein interactome in cervical cancer cells, we systematically characterize the molecular landscape in response to proteostatic challenges. We identify shared and specific responses to misfolded proteins and to oxidative stress, two conditions that are tightly linked. We reveal new aspects of the unfolded protein response, including many genes that escape global translation shutdown. A subset of these genes supports rerouting of energy production in the mitochondria. We also find that many genes change at multiple levels, in either the same or opposing directions, and at different time points. We highlight a variety of putative regulatory pathways, including the stress-dependent alternative splicing of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and protein-RNA binding within the 3’ untranslated region of molecular chaperones. These results illustrate the potential of this information-rich resource.
Tools4MSP: an open source software package to support Maritime Spatial Planning
Authors: Menegon Stefano , Sarretta Alessandro , Depellegrin Daniel , Farella Giulio , Venier Chiara , Barbanti Andrea
Published: October 2018

This paper presents the Tools4MSP software package, a Python-based Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) for geospatial analysis in support of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and marine environmental management. The suite was initially developed within the ADRIPLAN data portal, that has been recently upgraded into the Tools4MSP Geoplatform (data.tools4msp.eu), an integrated web platform that supports MSP through the application of different tools, e.g., collaborative geospatial modelling of cumulative effects assessment (CEA) and marine use conflict (MUC) analysis. The package can be used as stand-alone library or as collaborative webtool, providing user-friendly interfaces appropriate to decision-makers, regional authorities, academics and MSP stakeholders. An effective MSP-oriented integrated system of web-based software, users and services is proposed. It includes four components: the Tools4MSP Geoplatform for interoperable and collaborative sharing of geospatial datasets and for MSP-oriented analysis, the Tools4MSP package as stand-alone library for advanced geospatial and statistical analysis, the desktop applications to simplify data curation and the third party data repositories for multidisciplinary and multilevel geospatial datasets integration. The paper presents an application example of the Tools4MSP GeoNode plugin and an example of Tools4MSP stand-alone library for CEA in the Adriatic Sea. The Tools4MSP and the developed software have been released as FOSS under the GPL 3 license and are currently under further development.
Adaptive automation: automatically (dis)engaging automation during visually distracted driving
Authors: Cabrall Christopher D.D. , Janssen Nico M. , de Winter Joost C.F.
Published: October 2018

Background

Automated driving is often proposed as a solution to human errors. However, fully automated driving has not yet reached the point where it can be implemented in real traffic. This study focused on adaptively allocating steering control either to the driver or to an automated pilot based on momentary driver distraction measured from an eye tracker.

Methods

Participants (N = 31) steered a simulated vehicle with a fixed speed, and at specific moments were required to perform a visual secondary task (i.e., changing a CD). Three conditions were tested: (1) Manual driving (Manual), in which participants steered themselves. (2) An automated backup (Backup) condition, consisting of manual steering except during periods of visual distraction, where the driver was backed up by automated steering. (3) A forced manual drive (Forced) condition, consisting of automated steering except during periods of visual distraction, where the driver was forced into manual steering. In all three conditions, the speed of the vehicle was automatically kept at 70 km/h throughout the drive.

Results

The Backup condition showed a decrease in mean and maximum absolute lateral error compared to the Manual condition. The Backup condition also showed the lowest self-reported workload ratings and yielded a higher acceptance rating than the Forced condition. The Forced condition showed a higher maximum absolute lateral error than the Backup condition.

Discussion

In conclusion, the Backup condition was well accepted, and significantly improved performance when compared to the Manual and Forced conditions. Future research could use a higher level of simulator fidelity and a higher-quality eye-tracker.
NMR structure of the C-terminal domain of TonB protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Oeemig Jesper S. , Ollila O.H. Samuli , Iwaï Hideo
Published: October 2018

The TonB protein plays an essential role in the energy transduction system to drive active transport across the outer membrane (OM) using the proton-motive force of the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of TonB protein is known to interact with the conserved TonB box motif of TonB-dependent OM transporters, which likely induces structural changes in the OM transporters. Several distinct conformations of differently dissected CTDs of Escherichia coli TonB have been previously reported. Here we determined the solution NMR structure of a 96-residue fragment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa TonB (PaTonB-96). The structure shows a monomeric structure with the flexible C-terminal region (residues 338–342), different from the NMR structure of E. coli TonB (EcTonB-137). The extended and flexible C-terminal residues are confirmed by 15N relaxation analysis and molecular dynamics simulation. We created models for the PaTonB-96/TonB box interaction and propose that the internal fluctuations of PaTonB-96 makes it more accessible for the interactions with the TonB box and possibly plays a role in disrupting the plug domain of the TonB-dependent OM transporters.
AVALIAÇÃO DE VULNERABILIDADE AMBIENTAL DE BACIAS HIDROGRÁFICAS DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE.
Authors: Bidô Érica De Souza , Medeiros Joana Darc Freire de
Published: October 2018

Estudos de vulnerabilidade ambiental vêm se tornando cada vez mais frequentes e abrangem diferentes sistemas ambientais, tais como bacias hidrográficas, sendo uma ferramenta que colabora na identificação e avaliação de impactos ambientais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a vulnerabilidade ambiental na região semiárida, identificando os indicadores que melhor representam a realidade da região. Foram escolhidas as bacias de contribuição dos reservatórios Campo Grande, Cruzeta, Pau dos Ferros e Umari, localizadas em diferentes pontos do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Para tal avaliação, foi utilizada a metodologia Vulneragri (FIGUEIRÊDO et al., 2010), a partir da consideração de 13 indicadores divididos nos critérios de exposição, sensibilidade do meio e capacidade de resposta. Verificou-se que todas as bacias apresentaram vulnerabilidade média, não mostrando diferença no resultado por conta da mudança de localização geográfica.
EDUCAÇÃO É A BASE: UMA LEITURA MATERIALISTA DAS RELAÇÕES DE PODER DO SISTEMA DO CAPITAL
Authors: Paulo João Pedro Antunes de
Published: October 2018

O interesse central deste texto é discutir a reprodutividade de valores e ideais capitalistas por meio da educação. Tomando como fundamentação teórica uma perspectiva materialista, fundamentada em autores como Marx e Engels, Lígia Martins, Maggie Brasil e Mészáros, apresentamos uma leitura do atual quadro da educação na sociedade do capital, para dar visibilidade a nossa perspectiva de como as praticas produtivistas alicerçadas em políticas públicas que fomentam a individualidade e competitividade transformam a educação dos dias de hoje em um meio de mediação e reprodução das relações de poder do sistema do capital. Apontamos então interrogações para se pensar que homem está sendo formado por esta educação e quais os objetivos que esta formação atende. Apresentamos por fim, as contribuições que Mészáros aponta para a superação deste quadro e articulando nossas reflexões às conclusões do autor argumentamos em direção a uma nova ordem sociometabólica.
H.R. 6: SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act: The Substance Use‐Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2018

Section 2005. Medicare coverage of certain services furnished by opioid treatment programs. This provision expands Medicare coverage to include Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) for the purposes of delivering Medication‐Assisted Treatment (MAT) to expand access to treatment options for Medicare beneficiaries. Currently, OTPs are not recognized as Medicare providers, meaning that beneficiaries receiving MAT at OTPs for their opioid use disorders must pay out‐of‐pocket. In 13 states, the highest rate of opioid‐related inpatient stays is among the over 65 population. Under the provision Medicare will pay the outpatient OTPs through bundled payments made for wholistic services, including necessary medications, counseling, and testing.
Role of Central Metal Ions in 8‐Hydroxyquinoline‐Doped ZnO Interfacial Layers for Improving the Performance of Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Babu B. Hari , Lyu Chengkun , Yu Chengzhuo , Wen Zhenchuan , Li Fenghong , Hao Xiao‐Tao
Published: October 2018

Optimizing the function of interfacial materials between the photoactive layer and the metal cathode is critical for realizing high‐efficiency organic solar cells (OSCs). The charge‐collecting layer requires a material with an excellent electrical property to improve the charge collection efficiency and decrease the leakage current that increases the power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this study, the performance of sol–gel‐derived modified cathode interfacial (ZnO) layers, prepared by an appropriate doping of metal (M = Al, Ga, and Mn)quinoline (Q) groups in OSCs, is demonstrated and evaluated. The light absorption of the photoactive layer is improved upon incorporating an interfacial layer into the OSCs. The PCE of the GaQ:ZnO‐based device is higher than that of the AlQ:ZnO and MnQ:ZnO‐based devices, attributed to an improved exciton dissociation rate, enhanced carrier transport, greater electron mobility, and a lower work function. Incorporating a GaQ:ZnO interfacial layer into a thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene/benzodithiophene:[6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PTB7:PC71BM) OSC increases the PCE from 7.51% to 8.44%, and incorporating it into a poly[[2,6′‐4‐8‐di(5‐ethylhexylthienyl)benzo[1,2‐b:3,3‐b]dithiophene][3‐fluoro‐2[(2‐ethylhexyl) carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b]thiophenediyl:[6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PTB7‐Th:PC71BM) (PTB7‐Th:PC71BM) OSC increases the PCE from 8.11% to 9.02%.
[3+2] Cyclization of Azidotrimethylsilane with Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐Ones to Synthesize Tetrazolo[1,5‐a]quinoxalin‐4(5H)‐Ones
Authors: Yang Qiming , Zhang Yuecheng , Sun Qian , Shang Kun , Zhang Hong‐Yu , Zhao Jiquan
Published: October 2018

A convenient and efficient protocol for the synthesis of thetetrazolo[1,5‐a]quinoxalin‐4(5H)‐ones via copper‐catalyzed [3+2] cyclization of azidotrimethylsilane with quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones under mild conditions has been disclosed. This practical protocol is compatible with a variety of functional groups and provides an access to functionalized tetrazolo[1,5‐a]quinoxalin‐4(5H)‐ones from readily available and safe starting materials.

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Light‐Controlled Mammalian Cells and Their Therapeutic Applications in Synthetic Biology
Authors: Mansouri Maysam , Strittmatter Tobias , Fussenegger Martin
Published: October 2018

The ability to remote control the expression of therapeutic genes in mammalian cells in order to treat disease is a central goal of synthetic biology‐inspired therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, optogenetics, a combination of light and genetic sciences, provides an unprecedented ability to use light for precise control of various cellular activities with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recent work to combine optogenetics and therapeutic synthetic biology has led to the engineering of light‐controllable designer cells, whose behavior can be regulated precisely and noninvasively. This Review focuses mainly on non‐neural optogenetic systems, which are often used in synthetic biology, and their applications in genetic programing of mammalian cells. Here, a brief overview of the optogenetic tool kit that is available to build light‐sensitive mammalian cells is provided. Then, recently developed strategies for the control of designer cells with specific biological functions are summarized. Recent translational applications of optogenetically engineered cells are also highlighted, ranging from in vitro basic research to in vivo light‐controlled gene therapy. Finally, current bottlenecks, possible solutions, and future prospects for optogenetics in synthetic biology are discussed.
Overlapping‐Gate Organic Light‐Emitting Transistors
Authors: Lee Jeong‐Hwan , Ke Tung‐Huei , Genoe Jan , Heremans Paul , Rolin Cedric
Published: October 2018

A light‐emitting transistor in which two gates, separated by an insulator, partially overlap in the center of the device is proposed. By accumulating charge carriers in dedicated transport layers, each gate independently controls charge injection into the emissive layer sandwiched between the transport layers. This structure combines the advantages of pinned light emission in the center of the channel, gapless charge transport into the recombination zone, and controlled balance of electron and hole concentration at the edges of the emissive layer for any chosen current density. High‐performance devices with overlapping gates are demonstrated: Using a red fluorescent emitter, high external quantum efficiency (5.7%) is conserved up to the highest luminance (2190 cd m−2). A comprehensive optoelectronic device model is proposed that verifies the measured characteristics and confirms that efficiency is highest with balanced charge transport. This device topology opens perspectives in the development of bright thin film light sources driven at high current densities.
Progress on Photothermal Conversion in the Second NIR Window Based on Conjugated Polymers
Authors: He Yonglin , Cao Yuanyuan , Wang Yapei
Published: September 2018

In view of the distinct advantages of deep tissue penetration of NIR‐II light and the outstanding biocompatibility of conjugated polymers, the design and development of conjugated polymers with the ability of photothermal conversion in NIR‐II window are extremely important for biomedical applications. In this focus review, based on the excellent features of photothermal conversion and NIR‐II light, several key factors and related principles of developing conjugated photothermal polymers are proposed and discussed systematically. Accordingly, some illuminating conjugated NIR‐II photothermal polymers are exemplified and highlighted. This Focus Review aims to provide another perspective for constructing highly efficient NIR‐II photothermal conversion to expand the biomedical applications of conjugated polymers.
Transition‐Metal‐Free [4+1] Cycloaddition for the Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazole from α,α‐Difluoro‐N‐Tosylhydrazone and Amine through C‐F Bond Cleavage
Authors: Zhou Qi , Fu Zihao , Yu Lefei , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2018

An efficient synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted and 1,4,5‐trisubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole from α,α‐difluoro‐N‐tosylhydrazone and amine through a C−F bond cleavage protocol has been developed. α,α‐Difluoro‐N‐tosylhydrazone is used as a new reagent, which can transform amines to 1,2,3‐triazoles with high efficiency and excellent functional group compatibility without using transition‐metal catalysts, azide reagents and oxidants.
Geographic variation in the growth status of indigenous school children and youth in Mexico
Authors: Malina Robert M. , Little Bertis B. , Lanceta Joel , Peña Reyes Maria Eugenia , Bali Chávez Guillermo
Published: September 2018

Objective

To analyze variation in the growth status of indigenous children and youth attending bilingual schools, escuelas albergues, for the indigenous population in México.

Materials and methods

The children and youth attended escuelas albergues in 1,009 localities in 21 Mexican states in 2012. Heights and weights of 31,448 boys and 27,306 girls 6–18 years of age were measured by trained staff at each school; the BMI was calculated. The students were divided into five geographic regions for analysis: North, Central, South‐Gulf, South‐Pacific, and South‐Southeast. Growth status was compared to United States reference percentiles (P).

Results

Mean heights of children and youth from the five regions varied between P10 and P5 of the reference until about 13 years (girls) and 14 years (boys); subsequently, heights were ≤P5. Mean weights in both sexes were at P25 of the reference between 6 and 12 years, and then varied between P25 and P10 in boys and were ≥P25 in girls. Given the elevated weights relative to heights compared to the reference, mean BMIs of indigenous boys and girls were at or above the reference medians. Children and youth in the North and Central regions were, on average, taller than those in the South‐Pacific and South‐Southeast regions, while heights of those in the South‐Gulf region were generally intermediate. In contrast, mean weights and BMIs differed negligibly among the regions.

Conclusions

The geographic gradient in heights of indigenous children and youth was consistent with a north‐to‐south pattern noted among indigenous adults in studies spanning 1898 through 2013. Variation in height among children and youth likely reflected ethnic‐specific and geographic variation interacting with economic and nutritional factors.
A geometric morphometric approach to the study of variation of shovel‐shaped incisors
Authors: Carayon Delphine , Adhikari Kaustubh , Monsarrat Paul , Dumoncel Jean , Braga José , Duployer Benjamin , Delgado Miguel , Fuentes‐Guajardo Macarena , de Beer Frikkie , Hoffman Jakobus W. , Oettlé Anna C. , Donat Richard , Pan Lei , Ruiz‐Linares Andres , Tenailleau Christophe , Vaysse Frédéric , Esclassan Rémi , Zanolli Clément
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The scoring and analysis of dental nonmetric traits are predominantly accomplished by using the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS), a standard protocol based on strict definitions and three‐dimensional dental plaques. However, visual scoring, even when controlled by strict definitions of features, visual reference, and the experience of the observer, includes an unavoidable part of subjectivity. In this methodological contribution, we propose a new quantitative geometric morphometric approach to quickly and efficiently assess the variation of shoveling in modern human maxillary central incisors (UI1).

Materials and methods

We analyzed 87 modern human UI1s by means of virtual imaging and the ASU‐UI1 dental plaque grades using geometric morphometrics by placing semilandmarks on the labial crown aspect. The modern human sample was composed of individuals from Europe, Africa, and Asia and included representatives of all seven grades defined by the ASUDAS method.

Results

Our results highlighted some limitations in the use of the current UI1 ASUDAS plaque, indicating that it did not necessarily represent an objective gradient of expression of a nonmetric tooth feature. Rating of shoveling tended to be more prone to intra‐ and interobserver bias for the highest grades. In addition, our analyses suggest that the observers were strongly influenced by the depth of the lingual crown aspect when assessing the shoveling.

Discussion

In this context, our results provide a reliable and reproducible framework reinforced by statistical results supporting the fact that open scale numerical measurements can complement the ASUDAS method.
Precise Control of Thermal and Redox Properties of Organic Hole‐Transport Materials
Authors: Chiykowski Valerie A. , Cao Yang , Tan Hairen , Tabor Daniel P. , Sargent Edward H. , Aspuru‐Guzik Alán , Berlinguette Curtis P.
Published: September 2018

We report design principles of the thermal and redox properties of synthetically accessible spiro‐based hole transport materials (HTMs) and show the relevance of these findings to high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The chemical modification of an asymmetric spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐xanthene] core is amenable to selective placement of redox active triphenylamine (TPA) units. We therefore leveraged computational techniques to investigate five HTMs bearing TPA groups judiciously positioned about this asymmetric spiro core. It was determined that TPA groups positioned about the conjugated fluorene moiety increase the free energy change for hole‐extraction from the perovskite layer, while TPAs about the xanthene unit govern the Tg values. The synergistic effects of these characteristics resulted in an HTM characterized by both a low reduction potential (≈0.7 V vs. NHE) and a high Tg value (>125 °C) to yield a device power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.8 % in a PSC.
Transfer‐Free, Large‐Scale Growth of High‐Quality Graphene on Insulating Substrate by Physical Contact of Copper Foil
Authors: Song Intek , Park Yohwan , Cho Hyeyeon , Choi Hee Cheul
Published: September 2018

High‐quality, large‐area, single‐layer graphene was directly grown on top of a quartz substrate by a low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process using Cu vapor as a catalyst. In this process, continuous generation and supply of highly concentrated Cu vapor is the key to the growth of large‐scale, high‐quality graphene. It was achieved by direct physical contact, or “touch‐down,” of a Cu foil with an underlying sacrificial SiO2/Si substrate, and the target quartz substrate was placed on top of the Cu foil, eventually having a quartz/Cu/SiO2/Si sandwich structure. To establish the reaction mechanism, a test growth was performed without the quartz substrate, which revealed that Cu is diffused through the SiO2 layer of the sacrificial SiO2/Si substrate to form liquid‐phase Cu‐Si alloy that emits massive Cu vapor. This Cu vapor catalyzes thermal decomposition of supplied CH4 gas.
Impact of macrodiols on the adhesion strength of polyurethane pressure‐sensitive adhesives
Authors: Akram Nadia , Zia Khalid Mahmood , Saeed Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Saleem Sundas
Published: September 2018

In this study, we evaluated the influence of stiff and flexible contents on the adhesive characteristics of polyurethane (PU). This was achieved through the optimization of macrodiol contents in the PU composition, which developed soft segments. The composition of the polymer comprises of two different macrodiols: poly(propylene glycol) and hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene with various molecular weights. 4,4′‐Methylene bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) was used to maximize the adhesion strength of the final product, which was evaluated with a texture analyzer. The hard‐segment content (30%) positively affected the adhesive properties. The probe–tack showed a maximum adhesion energy of 147 J/cm2, and the 180° peel test showed a 15.67 N/25 mm peel force. The glass‐transition temperature values obtained through differential scanning calorimetry were in good agreement with the theoretically calculated Flory temperature. The proportion of the loss tangent to the storage modulus showed an optimum value of 2.54 MPa−1. The accurate selection criteria of the macrodiol composition resulted in good PU pressure‐sensitive adhesives. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46635.
Research on electrospinning three‐branched‐chain PLA porous microspheres and adsorption for silver ions
Authors: Shen Wen , Zhang Guanghua , Li Yali , Fan Guodong
Published: September 2018

The objective of the present study was to prepare poly(lactic acid) (PLA) porous microspheres. Special attention was paid to the effects of improving the surface hydrophilicity of the microspheres on the adsorption of silver ions. The linear PLA and the three‐branched‐chain PLA microspheres with pores or without pores were obtained by electrospinning. The morphology, hydrophilicity, and silver ion adsorption of the microspheres were investigated, and the antibacterial properties of microspheres with adsorbed silver ions were studied. The research showed that the three‐branched‐chain PLA porous microspheres had good hydrophilicity and strong adsorption ability of silver ions. Using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, it is found that the microspheres can adsorb more silver ions with an increase in holes. However, the multihydroxyl structure of the three‐branched‐chain PLA has strong hydrophilicity. It has a better phase separation ability to obtain the porous structures easily. In aqueous solution, these microspheres are more likely to adsorb drugs with positive charge, and the size of the microspheres is controlled in the solvent with different dielectric constants. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46735.
Solubility and diffusion behavior of compressed CO2 in polyurethane oligomer
Authors: Hu D. , Yan L. , Liu T. , Xu Z. , Zhao L.
Published: September 2018

In CO2‐assisted polyurethane (PU) foaming, the solubility and diffusion coefficient of CO2 is vitally important to the cell nucleation and growth. This work is aimed at the effect of molecular weights (M
n) and crosslinking densities (V
e) on the solubility and diffusion coefficient of CO2 in PU oligomers. A series of PU oligomers with different M
n and V
e were synthesized. The solubility and diffusivity of CO2 in PU oligomers were measured experimentally in the temperature from 80 to 140 °C and with pressures up to 15 MPa. It was shown that the solubility and diffusion coefficients of CO2 was decreased 20.5 and 21.0%, respectively, with the M
n increasing from 5864 to 153,754 g mol−1 at 80 °C, 15 MPa. The solubility and the diffusion coefficient also decreased 11.1 and 38.0% as the V
e was increased from 64 to 1493 mol m−3. Furthermore, the diffusion mechanism of CO2 in PU oligomers was explored via molecular dynamics simulations. The results indicated that the calculated diffusivity of CO2 showed the same changing trend as the experimental values, and the smaller M
n or crosslinking degree contributed to an increase in fractional free volume and stronger polymer–CO2 interactions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47100.
Sleep problems in adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability
Authors: Ballester Pura , Martínez María José , Javaloyes Auxiliadora , Inda María‐del‐Mar , Fernández Noemí , Gázquez Pilar , Aguilar Víctor , Pérez Agustín , Hernández Luís , Richdale Amanda L. , Peiró Ana M.
Published: October 2018

Sleep problems (SP) are recognized as a common comorbid condition in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can influence core autism symptoms and mental and physical health. SPs can be lifelong and have been reported that adults on the autistic spectrum with and without intellectual disability (ID) present SPs (longer sleep latency, frequent night awakenings, and circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders).

A prospective, objective sleep study was conducted in 41 adults with ASD (33 ± 6 years old) and ID and 51 typically developing adults (33 ± 5 years old) using ambulatory circadian monitoring (ACM) recording wrist temperature, motor activity, body position, sleep, and light intensity. The findings indicated that individuals with ASD presented sleep difficulties including low sleep efficiency, prolonged sleep latency and increased number and length of night awakenings, together with daily sedentary behavior, and increased nocturnal activity. Furthermore, indications of an advanced sleep–wake phase disorder were found in these autistic adults. Examining sleep and markers of the circadian system showed significant differences between adults with ASD and ID and an age‐matched, healthy adult population. The sleep disturbances described for this sample of adults with ASD and ID are similar to those of already described for adults with ASD without ID; their relationship with intellectual ability should be further studied. Improving knowledge of sleep patterns in ASD adults with ID might help to designed targeted interventions to improve their functioning and reduce family stress. Autism Research 2019, 12: 66–79. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

SPs are very frequent in autism from childhood to adulthood. We recorded sleep with a watch‐like device in adults with autism and ID and compared sleep patterns with nonautistic volunteers. Results showed poorer sleep conditions in adults with autism (increased sleep latency and number/length of night awakenings) that resulted in decreased sleep efficiency. Increasing knowledge of the SPs in adults on the autism spectrum will allow to improve their and their families' quality of life.
Technology roadmap for hyaluronic acid and its derivatives market
Authors: Borschiver Suzana , Vasconcelos Rafael C. , Silva Felipe C. , Freitas Gabriela C. , Santos Paula E. , do Bomfim Rute O.
Published: October 2018

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an active ingredient that has attracted the attention of pharmaceutical companies. There are expectations that the market for it will grow in the next few years. A technology roadmap for hyaluronic acid and its derivatives market was built and analyzed. A roadmap is a prospective tool that allows the visualization of the evolution of a product or technology through time, revealing opportunities and providing greater safety for companies’ and institutions’ resource allocation. A search was conducted for patents that were granted or applied for in the USPTO database and for scientific articles in Science Direct database. The information was presented in categories in such a way that the evolution of the categories over time could be predicted. Analysis of the roadmap showed that the market is diverse with local and global companies developing patents in this sector. The main highlight is in the medical area, in which HA and its derivatives are widely used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, wound healing, cell regeneration, and tissue engineering. Major drug companies, such as Alergan, Klox Technologies, Fidia Pharma USA, and Cormedix have focused on HA. The roadmap indicated that, in the long run, the market's focus will be on cancer treatments with the development of less aggressive medicines, which have already been the research focus of companies such as Holy Stone Healthcare and DKFZ. China stands out as the country with the highest number of scientific articles and the USA as the country with the highest number of patents. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Experimental study of needle recording electrodes placed on the thyroid cartilage for neuromonitoring during thyroid surgery
Authors: Zhao Y , Li C , Zhang D , Zhou L , Liu X , Li S , Wang T , Dionigi G , Sun H
Published: October 2018

Background

Needle electrodes placed on the thyroid cartilage (TC) are an alternative to endotracheal tube (ET) electrodes for assessing recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) function during thyroid surgery. Needle electrodes placed on the TC were evaluated in an experimental porcine model.

Methods

Continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring was used to record the electromyogram. Each TC side was delineated into nine areas to determine the optimal placement of the electrode, and needle electrode area, depth and orientation for optimal electromyographic (EMG) amplitudes were evaluated. RLN root locations were stimulated at four locations: vagus nerve distal to the neuromonitoring electrode, and most proximal, middle and laryngeal entry points of the nerve. A nerve retraction injury model was adapted to compare RLN monitoring by TC versus ET electrodes.

Results

An optimal site for placement of needle electrodes was identified, and electromyograms obtained from the various needle insertion depths and orientations were similar. Latencies recorded from the TC and ET electrodes were similar. The amplitude profile of TC electrodes responded earlier to RLN injury than that of ET electrodes. Amplitude and drop to loss of signal were also registered earlier.

Conclusion

EMG amplitudes obtained using TC electrodes were higher, and identified RLN injury earlier than ET electrodes. Surgical relevanceNeedle electrodes placed on the thyroid cartilage (TC) are an alternative to endotracheal tube (ET) electrodes for assessing the function of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in thyroid surgery.This study used an experimental porcine model to evaluate the use of needle electrodes inserted in the TC, compared with ET electrodes, for producing an electromyographic (EMG) profile of the RLN. Nine areas of the TC, with various needle insertion depths and orientations, were compared. Perichondral insertion into the avascular area of the TC was found to be safe. The EMG amplitude and latency features recorded via the TC and ET electrodes were compared, using both intermittent and continuous monitoring. Changes in EMG amplitudes in response to nerve traction injury were registered earlier with TC electrodes than with ET electrodes, and the amplitudes were higher and more stable. Latencies obtained via the TC and ET electrodes were similar.These results indicate that the development of a non-invasive monitoring electrode with improved function, easy placement and low cost is possible.
Optimized Spacing between TiO2 Nanotubes for Enhanced Light Harvesting and Charge Transfer
Authors: Ozkan Selda , Nguyen Nhat Truong , Mazare Anca , Schmuki Patrik
Published: September 2018

We investigate two distinctly different anodic TiO2 nanotubular morphologies, spaced and close‐packed arrays. While the close‐packed tubular arrays are formed in ethylene glycol, spaced nanotubes (NTs), which have a regular gap between individual NTs, grow in a diethylene glycol or dimethyl sulfoxide‐based electrolyte. Depending on the electrolyte used for anodization, the morphology, crystal structure, and chemical composition of the resulting nanotubular layer vary from one another. This influences the electrochemical and photoelectrochemical activity of the NTs. Overall, we find that spaced NTs can not only provide enhanced charge‐transfer characteristics but can also show beneficial light absorption characteristics when used as a photo‐ or light‐harvesting electrode.
Mixing in a soft‐elastic reactor (SER): A simulation study
Authors: Li Changyong , Xiao Jie , Zhang Yu , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: October 2018

Inspired by the animal upper digestion tract, a strategy of developing soft‐elastic reactors (SERs) for potential industrial usage has evolved, and is under the framework of bio‐inspired chemical engineering. In our laboratory, two basic reactor categories have been experimented upon to explore the parameters influencing SER performance: vertical and horizontal cylindrical reactors. Different from the traditional rigid reactors equipped with solid agitators, SERs mainly triggers mixing through the movement of its elastic wall. The mechanisms of SERs are, however, not yet fully understood due to the limitations in the laboratory work in scale and in the diversity of the working conditions. For the first time we present a numerical study on the mixing behaviour of an SER to reveal its special characteristics as an alternative mixing method difficult to show in laboratory. Two‐dimensional situations are analyzed numerically with a successful implementation of a moving mesh method in ANSYS Fluent. The approach allows versatile movement of the reactor wall to be effectively simulated. Systematic investigations were then carried out to investigate the effects of two chosen wall motion modes. The effects of such motion modes have been demonstrated through tracking the evolutions of the flow fields. This work shows room for potential improvements of SERs by devising different wall movements.
A Low‐Sensitivity Nanocomposite of CL‐20 and TATB
Authors: Li Ping , Liu Kai , Ao Denggaowa , Liu Xun , Xu Haifeng , Duan Xiaohui , Pei Chonghua
Published: October 2018

In order to improve the safety of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) while preserving its high energy yield, a nanocomposite containing CL‐20 and 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) with a particular structure is prepared using an facile and fast antisolvent crystallization method. Using this approach, which takes advantage of strong antisolvent and temperature effects, a lamellar arrangement structure is created consisting of nanosheets containing CL‐20 and TATB, and further coated with dendritic nanometer‐scale TATB. XRD and Raman spectra indicate that CL‐20 in the resulting nanocomposite takes the form of α polymorph owing to the presence of ultrapure water. The HPLC results show that the TATB content of the nanocomposite is 20.2 wt%. When the surface coating of TATB is removed, 8 wt% TATB remains between the internal nanosheets. Due to the multiple desensitization effects of this structure, the nanocomposite has much lower sensitivity, roughly comparable to that of the insensitive explosive LLM‐105. Thermal analysis by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimeter indicates that the thermal decomposition activity of the nanocomposite is higher than those of raw materials, and in addition, its thermal stability is greater.
Eating disorders—Related hospitalizations in Portugal: A nationwide study from 2000 to 2014
Authors: Cruz Ana Margarida , Gonçalves‐Pinho Manuel , Santos João Vasco , Coutinho Francisco , Brandão Isabel , Freitas Alberto
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Recent evidence suggests that incidence of Anorexia nervosa (AN) has remained stable over the last decades in Western Europe, while decreasing for Bulimia nervosa (BN). It is well‐known that most individuals with an ED (Eating disorder) do not seek medical treatment.

Objective

The present study analyses hospitalizations related with EDs held in mainland Portuguese public hospitals between 2000 and 2014.

Method

A retrospective observational study was performed gathering all inpatient episodes with primary or secondary diagnosis of ED. Number of patients, gender, mean age at discharge, suicide‐attempts related hospitalizations, in‐hospital mortality, length of stay, and mean charges were analyzed.

Results

There were a total of 4,485 hospitalizations with an associated ED. AN was the most frequent ED (n = 2,806). Suicide attempt‐related hospitalizations were most common among patients with BN (10.1% of BN hospitalizations) or AN (5.2% of AN hospitalizations).

Discussion

AN has higher in‐hospital mortality than BN. We observed a higher proportion of suicide related hospitalizations in BN when compared to AN. Although pica, rumination disorder, and psychogenic vomiting represent a smaller portion of all EDs, this study was the first to describe hospitalization trends for this set of EDs for a 15‐year period, to the best of our knowledge.
Characterization of Nitrophospholipid‐Peptide Covalent Adducts by Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry: A First Screening Analysis Using Different Instrumental Platforms
Authors: Montero‐Bullon Javier‐Fernando , Melo Tânia , Domingues Maria Rosário , Domingues Pedro
Published: September 2018

Lipids are well‐known targets of reactive nitrogen species and this reaction leads to the formation of nitrated lipids that have been associated with anti‐inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. Nitro‐fatty acids (NO2‐FA) are highly electrophilic compounds that can form covalent adducts with proteins, leading to the formation of lipoxidation adducts, which modulate the protein structure and function. Nitrated phospholipids (NO2‐PL) have been detected recently in biological samples, but their biological effects are unknown, although similarly to what has been described for nitrated lipids, it has been hypothesized that they may react with peptides and proteins. In this study, in vitro biomimetic assays are used to synthetize adducts of nitrated POPC (NO2POPC), already detected in biological samples, and GSH peptide. The formation of NO2POPC‐GSH adducts is studied by ESI‐MS and MS2, using both low and high energy CID in different MS platforms: a LXQ linear ion trap, a Q‐TOF 2, and a Q‐Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole‐Orbitrap. Typical product ions observed under MS2 conditions are modified b, y, and C ions bearing NO2POPC covalently linked that unequivocally confirms the presence of the lipid‐peptide adduct. Typical loss of HNO2 is only observed in the MS2 of the mono‐charged precursor ions, [M+H]+. Product ions at m/z 184 or neutral loss of 183 Da are assigned as typical fragmentations that confirm the presence of the phosphatidylcholine. In summary, the characterization of nitro PL‐peptide adducts by MS and MS2 allows the identification of the structure and specific MS2 reporter ions to be used to pinpoint these adductions in biological systems.

Practical Applications: The covalent interaction between nitro phospholipids and peptides suggests a new pathway in cellular transduction of nitroxidative stress signal. This adduction can be considered a post‐translational modification (PTM) of lipoxidation type, similarly as it has been described for nitro‐fatty acids and with important physiological implications. The identification and characterization of the nitro phospholipids and peptides adducts are possible by MS and tandem MS. This analytical technique also represents a robust and sensitive approach for detection of nitro‐lipids adduction to peptides or proteins in biological samples, allowing to disclose their physiological and clinical implications. Tandem MS fingerprinting is an essential feature for this purpose, so in this work, the identification of the reporter ions typical for this type of lipoxidation adducts is provided. These reporter ions can be used to design target (NL, PIS, or MRM) approaches to detect these type of PTM in biological environments.

Nitrated phospholipids can adduct covalently to nucleophilic peptide gluthathione, as demonstrated by characterization using tandem MS.
Morphology‐Controllable Hexagonal‐Phase Indium Oxide In Situ Structured onto a Thin‐Felt Al2O3/Al‐Fiber for the Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methanol
Authors: Chen Pengjing , Tao Longang , Zhu Jian , Zhao Guofeng , Liu Ye , Lu Yong
Published: September 2018

Indium oxide is as a promising catalyst for the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. Previous studies mainly focused on the cubic‐phase In2O3 (C‐In2O3), but the hexagonal‐phase In2O3 (H‐In2O3) with a corundum structure has been rarely studied because of the difficulty in its synthesis. Herein, the morphology‐controllable H‐In2O3 in situ structured onto a thin‐felt Al2O3/Al‐fiber is prepared by a facile mixed solvothermal method. The amount of H‐In2O3 is strongly dependent on the urea/In molar ratio during the mixed solvothermal synthesis. The optimal catalyst obtained at a urea/In ratio of 4.5 possesses the highest amounts of oxygen vacancy and strong basic site. Such catalyst achieves a turnover frequency of 47.8 h−1 (the number of CO2 converted into methanol per oxygen vacancy site per hour) and is stable for at least 200 h, being capable of converting 4.4% CO2 into methanol at a selectivity of 67.6% at 325 °C (or higher selectivity at the expense of conversion below 325 °C) with a methanol space time yield of 0.20 gMeOH gcat−1 h−1. In contrast, the microfibrous‐structured C‐In2O3 (prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method) delivers a very low methanol selectivity of only 36.8% under identical reaction conditions. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy experiments reveal that the H‐In2O3/Al2O3/Al‐fiber catalyzes CO2‐to‐methanol conversion through formate intermediates.
Focal application of accelerated iTBS results in global changes in graph measures
Authors: Klooster Deborah C. W. , Franklin Suzanne L. , Besseling René M. H. , Jansen Jaap F. A. , Caeyenberghs Karen , Duprat Romain , Aldenkamp Albert P. , de Louw Anton J. A. , Boon Paul A. J. M. , Baeken Chris
Published: October 2018

Graph analysis was used to study the effects of accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) on the brain's network topology in medication‐resistant depressed patients. Anatomical and resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) was recorded at baseline and after sham and verum stimulation. Depression severity was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Using various graph measures, the different effects of sham and verum aiTBS were calculated. It was also investigated whether changes in graph measures were correlated to clinical responses. Furthermore, by correlating baseline graph measures with the changes in HDRS in terms of percentage, the potential of graph measures as biomarker was studied. Although no differences were observed between the effects of verum and sham stimulation on whole‐brain graph measures and changes in graph measures did not correlate with clinical response, the baseline values of clustering coefficient and global efficiency showed to be predictive of the clinical response to verum aiTBS. Nodal effects were found throughout the whole brain. The distribution of these effects could not be linked to the strength of the functional connectivity between the stimulation site and the node. This study showed that the effects of aiTBS on graph measures distribute beyond the actual stimulation site. However, additional research into the complex interactions between different areas in the brain is necessary to understand the effects of aiTBS in more detail.
Spatial mapping of affinity changes for the integrin LFA‐1 during cell migration using clusters identified based on local density
Authors: Persson Henrik , Potrzebowski Wojciech , Potrzebowska Katarzyna , Svensson Lena M.
Published: September 2018

Localization microscopy methods like Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM) are very well suited for exploring clustering of proteins, as the data inherently provide a list of molecular coordinates. Here we use state‐of‐art cluster analysis algorithms (DBSCAN) to explore the clustering behaviour of different affinity forms of the integrin LFA‐1. It has been suggested that LFA‐1 may form clusters, in order to increase the avidity to ICAM‐1. However, this hypothesis still seems to be controversial. In this study, we found, variations in clustering behaviour among the different affinity forms of LFA‐1 in migrating T‐cells. We found that panLFA‐1 is located in clusters throughout the polarised cell on ICAM‐1, with an increased density of molecules and clusters in the mid area and rear of the cell, whereas the intermediate and high affinity form of LFA‐1 showed an increased number in the mid area of a migrating cell and the high affinity form of LFA‐1 in the front and rear. Together, these data suggest that, in addition to LFA‐1 conformation, protein clustering might play a role in controlling cell‐substrate adhesion on ICAM‐1.By applying the cluster analysis algorithm DBSCAN to localization microscopy data, integrin clusters could be identified and different cluster parameters could be quantified.