bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered functional connectivity in blepharospasm/orofacial dystonia
Authors: Jochim Angela , Li Yong , Gora‐Stahlberg Gina , Mantel Tobias , Berndt Maria , Castrop Florian , Dresel Christian , Haslinger Bernhard
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Blepharospasm is characterized by involuntary eyelid spasms. It can be associated with perioral dystonia (Meige's syndrome or orofacial dystonia). We aimed at studying resting‐state functional brain connectivity in these patients and its potential modulation by therapeutic botulinum toxin injections.

Methods

We performed resting‐state functional MRI and a region of interest‐based analysis of functional connectivity in 13 patients with blepharospasm/Meige's syndrome in comparison to 13 healthy controls. Patients were studied before and 4 weeks after botulinum toxin treatment. Simultaneous facial electromyography was applied to control for involuntary facial movements.

Results

Before botulinum toxin treatment, patients showed reduced functional connectivity between caudate and primary sensorimotor, somatosensory association and visual cortices as well as between putamen and parietal association cortex. Cerebellar areas displayed decreased functional connectivity to somatosensory and visual association cortices. On the cortical level, connectivity was reduced between the cingulate cortex and the primary sensorimotor/premotor and parietal association cortex, between premotor areas and the primary somatosensory cortices, and between the postcentral gyrus and temporoparietal, secondary somatosensory, cingular, and cerebellar regions. Botulinum toxin treatment modulated functional connectivity, especially between cerebellum and visual cortices.

Conclusions

Patients with blepharospasm/Meige's syndrome show altered functional connectivity at rest in widespread brain regions including basal ganglia, cerebellar, primary/secondary sensorimotor, and visual areas. Functionally, this may reflect a predisposition for defective movement inhibition and sensorimotor integration. Botulinum toxin treatment could modulate brain connectivity in blepharospasm by altering visual and sensory input.
Nanosheets/Mesopore Structured Co3O4@CMK‐3 Composite as an Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Gan Lang , Wang Mengran , Hu Langtao , Fang Jing , Lai Yanqing , Li Jie
Published: December 2017

The exploration of highly effective and low‐cost non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) will have a significant impact on the area of fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Here, we report a facile, efficient, and environmentally friendly method to deposit transition metal oxide nanosheets (NSs) on the backbone of ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK‐3) by the pyrolysis of the metal‐precursor@CMK‐3. The optimized CMK‐3 catalyst with a coating of Co3O4 NSs possesses a high surface area of 2396 m2 g−1 and demonstrates an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the ORR in alkaline media, which is much better than that of other transition metal oxide@CMK‐3 catalysts and other carbon‐based catalysts (such as carbon nanotubes). In addition, the as‐prepared catalyst possesses a comparable electrochemical performance and a superior durability and higher tolerance to methanol compared with commercially available Pt/C, which can be ascribed to the distinctive structure of the nanosheets and mesopores, indicative of potential applications in metal–air batteries.
Thermal Integration of Sulfuric Acid and Continuous Catalyst Regeneration of Naphtha Reforming Plants
Authors: Iranshahi Davood , Hamedi Nazanin , Nategh Mahshid , Saeedi Reza , Saeidi Samrand
Published: December 2017

An optimal reactor design is proposed that simultaneously improves the naphtha reforming reactor performance and increases sulfur trioxide production. In this new configuration, the naphtha reforming process as an endothermic reaction is coupled with the oxidation reaction of sulfur dioxide, which is an exothermic reaction. The differential evolution optimization technique is applied to maximize the produced amounts and yields of aromatics and hydrogen. The results obtained with the optimized thermally coupled reactor are compared with those of the conventional and thermally coupled reactors, proving the superiority of the proposed configuration.
Electrochemically Initiated Crosslinking of Chitosan
Authors: Zheng Feng , Lawrence Nathan S. , Hartshorne Robert S. , Fisher Adrian C.
Published: December 2017

The electrochemical oxidation of catechol has been studied in the presence of d‐glucosamine and chitosan by using cyclic voltammetry. The reaction is studied at various scan rates and different concentrations of d‐glucosamine and chitosan. The results indicate that the reaction system between catechol and d‐glucosamine follows an EC mechanism, with a thin film product being produced on the electrode surface. Accordingly, the reaction of chitosan and catechol was studied to develop a means of crosslinking the chitosan to form polymer‐based gels.
Influence of atomization conditions on spray drying lithium iron phosphate nanoparticle suspensions
Authors: Rigamonti Marco G. , Song Yu‐Xiang , Li He , Saadatkhah Nooshin , Sauriol Pierre , Patience Gregory S.
Published: December 2017

Removing solvents from nanoparticle solid suspensions requires the same diligence as drying pharmaceutical ingredients. nanoparticles suspension in water oxidize, sinter, and segregates on the surface when they dry in a furnace. Spray drying preserves the material properties because contact times are on the orders of seconds; furthermore, the atomized droplets ensure particles are small (5 m to 20 m) and dispersed. A Yamato GA‐32 (120 mm inner diameter) spray dried in co‐current flow a nanoparticle suspension of in water, with a solid content up to 60 %. Atomization gas velocities of 140 m s to 350 m s agglomerated the nanomaterial into spherical particles that ranged from 3 m to 10 m. The particle diameters ranged from 10 m to 20 m at atomization velocities of 50 m s to 140 m s. At this condition, yield was lower because the semi‐dried particles adhere on the wall. At 150 C to 200 C the surface area reached 26 mg while from 50 C to 100 C it varied from 14 m g to 20 m g. The trend for mesoporosity versus spray drying temperature is the same as for surface area: pore volumes are higher (0.18 cmg) above 200C and 20 % lower below 200C. Drying temperature modifies drying speed; low temperatures compact the powders more than high temperature which results in lower surface area and porosity.
Characteristics of carbon monoxide production and oxidation kinetics during the decaying process of coal spontaneous combustion
Authors: Zhang Yutao , Shi Xueqiang , Li Yaqing , Liu Yurui
Published: December 2017

Laboratorial experiments of coal spontaneous combustion under non‐isothermal conditions were conducted using a self‐made instrument aimed at investigating the characteristics of carbon monoxide emissions and kinetic characteristics. The impacts of coal rank, particle size, and oxygen content on the CO production during the decaying process of spontaneous combustion were studied. The experimental results demonstrated that coal particle size had a significant influence on the spontaneous combustion at high temperatures and coals of a large particle size decreased slowly in terms of the total CO production. Meanwhile, it is also found that even if the oxygen content was as low as 3 %, the oxidation reaction of coal still existed, liberating CO and heat at the same time. Therefore, stricter standards were recommended when judging whether or not a spontaneous combustion had been extinguished in gobs. Additionally, the studies on oxidation kinetics of coal implied that the activation energy was dependent both on the oxidation temperatures and coal properties. Oxidation temperatures affect the magnitude of activation energy, while coal properties impact the response of activation energy to the oxygen contents.
The 10th Joint Meeting on Medicinal Chemistry (JMMC 2017) Held in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Authors: Perković Ivana , Stepanić Višnja , Marković Vesna Gabelica
Published: December 2017

The Croatian Chemical Society was established in 1926 and has developed over the decades into a society that actively supports all chemical activities in Croatia. The Society has eight divisions, the youngest of which, the Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, was established in 2012 and immediately became a member of the European Federation of Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC). The mission of the Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division is the promotion and development of scientific, professional, and educational activities within the medicinal chemistry community in Croatia, as well as to build partnerships and collaborations with other primarily EU‐based medicinal chemistry societies. In Croatia, medicinal chemistry research is ongoing at several institutes, including the University of Zagreb (Faculty of Science, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, and Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology), national institutes of science (Ruđer Bošković Institute), and private‐sector drug discovery companies (CRO Fidelta Ltd.). In order to effectively exchange knowledge, ideas, and scientific results, Croatian medicinal chemists meet twice annually.
Acid‐Catalyzed Conversion of Carbohydrates into Value‐Added Small Molecules in Aqueous Media and Ionic Liquids
Authors: Bodachivskyi Iurii , Kuzhiumparambil Unnikrishnan , Williams D. Bradley G.
Published: December 2017

Biomass is the only realistic major alternative source (to crude oil) of hydrocarbon substrates for the commercial synthesis of bulk and fine chemicals. Within biomass, terrestrial sources are the most accessible, and therein lignocellulosic materials are most abundant. Although lignin shows promise for the delivery of certain types of organic molecules, cellulose is a biopolymer with significant potential for conversion into high‐volume and high‐value chemicals. This review covers the acid‐catalyzed conversion of lower value (poly)carbohydrates into valorized organic building‐block chemicals (platform molecules). It focuses on those conversions performed in aqueous media or ionic liquids to provide the reader with a perspective on what can be considered a best case scenario, that is, that the overall process is as sustainable as possible.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoelectrochemical Catalytic Studies of a Water‐Stable Zinc‐Based Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Altaf Muhammad , Sohail Manzar , Mansha Muhammad , Iqbal Naseer , Sher Muhammad , Fazal Atif , Ullah Nisar , Isab Anvarhusein A.
Published: December 2017

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are class of porous materials that can be assembled in a modular manner by using different metal ions and organic linkers. Owing to their tunable structural properties, these materials are found to be useful for gas storage and separation technologies, as well as for catalytic applications. A cost‐effective zinc‐based MOF ([Zn(bpcda)(bdc)]n) is prepared by using N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethylene)cyclohexane‐1,4‐diamine [N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethylene)cyclohexane‐1,4‐diamine] and benzenedicarboxylic acid (bdc) linkers. This new material exhibits remarkable photoelectrochemical (PEC) catalytic activity in water splitting for the evolution of oxygen. Notably, this non‐noble metal‐based MOF, without requiring immobilization on other supports or containing metal particles, produced a highest photocurrent density of 31 μA cm−2 at 0.9 V, with appreciable stability and negligible photocorrosion. Advantageously for the oxygen evolution process, no external reagents or sacrificial agents are required in the aqueous electrolyte solution.
A Novel Molecularly Imprinted Photoelectrochemical Sensor Based on g‐C3N4‐AuNPs for the Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Triclosan
Authors: Feng Shasha , Wei Xiaoping , Zhong Li , Li Jianping
Published: December 2017

A novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) photoelectrochemical sensor was fabricated for the highly sensitive and selective detection of triclosan. The MIP photoelectrochemical sensor was fabricated using graphite‐like carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as photoelectric materials. The MIP/g‐C3N4‐AuNPs sensor used photocurrent as the detection signal and was triggered by ultraviolet light (UV‐Light 365 nm). g‐C3N4‐AuNPs was immobilized on indium tin oxide electrodes to produce the photoelectrochemically responsive electrode of the MIP/g‐C3N4‐AuNPs sensor. A MIP layer of poly‐o‐phenylenediamine was electropolymerized on the g‐C3N4‐AuNPs‐modified electrode to act as the recognition element of the MIP/g‐C3N4‐AuNPs sensor and to enable the selective adsorption of triclosan to the sensor through specific binding. Under optimal experimental conditions, the designed MIP/g‐C3N4‐AuNPs sensor presented high sensitivity for triclosan with a linear range of 2×10−12 to 8×10−10 M and a limit of detection of 6.01×10−13 M. Moreover, the MIP/g‐C3N4‐AuNPs sensor showed excellent selectivity. The sensor had been successfully applied in the analysis of toothpaste samples.
Life cycle environmental and economic sustainability of Stirling engine micro‐CHP systems
Authors: Stamford Laurence , Greening Benjamin , Azapagic Adisa
Published: December 2017

Micro‐combined heat and power (micro‐CHP) systems have gained prominence in Europe and elsewhere, often attracting government incentives. Of the various micro‐CHP technologies, Stirling engine (SE) systems are often preferred over internal combustion engines, but their economic and environmental sustainability is unclear. This study uses life cycle assessment and life cycle costing to analyze SE micro‐CHP units, comparing the results to conventional natural gas boilers and grid electricity. Assuming highly‐efficient operation (77 % thermal; 13 % electrical efficiency), the SE system is preferable to conventional electricity and heat both economically and environmentally (for nine of 11 impacts). However, at more realistic efficiencies (71 % thermal; 6 % electrical), the SE system is uncompetitive, being worse for seven environmental impacts, including global warming, and incurring 9 % higher costs, despite subsidy. The choice of electricity, heat or combined output as a functional unit greatly affects the results. At low efficiencies, per unit of electricity, the SE system has on average 44 % worse environmental performance than grid electricity. However, per unit of heat it is, on average, 30 % better environmentally than the gas boiler, but the global warming potential (GWP) is 19 % worse. For combined energy output, the SE system has on average 3 % lower impacts than conventional alternatives, but the GWP is 16 % higher. Future improvements to the environmental impacts of the electricity grid mix, including its decarbonization, would further reduce any relative benefits of the SE system, calling into question the suitability of subsidy.
Family firms in the global economy: Toward a deeper understanding of internationalization determinants, processes, and outcomes
Authors: De Massis Alfredo , Frattini Federico , Majocchi Antonio , Piscitello Lucia
Published: December 2017

Research Summary: Research on the internationalization of family firms has flourished in recent years, yet the mechanisms through which family involvement shapes the determinants, processes, and outcomes of internationalization remain little understood and largely undertheorized. We contribute to research at the intersection of international business and family business by examining the roles of different sources of family firm heterogeneity and the context in shaping the determinants, processes, and outcomes of business internationalization. Drawing on this analysis, we summarize the articles published in this special issue and set out an agenda for further research aimed at advancing a more fine‐grained and contextualized understanding of internationalization in family firms.
A microfoundations approach to studying innovation in multinational subsidiaries
Authors: Nuruzzaman N. , Gaur Ajai S. , Sambharya Rakesh B.
Published: December 2017

Research Summary:We study antecedents of innovation performance for the subsidiaries of multinational enterprises (MNEs) using the microfoundations approach. Based on the upper echelon perspective, we argue that managers’ characteristics, such as prior MNE work experience and industry experience, affect subsidiary innovation. We tested our hypotheses on a sample of 228 MNE subsidiaries from 11 countries. Results indicate that managers’ industry experience serves as an external boundary‐spanning capability and, therefore, it has a greater effect on autonomous subsidiaries. In contrast, managers’ prior MNE work experience functions as an internal boundary‐spanning capability and, therefore, it has a smaller effect on subsidiaries that are less autonomous or engage in R&D.

Managerial Summary:The success of an MNE now increasingly depends on its ability to generate knowledge anywhere in the world. Thus, the ability of foreign subsidiaries to generate innovation plays an increasingly important role in enhancing the performance of MNEs. In this regard, what factors determine the innovativeness of foreign subsidiaries is an important question for managers. Our study suggests that the international experience of the top management team (TMT) of a subsidiary and its CEO’s industry experience positively affect subsidiary innovation. Furthermore, the TMT’s international experience has a greater effect on the innovativeness of subsidiaries that remain dependent on their headquarters for knowledge transfer. In contrast, the CEO’s industry experience has a greater effect on the innovativeness of autonomous subsidiaries.
Chitinase 3‐like‐1 promotes intrahepatic activation of coagulation through induction of tissue factor in mice
Authors: Shan Zhao , Liu Xiaodong , Chen Yuan , Wang Meng , Gao Yue Rachel , Xu Liangguo , Dar Wasim A. , Lee Chun Geun , Elias Jack Angel , Castillo Pavel Davizon , Di Paola Jorge , Ju Cynthia
Published: December 2017

Coagulation is a critical component in the progression of liver disease. Identification of key molecules involved in the intrahepatic activation of coagulation (IAOC) will be instrumental in the development of effective therapies against liver disease. Using a mouse model of concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced hepatitis, in which IAOC plays an essential role in causing liver injury, we uncovered a procoagulant function of chitinase 3‐like 1 (Chi3l1). Chi3l1 expression is dramatically elevated after ConA challenge, which is dependent on ConA‐induced T cell activation and the resulting interferon γ and tumor necrosis factor α productions. Compared with wild‐type mice, Chi3l1−/− mice show less IAOC, reduced tissue factor (TF) expression, and attenuated liver injury. Reconstituting Chi3l1−/− mice with recombinant TF triggers IAOC and augments liver injury. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that Chi3l1, through induction of TF via mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation, promotes IAOC and tissue injury. (Hepatology 2018;67:2384‐2396).
Overexpression of periostin and distinct mesothelin forms predict malignant progression in a rat cholangiocarcinoma model
Authors: Manzanares Miguel Á. , Campbell Deanna J.W. , Maldonado Gabrielle T. , Sirica Alphonse E.
Published: December 2017

Periostin and mesothelin have each been suggested to be predictors of poor survival for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, although the clinical prognostic value of both of these biomarkers remains uncertain. The aim of the current study was to investigate these biomarkers for their potential to act as tumor progression factors when assessed in orthotopic tumor and three‐dimensional culture models of rat cholangiocarcinoma progression. Using our orthotopic model, we demonstrated a strong positive correlation between tumor and serum periostin and mesothelin and increasing liver tumor mass and associated peritoneal metastases that also reflected differences in cholangiocarcinoma cell aggressiveness and malignant grade. Periostin immunostaining was most prominent in the desmoplastic stroma of larger sized more aggressive liver tumors and peritoneal metastases. In comparison, mesothelin was more highly expressed in the cholangiocarcinoma cells; the slower growing more highly differentiated liver tumors exhibited a luminal cancer cell surface immunostaining for this biomarker, and the rapidly growing less differentiated liver and metastatic tumor masses largely showed cytoplasmic mesothelin immunoreactivity. Two molecular weight forms of mesothelin were identified, one at ∼40 kDa and the other, a more heavily glycosylated form, at ∼50 kDa. Increased expression of the 40‐kDa mesothelin over that of the 50 kDa form predicted increased malignant progression in both the orthotopic liver tumors and in cholangiocarcinoma cells of different malignant potential in three‐dimensional culture. Moreover, coculturing of cancer‐associated myofibroblasts with cholangiocarcinoma cells promoted overexpression of the 40‐kDa mesothelin, which correlated with enhanced malignant progression in vitro. Conclusion: Periostin and mesothelin are useful predictors of tumor progression in our rat desmoplastic cholangiocarcinoma models. This supports their relevance to human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:155–172)
Effect of Metformin on Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Thyroid Axis Activity in Elderly Antipsychotic‐Treated Women With Type 2 Diabetes and Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Szkróbka Witold , Okopień Bogusław
Published: December 2017

Metformin was found to reduce elevated serum thyrotropin levels, and this effect was partially determined by endogenous dopaminergic tone. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of metformin treatment on hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid axis activity in elderly women with subclinical hypothyroidism treated with antipsychotic agents and not receiving this drug. The study population consisted of 34 elderly women with subclinical hypothyroidism, 16 of whom received antipsychotic drugs. Because of coexistent type 2 diabetes, these women were treated with metformin (2.55–3 g daily). Glucose homeostasis markers as well as serum levels of thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones and prolactin were measured at the beginning of the study and 6 months later. Thirty women completed the study. With the exception of prolactin, baseline serum levels of the assessed hormones were comparable in both study groups. Although metformin reduced serum thyrotropin levels in both groups, this effect was more pronounced in the antipsychotic‐treated than in the antipsychotic‐naive patients. The effect on serum prolactin was observed only in antipsychotic‐treated patients. The impact on serum thyrotropin levels correlated with improvement in insulin sensitivity and with a reduction in prolactin levels. Free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine remained at a similar level throughout the study. The obtained results indicate that metformin reduces serum thyrotropin levels in elderly women, and this effect is particularly pronounced in women with diminished dopaminergic transmission.
Population Pharmacokinetic– Pharmacodynamic Analysis to Characterize the Effect of Empagliflozin on Renal Glucose Threshold in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mondick John , Riggs Matthew , Kaspers Stefan , Soleymanlou Nima , Marquard Jan , Nock Valerie
Published: December 2017

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion (UGE) by lowering the renal threshold for glucose (RTG). We aimed to quantify the effect of the sodium glucose cotransporter inhibitor empagliflozin on renal glucose reabsorption in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using a mechanistic population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) model and to compare results with analyses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The PK‐PD model was developed using data from a randomized phase 2 study in which patients with T1DM received oral once‐daily empagliflozin 2.5 mg, empagliflozin 10 mg, empagliflozin 25 mg, or placebo as an adjunct to insulin. The model assumed that UGE was dependent on plasma glucose and renal function and that empagliflozin lowered RTG. The final model was evaluated using visual predictive checks and found to be consistent with observed data. Calculated RTG with placebo was 181 mg/dL, and with empagliflozin (steady state) 1 mg and 2.5 mg was 53.4 mg/dL and 12.5 mg/dL, respectively. Empagliflozin 10 mg and 25 mg yielded negative RTG values, implying RTG was reduced to a negligible value. Although estimated PK‐PD parameters were generally comparable between patients with T1DM and patients with T2DM, slight differences were evident, leading to lower RTG and higher UGE in patients with T1DM compared with patients with T2DM. In conclusion, the model provided a reasonable description of UGE in response to administration of empagliflozin and placebo in patients with T1DM.
Heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalytic degradation of psychoactive drug Fluvoxamine: kinetic study, inorganic ions and phytotoxicity evaluation
Authors: Tsoumachidou Sophia , Kouras Athanasios , Poulios Ioannis
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Pharmaceutically active compounds, emerging extensively in ecosystems as pollutants, have become an important environmental and public health issue, since they can contaminate drinking water and pose threats to wildlife and human health. As a result, efforts should be made to develop methods to inactivate or eliminate this class of substance in the environment.

RESULTS

The photocatalytic degradation of psychoactive drug Fluvoxamine has been investigated. In the case of heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation, the effect of TiO2 P25 concentration (0.1–1 g L‐1), initial concentration of H2O2 (0.25–0.2 g L‐1) and Fe3+ (0.00175–0.014 g L‐1) and pH of the solution on initial reaction rates were evaluated, while for homogeneous photocatalytic oxidation the effect of the amount of H2O2 (0.25–0.2 g L‐1) and Fe3+ (0.00175–0.014 g L‐1) were investigated. In addition, the conversion of the heteroatoms in the FVX molecule to inorganic ions (NO3‐, NH4+, F‐) during the photocatalytic process has been observed and phytotoxicity testing, using three plant species, was carried out in order to examine the effect of photocatalytic oxidation on the toxicity of FVX.

CONCLUSION

According to the results presented in this study, both heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalytic oxidation is an efficient methodology for FVX degradation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Subchondral bone fragility with meniscal tear accelerates and parathyroid hormone decelerates articular cartilage degeneration in rat osteoarthritis model
Authors: Morita Yugo , Ito Hiromu , Ishikawa Masahiro , Fujii Takayuki , Furu Moritoshi , Azukizawa Masayuki , Okahata Akinori , Tomizawa Takuya , Kuriyama Shinichi , Nakamura Shinichiro , Nishitani Kohei , Yoshitomi Hiroyuki , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: December 2017

The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of subchondral bone fragility (SBF) on the progression of the knee osteoarthritis by using a novel rat model, and to examine the preventive effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on cartilage degeneration. First, 40 rats were assigned to the following four groups: Sham, SBF, Medial meniscal tear (MMT), and MMT + SBF groups. In SBF and MMT + SBF groups, we induced SBF by microdrilling the subchondral bone. Second, 10 additional rats were randomly assigned to the following two groups: MMT + SBF + saline and MMT + SBF + PTH groups. Osteoarthritic changes in the articular cartilage and subchondral bone were evaluated using safranin‐O/fast green staining, matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13), and type X collagen immunohistochemistry, toluidine blue staining, and micro‐CT scanning. The combination of SBF and meniscal tear increased the number of mast cells in the subchondral bone, and led to the abnormal subchondral bone microarchitecture, such as abnormally decreased trabecular number and increased trabecular thickness, compared with meniscal tear alone. Moreover, SBF with meniscal tear enhanced articular cartilage degeneration and increased the expression of MMP‐13 and type X collagen, compared with meniscal tear alone. The administration of PTH decreased the number of mast cells in the subchondral bone and improved the microstructural parameters of the subchondral bone, and delayed the progression of articular cartilage degeneration. These results suggest that SBF is one of the factors underlying the osteoarthritis development, especially in knees with traumatic osteoarthritis, and that the administration of PTH is a potential therapeutic treatment for preventing OA progression. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1959–1968, 2018.
On the uniqueness property of forking in abstract elementary classes
Authors: Vasey Sebastien
Published: December 2017

In the setup of abstract elementary classes satisfying a local version of superstability, we prove the uniqueness property for μ‐forking, a certain independence notion arising from splitting. This had been a longstanding technical difficulty when constructing forking‐like notions in this setup. As an application, we show that the two versions of forking symmetry appearing in the literature (the one defined by Shelah for good frames and the one defined by VanDieren for splitting) are equivalent.
Reassessing Ethnic Differences in Mean BMI and Changes Between 2007 and 2013 in English Children
Authors: Hudda Mohammed T. , Nightingale Claire M. , Donin Angela S. , Owen Christopher G. , Rudnicka Alicja R. , Wells Jonathan C. K. , Rutter Harry , Cook Derek G. , Whincup Peter H.
Published: December 2017

Objective

National body fatness (BF) data for English South Asian and Black children use BMI, which provides inaccurate ethnic comparisons. BF levels and time trends in the English National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) between 2007 and 2013 were assessed by using ethnic‐specific adjusted BMI (aBMI) for South Asian and Black children.

Methods

Analyses were based on 3,195,323 children aged 4 to 5 years and 2,962,673 children aged 10 to 11 years. aBMI values for South Asian and Black children (relating to BF as in White children) were derived independently. Mean aBMI levels and 5‐year aBMI changes were obtained by using linear regression.

Results

In the 2007‐2008 NCMP, mean aBMIs in 10‐ to 11‐year‐old children (boys, girls) were higher in South Asian children (20.1, 19.9 kg/m2) and Black girls, but not in Black boys (18.4, 19.2 kg/m2) when compared with White children (18.6, 19.0 kg/m2; all P < 0.001). Mean 5‐year changes (boys, girls) were higher in South Asian children (0.16, 0.32 kg/m2 per 5 y; both P < 0.001) and Black boys but not girls (0.13, 0.15 kg/m2 per 5 y; P = 0.01, P = 0.41) compared with White children (0.02, 0.11 kg/m2 per 5 y). Ethnic differences at 4 to 5 years were similar. Unadjusted BMI showed similar 5‐year changes but different mean BMI patterns.

Conclusions

BF levels were higher in South Asian children than in other groups in 2007 and diverged from those in White children until 2013, a pattern not apparent from unadjusted BMI data.
Computerized pediatric oncology prescriptions review by pharmacist: A descriptive analysis and associated risk factors
Authors: Hamel Claire , Tortolano Lionel , Bermudez Elisabeth , Desmaris Romain , Klein Sébastien , Slimano Florian , Lemare François
Published: December 2017

Background

Systematic prescription analyses by clinical pharmacists result in pharmacist interventions (PIs) to reduce prescription errors and improve medication safety. PIs are particularly critical in oncology, because antineoplastic drugs are highly toxic with low therapeutic indexes especially in a pediatric population. The aim of this study is to describe PIs in a pediatric oncology department and to identify potential risk factors associated with prescription errors.

Procedure

We conducted a 20‐month observational study in a pediatric oncology department concerning electronic prescription of injectable chemotherapies was conducted. PIs were analyzed for drug‐related problems (DRPs), type of intervention, population characteristics, involved drugs, and the potential risk factors.

Results

Clinical pharmacists made 90 PIs for 10,214 antineoplastic prescriptions for a rate of 88 PIs per 10,000 prescriptions. The majority of DRPs were dosage errors (61.8%), imputable to measurements (weight and/or height) in 47.4% or unreported dose reduction. The most common patient ages were in the range 1‐10 years and the most common time for medical double checks was 2‐9 pm. There were statistically more prescription errors in standardized protocols (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Not surprisingly, PIs were predominantly to correct dose errors, half of which related to height and weight measurements that were not updated. No significant risk factors for errors were identified for errors except in the standardized status of prescription, which appears to be linked in part to our software that did not automatically reflect dose reduction from one course to the next. Medical double‐checking followed by a clinical pharmacist's double check were effective in order to prevent prescription errors.
Preparation of transparent polyacrylonitrile reinforced polyurethane film and application as temperature monitor
Authors: Zhao Ying , Wang Xin , Zhang Qiong , Li Ni
Published: December 2017

This study proposed a new and facile technique to prepare transparent nanofiber reinforced film and evaluated light transmittance and mechanical properties of the film and film application as the temperature monitor. The technique used electrospinning composite solution and heating precursor composite nanofibrous film to package nanofibrous network with the resin. The results showed that the film with at least 90% light transmittance was facilely prepared by the technique. While when the concentration of polyacrylonitrile in the electrospun solution was 12 wt%, heating temperature was 200°C and heating time was 10 min, transparent film with above 95% light transmittance was developed, and showed desirable mechanical properties with the stress of 32.5 Mpa, strain of 51% and Young's modulus of 180 Mpa. Based on the fact that the transparent film changed the color with the temperature, the film showed a promising application as temperature monitor. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1905–1910, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Performance of poly(lactic acid)/ cellulose nanocrystal composite blown films processed by two different compounding approaches
Authors: Karkhanis Sonal S. , Stark Nicole M. , Sabo Ronald C. , Matuana Laurent M.
Published: December 2017

This study was aimed to identify the best approach of incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix by examining two different CNC addition approaches. The first approach consisted of melt‐blending (MB) PLA and CNCs in a three‐piece internal mixer whereas the second method involved direct dry‐mixing of PLA and CNCs in a high intensity mixer. The compounded materials were then blown into films and compared in terms of particle dispersion, optical, thermal, molecular weight and barrier properties. Good distribution was achieved by both the direct dry‐ and MB methods. However, some agglomerations were still present that resulted in reduced transparency of the composite films. Furthermore, the PLA/CNC films thermally degraded during the blending processes indicated by the drop in their molecular weights due to chain scissions. More chain scissions occurred in melt‐blended (MB) films than the dry‐blended (DB) counterparts. The addition of only 1% CNCs into the PLA matrix by the direct dry‐ and MB approaches improved the water barrier properties of PLA films by 30% and 24%, and oxygen barrier properties by 60% and 39%, respectively. The inferior performance of the MB films compared to the direct DB counterparts could be attributed to more chain scissions in these films. Thus, the direct dry‐blending (DB) process appeared to be the better approach of incorporating CNCs into the PLA matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1965–1974, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Digging Deep into Peptidomics Applied to Body Fluids
Authors: Vitorino Rui
Published: December 2017

Peptidomics techniques have allowed the identification of thousands of peptides that are derived from proteins in body fluids, despite the considerable challenges behind sample handling, MS‐based identification, data analysis, and integration with bioinformatics tools. Body fluids’ naturally occurring peptides are known to perform a variety of local and systemic functions; however, its knowledge is limited. Even so, the biological meaning that can be retrieved from peptidomics applied to the identification of disease markers and to the development of therapies using peptides has driven the progresses made in this field. In this review, a comparative analysis of body fluids’ peptidome data retrieved from databases and from scientific papers is performed to identify the biological processes modulated by naturally occurring peptides. This integrative analysis highlights several interesting facts, such as the small overlap between blood‐derived serum and plasma, which illustrates the impact of sample handling on these fluids peptidome. Urine is the body fluid with more naturally occurring peptides identified so far, most of which are derived from collagens. In saliva, the majority of peptides are originated from extracellular matrix proteins. Cerebrospinal fluid presents a high number of peptides derived from distinct proteins, mostly involved in the regulation of nervous system homeostasis. The lowest number of endogenous peptides was found in tears, most of which present antimicrobial activity. Collectively, data analysis highlights a peptidome signature for each body fluid, which comprehension will certainly help to improve disease management.
Mechanical Properties of 3D Isotropic Anti‐Tetrachiral Metastructure
Authors: Xia Re , Song Xiaoke , Sun Lijuan , Wu Wenwang , Li Chuanlei , Cheng Tianbao , Qian Guian
Published: December 2017

Chiral metastructures consisting of ring (polygonal or cubic) nodes and elastic bending ligaments exhibit excellent design flexibility for compliant structures. In this paper, based on rigid cubic node rotation and the kinematic geometrical relations of a three‐dimensional (3D) isotropic anti‐tetrachiral structure, an analytical expression for the modulus of the 3D isotropic anti‐tetrachiral structure is derived from strain energy analysis. The nylon powder Selected Laser Sintering (SLS) additive manufacturing technique is employed for fabricating two types of 3D isotropic anti‐tetrachiral specimens with different geometrical parameters; then comparison between experiments, finite element analysis (FEA), and theoretical studies is performed for verifying the analytical formula. The mechanical properties of 3D isotropic anti‐tetrachiral structures can be tuned with two independent dimensionless geometrical parameters. The proposed 3D anti‐tetrachiral structures can be employed for designing advanced structures against impact damages, realizing flexibility of industrial components, and optimizing the vibration attenuation abilities of engineering structures.
Weibull stress distribution for static mechanical stress and its stress/strength analysis
Authors: Piña‐Monarrez Manuel R.
Published: December 2017

The method's steps to estimate the Weibull shape (β) and scale (η) parameters, based only on the ratio of the maximal and minimal principal stresses (σ1/σ2) and on the designed reliability (R(t)) are given in Section 4.1. The method's efficiency is based on the following facts: (1) The square root of σ1/σ2 represents the base life on which the Weibull lifetimes are estimated (see Equation ). (2) The mean of the logarithms of the expected lifetimes (g(x)) is completely determined by the determinant of the analyzed stress matrix (see Equation ). (3) The Weibull distribution is a circle centered on the arithmetic mean (μ), and it covers the whole principal stresses' span (see Figure ). (4) σ1/σ2 and g(x) completely determine the σ1i and σ2i values, which correspond to any lifetime in the Weibull analysis (see Equation ). And (5) σ1/σ2 and η completely determine the minimal and maximal lifetime, which corresponds to any σ1i and σ2i values (see Equation ). Additionally, by using the addressed stress β and η parameters, when the stress is either constant or variable, the formulation to estimate the designed R(t) index is given. The steps to determine both the material's strength average (μM) for a desired R(t) index and the R(t) index, which corresponds to a used μM value, are given.
Regular Aligned 1D Single‐Crystalline Supramolecular Arrays for Photodetectors
Authors: Liu Yun , Feng Jiangang , Zhang Bo , Wu Yuchen , Chen Yong , Jiang Lei
Published: December 2017

Solution‐processed semiconductor single‐crystal patterns possess unique advantages of large scale and low cost, leading to potential applications toward high‐performance optoelectronic devices. To integrate organic semiconductor micro/nanostructures into devices, various patterning techniques have been developed. However, previous patterning techniques suffer from trade‐offs between precision, scalability, crystallinity, and orientation. Herein, a patterning method is reported based on an asymmetric‐wettability micropillar‐structured template. Large‐scale 1D single‐crystalline supramolecular arrays with strict alignment, pure crystallographic orientation, and precise position can be obtained. The wettability difference between tops and sidewalls of micropillars gives rise to the confinement of organic solutions in discrete capillary tubes followed by dewetting and formation of capillary trailing. The capillary trailing enables unidirectional dewetting, regulated mass transport, and confined crystal growth. Owing to the high crystallinity and pure crystallographic orientation with Pt atomic chains parallel to the substrate, the photodetectors based on the 1D arrays exhibit improved responsivity. The work not only provides fundamental understanding on the patterning and crystallization of supramolecular structures but also develops a large‐scale assembly technique for patterning single‐crystalline micro/nanostructures.
Development of Dual‐Pore Coexisting Branched Silica Nanoparticles for Efficient Gene–Chemo Cancer Therapy
Authors: Lee Jong‐Hwan , Kang Seounghun , Ahn Minchul , Jang Hongje , Min Dal‐Hee
Published: December 2017

Various strategies for combination therapy to overcome current limitations in cancer therapy have been actively investigated. Among them, simultaneous delivery of multiple drugs is a subject of high interest due to anticipated synergistic effect, but there have been difficulties in designing and developing effective nanomaterials for this purpose. In this work, dual‐pore coexisting hybrid porous silica nanoparticles are developed through Volmer–Weber growth pathway for efficient co‐delivery of gene and anticancer drug. Based on the different pore sizes (2–3 and 40–45 nm) and surface modifications of the core and branch domains, loading and controlled release of gene and drug are achieved by appropriate strategies for each environment. With excellent loading capacity and low cytotoxicity of the present platform, the combinational cancer therapy is successfully demonstrated against human cervical cancer cell line. Through a series of quantitative analyses, the excellent gene–chemo combinational therapeutic efficiency is successfully demonstrated. It is expected that the present nanoparticle will be applicable to various biomedical fields that require co‐delivery of small molecule and nucleic acid.
Recognition of Oxidized 5‐Methylcytosine Derivatives in DNA by Natural and Engineered Protein Scaffolds
Authors: Muñoz‐López Álvaro , Summerer Daniel
Published: December 2017

Methylation of genomic cytosine to 5‐methylcytosine is a central regulatory element of mammalian gene expression with important roles in development and disease. 5‐methylcytosine can be actively reversed to cytosine via oxidation to 5‐hydroxymethyl‐, 5‐formyl‐, and 5‐carboxylcytosine by ten‐eleven‐translocation dioxygenases and subsequent base excision repair or replication‐dependent dilution. Moreover, the oxidized 5‐methylcytosine derivatives are potential epigenetic marks with unique biological roles. Key to a better understanding of these roles are insights into the interactions of the nucleobases with DNA‐binding protein scaffolds: Natural scaffolds involved in transcription, 5‐methylcytosine‐reading and ‐editing as well as general chromatin organization can be selectively recruited or repulsed by oxidized 5‐methylcytosines, forming the basis of their biological functions. Moreover, designer protein scaffolds engineered for the selective recognition of oxidized 5‐methylcytosines are valuable tools to analyze their genomic levels and distribution. Here, we review recent structural and functional insights into the molecular recognition of oxidized 5‐methylcytosine derivatives in DNA by selected protein scaffolds.
La Historia de Mi Nombre: A Culturally Sustaining Early Literacy Practice
Authors: Nash Kindel , Panther Leah , Arce‐Boardman Alicia
Published: December 2017

This article features a culturally sustaining practice that many early literacy teachers can adapt and use: la historia de mi nombre/the story of my name. The practice is described in the context of a second‐grade bi/multilingual class as the Latinx students are learning about their names through culturally authentic literature, translanguaging, and writing their name stories.
Self‐Assembly of Discrete Copper(I)‐Halide Complexes with Diacylthioureas
Authors: Hou Xianhui , Wang Fanfan , Han Li , Pan Xia , Li Haipu , Yang Ying , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: December 2017

Three diacylthioureas 1,4‐C6H4[C(O)NHC(S)NHAr]2 (Ar = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3) (L1, 1), 1,3‐C6H4[C(O)NHC(S)NHAr]2 (L2, 2), and 1,3‐C6H4[C(O)NHC(S)NHAr′]2 (Ar′ = 2,6‐Me2C6H3) (L3, 3) were synthesized and characterized. The CuI complexes from the reactions of bipodal ligands Ln with CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) were structurally investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. Treatment of L1 with CuX gave the metallamacrocyclic complexes (L1CuX)2 [X = Cl (4), Br (5), I (6)] with the ligand to metal in a ratio of 2:2, where both sulfur and halide anions function as terminal substituents. In contrast, when L2 or L3 was reacted with CuBr, the two Ln ligands coordinate to four copper atoms each in a bridging and terminal fashion to yield [Ln(CuBr)2]2 [n = 2 (7), 3 (8)]. The obtained S4Cu4Br4 core contains all four bromide anions in bridging positions. The reaction of L3 with CuX (X = Cl, I) gave the 3:3 trinuclear complexes (L3CuX)3 [X = Cl (9) I (10)], interconnected by halide bridges. The obtained diacylthioureas (1–3) and their CuI complexes (4–10) were also characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
Effective properties of magnetoelectroelastic interfaces weakened by micro‐cracks
Authors: Wang X. , Ang W. T. , Fan H.
Published: December 2017

The effective properties of a microscopically damaged interface between two dissimilar magnetoelectroelastic materials are investigated using a micro‐statistical model. The interface is modeled as damaged by a periodic array of micro‐cracks. The micro‐cracks over a period interval of the interface are randomly generated and are either all (i) magnetically and electrically impermeable, or (ii) magnetically permeable and electrically impermeable, or (iii) electrically permeable and magnetically impermeable, or (iv) magnetically and electrically permeable. The conditions on the micro‐cracks are formulated in terms of hypersingular integro‐differential equations with the jumps in the elastic displacements, the electric potential and the magnetic potential across opposite micro‐crack faces being unknown functions to be determined. Once the unknown functions are determined, the effective properties of the microscopically damaged interface can be readily computed. The effects of the crack density and the material constants on the effective properties are investigated in detail.