bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of state laws designed to prevent nonmedical prescription opioid use on overdose deaths and treatment
Authors: Popovici Ioana , Maclean Johanna Catherine , Hijazi Bushra , Radakrishnan Sharmini
Published: July 2017

Nonmedical use of prescription opioids has reached epidemic levels in the United States and globally. In response, federal, state, and local governments are taking actions to address substantial increases in prescription opioid addiction and its associated harms. This study examines the effect of two state laws specifically designed to curtail access to prescription opioids to nonmedical users: pain management clinic and doctor shopping laws. We use administrative data on overdose deaths and admissions to specialty substance use disorder treatment coupled with a differences‐in‐differences design. Our findings suggest that both pain management clinic and doctor shopping laws have the potential to reduce prescription opioid overdose deaths. Moreover, doctor shopping laws appear to reduce prescription opioid treatment admissions. As many states have adopted these laws in recent years, the full effects of the laws may not yet be realized. Future research using more postlaw passage data should reevaluate the effectiveness of these laws.
USP18 protects against hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance through its deubiquitinating activity
Authors: An Shimin , Zhao Ling‐Ping , Shen Li‐Jun , Wang Siyuan , Zhang Kuo , Qi Yu , Zheng Jilin , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Zhu Xue‐Yong , Bao Rong , Yang Ling , Lu Yue‐Xin , She Zhi‐Gang , Tang Yi‐Da
Published: July 2017

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis, impaired insulin sensitivity, and chronic low‐grade inflammation. However, the pathogenic mechanism of NAFLD is poorly understood, which hinders the exploration of possible treatments. Here, we report that ubiquitin‐specific protease 18 (USP18), a member of the deubiquitinating enzyme family, plays regulatory roles in NAFLD progression. Expression of USP18 was down‐regulated in the livers of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients and high‐fat diet (HFD)–induced or genetically obese mice. When challenged with HFD, hepatocyte‐specific USP18 transgenic mice exhibited improved lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, whereas mice knocked out of USP18 expression showed adverse trends regarding hepatic steatosis and glucose metabolic disorders. Furthermore, the concomitant inflammatory response was suppressed in USP18–hepatocyte‐specific transgenic mice and promoted in USP18–hepatocyte‐specific knockout mice treated with HFD. Mechanistically, hepatocyte USP18 ameliorates hepatic steatosis by interacting with and deubiquitinating transforming growth factorβ‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which inhibits TAK1 activation and subsequently suppresses the downstream c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways. This is further validated by alleviated steatotic phenotypes and highly activated insulin signaling in HFD‐fed USP18–hepatocyte‐specific knockout mice administered a TAK1 inhibitor. The therapeutic effect of USP18 on NAFLD relies on its deubiquitinating activity because HFD‐fed mice injected with active‐site mutant USP18 failed to inhibit hepatic steatosis. Conclusion: USP18 associates with and deubiquitinates TAK1 to protect against hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and the inflammatory response. (Hepatology 2017;66:1866–1884)
An endogenous DNA adduct as a prognostic biomarker for hepatocarcinogenesis and its prevention by Theaphenon E in mice
Authors: Fu Ying , Silverstein Shana , McCutcheon Justine N. , Dyba Marcin , Nath Raghu G. , Aggarwal Monika , Coia Heidi , Bai Angela , Pan Jishen , Jiang Jiji , Kallakury Bhaskar , Wang Hongkun , Zhang Yu‐Wen , Giaccone Giuseppe , He Aiwu Ruth , Chung Fung‐Lung
Published: July 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer–related deaths worldwide, mainly because of its poor prognosis. A valid mechanism‐based prognostic biomarker is urgently needed. γ‐hydroxy‐1,N
2‐propanodeoxyguanosine (γ‐OHPdG) is an endogenously formed mutagenic DNA adduct derived from lipid peroxidation. We examined the relationship of γ‐OHPdG with hepatocarcinogenesis in two animal models and its potential role as a prognostic biomarker for recurrence in HCC patients. Bioassays were conducted in xeroderma pigmentosum group A knockout mice and diethylnitrosamine‐injected mice, both prone to HCC development. γ‐OHPdG levels in the livers of these animals were determined. The effects of antioxidant treatments on γ‐OHPdG and hepatocarcinogenesis were examined. Using two independent sets of HCC specimens from patients, we examined the relationship between γ‐OHPdG and survival or recurrence‐free survival. γ‐OHPdG levels in liver DNA showed an age‐dependent increase and consistently correlated with HCC development in all three animal models. Theaphenon E treatment significantly decreased γ‐OHPdG levels in the liver DNA of xeroderma pigmentosum group A knockout mice and remarkably reduced HCC incidence in these mice to 14% from 100% in the controls. It also effectively inhibited HCC development in the diethylnitrosamine‐injected mice. Using clinical samples from two groups of patients, our study revealed that higher levels of γ‐OHPdG are strongly associated with low survival (P < 0.0001) and low recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.007). Conclusion: These results support γ‐OHPdG as a mechanism‐based, biologically relevant biomarker for predicting the risk of HCC and its recurrence. (Hepatology 2018;67:159‐170).
Alcohol consumption and gastric cancer risk—A pooled analysis within the StoP project consortium
Authors: Rota Matteo , Pelucchi Claudio , Bertuccio Paola , Matsuo Keitaro , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , Ito Hidemi , Hu Jinfu , Johnson Kenneth C. , Palli Domenico , Ferraroni Monica , Yu Guo‐Pei , Muscat Joshua , Lunet Nuno , Peleteiro Bárbara , Ye Weimin , Song Huan , Zaridze David , Maximovitch Dmitry , Guevara Marcela , Fernández‐Villa Tania , Vioque Jesus , Navarrete‐Muñoz Eva M. , Wolk Alicja , Orsini Nicola , Bellavia Andrea , Håkansson Niclas , Mu Lina , Persiani Roberto , Kurtz Robert C. , Lagiou Areti , Lagiou Pagona , Galeone Carlotta , Bonzi Rossella , Boffetta Paolo , Boccia Stefania , Negri Eva , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: July 2017

An association between heavy alcohol drinking and gastric cancer risk has been recently reported, but the issue is still open to discussion and quantification. We investigated the role of alcohol drinking on gastric cancer risk in the “Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project,” a consortium of epidemiological studies. A total of 9,669 cases and 25,336 controls from 20 studies from Europe, Asia and North America were included. We estimated summary odds‐ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by pooling study‐specific ORs using random‐effects meta‐regression models. Compared with abstainers, drinkers of up to 4 drinks/day of alcohol had no increase in gastric cancer risk, while the ORs were 1.26 (95% CI, 1.08–1.48) for heavy (>4 to 6 drinks/day) and 1.48 (95% CI 1.29–1.70) for very heavy (>6 drinks/day) drinkers. The risk for drinkers of >4 drinks/day was higher in never smokers (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.35–2.58) as compared with current smokers (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.93–1.40). Somewhat stronger associations emerged with heavy drinking in cardia (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.11–2.34) than in non‐cardia (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13–1.45) gastric cancers, and in intestinal‐type (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.20–1.97) than in diffuse‐type (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05–1.58) cancers. The association was similar in strata of H. pylori infected (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.16–2.00) and noninfected subjects (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 0.95–3.01). Our collaborative pooled‐analysis provides definite, more precise quantitative evidence than previously available of an association between heavy alcohol drinking and gastric cancer risk.
Association between maternal vascular murmur and the small‐for‐gestational‐age fetus with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler flow
Authors: Riknagel Diana , Farlie Richard , Hedegaard Morten , Humaidan Peter , Struijk Johannes J.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To investigate the association between maternal vascular murmurs (MVMs) and fetal growth restriction (defined as small‐for‐gestational‐age [SGA] fetus) and abnormal Doppler pulsatility index (PI) of the uterine and/or umbilical arteries.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of women aged 18 years or older with a singleton pregnancy at 28–34 weeks was conducted at Regional Hospital Viborg, Denmark, between May 1 and August 1, 2013. Ultrasound fetal biometry was performed and the Doppler PI of the umbilical and uterine arteries was determined. An estimated fetal weight (EFW) at or below the 10th percentile was defined as SGA. Microphone recordings from the lower abdomen were divided into heart valve sounds and MVMs.

Results

The final analysis included 63 participants, with 25 classified as SGA and 38 as non‐SGA. The mean pregnancy duration was 32.4 ± 1.4 weeks. In total, 17 participants had MVMs. There was a clear association between MVMs and a composite of SGA and an abnormal PI of the uterine and/or the umbilical artery (P<0.001), but not between MVMs and SGA only (P=0.154).

Conclusion

Maternal vascular murmurs are significantly associated with fetal growth restriction, but not with SGA per se.
Prevalence of imaginary companions in Japanese children
Authors: Moriguchi Yusuke , Todo Naoya
Published: July 2017

Having an imaginary companion (IC) is an example of children's pretend play. However, most research regarding children's ICs is from Western cultures. In this study, the prevalence of ICs was assessed among Japanese children (2‐ to 9‐year‐old children, N = 800). The developmental (age), biological (sex), and environmental (birth order) effects on Japanese children's ICs were also assessed. Moreover, whether IC status can be an indicator of fantasy orientation in Japanese children was examined. The results revealed that the prevalence of the invisible friend was relatively rare, but the personified object was prevalent in Japanese children. Age and sex, but not birth order, significantly affected the prevalence of ICs in Japan. Moreover, IC status significantly indicated children's fantasy orientation. The results suggest that the characteristics of Japanese children's ICs are partly different from those in Western children. Social‐cultural contexts can affect this difference.
Multilingual Literacies: Invisible Representation of Literacy in a Rural Classroom
Authors: Kiramba Lydiah Kananu
Published: July 2017

In many countries, educational policies typically mandate school activities that promote a homogeneous and narrow range of academic literacies for all learners despite the diverse nature of human learning. This ethnographic case study examines how a 12‐year‐old Kenyan fourth‐grade student performing below average on all standardized tests used multiple invisible literacies while documenting his knowledge and life experiences in a rural context. Invisible literacies are covert meaning‐making literacy practices that are not privileged in the classroom. Examination of these practices shows a convergence between school and home literacies, suggesting a need for education stakeholders to identify literacies that are otherwise marginalized and to reposition multilingual learners in nondeficit ways by centering and integrating these literacies. This study demonstrates that a monolithic and monolingual approach to literacy, in isolation from other visual, oral, and practical forms of literacy used by multilingual rural students, denies such learners access to and development of literacy in general.
Effective charges of ionic liquid determined self‐consistently through combination of molecular dynamics simulation and density‐functional theory
Authors: Ishizuka Ryosuke , Matubayasi Nobuyuki
Published: July 2017

A self‐consistent scheme combining the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and density functional theory (DFT) was recently proposed to incorporate the effects of the charge transfer and polarization of ions into non‐poralizable force fields of ionic liquids for improved description of energetics and dynamics. The purpose of the present work is to analyze the detailed setups of the MD/DFT scheme by focusing on how the basis set, exchange‐correlation (XC) functional, charge‐fitting method or force field for the intramolecular and Lennard‐Jones interactions affects the MD/DFT results of 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (
) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium glycinate (
). It was found that the double‐zeta valence polarized or larger size of basis set is required for the convergence of the effective charge of the ion. The choice of the XC functional was further not influential as far as the generalized gradient approximation is used. The charge‐fitting method and force field govern the accuracy of the MD/DFT scheme, on the other hand. We examined the charge‐fitting methods of Blöchl, the iterative Hirshfeld (Hirshfeld‐I), and REPEAT in combination with Lopes et al.'s force field and general AMBER force field. There is no single combination of charge fitting and force field that provides good agreements with the experiments, while the MD/DFT scheme reduces the effective charges of the ions and leads to better description of energetics and dynamics compared to the original force field with unit charges. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnosis of chronic heart failure by the soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide
Authors: Jin Xiao‐Ling , Huang Ning , Shang Hui , Zhou Ming‐Cheng , Hong Yi , Cai Wen‐Zheng , Huang Jie
Published: July 2017

Objective

Our study was to explore the roles between serum soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) while evaluating ventricular function to properly diagnose chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods

In total, 197 CHF patients were recruited and classified into ventricular function's II, III, and IV groups, and 106 healthy people into normal control group. To detect concentrations of Sst2 and NT‐proBNP, ELISA and electro‐chemiluminescence immuno assay were implemented. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to determine the levels of the following: blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and uric acid (UA). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was adopted to detect the diagnostic value sST2 and NT‐ProBNP in CHF and the logistic regression analysis involving the risk factors of CHF.

Results

Serum sST2 and NT‐proBNP concentrations were increased significantly in the ventricular function's II, III, and IV groups in a manner dependent on concentration as opposed to the manner the normal control group occupied. The area under the curve (AUC) of sST2, found NT‐proBNP and sST2+NT‐proBNP to be 0.942 (95% CI: 0.917‐0.966), 0.920 (95% CI: 0.891‐0.948), and 0.968 (95% CI: 0.953‐0.984), respectively. sST2, NT‐proBNP, UA, and Cr were verified as important risk factors of CHF.

Conclusion

Serum sST2 and NT‐ProBNP could act as diagnostic indicators for CHF.
Multimodal analgesia as an alternative to the risks of opioid monotherapy in surgical pain management
Authors: Savarese John J. , Tabler Norman G.
Published: July 2017

Clinicians have long been aware of the danger of overreliance on opioids to manage acute pain, such as the pain accompanying surgery. The risk of adverse drug events is higher with opioids than with any other common class of drugs. Overreliance on opioids increases length of stay and hospital costs, while decreasing patient satisfaction. Opioids can lead to problems that continue well after discharge, including chronic pain, abuse and addiction, and even death. Increasingly, prescribed opioids have proved to lead to heroin addiction. Studies show that the same professionals who prescribe, administer, and monitor opioids lack basic knowledge about their safe and effective use.

The alternative to opioid monotherapy in controlling acute pain is multimodal analgesia, an approach that relies on a nonopioid foundation with addition of adjunctive opioids as needed. An increasing number of nonopioid analgesics have proved effective in this role, with fewer side effects and a higher degree of safety than opioids. Accordingly, multimodal analgesia is recommended as best practice by most recognized authorities.

Increasingly, governmental authorities hold prescribing clinicians and institutions legally liable for the downstream negative effects of opioids, including abuse and addiction. Addressing this issue should be a top priority for hospital risk managers.
A novel cell‐cell communication mechanism in the nervous system: exosomes
Authors: Zhang Guan , Yang Ping
Published: July 2017

Exosomes are small extracellular membrane‐based vesicles with a variety of cargoes that are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes in the nervous system. Accumulating evidence has implicated that exosomes are emerging as a novel form of intercellular communication within the nervous system. In this review, we first illustrate exosome metabolism including its formation, secretion, transport, and uptake. Second, we compare exosomes to synaptic vesicles in terms of intercellular messengers and communicators. Third, we discuss the roles and prospects of exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Contribution of Fermi and Darling–Dennison resonances to the formation of Raman spectra of water and water–ethanol solutions
Authors: Plastinin I. V. , Burikov S. A. , Dolenko S. A. , Dolenko T. A.
Published: July 2017

As a result of the experimental study of water Raman spectra and water–ethanol solutions, it was established that Fermi resonance and Darling–Dennison resonance make significant contribution to the formation of Raman spectra. Basing on the analysis of the spectra using optimization algorithms, the coupling constants W and the contributions of Fermi resonance to spectra in water and aqueous ethanol solutions at various temperatures were calculated. The contribution of the resonance of Darling–Dennison to the formation of the spectra of solutions was analyzed. It was established that Fermi and Darling–Dennison resonances manifested stronger in a 20% solution of ethanol in water in comparison with pure water. These resonances weakened with increasing temperature. This effect was explained from the point of view of strength of hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maturation‐related changes of carrot lignins
Authors: Schäfer Judith , Trierweiler Bernhard , Bunzel Mirko
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Lignified cell walls are important factors for textural and physiological properties of plant‐based foods. However, carrot lignins and their modifications during maturation are poorly described. The objective of this study was to describe carrot lignins in detail and to study lignin structural alterations at later stages of maturity.

RESULTS

Klason and acetyl bromide soluble lignin contents of insoluble fibers of carrots harvested at different times (26, 29 and 35 weeks after seeding) ranged between 46.38 and 62.68 g kg−1 and between 19.79 and 28.08 g kg−1, respectively. As determined by both 2D‐nuclear magnetic resonance and the derivatization followed by reductive cleavage method, coniferyl alcohol heavily dominated the traditional monolignol composition in carrot lignins, independently of harvest times. By using 2D‐nuclear magnetic resonance experiments on isolated lignins, p‐hydroxybenzoate was identified as a less common lignin constituent, attached to lignin γ‐hydroxyl groups and being increasingly incorporated with maturation. β‐Aryl ethers, phenylcoumaran, resinol and dibenzodioxocin structures were identified as lignin interunit linkages, largely independent of harvest times and with β‐aryl ethers being expectedly dominant.

CONCLUSION

Carrots contain guaiacyl‐rich lignins that incorporate increasing amounts of p‐hydroxybenzoate with maturation. All other lignin characteristics appear to be widely independent of harvest times. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Microcapsules biologically prepared using Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. essential oil and their use for extension of fruit shelf life
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Li Xiao‐Jun , Li Hui‐Zhen , Cui Li‐Xia , He Dong‐Liang
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Perilla essential oil (EO) possesses high antioxidant, antimicrobial and insecticidal activities, and has proven to be more reliable than chemically synthesized food preservatives. Nevertheless, EOs have disadvantages of facile photo‐degradation and oxidation, which limit their use in agriculture and food industries. Microencapsulation technology that generates a polymeric coating surrounding EOs could overcome these disadvantages.

RESULTS

The EO concentration had a significant effect on encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC). The best encapsulation conditions were obtained with 2% v/v EO, for which EE and LC were 57% and 36%, respectively. EO‐loaded microspheres exhibited a crimped surface with phanic lumps by scanning electron microscopy. Thermal stability experiments revealed droplets that began to decompose sharply at 108 °C, with a 61% weight, loss, which was much lower than EOs of 98%. EO‐loaded microcapsules demonstrated good antibacterial activity. Strawberry preservation studies showed that EO‐loaded microcapsules could significantly inhibit strawberry decay, maintain the quality of strawberries and prolong shelf life.

CONCLUSION

Perilla EO‐loaded microcapsules were successfully prepared by ionic gelation and were effective at inhibiting several bacterial strains. EO–alginate microcapsules could effectively delay the volatilization of EO. Perilla EO‐loaded microcapsules therefore have potential for use as an antimicrobial and preservative agent in the food industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Structure–Property Relationships of Nanocomposites Based on Polylactide and Layered Double Hydroxides – Comparison of MgAl and NiAl LDH as Nanofiller
Authors: Leng Jing , Kang Nianjun , Wang De‐Yi , Falkenhagen Jana , Thünemann Andreas F. , Schönhals Andreas
Published: July 2017

Nanocomposites based on poly(l‐lactide) (PLA) and organically modified Ni/Al layered double hydroxides (NiAl/LDHs) are prepared by melt blending and investigated by a combination of size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. A detailed comparison to the behavior of the corresponding MgAl/LDH–PLA nanocomposites is made. SAXS investigations show that the morphology of the NiAl/LDH–PLA nanocomposites is more intercalated compared to the MgAl/LDH based PLA nanocomposite, which is more exfoliated. The DSC investigation gives a different dependence of the degree of crystallization on the concentration of LDH for NiAl/LDH–PLA than for MgAl/LDH–PLA nanocomposite system. These differences are discussed taking the differences of the morphologies of both systems into account. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy reveals information about the molecular dynamics where essential differences are observed for all relaxation processes taking place in both systems which were related to the different morphologies.
Effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion and fermentation on polyphenolic content and bioactivity of brown seaweed phlorotannin‐rich extracts
Authors: Corona Giulia , Coman Maria Magdalena , Guo Yuxuan , Hotchkiss Sarah , Gill Chris , Yaqoob Parveen , Spencer Jeremy P. E. , Rowland Ian
Published: July 2017

Scope

Unlike other classes of polyphenols, there is a lack of knowledge regarding brown seaweed phlorotannins and their bioactivity. We investigated the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation on the bioactivity of a seaweed phlorotannin extract from Ascophyllum nodosum and its high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) fractions.

Methods and Results

The highest phlorotannin and total polyphenol (TP) concentration was observed in the HMW fraction. Antioxidant capacity broadly followed phlorotannin and TP levels, with HMW having the highest activity. Both gastrointestinal digestion (GID) and colonic fermentation (CF) significantly affected phlorotannin and TP levels, and antioxidant capacity of the extract and fractions. Despite this, in HT‐29 cells, all GID extracts significantly inhibit cell growth, whereas CF extracts effectively counteracted H2O2 induced DNA damage.

Conclusion

Although phlorotannins, TP levels and antioxidant power of the extracts were strongly reduced after in vitro digestion and fermentation, their anti‐genotoxic activity and cell growth inhibitory effect in colon HT‐29 cells was maintained and enhanced. HMW was the most effective fraction, indicating that the high molecular weight phlorotannins potentially exert a stronger beneficial effect in the colon.
Micron‐scale wedge thin films prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: López‐Santos Maria‐Carmen , Alvarez Rafael , Palmero Alberto , Borrás Ana , Casquel del Campo Rafael , Holgado Miguel , González‐Elipe Agustín R.
Published: July 2017

Wedge‐shaped materials are currently employed for optical analyses and sensing applications. In this paper, we present an easy to implement plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition procedure to grow wedge‐shaped thin films with controlled slope at the scale of few hundred microns. The method relies on the use of few tenths micron height obstacles to alter the laminar flow of precursor gas during deposition and is applied for the fabrication of wedge‐shaped ZnO thin films. Local interference patterns, refractive index, and birefringence of the films have been measured with one micron resolution using a specially designed optical set‐up. Their micro‐ and nano‐structures have been characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy and theoretically reproduced by Monte Carlo calculations.
Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Cyclization of o‐Aminobenzylamines and Aldehydes to Quinazolines in Water Catalyzed by a Water‐Soluble Metal‐Ligand Bifunctional Catalyst
Authors: Fan Hongjun , Zhang Weikang , Zhao Wei , Li Feng
Published: July 2017

The construction of quinazolines via acceptorless dehydrogenative cyclization of o‐aminobenzylamines and aldehydes in water has been accomplished. In the presence of a water‐soluble metal‐ligand bifunctional catalyst [Cp*Ir(6, 6’‐(OH)2bpy)(H2O)][OTf]2 (2 mol %), reactions were carried out at 130 °C for 12 h in water to afford the desired products in 52–83 % yields. Apparently, OH units in the bpy ligand are crucially important for the enhancement of the catalytic activity. The liberation of hydrogen gas in the process of the cyclization was also confirmed. The protocol is highly attractive because of high atom efficiency and environmental friendliness. Notably, this research would facilitate the progress of acceptorless dehydrogenative reactions in water.
Edge Stitching of Graphene Nanoplatelets (GnPs) and Their Effectiveness as a Filler for Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Bose Saswata , Das Arit , Basu Sankhadeep , Drzal Lawrence T.
Published: July 2017

The objective of this work was to stitch the edges of GnPs and utilization of the edge‐stitched GnP towards the improvement in the thermal and mechanical performance of epoxy nanocomposite prepared using edge‐stitched GnP as fillers.The edge stitching had been carried out via the covalent interaction of amine groups with the acid group present at the edges of GnPs. The successful functionalization of the GnP at the edges had been validated by Raman and X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The performance of the nanocomposite had been evaluated by Dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) and Flexural studies which revealed promising results. The prepared nanocomposite showed a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 163.8 °C and additionally exhibited a 19.2 % increase in flexural modulus compared to neat epoxy.
Enhanced Fibrinolysis with Magnetically Powered Colloidal Microwheels
Authors: Tasci Tonguc O. , Disharoon Dante , Schoeman Rogier M. , Rana Kuldeepsinh , Herson Paco S. , Marr David W. M. , Neeves Keith B.
Published: July 2017

Thrombi that occlude blood vessels can be resolved with fibrinolytic agents that degrade fibrin, the polymer that forms between and around platelets to provide mechanical stability. Fibrinolysis rates however are often constrained by transport‐limited delivery to and penetration of fibrinolytics into the thrombus. Here, these limitations are overcome with colloidal microwheel (µwheel) assemblies functionalized with the fibrinolytic tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) that assemble, rotate, translate, and eventually disassemble via applied magnetic fields. These microwheels lead to rapid fibrinolysis by delivering a high local concentration of tPA to induce surface lysis and, by taking advantage of corkscrew motion, mechanically penetrating into fibrin gels and platelet‐rich thrombi to initiate bulk degradation. Fibrinolysis of plasma‐derived fibrin gels by tPA‐microwheels is fivefold faster than with 1 µg mL−1 tPA. µWheels following corkscrew trajectories can also penetrate through 100 µm sized platelet‐rich thrombi formed in a microfluidic model of hemostasis in ≈5 min. This unique combination of surface and bulk dissolution mechanisms with mechanical action yields a targeted fibrinolysis strategy that could be significantly faster than approaches relying on diffusion alone, making it well‐suited for occlusions in small or penetrating vessels not accessible to catheter‐based removal.
Our Contributions in Nanochemistry for Antibiosis, Electrocatalyst and Energy Storage Materials
Authors: Zhang Jian , Xu Jing , Wang Yan , Xue Huaiguo , Pang Huan
Published: July 2017

This account mainly introduces and reviews our recent progress in three projects: antibacterial nanomaterial, electrocatalyst for detecting and electrode nanomaterial of energy storage device, especially the supercapacitor. Besides, our thought and idea about the design, fabrication and application of corresponding nanomaterials are sketched throughout the whole article in order to reveal the structure‐function relationship and corresponding mechanism. In the end, we tend to attach importance to the bottleneck of nanomaterial's development and put forward our understanding in this field.
Compressed sensing reconstruction of hyperspectral images jointly using spatial smoothing feature and spectral correlation
Authors: Wang Li , Feng Yan , Wang Zhongliang
Published: July 2017

A compressed sensing (CS) reconstruction algorithm of hyperspectral images jointly using spatial and spectral characteristics is considered. Specifically, in the sampling process, each band image is sampled by the block CS method independently. In the reconstruction process, how to utilize the spatial smoothing feature of each band image and spectral correlation between different band images to formulate the joint optimization problem is the focus of this paper. The total variation (TV) norm and multihypothesis prediction are introduced to express the spatial smoothing feature and the spectral correlation, respectively. Thus, the TV norm and the prediction residual are used as the regularization items in the reconstruction optimization problem. The resulting ill‐posed problem is solved by the augmented Lagrange multiplier method and alternating direction method in an iterative way, and the implementation process of the reconstruction algorithm is presented. Experimental results on four hyperspectral datasets reveal that the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms alternative strategies in terms of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio as well as visual quality. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Person–Environment Fit and Expatriate Job Satisfaction
Authors: Stoermer Sebastian , Haslberger Arno , Froese Fabian Jintae , Kraeh Albert Lorenz
Published: July 2017

Despite the prominence of cross‐cultural adjustment in expatriate research, recent literature has criticized the theoretical foundation and dimensionality of this construct. Building on person–environment fit theory, we empirically investigate a multidimensional conceptualization of cross‐cultural adjustment in the work domain, considering expatriate abilities and needs as well as environmental demands and supplies. We conduct polynomial regression analysis on a sample of 175 expatriates in South Korea. Results show that job satisfaction increases as perceived organizational support exceeds expatriates’ need for organizational information. In a similar vein, job satisfaction increases as expatriates’ cultural skills exceed workplace social exclusion. We visualize the identified relationships using response surface analysis. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Plant viral and bacteriophage delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics
Authors: Lam Patricia , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: July 2017

Nucleic acid therapeutics have emerged as a powerful method for treatment of many diseases. However, the challenge lies in safe and efficient delivery of nucleic acids to their target site, as they need to cross various extracellular and intracellular barriers. Mammalian viruses have initially been favored for delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, but safety concerns regarding their immunogenicity and potential of integration have fueled the search for alternative delivery strategies. For example, chemistry and bioengineering have led to advances in the use of nonviral vectors composed of lipids and other polymers; nevertheless, the synthetic systems often do not match the efficiency achieved using the biological systems. More recently, researchers have turned toward the development of plant viruses and bacteriophages and virus‐like particles as an alternative or complementary approach. These systems unite the properties of both the viral and nonviral systems and as such are a new exciting avenue toward nucleic acid delivery. This review highlights the benefits of plant viral and bacteriophage delivery of nucleic acids and provides a summary of the current progress in research in this field. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1487. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1487

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures
Exegesis of Sect. II and III.A from “Fundamentals of the Mechanics of Continua” by E. Hellinger
Authors: Eugster Simon R. , dell'Isola Francesco
Published: July 2017

This is a second exegetic essay on the fundamental review article DIE ALLGEMEINEN ANSÄTZE DER MECHANIK DER KONTINUA in the Encyklopädie der mathematischen Wissenschaften mit Einschluss ihrer Anwendungen, Bd. IV‐4, Hft. 5 (1913) by Ernst Hellinger which concerns the translation and the commentary of pp. 629–662. Within these pages, the setting of the basic constitutive equations for field theories, whose formulations are based on the principle of virtual work or on the principle of stationary action, are discussed. The interest for a contemporary reader for the herein presented subject is still substantial, as this article clearly contains some considerations and visions being still topical. However, there is also an epistemological interest in examining it from the point of view of a historian of science. Indeed, it represents an available but forgotten source of an important piece of mechanical sciences. Available, because it is still present in our libraries in its complete form, but forgotten because, being written in German by a Jewish refugee escaped to the United States, has been ignored by the main stream of the dominant groups in continuum mechanics. The ideas by Hellinger and the German school of continuum mechanics (remark that this school includes, as we have discovered reading this article, even Gauss himself!) were lost or dramatically deformed in translation. We believe that the destiny of Hellinger's paper is an evidence supporting Lucio Russo's view about history of science. Our aim is to trace the origins of current ideas of mechanical sciences to their original sources.
Data pre‐treatment and choice of resemblance metric affect how fatty acid profiles depict known dietary origins
Authors: Happel Austin , Czesny Sergiusz , Rinchard Jacques , Hanson S. Dale
Published: July 2017

Fatty acids (FA) are increasingly being used in ecology to qualitatively infer diets of consumers. Analysis of FA data requires standardization to express FAs either in mg g−1 lipids, mg g−1 tissue, or as percentages of the total mass of FAs. Additionally, various transformations [square root, arcsin, log(X + 1), log‐ratio, etc.] are often used to differentially weight the contribution of less abundant FAs. The choice of standardization unit and transformation can affect interpretations of results and ultimately our understanding of trophic relationships. Data from published feeding experiments were analyzed with visualization (i.e., nMDS) and multivariate rank‐based methods (i.e. Mantel Tests) to evaluate how choice of standardization, transformation, and resemblance metric (i.e., Euclidean distance, Bray–Curtis similarities, etc.) reflects known dietary treatment groups. Our results indicate that diet interpretations were best inferred from data standardized to the total mass of FAs quantified. We found transforming data provided only weak advantages for discriminating among diet groups. Euclidean distances between FA proportions represented the known dietary differences to a high degree, are relatively easily interpretable, are applicable to a wide variety of statistical techniques, and are thus a reasonable choice of metric when analyzing FA proportions.
Validación de un cuestionario en castellano basado en el Modelo de Stanford para evaluar docentes clínicos
Authors: Bitran Marcela , Torres-Sahli Manuel , Padilla Oslando
Published: July 2017

Introducción: Aunque existen instrumentos en español para evaluar el desempeño docente durante el ciclo básico o la especialización médica, faltan instrumentos para evaluar la docencia en los años iniciales del entrenamiento clínico, en que el profesor cumple un rol fundamental facilitando el aprendizaje experiencial. MEDUC30 es un cuestionario en español desarrollado por la Escuela de Medicina de la Pontificia Universidad Católica para este efecto. Se construyó con base en el modelo educacional del Programa de Desarrollo Docente de la Universidad de Stanford (SFDP) y ha sido usado desde 2004 en la Pontificia Universidad Católica y validado previamente con métodos exploratorios.

Objetivo: Proveer evidencia de validez y confiabilidad de MEDUC30 que avale su utilidad en contextos hispanohablantes, usando métodos analíticos confirmatorios. 

Método: Este es un estudio de carácter analítico, longitudinal y retrospectivo. Se analizaron 24,681 cuestionarios que evaluaban 579 docentes clínicos. Éstos fueron completados por estudiantes de medicina entre tercer y séptimo año, entre 2004 y 2015. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y confirmatorio (AFC), y se evaluó la invariancia de medición con AFC multi-grupo.

Resultados: Se compararon cuatro modelos, de los cuales un modelo bi-factor fue el que mejor dio cuenta de los datos. Este modelo está compuesto de un factor general y seis específicos: [i] Enseñanza centrada en el paciente, [ii] Comunicación de objetivos, [iii] Evaluación y retroalimentación, [iv] Promoción de la comprensión, la retención y el aprendizaje auto-dirigido, [v] Control de la sesión, y [vi] Clima de aprendizaje. La confiabilidad general fue excelente (α Cronbach= .98, ω McDonald = .98) y la de los seis factores, muy buena (α Cronbach =.88-.95, ω McDonald = .78-.94). La invarianza de medición se sostuvo para sexo del docente, fecha, semestre, curso, campo clínico, y duración de la rotación. Todas estas variables mostraron ser fuentes de heterogeneidad poblacional.

Conclusiones: MEDUC30 es un instrumento en español válido y confiable para proveer retroalimentación a los docentes clínicos tanto de su efectividad docente general como de seis dominios educacionales específicos. Además, puede proporcionar información útil para jefes de programas y autoridades para mejorar la calidad de la docencia clínica.
Alan Bush, Modern Music, and the Cold War
Authors: Bullivant Joanna
Published: July 2017

The first major study of Alan Bush, this book provides new perspectives on twentieth-century music and communism. British communist, composer of politicised works, and friend of Soviet musicians, Bush proved to be 'a lightning rod' in the national musical culture. His radical vision for British music prompted serious reflections on aesthetics and the rights of artists to private political opinions, as well as influencing the development of state-sponsored music making in East Germany. Rejecting previous characterisations of Bush as political and musical Other, Joanna Bullivant traces his aesthetic project from its origins in the 1920s to its collapse in the 1970s, incorporating discussion of modernism, political song, music theory, opera, and Bush's response to the Soviet music crisis of 1948. Drawing on a wealth of archival sources, including recently released documents from MI5, this book constructs new perspectives on the 'cultural Cold War' through the lens of the individual artist.
Ethics in an Age of Surveillance
Authors: Henschke Adam
Published: July 2017

People increasingly live online, sharing publicly what might have once seemed private, but at the same time are enraged by extremes of government surveillance and the corresponding invasion into our private lives. In this enlightening work, Adam Henschke re-examines privacy and property in the age of surveillance in order to understand not only the importance of these social conventions, but also their moral relevance. By analyzing identity and information, and presenting a case for a relation between the two, he explains the moral importance of virtual identities and offers an ethically robust solution to design surveillance technologies. This book should be read by anyone interested in surveillance technology, new information technology more generally, and social concepts like privacy and property.
Consumer Preferences for Oyster Attributes: Field Experiments on Brand, Locality, and Growing Method
Authors: Kecinski Maik , Messer Kent D. , Knapp Lauren , Shirazi Yosef
Published: July 2017

Oyster aquaculture has experienced tremendous growth in the United States over the past decade, but little is known about consumer preferences for oysters. This study analyzed preferences for oysters with varied combinations of brands, production locations, and production methods (aquaculture vs. wild-caught) using dichotomous choice, revealed preference economic field experiments. Results suggest significant and distinct differences in behavior between first-time and regular oyster consumers. While infrequent oyster consumers were drawn to oysters labeled as wild-caught, experienced oyster consumers preferred oysters raised via aquaculture. These findings will be valuable for growers and policymakers who invest in aquaculture to improve surrounding ecosystems.
Ensemble statistics of a geometric glacier length model
Authors: Herla Florian , Roe Gerard H. , Marzeion Ben
Published: July 2017

A third-order linear glacier length model is used to analyze if the retreat of Hintereisferner in the Austrian Alps over the past 160 years is exceptional, or lies within the range of the natural variability inherent to a stationary climate. A detailed uncertainty analysis takes into account glacier geometry, model parameters and initial conditions. A Monte Carlo ensemble strengthens the result that the observed retreat cannot be explained by natural variability and therefore affirms regional climate change. Finally the observed temperature trend at Hintereisferner lies outside the range of natural variability from an ensemble of climate models, but is consistent with the modeled range of responses to anthropogenic forcing.
A Critical Analysis of Conditionalities in the Generalized System of Preferences
Authors: KISHORE PALLAVI
Published: July 2017

This article examines conditionalities in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in light of the European Communities – Conditions for the Granting of Tariff Preferences to Developing Countries (EC – Tariff Preferences) case at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The article largely undertakes this examination from the point of view of developing countries. It mainly examines the issue of discrimination in conditionalities since this was the principal question raised in the EC – Tariff Preferences case and makes suggestions regarding the regulation of conditionalities. In doing so, the article follows two trajectories: first, it makes suggestions for the WTO panels and Appellate Body, and, second, it makes suggestions for GSP donors, by analyzing the new European GSP + Scheme and by drawing inspiration from conditionalities in the loans granted by the World Bank.
Post-adenoidectomy quality of life in children with refractory chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Bettadahalli V , Chakravarti A
Published: July 2017

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate post-adenoidectomy quality of life in children with refractory chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods:

A prospective interventional study of children aged 4–12 years with chronic refractory rhinosinusitis was conducted. A total of 60 children completed follow up. Nasal endoscopy and non-contrast computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses were performed, and both symptoms and their effects on patient quality of life pre- and post-adenoidectomy were evaluated.

Results:

The most frequent symptoms were nasal obstruction, cough, fever and fatigue, which were experienced by 100 per cent, 90 per cent, 85 per cent and 81.7 per cent of children, respectively. Nasal endoscopy showed oedema and discharge were present in all children. A statistically significant post-operative improvement in sinus and nasal quality of life was seen in 53 children (88.3 per cent).

Conclusion:

Adenoidectomy is a simple, first-line surgical procedure for managing paediatric chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to maximal medical therapy and leads to an improved quality of life.
Collagen matrix as an inlay in endoscopic skull base reconstruction
Authors: Oakley G M , Christensen J M , Winder M , Jonker B P , Davidson A , Steel T , Teo C , Harvey R J
Published: July 2017

Background:

Multi-layer reconstruction has become standard in endoscopic skull base surgery. The inlay component used can vary among autografts, allografts, xenografts and synthetics, primarily based on surgeon preference. The short- and long-term outcomes of collagen matrix in skull base reconstruction are described.

Methods:

A case series of patients who underwent endoscopic skull base reconstruction with collagen matrix inlay were assessed. Immediate peri-operative outcomes (cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, ventriculitis, intracranial bleeding, epistaxis, seizures) and delayed complications (delayed healing, meningoencephalocele, prolapse of reconstruction, delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak, ascending meningitis) were examined.

Results:

Of 120 patients (51.0 ± 17.5 years, 41.7 per cent female), peri-operative complications totalled 12.7 per cent (cerebrospinal fluid leak, 3.3 per cent; meningitis, 3.3 per cent; other intracranial infections, 2.5 per cent; intracranial bleeding, 1.7 per cent; epistaxis, 1.7 per cent; and seizures, 0 per cent). Delayed complications did not occur in any patients.

Conclusion:

Collagen matrix is an effective inlay material. It provides robust long-term separation between sinus and cranial cavities, and avoids donor site morbidity, but carries additional cost.