bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of a versatile BiFC ORFeome library for analyzing protein–protein interactions in live Drosophila
Authors: Bischof Johannes , Duffraisse Marilyne , Furger Edy , Ajuria Leiore , Giraud Guillaume , Vanderperre Solene , Paul Rachel , Björklund Mikael , Ahr Damien , Ahmed Alexis W , Spinelli Lionel , Brun Christine , Basler Konrad , Merabet Samir
Published: September 2018

Transcription factors achieve specificity by establishing intricate interaction networks that will change depending on the cell context. Capturing these interactions in live condition is however a challenging issue that requires sensitive and non-invasive methods.

We present a set of fly lines, called ‘multicolor BiFC library’, which covers most of the Drosophila transcription factors for performing Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC). The multicolor BiFC library can be used to probe two different binary interactions simultaneously and is compatible for large-scale interaction screens. The library can also be coupled with established Drosophila genetic resources to analyze interactions in the developmentally relevant expression domain of each protein partner. We provide proof of principle experiments of these various applications, using Hox proteins in the live Drosophila embryo as a case study. Overall this novel collection of ready-to-use fly lines constitutes an unprecedented genetic toolbox for the identification and analysis of protein-protein interactions in vivo.
Perceived Value of a Skills Laboratory With Virtual Reality Simulator Training in Arthroscopy: A Survey of Orthopedic Surgery Residents
Authors: Keith Kevin , Hansen Danielle M. , Johannessen Molly Ann
Published: September 2018

Background

Arthroscopy is one of the most common procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons. Virtual reality (VR) simulation in general surgery residency training has been increasing over the past decade, but it has seen little use in the field of orthopedic surgery.

Objective

To determine osteopathic orthopedic surgery residents’ perceived value of having access to a VR simulator before performing an arthroscopic procedure on a live patient.

Methods

A survey was developed and sent to all US osteopathic orthopedic surgery residency programs to be disseminated to all of their current residents. The survey consisted of 12 questions, which included Likert-type scale responses and yes or no responses.

Results

Fifty-eight residents out of approximately 507 responded. Forty-one of 57 respondents (72%) were in year 1 of residency when they performed their first arthroscopy, and 53 of 57 (93%) were not very comfortable when they performed their first arthroscopy. With respect to VR simulator exposure, approximately 31of 51 (61%) reported no exposure to a VR simulator, and 40 of 50 (80%) reported that their program did not provide a skills laboratory where they could practice arthroscopy. Of 50 respondents, 37 (74%) believed that a skills laboratory was important, 28 (56%) believed that a resident should perform 1 to 10 arthroscopies in a skills laboratory before performing one in the operating room, 34 (60%) believed that skills acquired in a skills laboratory would transfer to the operating room, and 33 (66%) agreed that every residency program should provide a skills laboratory. However, 29 (58%) believed that a skills laboratory would not improve patient safety.

Conclusion

Osteopathic orthopedic surgery residents indicated that they would benefit from the addition of an arthroscopic skills laboratory with a VR simulator. Furthermore, they believed that the skills learned in the skills laboratory would transfer to the operating room and would increase their comfort level with the procedure.
Different environmental gradients affect different measures of snake β-diversity in the Amazon rainforests
Authors: de Fraga Rafael , Ferrão Miquéias , Stow Adam J. , Magnusson William E. , Lima Albertina P.
Published: September 2018

Mechanisms generating and maintaining biodiversity at regional scales may be evaluated by quantifying β-diversity along environmental gradients. Differences in assemblages result in biotic complementarities and redundancies among sites, which may be quantified through multi-dimensional approaches incorporating taxonomic β-diversity (TBD), functional β-diversity (FBD) and phylogenetic β-diversity (PBD). Here we test the hypothesis that snake TBD, FBD and PBD are influenced by environmental gradients, independently of geographic distance. The gradients tested are expected to affect snake assemblages indirectly, such as clay content in the soil determining primary production and height above the nearest drainage determining prey availability, or directly, such as percentage of tree cover determining availability of resting and nesting sites, and climate (temperature and precipitation) causing physiological filtering. We sampled snakes in 21 sampling plots, each covering five km2, distributed over 880 km in the central-southern Amazon Basin. We used dissimilarities between sampling sites to quantify TBD, FBD and PBD, which were response variables in multiple-linear-regression and redundancy analysis models. We show that patterns of snake community composition based on TBD, FBD and PBD are associated with environmental heterogeneity in the Amazon. Despite positive correlations between all β-diversity measures, TBD responded to different environmental gradients compared to FBD and PBD. Our findings suggest that multi-dimensional approaches are more informative for ecological studies and conservation actions compared to a single diversity measure.
Successful transplantation of guinea pig gut microbiota in mice and its effect on pneumonic plague sensitivity
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Zhengchao , Chang Yuxiao , Hou Fengyi , Huang Zongyu , Ni Han , Yang Ruifu , Bi Yujing
Published: September 2018

Microbiota-driven variations in the inflammatory response are predicted to regulate host responses to infection. Increasing evidence indicates that the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts have an intimate relationship with each other. Gut microbiota can influence lung immunity whereby gut-derived injurious factors can reach the lungs and systemic circulation via the intestinal lymphatics. The intestinal microbiota’s ability to resist colonization can be extended to systemic infections or to pathogens infecting distant sites such as the lungs. Unlike the situation with large mammals, the microtusYersinia pestis201 strain exhibits strong virulence in mice, but nearly no virulence to large mammals (such as guinea pigs). Hence, to assess whether the intestinal microbiota from guinea pigs was able to affect the sensitivity of mice to challenge infection with theY. pestis201 strain, we fed mice with guinea pig diets for two months, after which they were administered 0.5 ml of guinea pig fecal suspension for 30 days by oral gavage. The stools from each mouse were collected on days 0, 15, and 30, DNA was extracted from them, and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to assess the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota. We found that the intestinal microbiota transplants from the guinea pigs were able to colonize the mouse intestines. The mice were then infected withYersinia pestis201 by lung invasion, but no statistical difference was found in the survival rates of the mice that were colonized with the guinea pig’s gut microbiota and the control mice. This indicates that the intestinal microbiota transplantation from the guinea pigs did not affect the sensitivity of the mice to pneumonic plague.
Designing a Person-Centred Care Pathway for People with Depression in Primary Care
Authors: Davidson Judith R. , Mazurka Raegan , Pinkerton David , Cassidy Laura
Published: September 2018

We created a person-centred care pathway for people with depression in a primary care team. An electronic form supported clinicians in assessing and documenting depression, accessing guidelines, making referrals and sharing the plan with the client. Assessment, documentation of depression, and referrals for cognitive behaviour therapy increased.
Periventricular nodular heterotopia in 22q11.2 deletion and frontal lobe migration
Authors: Rezazadeh Arezoo , Bercovici Eduard , Kiehl Tim‐Rasmus , Chow Eva W. , Krings Timo , Bassett Anne S. , Andrade Danielle M.
Published: September 2018

Objective

We aimed to delineate the distribution of periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) in patients with 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) and place this in the context of other genetic forms ofPNH.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed brain imaging and postmortem data available for adult patients with 22q11.2DS. We included only those with good qualityMRIdata (n = 29) in addition to two patients withPNHidentified through postmortem studies. We also reviewed the pattern ofPNHin all genetic conditions reported with this phenotype.

Results

Of the total seven patients (M = 4, F = 3; age: 19–61 years) identified to havePNH, six had a history of seizures, six had schizophrenia, six had variable levels of intellectual disability, and two had obsessive compulsive disorder. In all seven patients, the nodules were located over the dorsal pole of the frontal horn of the lateral ventricles. The nodules were small, noncontiguous, and ranged in number from 1 to 10 per individual. Our review identified 37 genetic conditions associated withPNH. With the cases reported here, 22q11.2DSbecomes the fifth most commonly reported genetic condition, and the third most common copy number variation, associated withPNH.

Interpretation

The neuropsychiatric manifestations in our patients withPNHsupport other data indicating abnormal neurodevelopment as part of the pathogenesis of 22q11.2DS.The location and cellular characteristics ofPNHin 22q11.2DSoverlaps with a group of migrating postnatal interneurons termed Arc cells, although more research is needed to confirm thatPNHin 22q11.2DSrepresents Arc cells arrested in their migratory pathway.
Manufacturing Technologies of Piezoelectric Components for Integration into Lightweight Structures
Authors: Hohlfeld Kai , Rhein Sebastian , Flössel Markus , Michaelis Alexander , Gebhardt Sylvia E.
Published: September 2018

Piezoelectric sensors and actuators have gained increasing interest in lightweight engineering for shape control, vibration damping, condition, and structural health monitoring. In combination with complementary control units, these adaptive structures become more relevant as cost‐effective technologies and mass production of suitable piezoelectric components are available. The authors investigate serial and cost‐effective fabrication of piezoceramic components and composites, which allow for direct integration into lightweight structures. To succeed functional integration, layout, structure, and composition of the piezoelectric components need to be adjusted to the lightweight material and to the constraints of the entire manufacturing process. Examples of robust piezoelectric components for integration into fiber‐reinforced plastics and light metal parts are given. Manufacturing, properties, and influence of structure integration on physical characteristics are described and discussed in detail.
Ultrabroad Photoemission from an Amorphous Solid by Topochemical Reduction
Authors: Cao Jiangkun , Xu Shanhui , Zhang Qinyuan , Yang Zhongmin , Peng Mingying
Published: September 2018

Wideband near‐infrared (NIR)‐emitting materials are of current interest due to their practical utilization in light sources and tunable fiber lasers for optical sensing, imaging, and amplification. Though massive research is devoted to exploring materials activated by rare‐earth ions, transition metals, and semiconductor nanocrystals, the pursuit of photonic materials with ultra‐wideband emission over an extremely wide wavelength range is still not satisfied, especially for transparent amorphous solids which are suitable for active‐fiber applications. Here, such NIR emission is realized via topochemical reduction of bismuth in an amorphous solid. Constructing a local reduction environment around Bi extends its NIR emission to abnormal 0.8–1.9 µm with an incomparable bandwidth of >650 nm, which fully covers the whole NIR region under a single wavelength excitation, that is, from the transparency windows of biological tissue over the technically essential low‐loss optical communication. Furthermore, it is experimentally shown that the same scenario can be reproduced in other typical glass systems. It is anticipated that this strategy should help fundamentally improve the optical performance of Bi‐doped glasses and contribute to exploring new photonic materials.
Origin of Improved Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting in Mixed Perovskite Oxides
Authors: Li Weiwei , Jiang Kai , Li Zhongguo , Gong Shijing , Hoye Robert L. Z. , Hu Zhigao , Song Yinglin , Tian Chuanmu , Kim Jongkyoung , Zhang Kelvin H. L. , Cho Seungho , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L.
Published: September 2018

Owing to the versatility in their chemical and physical properties, transition metal perovskite oxides have emerged as a new category of highly efficient photocatalysts for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Here, to understand the underlying mechanism for the enhanced PEC water splitting in mixed perovskites, ideal epitaxial thin films of the BiFeO3–SrTiO3 system are explored. The electronic structure and carrier dynamics are determined from both experiment and density‐functional theory calculations. The intrinsic phenomena are measured in this ideal system, contrasting to commonly studied polycrystalline solid solutions where extrinsic structural features obscure the intrinsic phenomena. It is determined that when SrTiO3 is added to BiFeO3 the conduction band minimum position is raised and an exponential tail of trap states from hybridized Ti 3d and Fe 3d orbitals emerges near the conduction band edge. The presence of these trap states strongly suppresses the fast electron–hole recombination and improves the photocurrent density in the visible‐light region, up to 16× at 0 VRHE compared to the pure end member compositions. This work provides a new design approach for optimizing the PEC performance in mixed perovksite oxides.
Resolving a Critical Instability in Perovskite Solar Cells by Designing a Scalable and Printable Carbon Based Electrode‐Interface Architecture
Authors: Mashhoun Sara , Hou Yi , Chen Haiwei , Tajabadi Fariba , Taghavinia Nima , Egelhaaf Hans‐Joachim , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: September 2018

Thin‐film solar cells based on hybrid organo‐halide lead perovskites achieve over 22% power conversion efficiency (PCE). A photovoltaic technology at such high performance is no longer limited by efficiency. Instead, lifetime and reliability become the decisive criteria for commercialization. This requires a standardized and scalable architecture which does fulfill all requirements for larger area solution processing. One of the most highly demanded technologies is a low temperature and printable conductive ink to substitute evaporated metal electrodes for the top contact. Importantly, that electrode technology must have higher environmental stability than, for instance, an evaporated silver (Ag) electrode. Herein, planar and entirely low‐temperature‐processed perovskite devices with a printed carbon top electrode are demonstrated. The carbon electrode shows superior photostability compared to reference devices with an evaporated Ag top electrode. As hole transport material, poly (3′hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) and copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN), two cost‐effective and commercially available p‐type semiconductors are identified to effectively replace the costlier 2,2′,7,7′‐Tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐4‐methoxyphenylamino)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐MeOTAD). While methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3)‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with an evaporated Ag electrode degrade within 100 h under simulated sunlight (AM 1.5), fully solution‐processed PSCs with printed carbon electrodes preserve more than 80% of their initial PCE after 1000 h of constant illumination.
Cold snare polypectomy vs cold forceps biopsy in endoscopic treatment of colonic small and diminutive polyps—Effectiveness and safety in the real world
Authors: Chien Nai‐Hsuan , Ni Min‐Hsiang , Huang Shih‐Hung , Lee Chia‐Long , Lee Hsin‐Chung , Hu Jui‐Ting , Lai Yung‐Chih , Hung Chih‐Sheng , Chiang Chi‐Kun , Shen Ming‐Hung , Tu Tien‐Chien , Chen Hsin‐Yu , Huang Ting‐Chun
Published: September 2018

The practice of colonoscopy is used to reduce the risk of colonic malignancy. Complete removal of polyps is required to prevent tumor recurrence and the development of potential interval cancers. However, it is difficult to completely remove the polyp that is more than 4 mm in size through cold forceps biopsy. Polypectomy with a cold snare has been increasingly utilized in recent years, which provides a chance of complete removal of the polyp. This study compares the effectiveness and safety between cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and cold forceps biopsy (CFB) in diminutive or small sessile polyp removal. Between August 2015 and June 2016, 164 consecutive patients with colorectal polyps <10 mm in size were enrolled into either the CSP or CFB group. Demographic data, the duration of colonoscopy withdrawal time, adverse events, and pathological reports were recorded. The primary outcome is complete polyp eradication histologically. The secondary outcomes include rates of adverse events and time taken for the procedures. Of 164 patients, 84 patients were in CSP group and 80 patients in CFB group. The CSP group comprised elder patients (P = 0.042), most of who were male (P = 0.359). There was no significant difference of indications for colonoscopy. The mean withdrawal time was significantly longer in the CSP group (12.5 ± 6.90 minutes vs 9.14 ± 5.45 minutes; P < 0.01). The mean polyp size was bigger in the CSP group (5.05 ± 2.72 mm vs 3.84 ± 1.52 mm, P < 0.05). Eighty‐nine (84.7%) adenomas, 13 (12.4%) hyperplastic polyps, and three other polyps (2.9%) were resected in the CSP group. No high‐grade dysplasia or malignancy was found. Pathological examination showed that 54 polyps were completely removed in CSP group. Thirteen polyps were not removed completely, and 38 polyps could not be surveyed due to tissue destruction during the procedure. In the CFB group, no polyps could be identified with complete removal. The complete histological polyp eradication rate is higher in the CSP group (51.4% vs 0%, P < 0.01). Under operator's discretion, 23 cases with 31 hemoclips were applied for bleeding prevention in the CSP group and only one in the CFB group. However, no further treatment requirement or delayed bleeding event was found in both groups. CSP is an effective method in small or diminutive polyps compared with CFB, and its safety is not inferior to CFB. Given these results and the high prevalence of such polyps, CSP is advocated as an alternate treatment.
Salvage nasoduodenal feeding for severely burned patients after the failure of nasogastric feeding: A medical center experience in a mass casualty burn disaster
Authors: Kung Chi‐Hao , Tseng Yu‐Chen , Dai Niann‐Tzyy , Chang Wei‐Kuo , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Lin Jung‐Chun
Published: September 2018

Patients with major burn injuries have increased energy requirements. Aggressive nutrition support is recommended following severe burn injury, and early feeding is an established part of the management of these patients. However, the optimal method of feeding is still being debated because nasogastric feeding is often unsuccessful. The question of whether nasoduodenal tube feeding can provide a salvage means of providing enteral nutrition has not yet been examined. The aim of this study was to assess the general outcomes and safety of nasoduodenal tube feeding for patients with severe burn injuries after unsuccessful nasogastric feeding. In June 2015, after a mass casualty incident involving multiple burn victims, we reported our experience of enteral feeding of patients with major burn injuries. Eight patients who had failed on nasogastric feeding, due to gastric stasis, were started on nasoduodenal feeding. Outcome variables included daily caloric intake and changes in serum albumin levels. The mean caloric intake increased from 1373 ± 628 kcal/d before the insertion of a prenasoduodenal tube to 2345 ± 415 kcal/d on day 7 postinsertion (P = 0.002). After converting to nasoduodenal feeding, no significant decrease in serum albumin levels (P = 0.235) was reported. There were no deaths. Nasoduodenal tube feeding should be considered for all patients with major burn injuries who cannot tolerate nasogastric tube feeding.
A rare case of gastrocolic fistula caused by benign gastric ulcer
Authors: Hong Tzu‐Chan , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Liou Jyh‐Ming
Published: September 2018

Gastrocolic fistula is recognized as a rare complication of malignancy or benign disease. The authors presented a case of an 84‐year‐old woman who had epigastric pain, feculence vomiting, and diarrhea soon after a meal after taking nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a year. Gastrocolic fistula was suspected under esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and confirmed by post‐barium meal‐computed tomography (CT) scan. However, the patient declined surgery and received medical treatment alone. She died of sepsis 1 month later. Gastrocolic fistula may be associated with anemia, malnutrition, and electrolytes imbalance in addition to the symptoms presented above. In summary, gastrocolic fistula should be considered in patients taking long‐term NSAIDs. Diagnostic tools includes standard barium enema, barium meal, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, and CT scan. Treatment options include surgery, medical treatment, or endoscopic interventions. However, the prognosis of gastrocolic fistula is poor without surgical management.
Differences in relationships of maternal and paternal age at childbirth with body fat distribution in offspring
Authors: Liang Jingjing , Guo Yangfeng , Dai Meixia , Xiao Qipeng , Cai Weili , Wei Yuanhuan , Amakye William Kwame , Jing Jin , Zhang Zheqing
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Although delayed parenthood has been linked to various adverse health outcomes in offspring, little attention has been given to the relationship between an increased parental age at childbirth and fat distribution in offspring. We aimed to determine the relationship between parental age at childbirth and body fat partitioning in Chinese children.

Methods

A total of 463 children (mean age, 8 years; 43% female) were recruited. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to determine the fat mass (FM) and percentage of fat mass (%FM) in various areas of the body. Weight and height were measured. The body mass index (BMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were calculated. A questionnaire was used to collect information about parental variables and other confounders.

Results

Multiple linear regression analyses suggested that for each additional year of maternal age at delivery, the BMI, FMI, and FM at whole‐body, trunk, android, gynoid, and appendicular region increased by 0.115 kg/m2, 0.076 kg/m2; 128.4 g, 57.71 g, 10.96 g, 25.07 g, and 67.88 g, respectively, after adjusting for covariates (P = .002–.017). In the analysis of covariance, children of mothers aged ≥31 years exhibited higher BMI, FMI, total‐body and segmental FM, compared to those of mothers aged ≤25 years (P‐trend = 0.002–0.017). Similar tendencies were also observed for the %FM (P‐trend = 0.002–0.017). However, there was no significant relationship between paternal age at childbirth and any of the body fat measures in children.

Conclusions

An increasing maternal age at childbirth was associated with increased body fat accumulation in offspring, whereas paternal age at childbirth appeared to have no such association.
Human pegivirus‐1 associated leukoencephalitis: Clinical and molecular features
Authors: Balcom Erin F. , Doan Matthew A.L. , Branton William G. , Jovel Juan , Blevins Gregg , Edguer Beste , Hobman Tom C. , Yacyshyn Elaine , Emery Derek , Box Adrian , van Landeghem Frank K.H. , Power Christopher
Published: September 2018

Etiologic diagnosis is uncertain in 35% to 50% of patients with encephalitis, despite its substantial global prevalence and disease burden. We report on 2 adult female patients with fatal leukoencephalitis associated with human pegivirus‐1 (HPgV‐1) brain infection. Neuroimaging showed inflammatory changes in cerebral white matter. Brain‐derived HPgV‐1 RNA sequences clustered phylogenetically with other pegiviruses despite an 87‐nucleotide deletion in the viral nonstructural (NS)2 gene. Neuropathology disclosed lymphocyte infiltration and gliosis predominantly in brain white matter. HPgV‐1 NS5A antigen was detected in lymphocytes as well as in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. HPgV‐1 neuroadaptation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive leukoencephalitis in humans. Ann Neurol 2018;84:789–795
Piezochromic Luminescence of Donor–Acceptor Cocrystals: Distinct Responses to Anisotropic Grinding and Isotropic Compression
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Zeng Qingxin , Zou Bo , Liu Yu , Xu Bin , Tian Wenjing
Published: September 2018

Piezochromic luminescent materials that exhibit distinct luminescence responses to different types of mechanical stresses have been emerging as new kinds of materials which are rarely investigated. Herein, we report a donor–acceptor (D–A) charge‐transfer (CT) cocrystal, which shows distinct hypochromatic and bathochromatic shifts upon anisotropic grinding and isotropic compression, respectively. Detailed spectroscopic and structural analyses revealed that the hypochromatic shifted emission under grinding is attributable to a structural reorganization from a loosely segregated‐stack to a mixed‐stack, while the bathochromatic shifted emission originates from the formation of a tighter packing structure. We present rare evidence of a distinct luminescent response to anisotropic grinding and isotropic compression on the basis of structural rearrangement in a D–A cocrystal, and thus enriches our insight into piezochromic luminescence.
Electroconductive materials based on carbon nanofibers and polyaniline
Authors: Rusen E. , Diacon A. , Damian C. , Gavrila R. , Dinescu A. , Dumitrescu A. , Zecheru T.
Published: September 2018

This study presents the synthesis of novel electroconductive materials based on carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The strategy used involves chemical functionalization with polyaniline (PANI) in one or in several successive stages. The other polymers utilized are poly(acrylic acid) and poly(glycidyl methacrylate). The obtained nanocomposite materials have been characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscope analyses. The arrangement of the polymers in relation to the CNFs was determined to be a critical aspect in determining the electric conductivity of the material. Thus, the straightforward modification of CNF with PANI resulted in the most interesting morphology (structural homogeneity), consisting of CNFs covered with a polymer sheath. This characteristic leads to an improved electric conductivity of 0.36 S/cm. The results open new opportunities for future uses of the synthesized materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46873.
Water‐immersion effect on radial crack initiation behavior in a fiber‐bundle‐reinforced epoxy cylinder with graphene in the interfacial region
Authors: Yang Kang , Yang Bin , Wang Jinling , He Liang , Wan Yun , Xuan Fu‐Zhen
Published: September 2018

The long‐term durability of polymer composites serviced under moist, high‐temperature conditions is a major concern in many industries. As an attempt, we filled 0.3 wt % graphene in a fiber–matrix interfacial region between glass fibers, carbon fibers, glass–carbon hybrid fibers, and epoxy resin to enhance the mechanical performance of the composites under water‐immersion conditions. The mass increment was recorded periodically while the specimens were immersed in 25 and 70°C water. Axial compression tests were carried out to investigate the initiation behavior of the interfacial radial microcracks after immersion. The results show that the equilibrium moisture content and permeability of the graphene‐filled interfaces were larger than that of the virgin specimens. The interfacial radial crack initial stress decreased sharply after immersion; however, the addition of graphene in the fiber–matrix interface help to decrease this tendency in 70°C water. The observed rough surfaces of the graphene‐coated fibers after breakage in the compression tests verified the feasibility of this method. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47080.
Some pyrazoles derivatives: Potent carbonic anhydrase, α‐glycosidase, and cholinesterase enzymes inhibitors
Authors: Turkan Fikret , Cetin Adnan , Taslimi Parham , Gulçin İlhami
Published: September 2018

A series of substituteed pyrazol‐4‐yl‐diazene derivatives were found to be effective inhibitors against α‐glycosidase, cytosolic carbonic anhydrase I and II isoforms (hCA I and II), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with Ki values in the range of 33.72 ± 7.93 to 90.56 ± 27.52 nM for α‐glycosidase, 1.06 ± 0.16 to 9.83 ± 0.74 nM for hCA I, 0.68 ± 0.12 to 7.16 ± 1.14 nM for hCA II, 44.66 ± 10.06 to 78.34 ± 17.83 nM for AChE, and 50.36 ± 13.88 to 88.36 ± 20.03 nM for BChE, respectively. Recently, inhibition of these metabolic enzymes has been considered as a promising factor for pharmacologic intervention in a diversity of disturbances, such as diabetes, glaucoma, obesity, epilepsy, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Preparation and Properties of a Polycyclic p‐Quinodimethane with Two Oxygen Bridges and its Radical Cation in Comparison with the Isomeric o‐Quinodimethane
Authors: Sato Chihiro , Suzuki Shuichi , Okada Keiji , Kozaki Masatoshi
Published: September 2018

We prepared an electron‐rich p‐quinodimethane compound, 2,9‐dibromo‐7,14‐dimesityl‐5,12‐dioxapentacene (1). The quinoidal character was clarified by bond‐length alternation in the central ring. Clear vibrational structures in both absorption and emission bands and small Stokes shift indicate the rigid dioxapentacene framework. The reversible redox waves of 1 were observed at +0.14 and +0.69 V vs. Fc+/Fc, respectively. The radical cation salt 1⋅+⋅SbF6− was successfully isolated and characterized by means of X‐ray structural analysis and ESR and UV/Vis‐near infrared absorption spectroscopies. The molecular structure and electronic properties of the neutral and radical cation species were compared to those of the isomeric o‐quinodimethane.
Impacts of El Niño–Southern Oscillation on heat waves in the Indochina peninsula
Authors: Lin Lijie , Chen Chongcheng , Luo Ming
Published: September 2018

This study examines the impacts of El Niño–Southern Oscillation on the frequency, duration, magnitude, and timing of heat waves (HWs) in the Indochina Peninsula during 1979–2017. It is found that preceding winter El Niño (La Niña) events prominently amplify (weaken) the HWs in most areas of Indochina by increasing (decreasing) the occurrence of HW events and the number of participating HW days, prolonging (shortening) the duration, and elevating (reducing) the amplitude of such events. These influences are even stronger for severe HWs (i.e., longest and hottest events) than for regular ones with average duration and intensity. Further examinations show that the atmospheric circulation during El Niño events is featured by a weakened Walker circulation that is characterized by an anomalously sinking motion over the western North Pacific (WNP) and Asia and a rising motion over the eastern tropical Pacific. The anomalous subsidence over WNP/Asia is accompanied by suppressed precipitation, and the WNP anticyclone is also enhanced and moves more westward. These patterns are in accordance with the atmospheric controls of HWs in Indochina, thereby favoring the occurrence and sustenance of HW events in the peninsula. La Niña event causes the mostly opposite changes of El Niño, thus inhibiting the HW activities in Indochina.
Reconsidering the Meaning of Concepts in Biology: Why Distinctions Are So Important
Authors: Kampourakis Kostas , Stern Florian
Published: September 2018

Concepts have a central and important place in science, therefore, it is important that their meanings are always made clear. However, such clarity does not always exist, even in the case of such fundamental biological concepts as “gene” and “adaptation.” A quick look at textbooks reveals that different meanings may be attributed to the same concept, even within the same textbook, without explicitly discussing the differences of those meanings. This can be misleading, and mask important conceptual differences. Therefore, the differences between the various meanings of the same concept should be discussed and explained in order for conceptual understanding to be achieved.
Methane Hydroxylation with Water as an Electron Donor under Light Irradiation in the Presence of Reconstituted Membranes Containing both Photosystem II and a Methane Monooxygenase
Authors: Ito Hidehiro , Kondo Ryuichi , Yoshimori Kosei , Kamachi Toshiaki
Published: September 2018

Methane/methanol conversion is one of the most important chemical reactions. Methane monooxygenases from methanotrophs are enzymes that catalyze methane/methanol conversion under mild conditions. Here we report the reconstitution of purified photosystem II (PSII) from Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP‐1 into the membrane fraction containing particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. Photoinduced hydroxylation of methane to methanol was successfully achieved by using the PSII‐reconstituted membrane containing pMMO under light irradiation. This result indicates that the sequential redox chain from PSII through the quinone pool to pMMO can be constructed and that water can serve as the electron donor for methane hydroxylation under irradiation with light. pMMO in the membrane fraction produced hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct when an electron donor was added for methane hydroxylation, whereas under light irradiation conditions the PSII‐reconstituted membrane containing pMMO did not generate hydrogen peroxide. Optimization of the electron‐transfer rate can easily be achieved with this system by tuning the light intensity.
Idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis treated with mycophenolate mofetil
Authors: Koratala Abhilash , Malpartida Freddy R. , Lee Loy Justin , Zeng Xu
Published: September 2018

Key Clinical Message

“Idiopathic” membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is rare compared to secondary forms and usually a progressive disease. Studies evaluating the role of steroids were primarily done in children, and the data are sparse in adults. Mycophenolate mofetil is effective and can be used as a steroid‐sparing agent in the treatment of idiopathicMPGN.
Gendered and racialized social expectations, barriers, and delayed breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Kim Sage J. , Glassgow Anne Elizabeth , Watson Karriem S. , Molina Yamile , Calhoun Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2018

Background

Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage of breast cancer in part due to barriers to timely screening mammography, resulting in poorer mortality and survival outcomes. Patient navigation that helps to overcome barriers to the early detection of breast cancer is an effective intervention for reducing breast cancer disparity. However, the ability to recognize and seek help to overcome barriers may be affected by gendered and racialized social expectations of women.

Methods

Data from a randomized controlled trial, the Patient Navigation in Medically Underserved Areas study, were used. The likelihood of obtaining a follow‐up screening mammogram was compared between women who identified ≥1 barriers and those who did not.

Results

Of the 3754 women who received the Patient Navigation in Medically Underserved Areas navigation intervention, approximately 14% identified ≥ 1 barriers, which led to additional navigator contacts. Consequently, those women who reported barriers were more likely to obtain a subsequent screening mammogram. Black women, women living in poverty, and women with a higher level of distrust were less likely to report barriers.

Conclusions

Minority women living in poverty have always been the source of social support for others. However, gendered and racialized social expectations may affect the ways in which women seek help for their own health needs. A way to improve the effectiveness of navigation would be to recognize how minority women's gender images and expectations could shape how they seek help and support. A report of no barriers does not always translate into no problems. Proactive approaches to identify potential barriers may be beneficial.
Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Tensor Coefficients of LiXTe2 (X = Al, Ga, In) Chalcopyrite Semiconductors
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Chandra Satish
Published: September 2018

Using solid‐state theory of plasma oscillations, simple relations are proposed for the calculation of the second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) tensor coefficients of LiXTe2 (X = Al, Ga, In) semiconductors. The values of bond lengths, energy gaps, dielectric constant, and NLO tensor coefficients of Li–Te and X–Te bonds and their total contribution to LiXTe2 compounds are calculated at zero frequency. The calculated results are in reasonable agreement with the known and reported results.
Nitrogen enrichment alters nutrient resorption and exacerbates phosphorus limitation in the desert shrub Artemisia ordosica
Authors: Zheng Jing , She Weiwei , Zhang Yuqing , Bai Yuxuan , Qin Shugao , Wu Bin
Published: September 2018

Increasing nitrogen (N) deposition and precipitation are major drivers of global changes that are expected to influence plant nutrient resorption in desert ecosystems, where plant growth is often nutrient and water limited. However, knowledge on the effects of increased N and precipitation on them remain poorly understood. This study determined the effects of increased N (ambient, 60 kg N ha−1 year−1) and water supply (ambient, +20%, +40%), and their combination on the leaf nutrient resorption of Artemisia ordosica, a dominant shrub in the Mu Us Desert of northern China. After 2 years of treatments, only N addition significantly decreased the N resorption efficiency of A. ordosica. Both N and water addition had no effect on the phosphorus (P) resorption efficiency of this shrub, and there were no interactive effects of N and water availability on shrub nutrient resorption. The responses of shrub leaf N:P ratio tended to saturate as soil available N:P increased. The aboveground net primary productivity of A. ordosica was positively correlated with leaf P resorption efficiency, rather than N resorption efficiency. Our results suggest that N addition exacerbated the P limitation of the shrub growth and played a more fundamental role than water addition in controlling the nutrient resorption process of the desert shrub A. ordosica. This information contributes to understand the relationship between nutrient conservation strategy and plant growth of desert shrub species under global environmental changes.
Value comparison between FRT and DVS functions on renewable energy
Authors: Jozuka Takeshi , Iriguchi Tsuyoshi , Komami Shintaro
Published: September 2018

Although FRT capability is claimed in Japanese grid code for RE, DVS capability is not. In some European countries, not only FRT but also DVS is claimed. Whether this choice of our grid code is pragmatically adequate or not? To answer the question, it is necessary to evaluate FRT and DVS capabilities. But the past studies only evaluated qualitative merit of FRT and DVS, or evaluated quantitative merit on fictional system models. Since the authors intend to evaluate FRT and DVS capabilities in existing power system of Japan, some method for the evaluation must be invented. For the evaluation, values of FRT and DVS capabilities are evaluated by reduction amount of stabilizing equipment (i.e. SVC in the paper). The evaluation based on strict optimal SVC disposition is quite difficult, because existing power system must be adequately modeled, because number of SVCs is large and because every power flow conditions must be considered. However, semi‐optimal SVC disposition can be calculated as shown in the paper. As the result, value of FRT is quite larger than value of DVS. And then, our grid code is proved as pragmatically adequate, except some flaw in claimed FRT design that is introduced in the paper.
A new dc‐bus‐voltage‐robust sensorless control for switched reluctance motors
Authors: Kamiyama Tatsuya , Yoshida Toshiya
Published: September 2018

This article describes a new sensorless control technique for switched reluctance motors. The proposed system injects voltage pulses into the two unexcited windings and observes their currents. Timing signals for commutating the inverter are generated by comparing these currents. Almost no predetermined parameters are required for system setup. In the experiments, the proposed drive system is verified at 1000 and 3000 min−1 under load. The system achieves acceptable commutation timing accuracy and provides robustness to dc‐link voltage ripple and to output torque.
Randomized double‐blind clinical studies of ularitide and other vasoactive substances in acute decompensated heart failure: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mitrovic Veselin , Forssmann Wolf‐Georg , Schnitker Jan , Felix Stephan B.
Published: September 2018

Aims

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. No direct comparisons between ularitide—a synthetic natriuretic peptide being evaluated in ADHF—and other vasoactive substances are available. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to determine haemodynamic effect sizes from randomized double‐blind trials in ADHF.

Methods and results

Eligible studies enrolled patients with ADHF requiring hospitalization and haemodynamic monitoring. Patients received 24–48 h of infusion with a vasoactive substance or comparator. Primary outcome measure was pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). Treatment effects were quantified as changes from baseline using mean differences between study drug and comparator. Results were analysed using random‐effects (primary analysis) and fixed‐effects meta‐analyses. Twelve randomized, double‐blind studies were identified with data after 3, 6, and 24 h of treatment (n = 622, 644, and 644, respectively). At 6 h, significant PAWP benefits for ularitide over placebo were seen (Hedges' g effect size, −0.979; P < 0.0001). On meta‐analysis, treatment difference between ularitide and pooled other agents was statistically significant (−0.501; P = 0.0303). Effect sizes were numerically higher with ularitide than other treatments at 3 and 24 h. After 6 h, a significant difference in effect size between ularitide and all other treatments was observed for right atrial pressure (Hedges' g, −0.797 for ularitide and −0.304 for other treatments; P = 0.0274).

Conclusions

After 6 h, ularitide demonstrated high effect sizes for PAWP and right atrial pressure. Improvements in these parameters were greater with ularitide vs. pooled data for other vasoactive drugs.
Glycosylation and metastases
Authors: Josic Djuro , Martinovic Tamara , Pavelic Kresimir
Published: September 2018

The change of cellular glycosylation is one of the key events in malignant transformation and neoplastic progression, and tumor‐related glycosylation alterations are promising targets in both tumor diagnosis and therapy. Both malignant transformation and neoplastic progression are the consequence of gene expression alterations and alterations in protein expression. Micro environmental factors such as extracellular matrix (ECM) also play an important role in their growth and metastasis. Tumor‐associated glycans are important biomarker candidates for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and analytical methods for their detection were developed recently. Glycoproteomics that use mass spectrometry for identification of cancer antigens and structural analysis of glycans play a key role in the investigation of changes of glycosylation during malignant transformation and tumor development and metastasis. Deep understanding of glycan remodeling in cancer and the role of glycosyltransferases that are involved in this process will require a detailed profiling of glycosylation patterns of tumor cells, and corresponding analytical methods for their detection were developed.
Pt Supported on Carbon‐coating Antimony Tin Oxide as Anode Catalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Yang D.‐H. , Sui X.‐L. , Zhao L. , Huang G.‐S. , Gu D.‐M. , Wang Z.‐B.
Published: September 2018

A qualified support material for Pt must has numerous deposition sites for Pt nanoparticles and great electrical conductivity. Metal oxide materials are potential support materials for Pt nanoparticles. However, they have less deposition sites for Pt and worse electronic conductivity than carbon. Carbon over the surface of metal oxide materials can improve the above shortage. In this paper, antimony tin oxide (ATO) coated by carbon layer has been successfully prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method (PECVD). PECVD can provide a brief approach to enwrap metal oxide with carbon at low temperatures. Besides, it becomes easier to control the amount of carbon by the PECVD to create much more two‐phase interface for Pt deposition. The carbon layer promotes the electronic conductivity of ATO and provides more deposition sites for platinum nanoparticles, which directly influence the size of Pt nanoparticles as well as the electrochemical active surface areas. The as‐prepared catalyst exhibits excellent activity for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), which is twice of that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Meanwhile, it has better stability than the commercial Pt/C.
Among Patients With NAFLD, Treatment of Dyslipidemia Does Not Reduce Cardiovascular Mortality
Authors: Shahab Omer , Biswas Rakesh , Paik James , Bush Haley , Golabi Pegah , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: September 2018

Dyslipidemia is one of the common risk factors for NAFLD and is associated with cardiovascular (CV) mortality, which is the most common cause of death in NAFLD. Lipid‐lowering agents (LLAs) are used to reduce CV events in the general population. Our aim was to assess whether the use of LLAs in patients with NAFLD can reduce the risk of CV mortality. We used the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey mortality linked files. Mortality was determined from the National Death Index records through 2011. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasound after exclusion of other causes of liver disease. After inclusion and exclusion, the cohort consisted of 2,566 patients with NAFLD (45.8% < 45 years of age, 52.8% male, 75.4% white). Those who were taking LLAs were more likely to be older, non‐Hispanic white, and had significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and history of CV disease (CVD) (all P< 0.01). In our multivariate analysis, DM was an independent predictor of overall mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40‐2.30]) and CV mortality (aHR: 1.89 [95% CI: 1.08‐3.30]). History of CVD was associated with both overall (aHR: 2.03 [95% CI: 1.57‐2.63]) and CV mortality (aHR: 3.69 [95% CI: 2.23‐6.08]). In contrast, the use of statins and other LLAs was not associated with reduction in overall (aHR = 0.95 [95% CI: 0.37‐2.44] and aHR = 1.43 [95% CI: 0.99‐2.07]) and CV mortality (aHR = 1.20 [95% CI: 0.26‐5.54] and aHR = 1.63 [95% CI: 0.70‐3.76]). Conclusion: The use of statins and other LLAs did not reduce the increased risk of overall or CV mortality in NAFLD.