bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population‐based birth defects data in the United States, 2010–2014: A focus on gastrointestinal defects
Authors: Lupo Philip J. , Isenburg Jennifer L. , Salemi Jason L. , Mai Cara T. , Liberman Rebecca F. , Canfield Mark A. , Copeland Glenn , Haight Sarah , Harpavat Sanjiv , Hoyt Adrienne T. , Moore Cynthia A. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Nguyen Hoang N. , Rutkowski Rachel E. , Steele Amy , Alverson C.J. , Stallings Erin B. , Kirby Russell S. ,   and The National Birth Defects Prevention Network
Published: November 2017

Background

Gastrointestinal defects are a phenotypically and etiologically diverse group of malformations. Despite their combined prevalence and clinical impact, little is known about the epidemiology of these birth defects. Therefore, the objective of the 2017 National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) data brief was to better describe the occurrence of gastrointestinal defects.

Methods

As part of the 2017 NBDPN annual report, 28 state programs provided additional data on gastrointestinal defects for the period 2010‐2014. Counts and prevalence estimates (per 10,000 live births) were calculated overall and by demographic characteristics for (1) biliary atresia; (2) esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula; (3) rectal and large intestinal atresia/stenosis; and (4) small intestinal atresia/stenosis. Additionally, we explored the frequency of these malformations co‐occurring with other structural birth defects.

Results

Pooling data from all participating registries, the prevalence estimates were: 0.7 per 10,000 live births for biliary atresia (713 cases); 2.3 per 10,000 live births for esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (2,472 cases); 4.2 per 10,000 live births for rectal and large intestinal atresia/stenosis (4,334 cases); and 3.4 per 10,000 live births for small intestinal atresia/stenosis (3,388 cases). Findings related to co‐occurring birth defects were especially notable for esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula, rectal and large intestinal atresia/stenosis, and small intestinal atresia/stenosis, where the median percentage of non‐isolated cases was 53.9%, 45.5%, and 50.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

These population‐based prevalence estimates confirm some previous studies, and provide a foundation for future epidemiologic studies of gastrointestinal defects. Exploring the genetic and environmental determinants of these malformations may yield new clues into their etiologies.
A comparison of two multicomponent treatment packages for food refusal
Authors: Alaimo Christina , Seiverling Laura , Anderson Kisha , Sturmey Peter
Published: November 2017

Food refusal is a severe feeding problem in which children refuse to eat all or most foods, which can be treated effectively using multicomponent intervention packages. This study compared two multicomponent treatment packages on food and drink consumption, inappropriate mealtime behavior, and total intake in a child with food refusal. Bite and drink consumption was consistently higher; inappropriate mealtime behavior was consistently lower; and total intake was greater when differential reinforcement of alternative behavior and escape extinction treatment were implemented compared to response cost, escape extinction, and differential reinforcement of alternative behavior.
Codeine is associated with poor prognosis in acute stroke
Authors: Ryste Stian T. , Engelsen Bernt A. , Naess Halvor
Published: November 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate how the use of analgesics, sleeping drugs, and sedatives relates to prognosis and complications in stroke patients in the acute care phase (≤48 hr) after a stroke.

Materials and Methods

Patients with ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attack were included. The study is based on gathering of data on medication from 921 patient records belonging to patients included in the Bergen NORSTROKE registry, 12.2009‐02.2012. In this database risk factors, stroke severity, etiology, and blood analyses were prospectively registered. We have retrospectively registered if patients received one drug or more from a list of analgesics, sleeping drugs, and sedatives within the first 48 hr after admission.

Results

In total, 921 patients were included in the study, 408 females and 513 males. Mean age was 71.0 years. In total, 101 patients were given sleeping drugs, 97 patients sedatives and 140 patients analgesics. Of the group given analgesics, 90 patients were given codeine‐containing analgesics. Logistic regression analyses showed that codeine‐containing analgesics were associated with an increased occurrence of pneumonia (OR = 3.8, p < .001), stroke worsening (OR = 2.7, p = .001), and a higher mRS‐score (OR = 2, p = .024) day 7. The study did not show any relation between poorer prognosis or increased occurrence of complications and the use of other analgesics, sedatives and/or sleeping drugs.

Conclusion

Use of codeine‐containing analgesics is associated with a poorer short‐term prognosis and an increased occurrence of complications in the acute phase after a stroke. The highly significant findings suggest that codeine has a negative effect on acute stroke patients. The study reflects exploratory analyses and prospective studies are necessary to determine the background of the association observed in our study.
Cortical morphology in patients with transient global amnesia
Authors: Kim Hyung Chan , Lee Byung In , Kim Sung Eun , Park Kang Min
Published: November 2017

Objective

This study evaluated alterations in cortical morphology in patients with transient global amnesia (TGA).

Materials and Methods

Diagnoses of TGA occurred at our hospital. Evaluation involved a structured interview to obtain clinical information and a brain magnetic resonance imaging scan. We analyzed whole‐brain T1‐weighted MRI data using FreeSurfer 5.1. Measures of cortical morphology, such as thickness, surface area, volume, and curvature were compared between patients with TGA and healthy controls. We also quantified the correlations between clinical variables and each measure of abnormal cortical morphology.

Results

Seventy patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to healthy controls, patients with TGA had significant alterations in cortical thickness in several regions of bilateral hemisphere. Moreover, several regions of cortical volumes in left hemisphere were significantly different between patients with TGA and healthy controls. In addition, there were significant correlations between the durations of episodes and cortical thickness, especially in the parietal cortex. However, there were no differences between groups in other measures of cortical morphology, including surface area and curvatures.

Conclusions

We observed significant alterations in cortical morphology in patients with TGA; these alterations are implicated in the pathogenesis of TGA.
Effects of belief in luck on the attractiveness of loyalty programmes
Authors: Ladeira Wagner Junior , Santini Fernando De Oliveira , Sampaio Claudio Hoffmann , Boeira Juan Pablo
Published: November 2017

The aim of this article is to demonstrate that the perception of belief in luck affects loyalty programmes, causing people making cognitive (affective) choices to feel more (less) attracted. To validate our hypotheses, we conducted 3 related experiments (2 laboratory tests and 1 in the field). We found that the perception of belief in luck (bad or good) affects the relationship between loyalty programmes and attractiveness (Study 1). We study this effect considering the mechanisms of points‐pressure and rewarded behaviour. Thereafter, we established that cognitive (affective) decisions promoted an increase (decrease) in attractiveness when consumers were exposed to continuous loyalty programmes because their belief in luck was lower (Studies 2 and 3). We believe that these changes occur because the consumer's belief in luck masks the uncertainty in the decision‐making process.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2017

Worldwide barriers to ADHD care

How long it takes to see if olanzapine is working for mania

2‐minute screeners for teen substance use disorders
Procedural trends, outcomes, and readmission rates pre‐and post‐FDA approval for MitraClip from the National Readmission Database (2013–14)
Authors: Panaich Sidakpal S. , Arora Shilpkumar , Badheka Apurva , Kumar Varun , Maor Elad , Raphael Claire , Deshmukh Abhishek , Reeder Guy , Eleid Mackram , Rihal Charanjit S.
Published: November 2017

Background

There are sparse clinical data on the procedural trends, outcomes and readmission rates following FDA approval and expansion of Transcatheter mitral valve repair/MitraClip®. Whether a complex new technology can be disseminated safely and quickly is controversial.

Methods

The study cohort was derived from the National Readmission Data (NRD) 2013–14. MitraClip® was identified using appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes. The primary outcome was a composite of in‐hospital mortality + procedural complications. Secondary outcome included 30‐day readmissions. Hierarchical two level logistic models were used to evaluate study outcomes.

Results

Our analysis included 2003 MitraClip® procedures. Overall in‐hospital mortality was 3.9%. As expected, there was a significant increase in procedural volume post‐FDA approval. Importantly, a corresponding downward trend in mortality and procedural complications was observed. Significant predictors of in‐hospital mortality and procedural complications included the use of vasopressors (P <0.001) and hemodynamic support (P < 0.001). Higher hospital volume (≥10 MitraClips/year) was associated with lower in‐hospital mortality and complications (P = 0.02). There were 304 (15.1%) 30‐day readmissions, with heart failure being the most common cause of readmission. Elective procedures had lower in‐hospital mortality (P < 0.001) and lower readmission rates (P = 0.011) compared with nonelective procedures.

Conclusion

A significant increase in MitraClip® procedural volumes occurred post‐FDA approval. Overall morbidity and mortality were low and trended downwards. Hospital procedure volume ≥10 cases were associated with lower mortality and overall complication rates. These data suggest a successful roll out of a very complex novel structural heart procedure.
Significant Enhancement of the Photoelectrochemical Activity of CuWO4 by using a Cobalt Phosphate Nanoscale Thin Film
Authors: Chen Shuai , Hossain M. Nur , Chen Aicheng
Published: November 2017

Nanostructured CuWO4 photoanodes were fabricated through a facile electrodeposition method, which was followed by annealing the sample at 500 °C for 2 h. The morphologies, crystalline structure, electronic states, optical behaviors, and photoelectrochemical characteristics of the CuWO4 nanomaterial were examined by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy, showing that the formed triclinic CuWO4 nanoparticles had an indirect band gap of 2.2 eV and strong response to visible light. The cobalt phosphate (CoPi) nanoscale thin film, which was used as a co‐catalyst, was electrodeposited on the CuWO4 surface. The photocurrent of the cobalt phosphate complex‐catalyzed CuWO4 electrodes exhibited an 86 % higher photocurrent response than that of the unmodified CuWO4 nanoparticles under the irradiation of one simulated sun (100 mW cm−2). The kinetics of this photoelectrochemical water splitting process was further investigated, and it was found that a more negative flat band potential and reduced charge transfer resistance were likely the primary reasons behind the enhancement.
Synthesis, Characterisation and Reactions of Truly Cationic NiI–Phosphine Complexes
Authors: Schwab Miriam Mareen , Himmel Daniel , Kacprzak Sylwia , Radtke Valentin , Kratzert Daniel , Weis Philippe , Wernet Melanie , Peter Andreas , Yassine Zeinab , Schmitz Dominik , Scheidt Ernst‐Wilhelm , Scherer Wolfgang , Weber Stefan , Feuerstein Wolfram , Breher Frank , Higelin Alexander , Krossing Ingo
Published: November 2017

The recently published purely metallo‐organic NiI salt [Ni(cod)2][Al(ORF)4] (1, cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, RF=C(CF3)3) provides a starting point for a new synthesis strategy leading to NiI phosphine complexes, replacing cod ligands by phosphines. Clearly visible colour changes indicate reactions within minutes, while quantum chemical calculations (PBE0‐D3(BJ)/def2‐TZVPP) approve exergonic reaction enthalpies in all performed ligand exchange reactions. Hence, [Ni(dppp)2][Al(ORF)4] (2, dppp=1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphino)propane), [Ni(dppe)2][Al(ORF)4] (3, dppe=1,3‐bis(diphenyl‐phosphino)ethane), three‐coordinate [Ni(PPh3)3][Al(ORF)4] (4) and a remarkable two‐coordinate NiI phosphine complex [Ni(PtBu3)2][Al(ORF)4] (5) were characterised by single crystal X‐ray structure analysis. EPR studies were performed, confirming a nickel d9‐configuration in complexes 2, 4 and 5. This result is supported by additional magnetization measurements of 4 and 5. Further investigations by cyclic voltammetry indicate relatively high oxidation potentials for these NiI compounds between 0.7 and 1.7 V versus Fc/Fc+. Screening reactions with O2 and CO gave first insights on the reaction behaviour of the NiI phosphine complexes towards small molecules with formation of mixed phosphine‐CO‐NiI complexes and oxidation processes yielding new NiI and/or NiII derivatives. Moreover, 4 reacted with CH2Cl2 at RT to give a dimeric NiII ylide complex (4 c). As CH2Cl2 is a rather stable alkyl halide with relatively high C−Cl bond energies, 4 appears to be a suitable reagent for more general C−Cl bond activation reactions.
Mutagenesis of Sequence Determinants of Truncated Porcine ALOX15 Induces Changes in the Reaction Specificity by Altering the Catalytic Mechanism of Initial Hydrogen Abstraction
Authors: Saura Patricia , Kaganer Ilya , Heydeck Dagmar , Lluch José M. , Kühn Hartmut , González‐Lafont Àngels
Published: November 2017

The reaction specificity of lipoxygenases is of physiological relevance since the various oxygenation products exhibit different biological activities. Among mammalian ALOX15 orthologs there are arachidonic acid 12‐ and 15‐lipoxygenating enzymes and recent studies suggested an evolutionary switch in that reaction specificity during late primate development. Previous reports showed that 12‐lipoxygenating ALOX15 orthologs can be converted to 15‐lipoxygenating enzymes by site‐directed mutagenesis of some sequence determinants. Unfortunately, the molecular basis for those alterations are not well understood. Here, the arachidonic acid 12‐lipoxygenating N‐terminal truncation variant of pig ALOX15, for which a crystal structure is available, was used to explore the catalytic mechanism of the specificity switch induced by mutagenesis of Val418 and Val419 sequence determinants. We found that Val418Ile+Val419Met double mutant is dominantly 15‐lipoxygenating. Docking and MD simulations, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations indicated that the wildtype energy barrier for arachidonic acid 15‐lipoxygenation is 3.4 kcal mol−1 higher than for 12‐lipoxygenation. In contrast, for the Val418Ile+Val419Met double mutant the energy barrier for 12‐lipoxygenation is 6.0 kcal mol−1 higher than for 15‐lipoxygenation. Our data suggest that enzyme–substrate complex geometries determine the value of these energy barriers and, as a consequence, the reaction specificity of ALOX15 orthologs.
Braking of a Light‐Driven Molecular Rotary Motor by Chemical Stimuli
Authors: van Leeuwen Thomas , Danowski Wojciech , Pizzolato Stefano F. , Štacko Peter , Wezenberg Sander J. , Feringa Ben L.
Published: November 2017

Artificial molecular motors hold great promise for application in responsive functional materials as well as to control the properties of biohybrid systems. Herein a strategy is reported to modulate the rotation of light‐driven molecular motors. That is, the rotary speed of a molecular motor, functionalized with a biphenol moiety, could be decreased in situ by non‐covalent substrate binding, as was established by 1H NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. These findings constitute an important step in the development of multi‐responsive molecular machinery.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Polypropionate Fragments based on a Building Block Assembly Strategy using Lithiation‐Borylation Methodologies
Authors: Millán Alba , Grigol Martinez Pablo D. , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: November 2017

Polypropionates are important structural motifs in nature and are commonly made by iterative aldol or crotylation methodologies. Herein, an alternative strategy is presented in which stereochemically predefined building blocks, bearing appropriate functionality, are coupled together using a lithiation‐borylation methodology with complete stereocontrol. The building blocks comprise lithiated carbamates acting as donors, and boronic esters acting as acceptors. The acceptor building blocks contain β‐hydroxyl groups masked as silyl groups to avoid elimination of the boronate intermediates. Subsequent oxidation of both the boron and silyl moieties can then deliver an array of polypropionate fragments with full stereochemical control, including the synthetically challenging anti‐anti isomers.
Voltage‐Controlled Switching of Strong Light–Matter Interactions using Liquid Crystals
Authors: Hertzog Manuel , Rudquist Per , Hutchison James A. , George Jino , Ebbesen Thomas W. , Börjesson Karl
Published: November 2017

We experimentally demonstrate a fine control over the coupling strength of vibrational light–matter hybrid states by controlling the orientation of a nematic liquid crystal. Through an external voltage, the liquid crystal is seamlessly switched between two orthogonal directions. Using these features, for the first time, we demonstrate electrical switching and increased Rabi splitting through transition dipole moment alignment. The C−Nstr vibration on the liquid crystal molecule is coupled to a cavity mode, and FT‐IR is used to probe the formed vibropolaritonic states. A switching ratio of the Rabi splitting of 1.78 is demonstrated between the parallel and the perpendicular orientation. Furthermore, the orientational order increases the Rabi splitting by 41 % as compared to an isotropic liquid. Finally, by examining the influence of molecular alignment on the Rabi splitting, the scalar product used in theoretical modeling between light and matter in the strong coupling regime is verified.
A chiral enantioseparation generic strategy for anti‐Alzheimer and antifungal drugs by short end injection capillary electrophoresis using an experimental design approach
Authors: Abdel‐Megied Ahmed M. , Hanafi Rasha S. , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: November 2017

The present study describes a generic strategy using capillary electrophoretic (CE) method for chiral enantioseparation of anti‐Alzheimer drugs, namely, donepezil (DON), rivastigmine (RIV), and antifungal drugs, namely, ketoconazole (KET), Itraconazole (ITR), fluconazole (FLU), and sertaconazole (SRT) in which these drugs have different basic and acidic properties. Several modified cyclodextrins (CDs) were applied for enantioseparation of racemates such as highly sulfated α, γ CDs, hydroxyl propyl‐β‐CD, and Sulfobutyl ether‐β‐CD. The starting screening conditions consist of 50‐mM phosphate‐triethanolamine buffer at pH 2.5, an applied voltage of 15 kV, and a temperature of 25°C. The CE strategy implemented in the separation starts by screening prior to the optimization stage in which an experimental design is applied. The design of experiment (DOE) was based on a full factorial design of the crucial two factors (pH and %CD) at three levels, to make a total of nine (32) experiments with high, intermediate, and low values for both factors. Evaluation of the proposed strategy pointed out that best resolution was obtained at pH 2.5 for five racemates using low percentages of HS‐γ‐CD, while SBE‐β‐CD was the most successful chiral selector offering acceptable resolution for all the six racemates, with the best separation at low pH values and at higher %CD within 10‐min runtime. Regression study showed that the linear model shows a significant lack of fit for all chiral selectors, anticipating that higher orders of the factors are most likely to be present in the equation with possible interactions.
Energy Storage for the Energy Transition: Salt Hydrate Based Low‐Temperature Latent Heat Storage
Authors: Rathgeber Christoph , Helm Martin , Hiebler Stefan
Published: November 2017

Latentwärmespeicher stellen nutzbare thermische Energie mit hoher Speicherdichte zur Verfügung. Für Anwendungen bis ca. 100 °C bieten sich als Speichermaterialien Salzhydrate an. Es wurde ein Latentwärmespeicher mit eingetauchtem Kapillarrohrwärmeübertrager entwickelt, um Salzhydrate langzeitstabil verwenden zu können. Dieses Konzept wurde zur Unterstützung der trockenen Rückkühlung von Sorptionskälteanlagen in solaren Klimatisierungssystemen sowie zur Gebäudekühlung über Flächenkühlsysteme eingesetzt. Derzeit werden neue Salzhydratmischungen für weitere energierelevante Anwendungen untersucht.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cyclization Reaction of o‐Haloanilines, CO2 and Isocyanides: Access to Quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Zhen , Li Honglin , Zeng Yang , Tao Xueyan , Lu Xiaobing
Published: November 2017

Quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones are core structural subunits frequently found in many biologically important compounds. The reaction of 2‐​aminobenzonitrile and CO2, which was frequently studied, only provided N3‐unsubstituted quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐dione compounds. Herein we report palladium‐catalyzed cyclization reactions of o‐haloanilines, CO2 and isocyanides to prepare N3‐substituted quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones. Electron‐rich o‐bromoanilines participated in the cyclization reaction using Cs2CO3 at high temperature, and electron‐deficient o‐bromoaniline or o‐iodoaniline substrates conducted the reaction using CsF as base to deliver corresponding quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐dione products in good yields.
Cipaferoids A–C, Three Limonoids Represent Two Different Scaffolds from Cipadessa baccifera
Authors: Yu Jinhai , Zhou Bin , Dalal Seema , Liu Qunfang , Cassera Maria B. , Yue Jianmin
Published: November 2017

Three limonoids cipaferoids A–C (1–3) representing two different scaffolds were isolated from Cipadessa baccifera. Their structures were completely assigned by spectroscopic data, CD exciton chirality method, and X‐ray crystallography. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited moderate antimalarial activity with IC50 values of 9.3±0.1 and 14.7±4.8 μmol•L–1, respectively.
Estimation of losses in strip and circular wire conductors of radiofrequency planar surface coil by using the finite element method
Authors: Giovannetti Giulio , Fontana Nunzia , Monorchio Agostino , Tosetti Michela , Tiberi Gianluigi
Published: November 2017

An accurate coil design is a fundamental task to maximize signal‐to‐noise ratio in magnetic resonance applications. Coil design techniques take advantage of computer simulations especially when coil size is comparable to the radiofrequency (RF) wavelength. In particular, the estimation of the losses within the conductors as well as the radiative losses, both as a function of frequency, is instrumental to a complete coil performance characterization. However, the cross‐sectional shape of the conductors strongly affects the radiofrequency coil's performance, especially at those frequencies where conductor losses represent the dominant power dissipation mechanism. Indeed, at radiofrequencies, the current flowing in the conductor is distributed in the proximity of its surface instead of being uniformly distributed over the cross section; it follows that an accurate conductor losses estimation can be performed only in the case of wire conductors by using analytical formulations. For strip conductors, although different theoretical approaches have been proposed in literature by taking into account the losses, no closed‐form expression for conductors resistance is available which takes into account both classical and lateral skin effects. In this work, finite element method (FEM) simulations have been performed for estimating conductor and radiative losses in planar surface loops made of strips and circular wires; the results have been compared against analytical formulations and literature data. Workbench tests performed on two circular coil prototypes, the first one constituted by a strip and the second one by circular wire conductors, tuned at 63.9 MHz and 127.8 MHz, showed a good agreement with FEM simulations.
Course and predictors of post‐traumatic stress disorder in a cohort of psychologically distressed patients with cancer: A 4‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Chan Caryn Mei Hsien , Ng Chong Guan , Taib Nur Aishah , Wee Lei Hum , Krupat Edward , Meyer Fremonta
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Scant evidence exists on the long‐term course of cancer‐related post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is among the few studies worldwide, and the first in the South‐East Asian region, to prospectively evaluate PTSD in patients with cancer using gold‐standard clinical interviews. The objective of the study was to assess the course and predictors of PTSD in adult patients with cancer in a South‐East Asian population.

METHODS

A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted in a cohort of 469 consecutively recruited patients (aged ≥18 years) with various cancer types within 1 month of diagnosis at a single oncology referral center. Only patients who had significant psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale total cutoff score ≥16) underwent the PTSD module of the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (SCID) at at 6‐months follow‐up. All patients completed the SCID at the 4‐year follow‐up assessment regardless of their initial Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score.

RESULTS

In an analysis combining patients who had both full and subsyndromal PTSD, there was a 21.7% incidence of PTSD at the 6‐month follow‐up assessment (n = 44 of 203 SCID‐interviewed patients), with rates dropping to 6.1% at the 4‐year follow‐up assessment (n = 15 of 245 SCID‐interviewed patients). Patients with breast cancer (compared with those who had other types of cancer) were 3.68 times less likely to develop PTSD at 6‐months, but not at 4‐years follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall rates of PTSD decreased with time, but one‐third of patients (34.1%) who were initially diagnosed had persistent or worsening PTSD 4 years later. There is a need for early identification of this subset of patients who have cancer with PTSD to design risk‐targeted interventions. Cancer 2018;124:406‐16. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity of p‐CuO/n‐CeO2‐Heterojunction‐Based Nanocomposites for Superoxide Determination: Influence of the Cu/Ce Ratio
Authors: Cai Xuan , Shi Libo , Zhao Hongli , Lan Minbo
Published: November 2017

The performance of electrochemical sensors is mainly limited by the intrinsic properties of electrocatalysts fabricated on the electrode. Introducing a p‐n heterojunction into semiconducing electrocatalysts is an effective strategy to enhance the sensing performance. In this paper, p‐n‐heterojunction‐based CuO/CeO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process, and the effect of different Cu/Ce molar ratios was explored. p‐CuO/n‐CeO2 was found to exhibit higher conductivity and electrocatalytic activity toward the target superoxide anion (O2.−) when compared to both bare CuO and CeO2. Characterization shows that different Cu/Ce ratios in p‐CuO/n‐CeO2 materials result in a considerable variation in the Ce3+/Ce4+ level, and energy band gap of CeO2, greatly affecting the electrochemical performance of p‐CuO/n‐CeO2. Under optimized conditions, these sensors exhibit high sensitivity and low detection limit toward O2.−. These results demonstrate that the performance of semiconductor‐based electrochemical sensors may be enhanced by the electron‐transfer process of p‐n junction interfaces.
Construction of Core‐Shell Ag@SiO2 Nanoarrays on Polystyrene Microspheres with Metal‐Enhanced Fluorescence Effect
Authors: Shen Xin , Shen Qianhong , Yu Yang , Zhang Fang , Cheng Di , Yang Hui
Published: November 2017

A micro‐nano structure with metal‐enhanced fluorescence (MEF) effect was constructed through a controllable assembly of the core‐shell Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles on polystyrene microspheres. Such a unique structure makes it possible to regulate the plasmon coupling of Ag nanoparticles by simply tailoring the size of the Ag core and the thickness of the SiO2 shell. The experimental and theoretical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of this micro‐nano structure in an MEF field, and thus provide an approach to fabricate Ag nanocomposite materials with high fluorescence enhancement factors.
Perspectives on the Current State of the Biosimilar Regulatory Pathway in the United States
Authors: Dougherty Michele K. , Zineh Issam , Christl Leah
Published: November 2017

The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCI Act) created an abbreviated licensure pathway in the United States that allows for the development and approval of biologic products shown to be biosimilar to or interchangeable with a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐licensed reference product (Table 1). Here we discuss implementation of the US biosimilar approval pathway and the role of various types of data, including clinical pharmacology data, in biosimilar development.
A microfabricated 96‐well wound‐healing assay
Authors: Luan Shaoliang , Hao Rui , Wei Yuanchen , Chen Deyong , Fan Beiyuan , Dong Fengliang , Guo Wei , Wang Junbo , Chen Jian
Published: November 2017

This article presents a microfabricated 96‐well wound‐healing assay enabling high‐throughput measurement of cellular migration capabilities. Within each well, the middle area is the wound region, made of microfabricated gold surface with self‐assembled PEG repellent for cell seeding. After the formation of a cellular confluent monolayer around the wound region, collagen solution was applied to form three‐dimensional matrix to cover the PEG surface, initiating the wound‐healing process. By interpreting the numbers of migrated cells into the wound regions as a function of specific stimuli with different concentrations, EC50 (half‐maximal effective concentration) was obtained. Using H1299 as a model, values of EC50 were quantified as 8% and 160 ng/ml for fetal bovine serum and CXCL12, respectively. In addition, the values of EC50 were demonstrated not to be affected by variations in compositions of extracellular matrix and geometries of wounds, which can thus be regarded as an intrinsic marker. Furthermore, the migration capabilities of a second cell type (HeLa) were characterized by the developed wound‐healing assay, producing EC50 of 2% when fetal bovine serum was used as the stimuli. These results validated the proposed high‐throughput wound‐healing assay, which may function as an enabling tool in studying cellular capabilities of migration and invasion. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Research on the dynamic effect of the intelligent urban experience to the tourists' two‐way internet word‐of‐mouth
Authors: Ma Te , Ding Feng
Published: November 2017

As the scene experience tourism enterprises develop rapidly in the market, more and more users begin to experience this type of tourism products in the tourism of affair at the beginning, but with the increase of the wisdom of the city experience popularity and user stickiness, more tourism enterprises get the opportunities. Early feedback of the wisdom of the city has become the effective way to get the reputation from other users through the user experience and earn a reputation at the same time; tourism enterprises have also been hurt by negative word‐of‐mouth users, and various contradictions become more and more apparent. Based on the previous literature, this paper studied the relationship between enterprises and tourism enterprises from Gu networking in the process of investigation, and the relationship among negative word‐of‐mouth users. In‐depth research and analysis were also done among the users through the dynamic relationship between evolutionary game theory and tourism scene experience. Quantitative research on evolution model in tourism enterprises and in the case of the external competition will investigate the negative reputation of the user, analyze negative word‐of‐mouth users and maintain positive word‐of‐mouth users, and give the corresponding countermeasures that the tourism enterprises should take, as things really play to verify efficacy and enterprise efficient user management to provide the reference. At the same time, whether the control of the measures is analyzed by the evolution of phase diagram, it defines the essence of tourism enterprises and the relationship among negative word‐of‐mouth competing users.
Achieve culture change to implement your strategic plan
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. — When officials at the University of Central Florida set out to create and implement their strategic plan, they wanted to leverage a quality that makes UCF distinctive: it's size. With 64,000 students, the institution offers that opportunity to “use the power of scale,” as the impact statement for the plan states. But at such a large institution, making sure faculty and staff members across campus understand the plan and their part in it can be a challenge.
Learn how to navigate the challenges of supervising difficult staff members
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2017

SAN ANTONIO — Inappropriate. Unprofessional. Toxic. Disrespectful. Irresponsible. You know how quickly a difficult staff member can poison a department, especially if you don't have adequate training and support.
ERPs reveal weaker effects of spelling on auditory rhyme decisions in children than in adults
Authors: Welcome Suzanne E. , Joanisse Marc F.
Published: November 2017

A classic finding in psycholinguistics is that orthographic form influences the processing of auditory words. The aim of the present study was to examine how reading experience changes this effect. Specifically, we tested the prediction that top‐down visual modulation of spoken word recognition is reduced in children compared to adults, owing to their reduced experience with print. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) were measured as 8–10‐year‐old children and adults made rhyme decisions about spoken word pairs that were either orthographically similar or dissimilar. When orthography did not conflict (e.g., throat‐boat), both age groups demonstrated a robust rhyme effect marked by greater N400 to no‐rhyme versus rhyme trials. For rhyming trials that differed in orthography (e.g., vote‐boat) and non‐rhyming trials that shared orthography (e.g., warm‐farm), adults showed more interference than children. Differences in orthographic interference suggest an extended developmental schedule for top‐down mechanisms in speech recognition.
In‐home salivary melatonin collection: Methodology for children and adolescents
Authors: Mandrell Belinda N. , Avent Yvonne , Walker Breya , Loew Megan , Tynes Brooklee Lightsey , Crabtree Valerie McLaughlin
Published: November 2017

In‐home salivary collection quality and adherence to a prescribed collection methodology for evaluation of dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) is unknown in children. Primary aims of this study were to 1) describe a novel family centered methodology for in‐home salivary collection; 2) determine the acceptance and feasibility of this methodology; 3) measure adherence to collection instructions; and 4) identify patterns between participants’ age and quality of samples collected. After receiving instructional handouts from the study team, families utilized in‐home salivary melatonin collection. Participants (N = 64) included 39 children (21 female, mean age 9.5 ± 1.61 years) and 25 adolescents (11 female, mean age 15.9 ± 2.12 years) with craniopharyngioma. Participants were 90% adherent to collection schedule, and 89% of the samples collected were of sufficient quantity and quality, with no differences found between age (child vs. adolescent) and melatonin sample quantity and quality. In‐home saliva collection provides an acceptable and feasible method to collect salivary melatonin and biomarkers in children and adolescents.
A case‐control study: The association of serum paraoxonase 1 activity and concentration with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Crow J. Allen , Meek Edward C. , Wills Robert W. , Chambers Janice E.
Published: November 2017

Background

A longitudinal study assessed serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and concentration as affected by age and as associated with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). PON1's recently established physiological function is the hydrolysis of lipolactones in oxidized LDL particles.

Methods

Serum samples and clinical data collected and stored at different time points over a 20‐year interval in the Air Force Health Study were analysed. PON1 activity and concentration and C‐reactive protein concentration in samples from the same individuals 20 years apart were compared using a paired t test (n = 159). A case‐control study design and multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the association of PON1's activity and concentration with the subsequent development of T2D (n = 222 and α = 0.10).

Results

No difference with age was found in PON1 activity assessed using 3 substrates, paraoxon (P = 0.897), phenyl acetate (P = 0.994), and dihydrocoumarin (P = 0.505), or PON1 serum concentration (P = 0.357). C‐reactive protein concentration increased 0.7 mg/L (P = 0.004) over the 20‐year interval. Lower PON1 activity assayed with phenyl acetate (P = 0.015, OR = 1.25 per 1000 U/L decrease) was associated with an increased risk of developing T2D as was a lower PON1 serum concentration (P = 0.004, OR = 1.72 per 2 μmol/L decrease). PON1 activity assayed with paraoxon (P = 0.681) or dihydrocoumarin (P = 0.136) was not associated with the development of T2D.

Conclusions

Lower PON1 activity and concentration were associated with an increased risk of developing T2D when adjusted for many of the common risk markers for T2D previously identified. Thus, PON1 may have merit as a biomarker for the development of T2D.
The China Plant Trait Database: toward a comprehensive regional compilation of functional traits for land plants
Authors: Wang Han , Harrison Sandy P. , Prentice Iain C. , Yang Yanzheng , Bai Fan , Togashi Henrique F. , Wang Meng , Zhou Shuangxi , Ni Jian
Published: November 2017

Plant functional traits provide information about adaptations to climate and environmental conditions, and can be used to explore the existence of alternative plant strategies within ecosystems. Trait data are also increasingly being used to provide parameter estimates for vegetation models. Here we present a new database of plant functional traits from China. Most global climate and vegetation types can be found in China, and thus the database is relevant for global modeling. The China Plant Trait Database contains information on morphometric, physical, chemical, and photosynthetic traits from 122 sites spanning the range from boreal to tropical, and from deserts and steppes through woodlands and forests, including montane vegetation. Data collection at each site was based either on sampling the dominant species or on a stratified sampling of each ecosystem layer. The database contains information on 1,215 unique species, though many species have been sampled at multiple sites. The original field identifications have been taxonomically standardized to the Flora of China. Similarly, derived photosynthetic traits, such as electron‐transport and carboxylation capacities, were calculated using a standardized method. To facilitate trait–environment analyses, the database also contains detailed climate and vegetation information for each site. The data set is released under a Creative Commons BY license. When using the data set, we kindly request that you cite this article, recognizing the hard work that went into collecting the data and the authors' willingness to make it publicly available.
Evaluation of Automatic Train Operation Design for Energy Saving Based on the Measured Efficiency of a Linear‐Motor Train
Authors: WATANABE SHOICHIRO , KOSEKI TAKAFUMI , ISOBE EISUKE
Published: November 2017

Recently, interest in energy savings in railway systems has been increasing because of its environment‐friendly aspects, for example, CO2 emissions. In this paper, the authors propose a scheduling and control system for automatic train operation (ATO) that saves energy. This research in ATO concentrates on the optimization of speed profiles to save energy. The differences in this system from previous work are substantiative experiments on the track and a design that explicitly considers the following energy‐saving operations. First, coasting is installed in speed profiles and maximum speed is decreased by jerk regulation. Second, power‐limiting braking is used in the braking section and regenerative energy is increased. To achieve this braking efficiency, notch operations are updated. Finally, second‐order scheduling is achieved by high speed control using ATO. For the experiments on the track, the efficiency of a linear‐motor train was measured in a pre‐experiment and used to perform accurate numerical calculations. In conclusion, the numerical study shows an energy efficiency increase by 7.3% and the plan for further experiments is determined.
Catalytic Asymmetric Reactions Involving the Seven‐Membered Cyclic Imine Moieties Present in Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepines
Authors: De Munck Lode , Vila Carlos , Pedro José R.
Published: November 2017

The dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine scaffold is a privileged structure in medicinal chemistry that displays a wide variety of biological and pharmacological activities. However, catalytic asymmetric methodologies for the synthesis of chiral dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine derivatives are scarce in the literature. This microreview presents an overview of enantioselective reactions in which these cyclic seven‐membered imines are used as electrophiles, including their substrate scope, limitations and application to the synthesis of related compounds.
Electrochemical Behavior of Stainless Steels for Sudomotor Dysfunction Applications
Authors: Calmet A. , Vejar N. , Gonzalez X. , Sancy M. , Ringuedé A. , Lair V. , Griveau S. , Zagal J.H. , Bedioui F. , Cassir M.
Published: November 2017

AISI 304L is used in SudoscanTM technology (Impeto Medical Inc.) for the early diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy caused by type‐2 diabetes or cystic fibrosis. In a recent paper, several substitute electrodes were analyzed, among which the biocompatible nickel‐free AISI 430 appeared as an interesting material. In the present work, we compare in details the electrochemical behavior of AISI 430 with respect to the reference AISI 304L, using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in mimetic electrolytic solutions of sweat. Apart of being cheaper than AISI 304L, AISI 430 has roughly similar characteristics but is slightly more sensitive to chloride ions concentration and, according to EIS and SEM analyses, forms a thicker, more homogeneous and protective oxide layer, which makes it a convenient electrode material.
Process Simulation and Energy Analysis of Chemical Looping Combustion and Chemical Looping with Oxygen Uncoupling for Sawdust Biomass
Authors: Kevat Mayur D. , Banerjee Tamal
Published: November 2017

The integral part of chemical looping combustion (CLC) and chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU) for solid fuels such as biomass consists of an interconnected fluidized air and fuel reactor. The heat recovery/loss in both reactors needs to be analyzed to commercialize these novel fuels based on CLC and CLOU processes. Here, complete process level modelling of CLC and CLOU process is attempted and explored using the ASPEN simulator with sawdust as the biomass. Initially, a benchmarking study of CLC is performed to validate the CO2, CO, and CH4 concentration in the fuel reactor and O2 and CO2 concentrations in the air reactor using 81.1 % Fe2O3 (oxygen carrier) as the reactive component. Thereafter energy analysis is carried out with sawdust biomass using the catalyst combination of 60 % Fe2O3−Al2O3 and 40 % CuO−ZrO2 for CLC and CLOU, respectively. In biomass, for CLOU a 51 % conversion is realized in the fuel reactor and 48 % is realized in the air reactor. The energy analysis gave a difference in energy output between CLC and CLOU of 43 Watts i.e., 201 Watts in CLOU and 158 Watts in CLC.
Young people with epilepsy have an increased risk of eating disorder and poor quality diet
Authors: Kolstad Eivind , Bjørk Marte , Gilhus Nils Erik , Alfstad Kristin , Clench‐Aas Jocelyn , Lossius Morten
Published: November 2017

Objective

To investigate whether adolescents with epilepsy are at increased risk of having self‐reported eating disorder symptoms and poor quality diet compared to young people from the general population.

Methods

We used data from the Health Profile for Children and Youth in Akershus Study, a cross‐sectional population‐based study based on a voluntary self‐reported questionnaire. There were 19,995 participants (response rate 85%) aged 13–19 years; 247 (1.2%) reported a lifetime diagnosis of epilepsy. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for eating disorders, unhealthy diet, dieting, satisfaction with looks, and participation in sports were estimated by using a logistic regression model. All estimates were adjusted for single parents and poor family economy.

Results

Children and adolescents with epilepsy had more eating disorders than their peers (OR 1.8, CI 1.0–3.0, p = 0.03). They were less satisfied with their own appearance (OR 0.7, CI 0.5–0.9, p = 0.02), and they eat more unhealthily (OR 1.7, CI 1.3–2.2, p = 0.001). Males with epilepsy were more likely to have been dieting (OR 3.1, CI 1.2–7.9, p = 0.02) and less satisfied with their own appearance (OR 0.4, CI 0.3–0.7, p < 0.001). Females with epilepsy were more likely to eat unhealthily (OR 1.7, CI 1.1–2.5, p = 0.01).

Significance

Adolescents with epilepsy are at increased risk of having eating disorder symptoms. They eat less healthily and are less satisfied with their looks. Health workers should be aware of this and bring diet and lifestyle into the dialogue with young people with epilepsy.
Experimental study of the effect of restraining rim design on the extreme behavior of pendulum sliding bearings
Authors: Bao Yu , Becker Tracy C. , Sone Takayuki , Hamaguchi Hiroki
Published: November 2017

While the performance of sliding isolators has been extensively validated under typical levels of ground motion, there have been very few experimental studies on the extreme behavior of sliding isolation bearings when the displacement limit is reached. However, to appropriately design isolated systems, from selecting the displacement capacity of the bearing to sizing the superstructure members, the behavior of the bearing as it reaches, and in some cases exceeds, the displacement limit should be well understood. A series of shake table tests to investigate the extreme behavior of double pendulum sliding bearings under strong ground motions were conducted at McMaster University. One major difference in sliding bearings around the world is how the motion of the bearing is restrained at the bearing's displacement capacity. Scaled bearings with four different types of restraining rim designs were included, representing typical sliding restraining rims found in Europe, Japan, and the United States. Experimental observation shows that the restraining rim has a significant influence on the extreme behavior of sliding isolation bearing. Key response parameters such as impact force and uplift are evaluated and compared between the different sliding bearing designs. While the bearing with no rim bearing imparts the lowest forces to the superstructure, it loses its functionality at a lower amplitude input than all the other rim types. For the other rim designs, the impact forces are significantly higher but they remained operational although damaged.