bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface heat exchanges in an estuarine tidal flat (Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina)
Authors: Beigt D , Piccolo MC , Perillo GME
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this article is to provide an analysis of the heat exchanges occurring at a tidal flat of the Bahía Blanca estuary (Argentina). Heat fluxes across the water-atmosphere and sediment-atmosphere interfaces (inundation and exposure, respectively) were studied. Data were collected at Puerto Cuatreros (located near the estuary's head) during one annual cycle (2003). Bulk aerodynamic formulas were used to estimate the radiative and turbulent fluxes from available meteorological data. Air, water and soil temperatures, as well as solar radiation were measured every 10 min. Soil temperature was recorded at three depths (0.05, 0.15 and 0.25 m). Meteorological data were obtained at 30-min intervals from the estuary's weather station located at Puerto Rosales. Atmospheric and tidal conditions regulated the heat exchanges. The most important heat fluxes in every season were net radiation and latent heat flux, reaching maximum values of 816 and 776 W m–2, respectively, after midday in summer. Tidal inundation affected the direction and magnitude of sensible and soil heat fluxes. During a cloudless summer day, nocturnal inundations heated the tidal flat sediment, causing an upward flow of sensible heat. A tidal inundation in the morning cooled the sediment and a downward flow of sensible heat developed (reaching –183 W m–2). Soil heat flux was rapidly reduced during the hours of inundation, becoming nearly zero. The estimated annual evaporation was 2127 mm.
An involvement of phospholipase A/acyltransferase family proteins in peroxisome regulation and plasmalogen metabolism
Authors: Uyama Toru , Tsuboi Kazuhito , Ueda Natsuo
Published: August 2017

The H‐Ras‐like suppressor (HRASLS) is a protein family consisting of five members in humans. Despite their discovery as tumor suppressors, we demonstrated that all these proteins are phospholipid‐metabolizing enzymes, such as phospholipase (PL) A1/A2 and acyltransferase. We thus proposed to rename HRASLS1–5 as PLA/acyltransferase (PLAAT)‐1–5. Notably, PLAATs exhibit N‐acyltransferase activity to biosynthesize N‐acylated ethanolamine phospholipids, including N‐acyl‐plasmalogen, which serve as precursors of bioactive N‐acylethanolamines. Furthermore, the overexpression of PLAAT‐3 in animal cells causes disappearance of peroxisomes and a remarkable reduction in plasmalogen levels. This finding might be related to the inhibitory effect of PLAAT‐3 on the chaperone activity of the peroxin PEX19. In this article, we will review our recent findings about PLAAT proteins, with special reference to their roles in peroxisome biogenesis and plasmalogen metabolism.
A framework for modeling connections between hydraulics, water surface roughness, and surface reflectance in open channel flows
Authors: Legleiter Carl J. , Mobley Curtis D. , Overstreet Brandon T.
Published: August 2017

This paper introduces a framework for examining connections between the flow field, the texture of the air‐water interface, and the reflectance of the water surface and thus evaluating the potential to infer hydraulic information from remotely sensed observations of surface reflectance. We used a spatial correlation model describing water surface topography to illustrate the application of our framework. Nondimensional relations between model parameters and flow intensity were established based on a prior flume study. Expressing the model in the spatial frequency domain allowed us to use an efficient Fourier transform‐based algorithm for simulating water surfaces. Realizations for both flume and field settings had water surface slope distributions positively correlated with velocity and water surface roughness. However, most surface facets were gently sloped and thus unlikely to yield strong specular reflections; the model exaggerated the extent of water surface features, leading to underestimation of facet slopes. A ray tracing algorithm indicated that reflectance was greatest when solar and view zenith angles were equal and the sensor scanned toward the Sun to capture specular reflections of the solar beam. Reflected energy was concentrated in a small portion of the sky, but rougher water surfaces reflected rays into a broader range of directions. Our framework facilitates flight planning to avoid surface‐reflected radiance while mapping other river attributes, or to maximize this component to exploit relationships between hydraulics and surface reflectance. This initial analysis also highlighted the need for improved models of water surface topography in natural rivers.
Ionosphere‐thermosphere energy budgets for the ICME storms of March 2013 and 2015 estimated with GITM and observational proxies
Authors: Verkhoglyadova O. P. , Meng X. , Mannucci A. J. , Mlynczak M. G. , Hunt L. A. , Lu G.
Published: August 2017

The ionosphere‐thermosphere (IT) energy partitioning for the interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) storms of 16–19 March 2013 and 2015 is estimated with the Global Ionosphere‐Thermosphere Model (GITM), empirical models and proxies derived from in situ measurements. We focus on auroral heating, Joule heating, and thermospheric cooling. Solar wind data, F10.7, OVATION Prime model and the Weimer 2005 model are used to drive GITM from above. Thermospheric nitric oxide and carbon dioxide cooling emission powers and fluxes are estimated from TIMED/SABER measurements. Assimilative mapping of ionospheric electrodynamics (AMIE) estimations of hemispheric power and Joule heating are presented, based on data from global magnetometers, the AMPERE magnetic field data, SSUSI auroral images, and the SuperDARN radar network. Modeled Joule heating and auroral heating of the IT system are mostly controlled by external driving in the March 2013 and 2015 storms, while NO cooling persists into the storm recovery phase. The total heating in the model is about 1000 GW to 3000 GW. Additionally, we intercompare contributions in selected energy channels for five coronal mass ejection‐type storms modeled with GITM. Modeled auroral heating shows reasonable agreement with AMIE hemispheric power and is higher than other observational proxies. Joule heating and infrared cooling are likely underestimated in GITM. We discuss challenges and discrepancies in estimating and global modeling of the IT energy partitioning, especially Joule heating, during geomagnetic storms.
Tectonics of the central Swiss Molasse Basin: Post‐Miocene transition to incipient thick‐skinned tectonics?
Authors: Mock Samuel , Herwegh Marco
Published: August 2017

In this paper we investigate the tectonics of the central Swiss Molasse Basin (SMB), situated between the central European Alps and the Jura fold‐and‐thrust belt. Based on (re)interpreted 2‐D reflection seismic data and geological 3‐D modeling, we present new insights into the structural configuration and evolution of the central SMB. During the thin‐skinned, main deformation phase of the Jura fold‐and‐thrust belt (~12–4 Ma), the central SMB was riding passively above a major detachment horizon within Triassic evaporites, which roots beneath the External Crystalline Massifs of the Central Alps. In the SMB, low‐amplitude detachment folds and detachment‐rooted WSW‐ENE striking thrust and reverse faults are related to this event. Younger, major NNE‐SSW and NNW‐SSE trending strike‐slip fault zones cross the basin over a length of several kilometers, affecting the Cenozoic and Mesozoic cover units and extending into the pre‐Mesozoic crystalline basement. In cases, the fault zones apparently reactivate inherited, Permo‐Carboniferous trough (PCT) bounding, Paleozoic normal faults. Seismic data further reveal mild inversion of WSW‐ENE striking PCTs. These structures clearly cut the basement‐cover contact, thus postdating the main deformation phase of the Jura fold‐and‐thrust belt. Present‐day earthquake focal mechanisms and epicenter distribution show strike‐slip faulting and basement‐seated seismicity, respectively, thus corroborating our observations from seismic interpretation. Our data suggest a change from late Miocene thin‐skinned to Pliocene to present‐day incipient thick‐skinned tectonics. This major change reflects the establishment of a midcrustal detachment and may be related to changes in slab dynamics of the subducting European lithosphere.
The Potential of Liquid Marbles for Biomedical Applications: A Critical Review
Authors: Oliveira Nuno M. , Reis Rui L. , Mano João F.
Published: August 2017

Liquid marbles (LM) are freestanding droplets covered by micro/nanoparticles with hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties, which can be manipulated as a soft solid. The phenomenon that generates these soft structures is regarded as a different method to generate a superhydrophobic behavior in the liquid/solid interface without modifying the surface. Several applications for the LM have been reported in very different fields, however the developments for biomedical applications are very recent. At first, the LM properties are reviewed, namely shell structure, LM shape, evaporation, floatability and robustness. The different strategies for LM manipulation are also described, which make use of magnetic, electrostatic and gravitational forces, ultraviolet and infrared radiation, and approaches that induce LM self‐propulsion. Then, very distinctive applications for LM in the biomedical field are presented, namely for diagnostic assays, cell culture, drug screening and cryopreservation of mammalian cells. Finally, a critical outlook about the unexplored potential of LM for biomedical applications is presented, suggesting possible advances on this emergent scientific area.
Bioinspired Energy Conversion in Nanofluidics: A Paradigm of Material Evolution
Authors: Feng Yaping , Zhu Weiwei , Guo Wei , Jiang Lei
Published: August 2017

Well‐developed structure–function relationships in living systems have become inspirations for the design and application of innovative materials. Building artificial nanofluidic systems for energy conversion undergoes three essential steps of structural and functional development with the uptake of separate biological inspirations. This research field started from the mimicking of the bioelectric function of electric eels, wherein a transmembrane ion concentration gradient is converted into ultrastrong electrical impulses via membrane‐protein‐regulated ion transport. On a small scale, solid‐state nanopores are transformed from cylindrical to cone‐shaped to acquire asymmetric ion‐transport properties; they also further gain versatile responsiveness via chemical modification. These features mimic the rectifying and gating functions of the biological ion channels. Toward large‐scale integration and real‐world applications, the structure of the nanofluidic system evolves from a one‐dimensional straight‐channel to a two‐dimensional layered membrane, inspired by the layered microstructure of nacre. The research progress, current challenges, and future perspectives of this growing field are highlighted and discussed from the viewpoint of material evolution.
Funnel‐Shaped Microstructures for Strong Reversible Adhesion
Authors: Fischer Sarah C. L. , Groß Katja , Torrents Abad Oscar , Becker Michael M. , Park Euiyoung , Hensel René , Arzt Eduard
Published: August 2017

The potential of a new design of adhesive microstructures in the micrometer range for enhanced dry adhesion is investigated. Using a two‐photon lithography system, complex 3D master structures of funnel‐shaped microstructures are fabricated for replication into poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate polymer. The diameter, the flap thickness, and the opening angle of the structures are varied systematically. The adhesion of single structures is characterized using a triboindenter system equipped with a flat diamond punch. The pull‐off stresses obtained reaches values up to 5.6 MPa, which is higher than any values reported in literature for artificial dry adhesives. Experimental and numerical results suggest a characteristic attachment mechanism that leads to intimate contact formation from the edges toward the center of the structures. van der Waals interactions most likely dominate the adhesion, while contributions by suction or capillarity play only a minor role. Funnel‐shaped microstructures are a promising concept for strong and reversible adhesives, applicable in novel pick and place handling systems or wall‐walking robots.
Gender and survival in essential thrombocythemia: A two‐center study of 1,494 patients
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew , Betti Silvia , Barraco Daniela , Mudireddy Mythri , Shah Sahrish , Hanson Curtis A. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Pardanani Animesh , Gangat Naseema , Coltro Giacomo , Guglielmelli Paola , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: August 2017

Based on suggestive information from recent epidemiologic data and earlier retrospective studies, we revisited the effect of gender on survival in 1,494 patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). The primary study population included 904 patients from the Mayo Clinic (median age 58 years; 65% females); risk distribution, according to the international prognostic score for ET (IPSET), was 23% high, 42% intermediate and 35% low. Multivariable analysis that included IPSET‐relevant risk factors identified male sex (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3‐2.0), age ≥60 years (HR 4.3, 95% CI 3.4‐5.4) and leukocyte count ≥11 × 10(9)/L (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3‐1.9) as independent predictors of shortened survival. These findings were confirmed by analysis of a separate cohort of 590 ET patients (65% females) from the University of Florence, Italy, with corresponding HRs (95% CI) of 1.6 (1.1‐2.5), 4.6 (2.2‐9.5) and 1.8 (1.1‐2.8). The independent prognostic effect of gender was further corroborated by a separate multivariable analysis against IPSET risk categories; HR (95% CI) for the Mayo Clinic/Florence cohorts were 1.5/1.6 (1.2/1.1‐1.8/2.5) for male sex, 6.8/7.5 (5.0/3.1‐9.3/18.3) for IPSET high risk and 2.8/4.1 (2.1/1.8‐3.8/9.5) for IPSET intermediate risk. Furthermore, the survival disadvantage in men was most apparent in IPSET high risk category and in patients older than 60 years. In both patient cohorts, thrombosis history garnered significance in univariate, but not in multivariable analysis. The observations from the current study suggest that women with ET live longer than their male counterparts and that gender might supersede thrombosis history as a risk variable for overall survival.
Allyl‐Palladium‐Catalyzed α,β‐Dehydrogenation of Carboxylic Acids via Enediolates
Authors: Zhao Yizhou , Chen Yifeng , Newhouse Timothy R.
Published: August 2017

A highly practical and step‐economic α,β‐dehydrogenation of carboxylic acids via enediolates is reported through the use of allyl‐palladium catalysis. Dianions underwent smooth dehydrogenation when generated using Zn(TMP)2⋅2 LiCl as a base in the presence of excess ZnCl2, thus avoiding the typical decarboxylation pathway of these substrates. Direct access to 2‐enoic acids allows derivatization by numerous approaches.
Tuning the Structure of Platinum Particles on Ceria In Situ for Enhancing the Catalytic Performance of Exhaust Gas Catalysts
Authors: Gänzler Andreas M. , Casapu Maria , Vernoux Philippe , Loridant Stéphane , Cadete Santos Aires Francisco J. , Epicier Thierry , Betz Benjamin , Hoyer Rüdiger , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk
Published: August 2017

A dynamic structural behavior of Pt nanoparticles on the ceria surface under reducing/oxidizing conditions was found at moderate temperatures (<500 °C) and exploited to enhance the catalytic activity of Pt/CeO2‐based exhaust gas catalysts. Redispersion of platinum in an oxidizing atmosphere already occurred at 400 °C. A protocol with reducing pulses at 250–400 °C was applied in a subsequent step for controlled Pt‐particle formation. Operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy unraveled the different extent of reduction and sintering of Pt particles: The choice of the reductant allowed the tuning of the reduction degree/particle size and thus the catalytic activity (CO>H2>C3H6). This dynamic nature of Pt on ceria at such low temperatures (250–500 °C) was additionally confirmed by in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy. A general concept is proposed to adjust the noble metal dispersion (size, structure), for example, during operation of an exhaust gas catalyst.
Perfluoroaryl Azide Staudinger Reaction: A Fast and Bioorthogonal Reaction
Authors: Sundhoro Madanodaya , Jeon Seaho , Park Jaehyeung , Ramström Olof , Yan Mingdi
Published: August 2017

We report a fast Staudinger reaction between perfluoroaryl azides (PFAAs) and aryl phosphines, which occurs readily under ambient conditions. A rate constant as high as 18 m−1 s−1 was obtained between methyl 4‐azido‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorobenzoate and methyl 2‐(diphenylphosphanyl)benzoate in CD3CN/D2O. Furthermore, the iminophosphorane product was stable toward hydrolysis and aza‐phosphonium ylide reactions. This PFAA Staudinger reaction proved to be an excellent bioothorgonal reaction. PFAA‐derivatized mannosamine and galactosamine were successfully transformed into cell‐surface glycans and efficiently labeled with phosphine‐derivatized fluorophore‐conjugated bovine serum albumin.
Transforming Olefins into γ,δ‐Unsaturated Nitriles through Copper Catalysis
Authors: Wu Xuesong , Riedel Jan , Dong Vy M.
Published: August 2017

We have developed a strategy to transform olefins into homoallylic nitriles through a mechanism that combines copper catalysis with alkyl nitrile radicals. The radicals are easily generated from alkyl nitriles in the presence of the mild oxidant di‐tert‐butyl peroxide. This cross‐dehydrogenative coupling between simple olefins and alkylnitriles bears advantages over the conventional use of halides and toxic cyanide reagents. With this method, we showcase the facile synthesis of a flavoring agent, a natural product, and a polymer precursor from simple olefins.
Characterization of crystalline structure and free volume of polyamide 6/nitrile rubber elastomer thermoplastic vulcanizates: Effect of the processing additives
Authors: Gomes Ana Catarina de O. , Soares Bluma G. , Oliveira Marcia G. , Machado José C. , Windmöller Dario , Paranhos Caio M.
Published: August 2017

Blends of polyamide 6 and nitrile rubber (PA6/NBR) dynamically vulcanized may generate innovative products for special purposes where both high temperature and chemical resistance are key factors. In this investigation, we show that the crystalline nature of the PA6 can be controlled in terms of its morphological aspects (degree of crystallinity, crystal size, and structure) as a consequence of the presence of NBR and processing additives. Our results indicate that this crystalline control is dependent on the plasticization caused by the processing additives. Furthermore, imide‐like linkage formation was favored in the presence of ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate (EVA)‐g‐maleic anhydride, resulting in changes in the molecular mobility of the PA6 matrix, crystallization parameters, and viscoelastic properties when compared to the others EVA additives. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45576.
Self‐assembled amphiphilic poly‐N‐vinylpyrrolidone nanoparticles as carriers for hydrophobic drugs: Stability aspects
Authors: Kuskov Andrey N. , Kulikov Pavel P. , Goryachaya Anastasia V. , Tzatzarakis Manolis N. , Tsatsakis Aristidis M. , Velonia Kelly , Shtilman Mikhail I.
Published: August 2017

Nanoparticles can experience numerous impacts during storage or after intravenous administration resulting in disassembly and/or drug leakage and affecting their efficiency as drug delivery systems. In this study, this crucial issue was addressed by investigating the stability of amphiphilic poly‐N‐vinylpyrrolidone derivative nanocarriers in blood serum, against destabilizing agents and during long‐term storage. All amphiphilic poly‐N‐vinylpyrrolidone derivative nanoparticles prepared in this study were found to possess sizes less than 150 nm, narrow size distribution, spherical morphology, and a slightly negative surface charge. These nanoparticles could efficiently entrap hydrophobic substances (pyrene and curcumin) while retaining excellent compatibility with red blood cells. Moreover, our studies demonstrate the stability of the nanoparticles during long‐term storage and upon dilution with body liquids enhancing their potential as stable in vivo carriers, which is critically important for intravenous drug delivery applications. All properties were found to strongly depend on the ratio between the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic moiety of the polymers under study. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45637.
Correlation between connexin and traumatic brain injury in patients
Authors: Chen Bonian , Sun Liwei , Wu Xiaozhe , Ma Jun
Published: August 2017

Background

Identification of molecular alterations of damaged tissue in patients with neurological disorders can provide novel insight and potential therapeutic target for treatment of the diseases. It has been suggested by animal studies that connexins (CXs), a family of gap junction proteins, could contribute to neuronal cell death and associate with neurological deficits during trauma‐induced damage. Nevertheless, whether specific CXs are involved in traumatic brain injury (TBI) has remained unexplored in human patients.

Methods

In a clinical setting, we performed a correlation study of 131 TBI patients who received brain surgery. CXs (including CX40, CX43, and CX45) were examined in the harvested brain tissues for studying the relationships with the Glasgow Coma Scale scores of the patients.

Results

Specifically, the protein levels of CX43 (negatively) and CX40 (positively) are associated with the extent of disease severity. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation status of CX43 was strongly associated with the severe TBI patients who contain relatively high kinase activities of PKC (protein kinase C) and MAPK (mitogen‐activated protein kinase), two possible activators for CX43 phosphorylation.

Conclusion

These data highlight that a cluster of connexin family gap junction proteins not previously studied in humans is significantly correlated with the disease progression of TBI.
Single‐site neural tube closure in human embryos revisited
Authors: de Bakker Bernadette S. , Driessen Stan , Boukens Bastiaan J.D. , van den Hoff Maurice J.B. , Oostra Roelof‐Jan
Published: August 2017

Since the multi‐site closure theory was first proposed in 1991 as explanation for the preferential localizations of neural tube defects, the closure of the neural tube has been debated. Although the multi‐site closure theory is much cited in clinical literature, single‐site closure is most apparent in literature concerning embryology. Inspired by Victor Hamburgers (1900–2001) statement that “our real teacher has been and still is the embryo, who is, incidentally, the only teacher who is always right”, we decided to critically review both theories of neural tube closure. To verify the theories of closure, we studied serial histological sections of 10 mouse embryos between 8.5 and 9.5 days of gestation and 18 human embryos of the Carnegie collection between Carnegie stage 9 (19–21 days) and 13 (28–32 days). Neural tube closure was histologically defined by the neuroepithelial remodeling of the two adjoining neural fold tips in the midline. We did not observe multiple fusion sites in neither mouse nor human embryos. A meta‐analysis of case reports on neural tube defects showed that defects can occur at any level of the neural axis. Our data indicate that the human neural tube fuses at a single site and, therefore, we propose to reinstate the single‐site closure theory for neural tube closure. We showed that neural tube defects are not restricted to a specific location, thereby refuting the reasoning underlying the multi‐site closure theory. Clin. Anat. 30:988–999, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiagency Response to Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Case Study that Explores the Role of a Specialist Centre
Authors: Voss Lindsay , Rushforth Helen , Powell Catherine
Published: August 2017

Through the application of case study methods, this research explored the role of a specialist centre that responds to actual or suspected childhood sexual abuse (CSA). When CSA is suspected to have occurred, children and families and professionals from statutory agencies are required to navigate complex processes. This study was undertaken to explore those processes in a specialist children's referral centre. It comprised three datasets: (1) 60 children (0–17 years) were ‘tracked’ to ascertain reasons for referral, the type of examination and outcomes in terms of health, social care and criminal justice actions; (2) semi‐structured interviews with 16 professionals (paediatricians, specialist nurses, child abuse investigation police officers and children's social workers); and (3) analysis of ‘patient’ and parent/carer satisfaction questionnaires.

Medical examination rarely confirmed abuse and only 13 per cent of cases were pursued within the criminal justice system. However, 66 per cent of children had an identified health need requiring follow‐up.

Professionals from all groups believed the centre provided a ‘child friendly’ facility that enhanced co‐operation. However, challenges with focusing on the needs of children and with mulitagency working were identified. Routine patient satisfaction data collected at the time of the study demonstrated positive views of the care received, although other data suggest that this may be an incomplete picture.

‘This research explored the role of a specialist centre that responds to actual or suspected childhood sexual abuse’

Key Practitioner Messages

Medico‐legal considerations may dominate health assessment of children when CSA is suspected and yet only a small proportion of cases proceed to court.

A specialist centre can provide a child‐friendly environment and enhance interprofessional communication.

A high proportion of children referred to statutory services following suspected CSA have a range of health and psychosocial needs that require further follow‐up.

Roles that cross professional boundaries may enhance CSA services but this concept requires further research.

‘A specialist centre can provide a child‐friendly environment and enhance interprofessional communication’
Switching behaviour as a function of number of options: How much is too much for consumer choice decisions?
Authors: Sharma Arun , Nair Shreekumar K.
Published: August 2017

The number of alternatives for consumers in almost all purchase situations is increasing at an extremely rapid pace. Although more choices may have many benefits to the consumers, recent studies on choice overload have found that choosing from large alternatives may lead to negative consequences. Majority of the choice overload research has compared only two groups of small versus large assortment size. In extant literature, there is no clarity as to what are small and large assortment sizes. Assortment size used as small in one study has been used as large in some other studies. Small assortment size varied from 2 to 60 choices and large assortment size from 3 to 300 choices in past studies, and the presence of choice overload has been reported at completely different levels of assortment sizes. This study has used an array of six choice sets from 6 to 36 options as compared to just two groups of small versus large assortment. Switching likelihood of consumers was used to capture the choice overload effect in this study. The probability of consumers switching their earlier choice was plotted as a function of number of options using binary logistic regression. Results showed that probability of switching was almost a linearly increasing function of assortment size from 6 to 36 options. The graph of predicted probabilities from 2 to 300 options showed a sharp increase in switching behaviour initially and subsequent flattening of the curve when options became very large.
Photochemical Acceleration of DNA Strand Displacement by Using Ultrafast DNA Photo‐crosslinking
Authors: Nakamura Shigetaka , Hashimoto Hirokazu , Kobayashi Satoshi , Fujimoto Kenzo
Published: August 2017

DNA strand displacement is an essential reaction in genetic recombination, biological processes, and DNA nanotechnology. In particular, various DNA nanodevices enable complicated calculations. However, it takes time before the output is obtained, so acceleration of DNA strand displacement is required for a rapid‐response DNA nanodevice. Herein, DNA strand displacement by using DNA photo‐crosslinking to accelerate this displacement is evaluated. The DNA photo‐crosslinking of 3‐cyanovinylcarbazole (CNVK) was accelerated at least 20 times, showing a faster DNA strand displacement. The rate of photo‐crosslinking is a key factor and the rate of DNA strand displacement is accelerated through ultrafast photo‐crosslinking. The rate of DNA strand displacement was regulated by photoirradiation energy.
Angiographic classification of patterns of restenosis following femoropopliteal artery intervention: A proposed scoring system
Authors: Garcia Lawrence A. , Rocha‐Singh Krishna J. , Krishnan Prakash , Zeller Thomas , Tepe Gunnar , Fleming Mark , Granada Juan F. , Turco Mark A. , Tieché Christopher , Jaff Michael R.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To propose a classification system for characterizing angiographic femoropopliteal artery restenosis patterns associated with common endovascular modalities.

Background

Peripheral artery disease is a worldwide issue affecting millions of people. Despite a myriad of endovascular technologies available to treat peripheral artery disease of the femoropopliteal arteries, restenosis remains a common failure mode. Characterizing common patterns of restenosis is important to discern the potential impact of baseline patient, lesion, and procedural characteristics, as well as treatment modalities on either the primary success or the failure patterns associated with restenosis.

Methods

Studies included in the analysis were from previous core laboratory‐adjudicated femoropopliteal artery disease trials and registries reflecting a wide array of treatment modalities.

Results

From the subjects enrolled and analyzed, there were 403 total angiograms for analysis and adjudication. Target lesion revascularization images of the 32 validation cases were evaluated for index treated length, diameter stenosis, and lesion morphology characteristics. The following lesion types are proposed: Type 1 “Focal” pattern, which may be “Edge Proximal” or “Edge Distal” depending on location; a Type 2 “Multifocal” pattern which may also exhibit edge restenosis, but may also be “Edge Bilateral”; a Type 3 “Moderate” pattern and a Type 4 “Diffuse” pattern; and finally, a Type 5 “Occlusion”.

Conclusions

A classification system that enables healthcare professionals to anticipate and describe failures following the index procedure, thereby impacting the choice of options for retreatment, may facilitate consistency and standardization within the heterogeneous field of endovascular device treatments for the femoropopliteal artery.
Hospital teaching status and trascatheter aortic valve replacement outcomes in the United States: Analysis of the national inpatient sample
Authors: Telila Tesfaye , Akintoye Emmanuel , Ando Tomo , Merid Obsinet , Palla Mohan , Mallikethi‐Reddy Sagar , Briasoulis Alexandros , Grines Cindy , Afonso Luis
Published: August 2017

Background

Evidence suggests that medical service offerings vary by hospital teaching status. However, little is known about how these translate to patient outcomes. We therefore sought to evaluate this gap in knowledge in patients undergoing Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the United States.

Methods

This study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) in the United States from 2011 to 2014. Teaching status was classified, as teaching vs. nonteaching and endpoints were clinical outcomes, length of stay and cost. Procedure‐related complications were identified via ICD‐9 coding and analysis was performed via mixed effect model.

Results

An estimated 33,790 TAVR procedures were performed in the U.S between 2011 and 2014, out of which 89.3% were in teaching hospitals. Mean (SD) age was 81.4 (8.5) and 47% were females. There was no significant difference between teaching versus nonteaching hospitals in regards to the primary outcome of in‐hospital mortality and secondary outcomes of several cardiovascular and other end points except for a high rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR: 1.34 [95% CI, 1.04–1.72]) and lower rate for use of mechanical circulatory support devices in teaching vs. nonteaching centers. The mean length of stay was significantly higher in teaching hospitals (7.7 days) vs. nonteaching hospitals (6.8 days) (P = 0.002) and so was the median cost of hospitalization (USD 50,814 vs. USD 48, 787, P = 0.02) for teaching vs. nonteaching centers.

Conclusion

Most TAVR related short‐term outcomes including all cause in‐hospital mortality are about the same in teaching and nonteaching hospitals. However, AKI, length of hospital stay and TAVR related cost were significantly higher in teaching than nonteaching hospitals. There was more use of mechanical circulatory support in nonteaching than teaching hospitals.
T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia and tuberculosis: a puzzling association
Authors: Cervera Pascale , Gilhot Amélie , Marzac Christophe , Féger Frédéric , Tang Ruoping , Jaff Nabaz , Coppo Paul
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia can result in severe immune T‐cell deficiency. Clinicians should be aware of this complication in this rare lymphoid malignancy, and opportunistic infections should be ruled out before the use of usual immunosuppressive procedures such as alemtuzumab and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Transition Metal Titanophosphates with Intercalated Molecular Photoluminescence and Catalytic Properties
Authors: Hung Ling‐I , Chen Pei‐Lin , Yang Jia‐Hao , Peng Chi‐How , Wang Sue‐Lein
Published: August 2017

In this study, α‐TiP layered structure incorporating a heterometal center for organic ligand binding to enhance structural complexity and functionality were prepared. The protons of the α‐TiP layer were replaced with zinc ions coordinated by 4‐pyridinecarboxylic acid (PCA) and water to form a layer structure, TiZn(PO4)2(H2O)(PCA) (1). The tetrahedral zinc center with coordinated water in 1 is unprecedented in zincophosphate or zinc‐MOF systems and is usually only found in metalloenzyme systems. The neutral zincotitanophosphate layers, tightly stacked through hydrogen bonds, showed velcro‐like behavior on intercalating 4,4′‐trimethylenedipyridine (TMDP) reversibly. It rendered a remarkable luminescence property to 1, emitting blue‐to‐white light under UV excitation. Surprisingly, the replacement of TMDP for PCA in the hydrothermal synthesis still resulted in 1, plus another structure, Ti4Zn2(H2TPB)(PO4)4(HPO4)4(H2PO4)2 (2) (TPB=1,2,4,5‐tetra(4‐pyridyl)benzene). Clearly, in situ C−C cracking and C−C coupling of TMDP simultaneously occurred to generate PCA and TPB and thereafter the oxidant, Zn(NO3)2, was quantitatively determined to isolate crystal 1 from 2. The structure of 2 also featured α‐TiP layers with pedant Zn tetrahedra but formed a three‐dimensional neutral framework through TPB. For the first time, α‐TiP‐derived structures and their properties have been elucidated, which help in understanding intriguing in situ ligand formation and intercalation‐induced luminescence, to exploit potential photocatalysis in polymerization.
Effect of Carbon Supports on Enhancing Mass Kinetic Current Density of Fe‐N/C Electrocatalysts
Authors: Chen Xinghua , He Fei , Shen Yanfei , Yang Yiran , Mei Hao , Liu Songqin , Mori Toshiyuki , Zhang Yuanjian
Published: August 2017

The mass kinetic current density (mass JK) of most extensively reported M−N/C catalysts (M represents non‐precious metal elements such as Fe, Co, and Cu), a potential alternative to noble metal catalysts in fuel cells, is poorer than that of commercial Pt/C. Thus, deep understanding of the intrinsic roles of carbon supports may contribute to the development of M−N/C catalysts from a practical point of view. Herein, the routinely used carbon supports, i.e. carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) that have different morphology and crystallinity, were investigated to uncover the factors that affected the mass JK of Fe−N/C in electrocatalytic oxygen reduction. When immobilized on CB, the ionic liquids‐derived Fe−N/C exhibited an enhanced mass JK (4.45 A g−1 at 0.80 V vs. RHE) by a factor of 2.14 times, comparable to that of Pt/C (5.79 A g−1) and higher than most reported M−N/C catalysts to our best knowledge. In contrast, the CNT support system showed no improvement. It was revealed that a compatible interface between the Fe−N/C precursors and the carbon supports was vital to ensure in‐situ growth of a uniform catalyst layer on the supports during pyrolysis. This subsequently promotes the mass JK by exposing more embedded active sites and introducing favorable slit pores for effective mass‐diffusion. This work would be promising to address the long‐term overlooked challenge of the low mass JK of M−N/C catalysts in replacing noble‐metal catalysts for practical fuel cell applications.
Colour meaning and consumer expectations
Authors: Won Seahwa , Westland Stephen
Published: August 2017

Deciding a colour for a product is a significant task for designers to attract consumer attention and communicate brand messages. It requires an initial analysis that explores consumer expectations within the sector, and this information is then used to inform development of a product design. This article discusses the application of the product colour development process during the initial phase of product design. Using a case study approach, one particular product category—a dishwashing liquid product was selected based on the suggestion from a leading U.K. consumer goods manufacturing company that colour is a major design factor for this product category. In the first phase of the study, interviews and an online survey were carried out with consumers (to explore what elements are important when they purchase a washing‐up liquid product). In the second phase of the study, a colour meaning experiment was conducted to explore possible colours for dishwashing liquid packaging using a semantic differential method. The results show that yellowish and bluish green colours evoke positive responses while saturated and dark green colours are perceived more negatively.
Recent Advances in Radical Difunctionalization of Simple Alkenes
Authors: Lan Xing‐Wang , Wang Nai‐Xing , Xing Yalan
Published: August 2017

Direct difunctionalization of simple alkenes, the incorporation of two functional groups onto a carbon–carbon double bond, is of particular interest to the chemical community owing to its important applications in organic synthesis. Mechanistically, two types of reactions – metal‐catalyzed nucleophilic difunctionalization and radical difunctionalization – dominate this research field. Radical difunctionalization is more appealing from a synthetic perspective than metal‐catalyzed nucleophilic difunctionalization because it allows the conversion of simple alkenes into complex molecules in a rapid and convenient manner. Furthermore, radical difunctionalization allows addition to simple alkenes by various carbon‐centered radicals and even heteroatom‐centered radicals. This review gives an overview of intermolecular and intramolecular radical difunctionalization of simple alkenes, with an emphasis on the reaction patterns and mechanisms, as well as potential applications in synthetic chemistry.
Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of 1‐Aryl‐3,4‐Dihydroisoquinolines Using a Cp*Ir(TsDPEN) Complex
Authors: Václavíková Vilhanová Bea , Budinská Alena , Václavík Jiří , Matoušek Václav , Kuzma Marek , Červený Libor
Published: August 2017

We report herein a simple alternative method for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of 1‐aryl‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolines (1‐Ar‐DHIQs) that are known to be challenging substrates owing to their poor reactivity. The hydrogenation protocol employs the readily available Cp*Ir(TsDPEN) {where Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and TsDPEN = (S,S)‐HNCHPhCHPhNTs2–} catalytic complex, 2‐propanol and HCOOH/triethylamine mixture as the solvent and hydrogen donor, and anhydrous phosphoric acid as an inexpensive additive. The series of examined substrates shows a favorable tolerance to various functional groups. Unlike 1‐alkyl‐DHIQs, where the enantiomeric excess (ee) starkly changes during the course of hydrogenation, 1‐Ar‐DHIQs exhibit a constant ee value, which makes the method practical and useful for the production of fine chemicals containing the 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline motif.
Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Crigler‐Najjar syndrome model mice can be reversed with zinc protoporphyrin
Authors: Fujiwara Ryoichi , Mitsugi Ryo , Uemura Asuka , Itoh Tomoo , Tukey Robert H.
Published: August 2017

Neurotoxic bilirubin is solely conjugated by UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1. Due to an inadequate function of UGT1A1, human neonates develop mild to severe physiological hyperbilirubinemia. Accumulation of bilirubin in the brain leads to the onset of irreversible brain damage called kernicterus. Breastfeeding is one of the most significant factors that increase the risk of developing kernicterus in infants. Why does the most natural way of feeding increase the risk of brain damage or even death? This question leads to the hypothesis that breast milk‐induced neonatal hyperbilirubinemia might bring certain benefits to the body. One of the barriers to answering the above question is the lack of animal models that display mild to severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. A mouse model that develops neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was previously developed by a knockout of the Ugt1 locus. Deletion of Ugt1a1 results in neonatal lethality from bilirubin neurotoxicity. Bilirubin is the end product of heme catabolism in which heme oxygenase‐I is largely involved. When zinc protoporphyrin, an inhibitor of heme oxygenase I, was administered to newborn Ugt1

−/−
mice, serum bilirubin levels dropped dramatically, rescuing the mice from bilirubin‐induced neonatal lethality. Zinc protoporphyrin‐treated Ugt1

−/−
mice developed normally as adults capable of reproducing, but their newborns showed even more severe hyperbilirubinemia. Microarray analysis of the hyperbilirubinemic livers indicated that a number of genes associated with nucleotide, transport, and immune response were significantly down‐regulated in a serum bilirubin level‐dependent manner.

Conclusion: Our study provides an opportunity to advance the development of effective therapeutics to effectively and rapidly prevent bilirubin‐induced toxicity. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia has various impacts on the body that could be driven by the antioxidant property of bilirubin. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:792–802)
Determination of the role of entrapped air in water flow in a closed soil pipe using a laboratory experiment
Authors: Yamasaki Takuhei , Imoto Hiromi , Hamamoto Shoichiro , Nishimura Taku
Published: August 2017

Soil pipes, continuous macropores parallel to the soil surface, are an important factor in hillslope hydrological processes. However, the water flow dynamics in soil pipes, especially closed soil pipes, are not well understood. In this study, the water and air dynamics within closed soil pipes have been investigated in a bench‐scale laboratory experiment by using a soil box with an artificial acrylic soil pipe. In order to grasp the state of water and air within the soil pipe, we directly measured the existing soil pipe flow and air pressure in the soil pipe. The laboratory experiment showed that air in the soil pipe had an important role in the water flow in the closed soil pipe. When air entrapment occurred in the soil pipe before the soil matrix around the soil pipe was saturated with water, water intrusion in the soil pipe was prevented by air entrapped in the pipe, which inhibited the soil pipe flow. This air entrapment in the soil pipe was controlled by the soil water and air flow. Moreover, after the soil pipe flow started, the soil pipe was not filled completely with water even when the soil pipe was completely submerged under the groundwater table. The entrapped air in the soil pipe prevented further water intrusion in the soil pipe.
Inferring soil water movement and streamflow response in Canadian Prairie riparian areas using hydrologic state variables
Authors: Ross Cody A. , Ali Genevieve , Lobb David
Published: August 2017

Flat terrain and soils with variable permeability make it difficult to assess the relative importance of surface and subsurface runoff in the Canadian Prairies, especially in riparian areas that are critical for water transmission and solute transport. The main objective of this study is therefore to determine whether patterns of hydrologic state variables, namely, near‐surface soil moisture (SM), soil electrical conductivity (SEC), and soil temperature (ST), can help infer riparian‐to‐stream soil water movement in Prairie landscapes. Focus is on the near‐level Catfish Creek Watershed (south‐eastern Manitoba, Canada) where 3 riparian sites were monitored: a naturally vegetated grassland site, a headwater forested site, and a highly impacted grassed site adjacent to an engineered drainage dyke and a man‐made drainage channel. Data from 9 to 12 SM, SEC, and ST surveys completed at each site in 2015 using a 75‐point grid are matched with riparian water table data, surface water level data from adjacent drainage channels, and indicators of antecedent moisture conditions. Pattern characteristics, in the form of descriptive statistics and variogram parameters, are estimated for each state variable and then correlated to indicators of antecedent moisture conditions, stream, and subsurface water level data to infer soil water movement. Results show that potential evapotranspiration, depth to water table, and antecedent precipitation have a significant yet variable impact on SM, SEC, and ST patterns. A switching behaviour, between dry and wet conditions, is present in riparian areas characterized by grassland vegetation and well‐drained soils. The occurrence of shallow subsurface flow is inferred during the wettest conditions. Although riparian SM conditions are useful for predicting streamflow response in adjacent channels, such is not the case for riparian SEC and ST. Further investigations are however necessary to confirm the usefulness of SM spatial patterns for predicting streamflow response in other landscapes across the Canadian Prairies.
A survey of honor‐related practices among US obstetricians and gynecologists
Authors: Moaddab Amirhossein , McCullough Laurence B. , Chervenak Frank A. , Stark Lauren , Schulkin Jay , Dildy Gary A. , Raine Susan P. , Shamshirsaz Alireza A.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To assess patterns of honor‐related practices—including virginity testing, virginity restoration, and female genital mutilation (FGM)—among US obstetrician–gynecologists (OBGYNs).

Methods

Between June 1 and August 31, 2016, 1000 members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists were invited by email to complete an anonymous online survey. The survey comprised 42 questions evaluating the demographic and practice characteristics of the respondents.

Results

Overall, 288 of the 909 practicing US OBGYNs with functioning email addresses completed the survey (31.7% response rate). In the 12 months before the survey, 168 (58.3%) respondents had provided care to one or more patients who had previously undergone FGM. Care was also provided for patients who requested virginity testing or virginity restoration by 29 (10.1%) and 16 (5.6%) respondents, respectively. Ten (3.5%) respondents performed virginity testing on request, whereas 3 (1.0%) performed virginity restoration.

Conclusion

Some respondents performed honor‐related practices, which indicated a need to educate all practicing US OBGYNs about their ethical and legal obligations in the care of such patients.