bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyridine and Pyrimidine Functionalized Benzene Sulfonic and Disulfonic Acids as New Linker Compounds for Coordination Polymers
Authors: Kahrs Christoph , Schmidtmann Marc , Wickleder Mathias S. , Christoffers Jens
Published: October 2018

Sulfonic acids serve as interesting, yet not intensively studied alternatives to carboxylic acids as linker units in coordination polymers. In this study, we present the synthesis of hybrid sulfonic acids with pyridine and pyrimidine units as additional nitrogen donor moieties. Four biaryl compounds consisting of a 4‐mono‐ or 3,5‐disulfophenyl ring and a 4‐pyridyl or 5‐pyrimidyl residue were prepared by Suzuki coupling reaction. In these cases, tert‐butylthio groups were utilized as precursor functions for the sulfonic acid residues. The tert‐butyl residues were cleaved with BBr3, the intermediate thiols trapped with acetyl chloride and then oxidized with H2O2. Furthermore, two pyrimidine derivatives with 5‐ethynyl linkers and 4‐mono‐ and 3,5‐disulfophenyl moieties were prepared by Sonogashira coupling. In these cases, the sulfonic acids were applied as neopentyl esters. Finally, the neopentyl groups were simply cleaved by thermolysis.
Sensitive Determination of Nicotine on PolyNiTSPc Electrodeposited Glassy Carbon Electrode: Investigation of Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Acar Elif Turker , Atun Gulten
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we report an electrochemical material for nicotine detection in aqueous solution by using glassy carbon electrode (GCE) electrodeposited with Nickel(II) phthalocyanine‐tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt (polyNiTSPc) in Tetra n‐bütil ammonium hydroxide (TnBAH) alkaline solution. The detection performance of the polyNiTSPc/GCE and the reaction mechanism of nicotine electro‐oxidation process is investigated using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV) techniques in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.5). The conductivity properties of the bare GCE and polyNiTSPc/GCE were analysed using Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The surface morphology of bare GCE and polyNiTSPc/GCE are characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). PolyNiTSPc shows high catalytic activity for the electro‐oxidation of nicotine, with the limit of detection at 146 nM nicotine. PolyNiTSPc/GCE can be used as a biosensor with very low detection limit for nicotine. Electrode process for nicotine oxidation is diffusion controlled, including irreversible one‐electron transfer attributed to the nicotine/nicotine‐Δ1′,(5′)‐iminium ion conversion on the polyNiTSPc coated electrode. Electrochemical measurements indicated that the polyNiTSPc against nicotine plays a similar role as CYP2A6 enzyme which catalyses the intermediate reaction product of nicotine‐cotinine transformation in most mammalian species.
Ultrasensitive Genosensor Based on Minor Grove Binding (MGB) Probe for IL28B Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Detection Using SYBR Green as Electrochemical Indicator
Authors: Vasconcelos Luydson R. S. , Moura Patricia , Dutra Rosa F.
Published: October 2018

A genosensor for typing the IL28B single nucleotide polymorphism (rs12979860), an important marker predictive of the treatment response to hepatitis C (HCV) infection was developed. The electrochemical sensor was based on a nanohybrid poly‐pyrrole‐carbon multiwall nanotubes film functionalized with minor groove binding (MGB) oligonucleotides probes to allele C of the IL28B. Individuals with genotype CC are more likely to achieve the virus clearance after HCV treatment (60 %), while homozygous TT (variant) is associated to a poor therapy response (20 %). A conventional SYBR green PCR was performed to obtain amplicons of CC and TT genotypes to test the DNA binding response of an MBG‐genosensor device. The redox response was monitored as hybridization match arose between probes and amplicons. The results showed a significant increase in the current redox peaks after TT genotype amplicons incubations in comparison to CC genotypes, ascribed to the weak SYBR Green intercalation between strands, and exposing the its reactive groups, favouring an increased electrocatalytic response. In conclusion, it was presented a new architecture of a genosensor with On‐Off polarity exploring the high specificity and sensitivity of MGB‐probes with promise application for single nucleotide polymorphism, using Syber Green as electrochemical indicator.
Determination of three Tumor Biomarkers (Homovanillic Acid, Vanillylmandelic Acid, and 5‐Hydroxyindole‐3‐Acetic Acid) Using Flow Injection Analysis with Amperometric Detection
Authors: Němečková‐Makrlíková Anna , Matysik Frank‐Michael , Navrátil Tomáš , Barek Jiří , Vyskočil Vlastimil
Published: October 2018

Flow injection analysis with amperometric detection (FIA‐AD) at screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) in optimum medium of Britton‐Robinson buffer (0.04 mol ⋅ L−1, pH 2.0) was used for the determination of three tumor biomarkers (homovanillic acid (HVA), vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), and 5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid (5‐HIAA)). Dependences of the peak current on the concentration of biomarkers were linear in the whole tested concentration range from 0.05 to 100 μmol ⋅ L−1, with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.065 μmol ⋅ L−1 for HVA, 0.053 μmol ⋅ L−1 for VMA, and 0.033 μmol ⋅ L−1 for 5‐HIAA (calculated from peak heights), and 0.024 μmol ⋅ L−1 for HVA, 0.020 μmol ⋅ L−1 for VMA, and 0.012 μmol ⋅ L−1 for 5‐HIAA (calculated from peak areas), respectively.
Improving Functional Behavior of MCM‐41 by Encapsulating MnO2 Nanorods towards Simultaneous Determination of Purine Bases in DNA Samples
Authors: Gupta Rupali , Yadav Dharmendra Kumar , Ganesan Vellaichamy , Sonkar Piyush Kumar , Yadav Mamta
Published: October 2018

MnO2 nanorods incorporated MCM‐41 nanocomposite (MnO2@MCM‐41) is synthesized and employed as an electrode modifier for individual as well as simultaneous detection of purine bases, guanine (GU) and adenine (AD). For this purpose MnO2 nanorods are encapsulated within MCM‐41 by simple one pot synthetic approach. FT‐IR, UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical methods are employed to characterize the nanocomposite and other materials. The electrochemical attributes of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with the MnO2@MCM‐41 (represented as GCE/MnO2@MCM‐41) towards the determination of GU and AD is studied in detail. Upon incorporation of MnO2 nanorods on MCM‐41, noticeable upsurge in anodic peak current with a decline in peak potential is observed for both GU and AD oxidations in cyclic voltammetry studies. Individual as well as simultaneous determination of GU and AD are performed using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique which offered a linear range of 100 nM to 100 μM for GU and AD with respective limit of detections, 44 and 66 nM. The practical applicability of the GCE/MnO2@MCM‐41 for real world samples analysis is satisfactorily demonstrated with certain DNA samples by DPV.
Bayesian model–data synthesis with an application to global glacio‐isostatic adjustment
Authors: Sha Z. , Rougier J. C. , Schumacher M. , Bamber J. L.
Published: October 2018

Glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) is a crucial component in evaluating sea level change. The GIA process has been simulated globally from various physical forward models, and it can also be measured locally at some GPS stations. In this paper, we combine the physical model simulations and GPS measurements in a Bayesian hierarchical modeling framework to update global GIA. In common with many large‐scale spatial modeling applications, there are two major challenges. One is the scale of the update, which is too large for naïve Gaussian conditioning. The other is the need to represent nonstationarity in the prior. We address the first challenge with the now well‐established stochastic partial differential equations and integrated nested Laplace approximation approach. For a nonstationary global process, we propose two general models that accommodate commonly seen geospatial patterns. We present and compare the GIA result for the two models, alongside the default option of assuming stationarity.
Effect of additional HfO2 layer deposition on heterojunction c‐Si solar cells
Authors: Lee Doo Won , Bhopal Muhammad Fahad , Lee Sang Hee , Lee Ah Reum , Kim Han Jun , Rehman Malik Abdul , Seo Yongho , Lim Kyoung‐jin , Shin Won‐suk , Lee Soo Hong
Published: October 2018

The efficiency of a heterojunction with intrinsic thin‐layer (HIT) solar cell with an insulator/ITO structure was discussed in this paper. First, the efficiency was analyzed by OPAL 2 simulations. Second, an insulator/ITO structure was experimentally applied to a HIT solar cell. The OPAL 2 simulations using an insulator/ITO/Si structure and a TCO/ITO/Si structure showed that the generation current density in the Si substrate increased when the insulator or TCO layer had a proper thickness. Experimentally, HfO2, a type of insulator, was deposited on a HIT solar cell with a thickness varying from 3 to 15 nm. The average efficiency of the HIT solar cell improved from 18.21% to 20.75% after HfO2 deposition. The highest efficiency was achieved for the 3‐nm‐thick HfO2/HIT solar cell structure, which exhibited the best improvement in the current density of approximately 1.5 mA/cm2. For the external quantum efficiency of the HfO2/HIT solar cell, the total absorption was improved by HfO2 deposition. The results suggest that the HfO2 layer improves the solar cell efficiency of the HIT solar cell by increasing light absorption.
Bridging the Gap between Scientists and Anglers: The Black Bass Conservation Committee's Social Media Outreach Efforts
Authors: Taylor Andrew T , Sammons Steven M
Published: October 2018

As the use of social media becomes more common among fisheries scientists and resource managers, case studies of ongoing outreach efforts can provide insights on how to increase the effectiveness of such programs. Herein, we summarize efforts to engage anglers and the general public with outreach messages related to black bass Micropterus spp. diversity and conservation via the Black Bass Conservation Committee's Facebook page. Specifically, we detail how we continue to build our audience, generate impactful content, and facilitate engagement and interactions with our audience. We end with some lessons learned while running this social media outreach page and discuss the outlook of these efforts, including opportunities to integrate citizen science.
Conservation of Black Bass Diversity: An Emerging Management Paradigm
Authors: Taylor Andrew T , Long James M , Tringali Michael D , Barthel Brandon L
Published: October 2018

Black bass Micropterus spp. are quintessential North American sportfishes that support economically valuable fisheries and act as keystone predators within aquatic ecosystems. Despite their prominence among North American fish fauna, a number of taxonomic designations are unresolved and novel forms continue to be identified within drainages of the southeastern USA. We review the current understanding of black bass diversity, including distributions, evolutionary histories, and phylogenetic relationships. We also provide a brief overview of the major paradigms that have been applied to black bass management and highlight an emerging focus on the conservation of black bass diversity. Black bass diversity is threatened by anthropogenic land and water use, fragmentation of fluvial habitats, historic and contemporary stocking of non-native congeners, and climate change. Successful conservation of black bass diversity requires that management agencies prioritize the protection of native species, forms, and lineages within and across jurisdictional boundaries. Collaboration among scientists and resource managers is needed to develop practical ways to ameliorate current problems created by past and present anthropogenic alterations, while also preparing for future challenges like global climate change.
Early HIV treatment and labour outcomes: A case study of mining workers in South Africa
Authors: French Declan , Brink Jonathan , Bärnighausen Till
Published: October 2018

This study examines whether labour outcomes of HIV‐infected workers treated with antiretrovirals are associated with the stage of the disease when commencing therapy. We use data on employment separation and absenteeism from the workplace health programme of South Africa's largest coal mining company over the period of January 2009 to March 2017 in a Cox proportional hazards model. When treatment was initiated at a CD4+ T cell count above 350 cells/μl, the risk of separating from the company was 37% lower and the risk of absence was 20%t lower than initiating at a CD4 count below 200 cells/μl, and these differences persist over time. Also, we find that workers initiating antiretroviral therapy at CD4  ≥  350 have an 8% lower risk of absence prior to treatment. Although many companies and the South African government have adopted universal test‐and‐treat policies aiming to initiate all HIV‐infected people as early as possible, most HIV patients still start treatment late in the disease course when their CD4 counts have fallen to low levels. Our results indicate early HIV detection and treatment could have large productivity gains.
Climate driven coevolution of weathering profiles and hillslope topography generates dramatic differences in critical zone architecture
Authors: Anderson Robert S. , Rajaram Harihar , Anderson Suzanne P.
Published: October 2018

Considerable debate revolves around the relative importance of rock type, tectonics, and climate in creating the architecture of the critical zone. We demonstrate the importance of climate and in particular the rate of water recharge to the subsurface, using numerical models that incorporate hydrologic flowpaths, chemical weathering, and geomorphic rules for soil production and transport. We track alterations in both solid phase (plagioclase to clay) and water chemistry along hydrologic flowpaths that include lateral flow beneath the water table. To isolate the role of recharge, we simulate dry and wet cases and prescribe identical landscape evolution rules. The weathering patterns that develop differ dramatically beneath the resulting parabolic interfluves. In the dry case, incomplete weathering is shallow and surface parallel, whereas in the wet case, intense weathering occurs to depths approximating the base of the bounding channels, well below the water table. Exploration of intermediate cases reveals that the weathering state of the subsurface is strongly governed by the ratio of the rate of advance of the weathering front itself controlled by the water input rate, and the rate of erosion of the landscape. The system transitions between these end‐member behaviours rather abruptly at a weathering front speed ‐ erosion rate ratio of approximately 1. Although there are undoubtedly direct roles for tectonics and rock type in critical zone architecture, and yet more likely feedbacks between these and climate, we show here that differences in hillslope‐scale weathering patterns can be strongly controlled by climate.
A multimethod study of inhibitory control and behavioural problems in preschoolers
Authors: Gagne Jeffrey R. , Chang Chi‐Ning , Fang Haolei , Spann Catherine , Kwok Oi‐Man
Published: October 2018

Low levels of inhibitory control (IC) are associated with multiple cognitive and socio‐emotional difficulties including externalizing behavioural problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, conclusions depend somewhat on the method of IC assessment. This investigation examined associations between child IC and behavioural problems and maternal depression and anxiety employing a family study design. Child IC was assessed using a parent rating scale, three independent observer ratings, two laboratory‐based temperament episodes, and an executive functioning task. Correlational results showed that parent‐rated IC was associated with all behavioural problems' scales, whereas observed IC was specifically associated with ADHD, aggressive, attention, and externalizing behavioural problems. Structural equation modelling analyses including child age and gender indicated that all IC variables significantly predicted externalizing and ADHD behavioural problems. The model accounted for overlapping variance across parent‐rated IC, child behavioural problems, and maternal mental health symptoms and showed that observed IC predicted externalizing and ADHD behavioural problems over and above these parent–rater effects. Results also showed that maternal depression and anxiety symptoms significantly predicted these behavioural problems even after controlling for the parent‐rater effects. These findings indicate that assessment methods are an important consideration when interpreting the results of early IC investigations.

Highlights

Do different measures of inhibitory control (IC) predict behaviour problems during preschool?

SEM analyses indicated that observed IC predicted externalizing and ADHD behaviour problems over and above parent‐rater effects.

Observations of IC show more specificity to externalizing and ADHD problems and are not susceptible to parent‐rater effects.
Plasma B‐vitamin and one‐carbon metabolites and risk of breast cancer before and after folic acid fortification in the United States
Authors: Houghton Serena C. , Eliassen A. Heather , Zhang Shumin M. , Selhub Jacob , Rosner Bernard A. , Willett Walter C. , Hankinson Susan E.
Published: October 2018

Prior epidemiologic findings for plasma folate and B‐vitamins and breast cancer risk are inconsistent and have not assessed the influence of folic acid fortification. Therefore, we examined the associations of plasma folate, B12, pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP), homocysteine, cysteine and cysteinylglycine with breast cancer risk, before and after fortification. We conducted a nested case–control study within the prospective Nurses’ Health Study. In 1989–1990 (pre‐fortification), 32,826 women donated a blood sample and 18,743 donated an additional blood sample in 2000–2001 (post‐fortification). Between the first blood collection and 2006, 1874 incident breast cancer cases with at least one blood sample and 367 with two were 1:1 matched to controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusting for breast cancer risk factors. Overall, higher plasma folate, B12, PLP, homocysteine, cysteine and cysteinylglycine levels were not associated with breast cancer risk. Associations did not vary by in situ/invasive, hormone receptor status, or tumor molecular subtype. Additionally, associations were null before and after fortification. For example, the RR (95% CI) for the highest versus lowest tertile of 1990 (pre‐fortification) plasma folate with 1990–2000 follow‐up was 0.93 (0.75–1.16) and for the 2000 plasma folate (post‐fortification) with 2000–2006 follow‐up the RR (95% CI) was 1.17 (0.79–1.74). Plasma folate, B12, PLP, homocysteine, cysteine and cysteinylglycine were not significantly associated with breast cancer overall, before and after fortification, or with specific tumor molecular subtypes. However, long term associations (>8 years) after the implementation of fortification could not be examined.
An unusual presentation of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with ureteric involvement: A case report
Authors: Zahid Nida , Ahmed Rashida , Adil Salman , Ather Hammad
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies in the lymphoid system and ureteric involvement by non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma is very rare.

Case presentation

We present a 37‐year‐old male, presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms and right flank pain. Initially, he presented with lower urinary tract symptoms without having any evidence of urinary tract infection and was managed for nonspecific cystitis. His ureteral histopathology report indicated a diffused infiltration by malignant lymphoid cells and the final diagnosis revealed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. His positron‐emission tomography scan indicated stage 4 disease with skeletal involvement and he was then treated by rituximab, cyclophosphamide, liposomal doxorubicin, vincristine, and methylprednisolone chemotherapy. Later, he was also diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma and died during his stay in the hospital.

Conclusion

Primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the ureter is extremely rare; however, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with obstructive uropathy as its early detection is crucial for diagnostic and therapeutic treatment.
Whole‐animal accumulation, oxidative stress, transcriptomic and metabolomic responses in the pink shrimp (Pandalus montagui) exposed to teflubenzuron
Authors: Olsvik Pål A. , Aulin Marte , Samuelsen Ole B. , Hannisdal Rita , Agnalt Ann‐Lisbeth , Lunestad Bjørn T.
Published: October 2018

The benzoylurea chitin synthesis inhibitor teflubenzuron, widely used against sea lice in North Atlantic aquaculture, may pose an environmental threat to non‐targeted crustaceans. In this experiment, laboratory acclimated pink shrimp (Pandalus montagui), a species found in fjords with Atlantic salmon farming, were exposed to dietary teflubenzuron for 46 days (control; low dose: 0.01 μg/g; high dose: 0.1 μg/g). The exposure doses represent 0.1% and 1% of a standard treatment dose for Atlantic salmon. Mortality and prevalence of deformities, pharmacokinetics, oxidative stress and transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling were used to assess the response to teflubenzuron exposure. Mortality in the high‐dose group was 25% (five of 20 individuals). No control or low‐dose group shrimps died. Phenotypic responses,i.e., leg deformities (0 control, 6 low, 8 high) and cloudy eyes (0 control, 3 low, 7 high), were observed in some surviving shrimps (control n = 15, low n = 17, high n = 15). Accumulated levels of teflubenzuron in shrimps from the high‐dose group ranged from 4.7 to 369 ng/g wet weight. Transcriptomic profiling showed very few significantly altered genes in the exposed shrimps. Teflubenzuron‐induced changes to the metabolome pointed to well‐known effects of benzoylurea agents, with reduced levels of N‐acetylglucosamine indicating an effect on chitin synthesis. The metabolomic profiling showed that teflubenzuron exposure was associated with reduced energy metabolism. Some metabolites pointed to increased necrosis and/or bacterial overgrowth in the teflubenzuron‐exposed shrimps. In conclusion, this study shows that teflubenzuron causes phenotypic effects in P. montagui exposed to 0.1% of the treatment dose given to Atlantic salmon.
Magel2 Modulates Bone Remodeling and Mass in Prader-Willi Syndrome by Affecting Oleoyl Serine Levels and Activity
Authors: Baraghithy Saja , Smoum Reem , Drori Adi , Hadar Rivka , Gammal Asaad , Hirsch Shira , Attar-Namdar Malka , Nemirovski Alina , Gabet Yankel , Langer Yshaia , Pollak Yehuda , Schaaf Christian Patrick , Rech Megan Elizabeth , Gross-Tsur Varda , Bab Itai , Mechoulam Raphael , Tam Joseph
Published: October 2018

Among a multitude of hormonal and metabolic complications, individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) exhibit significant bone abnormalities, including decreased BMD, osteoporosis, and subsequent increased fracture risk. Here we show in mice that loss of Magel2, a maternally imprinted gene in the PWS critical region, results in reduced bone mass, density, and strength, corresponding to that observed in humans with PWS, as well as in individuals suffering from Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SYS), a genetic disorder caused by a disruption of the MAGEL2 gene. The low bone mass phenotype in Magel2-/- mice was attributed to reduced bone formation rate, increased osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity, and enhanced trans-differentiation of osteoblasts to adipocytes. The absence of Magel2 in humans and mice resulted in reduction in the fatty acid amide bone homeostasis regulator, N-oleoyl serine (OS), whose levels were positively linked with BMD in humans and mice as well as osteoblast activity. Attenuating the skeletal abnormalities in Magel2-/- mice was achieved with chronic administration of a novel synthetic derivative of OS. Taken together, Magel2 plays a key role in modulating bone remodeling and mass in PWS by affecting OS levels and activity. The use of potent synthetic analogs of OS should be further tested clinically as bone therapeutics for treating bone loss. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Physical Activity Across Adulthood and Bone Health in Later Life: The 1946 British Birth Cohort
Authors: Muthuri Stella G , Ward Kate A , Kuh Diana , Elhakeem Ahmed , Adams Judith E , Cooper Rachel
Published: October 2018

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is widely recommended for the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures in older populations. However, whether the beneficial effects of LTPA on bone accumulate across life and are maintained even after reduction or cessation of regular PA in later life is unknown. We examined whether LTPA across adulthood was cumulatively associated with volumetric and areal bone mineral density (vBMD, aBMD) at ages 60 to 64 and whether associations were mediated by lean mass. Up to 1498 participants from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development were included in analyses. LTPA was self-reported at ages 36, 43, 53, and 60 to 64, and responses summed to generate a cumulative score (range 0 = inactive at all four ages to 8 = most active at all four ages). Total and trabecular vBMD were measured at the distal radius using pQCT and aBMD at the total hip and lumbar spine (L1 to L4) using DXA. Linear regression was used to test associations of the cumulative LTPA score with each bone outcome. After adjustment for height and weight, a 1-unit increase in LTPA score (95% CI) in men was associated with differences of 1.55% (0.78% to 2.31%) in radial trabecular vBMD, 0.83% (0.41% to 1.25%) in total hip aBMD, and 0.97% (0.44% to 1.49%) in spine aBMD. Among women, positive associations were seen for radial trabecular vBMD and total hip aBMD, but only among those of greater weight (LTPA × weight interaction p ≤ 0.01). In men, there was evidence to suggest that lean mass index may partly mediate these associations. These findings suggest that there are cumulative benefits of LTPA across adulthood on BMD in early old age, especially among men. The finding of weaker associations among women suggests that promotion of specifıc types of LTPA may be needed to benefit bone health in women. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Surfactants based on 2‐Hydroxy‐4‐(Methylthio)Butanoic Acid Part 3: Microemulsions from Nonionic Sulfoxide Ester Surfactants
Authors: Shahrashoob Zahra , Yu Guangzhe , Long Scott , Grady Brian P. , Harwell Jeff , Arhancet Graciela
Published: October 2018

In this work, ester sulfoxide (ESO) surfactants based on 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butyric acid are shown to have temperature‐sensitive microemulsion phase behaviors. Both C10 (C10ESO) and C12 (C12ESO) surfactants studied contained one sulfoxide unit in the structure. Phase inversion temperatures (PIT) and interfacial tensions (IFT) between water‐rich and oil‐rich phases have been measured for ternary systems of water, oil, and sulfoxide surfactants. Hydrophilic–lipophilic deviation (HLD) parameters of these surfactants were obtained by fitting the experimental data to a semiempirical HLD equation. The characteristic surfactant parameter and temperature sensitivity of C10ESO and C12ESO surfactants were obtained and compared with similar ethoxylated alcohol surfactants. By comparing the characteristic parameters of these surfactants with those of ethoxylated alcohol surfactants, it was shown that one sulfoxide ester moiety is equally hydrophilic as approximately 5 ethylene oxide groups. The temperature sensitivity of the ESO was roughly a factor of four less than ethoxylated surfactants based on the temperature coefficient of the HLD equation.
Usefulness of Ultrasound in Evaluating the Diaphragm in Neonates and Infants With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias
Authors: Hosokawa Takahiro , Takahashi Hiroaki , Tanami Yutaka , Sato Yumiko , Hosokawa Mayumi , Kato Reiko , Kawashima Hiroshi , Oguma Eiji
Published: October 2018

This report describes the evaluations of 2 patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernias using ultrasound (US). Identifying the size of the diaphragmatic defect is important when determining the type of surgical repair required. In case 1, the US evaluation of a Bochdalek hernia showed the rim of the anterolateral diaphragm; therefore, thoracoscopic primary repair was performed. In case 2, (Morgagni‐Larrey hernia), US revealed the left side of a retrosternal diaphragmatic hernia sac; therefore, thoracoscopic repair from the left thorax was performed. Ultrasound was useful for detecting the location and defect size of the diaphragmatic hernia and determining optimal surgical management.
Dynamics of rural landscapes in marginal areas of northern Spain: Past, present, and future
Authors: González Díaz José Antonio , Celaya Rafael , Fernández García Felipe , Osoro Koldo , Rosa García Rocío
Published: October 2018

European marginal areas hold multifunctional landscapes threatened by current changes in socio‐economy. Understanding both common and singular drivers behind the changes in the local socio‐economy and the landscapes is crucial to design sustainable policies at several spatial scales, which guarantee the provision of multiple ecosystem services in those areas. This work investigated the evolution of the local socio‐economy as well as the changes in landscape structure and composition in two areas (one in lowlands and other in high mountains) from northern Spain, which are representative of the European Union marginal territories. The censuses of local human population and livestock species together with landscape metrics from 1956 and 2011 were evaluated from both areas. Depopulation due to rural exodus, land abandonment, and drastic changes in livestock production systems concurred with reforestation, shrub expansion, and grassland reductions, which led to landscape fragmentation in the highlands and compactation in the lowlands. Eucalyptus plantations proliferated, whereas croplands virtually disappeared in the lowlands, where dairy systems were substituted by beef cattle. In the highlands, broom expanded and heathlands declined as small ruminants disappeared. Improvements in rural development and reformulated land management strategies at landscape scale will be crucial to control social and environmental degradation associated with the expansion of certain classes.
Temporal and spatial distributions of carbonyl sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, and carbon disulfide in seawater and marine atmosphere of the Changjiang Estuary and its adjacent East China Sea
Authors: Zhu Rong , Yang Gui‐Peng , Zhang Hong‐Hai
Published: October 2018

Carbonyl sulfide (COS), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and carbon disulfide (CS2) concentrations were determined in seawater and the overlying atmosphere of the Changjiang Estuary and the adjacent area during two cruises from 22 February 2016 to 15 March 2016 and from 03 July 2016 to 25 July 2016. The concentration ranges of COS, DMS, and CS2 in seawater during winter were 121–388 pmol L−1, 0.321–1.59 nmol L−1, and 10.3–46.8 pmol L−1, respectively, and those during summer were 98–346 pmol L−1, 0.397–9.13 nmol L−1, and 13.3–65.4 pmol L−1. The DMS concentration in surface seawater varied seasonally, whereas the COS and CS2 concentrations varied little. The atmospheric mixing ratios of COS, DMS, and CS2 were 459–777 pptv, 5.2–96.8 pptv, and 96.9–164 pptv during winter and 417–644 pptv, 133–365 pptv, and 15.8–89.8 pptv during summer, respectively. A correlation analysis revealed that COS concentration was related to the concentrations of DMS and CS2. The estimated fluxes of COS, DMS, and CS2 were in the range of 1.19–2.06 μg m−2 d−1, 15.11–164.81 μg m−2 d−1, and 0.27‐1.32 μg m−2 d−1 during winter and 0.61–0.97 μg m−2 d−1, 71.76–2511 μg m−2 d−1, and 0.38–1.47 μg m−2 d−1 during summer, respectively. These results indicate that the study area is a sink for COS, but served as a source of atmospheric DMS and CS2 during the study period.
PDE10A and ADCY5 mutations linked to molecular and microstructural basal ganglia pathology
Authors: Niccolini Flavia , Mencacci Niccolo E. , Yousaf Tayyabah , Rabiner Eugenii A. , Salpietro Vincenzo , Pagano Gennaro , Balint Bettina , Efthymiou Stephanie , Houlden Henry , Gunn Roger N. , Wood Nicholas , Bhatia Kailash P. , Politis Marios
Published: October 2018

Background

Striatal cyclic adenosine monophosphate activity modulates movement and is determined from the balance between its synthesis by adenylate cyclase 5 (ADCY5) and its degradation by phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A).

Objective

We assessed the integrity of striatocortical pathways, in vivo, in 2 genetic hyperkinetic disorders caused by ADCY5 and PDE10A mutations.

Methods

We studied 6 subjects with PDE10A and ADCY5 mutations using [11C]IMA107 PET, [123I]FP‐CIT Single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and multimodal MRI to investigate PDE10A and dopamine transporter availability, neuromelanin‐containing neurons, and microstructural white and gray matter changes, respectively.

Results

We found that PDE10A and ADCY5 mutations were associated with decreased PDE10A expression in the striatum and globus pallidus, decreased dopamine transporter expression in the striatum, loss of substantia nigra neuromelanin‐containing neurons, and microstructural white and gray matter changes within the substantia nigra, striatum, thalamus, and frontoparietal cortices.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate an association between PDE10A and ADCY5 mutations and pre/postsynaptic molecular changes, substantia nigra damage, and white and gray matter changes within the striatocortical pathways. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Electroencephalography‐based machine learning for cognitive profiling in Parkinson's disease: Preliminary results
Authors: Betrouni Nacim , Delval Arnaud , Chaton Laurence , Defebvre Luc , Duits Annelien , Moonen Anja , Leentjens Albert F.G. , Dujardin Kathy
Published: October 2018

Background

Cognitive symptoms are common in patients with Parkinson's disease. Characterization of a patient's cognitive profile is an essential step toward the identification of predictors of cognitive worsening.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of the combination of resting‐state EEG and data‐mining techniques to build characterization models.

Methods

Dense EEG data from 118 patients with Parkinson's disease, classified into 5 different groups according to the severity of their cognitive impairments, were considered. Spectral power analysis within 7 frequency bands was performed on the EEG signals. The obtained quantitative EEG features of 100 patients were mined using 2 machine‐learning algorithms to build and train characterization models, namely, support vector machines and k‐nearest neighbors models. The models were then blindly tested on data from 18 patients.

Results

The overall classification accuracies were 84% and 88% for the support vector machines and k‐nearest algorithms, respectively. The worst classifications were observed for patients from groups with small sample sizes, corresponding to patients with the severe cognitive deficits. Whereas for the remaining groups for whom an accurate diagnosis was required to plan the future healthcare, the classification was very accurate.

Conclusion

These results suggest that EEG features computed from a daily clinical practice exploration modality in—that it is nonexpensive, available anywhere, and requires minimal cooperation from the patient—can be used as a screening method to identify the severity of cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Interpretation of QSAR Models: Mining Structural Patterns Taking into Account Molecular Context
Authors: Matveieva Mariia , Cronin Mark T. D. , Polishchuk Pavel
Published: October 2018

The study focused on QSAR model interpretation. The goal was to develop a workflow for the identification of molecular fragments in different contexts important for the property modelled. Using a previously established approach – Structural and physicochemical interpretation of QSAR models (SPCI) – fragment contributions were calculated and their relative influence on the compounds’ properties characterised. Analysis of the distributions of these contributions using Gaussian mixture modelling was performed to identify groups of compounds (clusters) comprising the same fragment, where these fragments had substantially different contributions to the property studied. SMARTSminer was used to detect patterns discriminating groups of compounds from each other and visual inspection if the former did not help. The approach was applied to analyse the toxicity, in terms of 40 hour inhibition of growth, of 1984 compounds to Tetrahymena pyriformis. The results showed that the clustering technique correctly identified known toxicophoric patterns: it detected groups of compounds where fragments have specific molecular context making them contribute substantially more to toxicity. The results show the applicability of the interpretation of QSAR models to retrieve reasonable patterns, even from data sets consisting of compounds having different mechanisms of action, something which is difficult to achieve using conventional pattern/data mining approaches.
Optimal decay estimate of mild solutions to the compressible Navier‐Stokes‐Korteweg system in the critical Besov space
Authors: Wang Yu‐Zhu , Wang Yinxia
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we consider the initial value problem for the compressible Navier‐Stokes‐Korteweg system in several space variables. Optimal decay estimate of mild solutions in the critical Besov spaces is established. The proof is based on the decay estimate of solutions operator in the low‐frequency region and the energy estimate in the high‐frequency region.
Regularity criterion on energy equality for compressible Cahn‐Hilliard‐Navier‐Stokes equations
Authors: Liang Zhilei , Shuai Jiangyu
Published: October 2018

This paper is concerned with the compressible Cahn‐Hilliard‐Navier‐Stokes system. We establish a sufficient regularity condition such that every weak solution conserves its energy equality for every t > 0. Our approach is based on the commutator and mollification approximation.
isoPhasor: a generic and precise marker visualization, localization, and quantification method based on phase saddles in 3D MR imaging
Authors: Bouwman Job G. , Custers Bram A. , Bakker Chris J.G. , Viergever Max A. , Seevinck Peter R.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To derive a generic approach for accurate localization and characterization of susceptibility markers in MRI, compatible with many common types of pulse sequences, sampling trajectories, and acceleration methods.

Theory and Methods

A susceptibility marker’s dipolar phase evolution creates 3 saddles in the phase gradient of the spatial encoding, for each sampled data point in k‐space. The signal originating from these saddles can be focused at the location of the marker to create positive contrast. The required phase shift can be calculated from the scan parameters and the marker properties, providing a marker detection algorithm generic for different scan types. The method was validated numerically and experimentally for a broad range of spherical susceptibility markers (0.3 < radius < 1.6 mm, 10 < |∆χ| < 3300 ppm), under various conditions.

Results

For all numerical and experimental phantoms, the average localization error was below one third of the voxel size, whereas the average error in magnetic strength quantification was 7%. The experiments included different pulse sequences (gradient echo, spin echo [SE], and free induction decay scans), sampling strategies (Cartesian, radial), and acceleration methods (echo planar imaging EPI, turbo SE).

Conclusion

Spherical markers can be identified from their phase saddles, enabling clear visualization, precise localization, and accurate quantification of their magnetic strength, in a wide range of clinically relevant pulse sequences and sampling strategies.
Shifting Indigenous Australian Realities: Dispersal, Damage, and Resurgence: Introduction
Authors: Hinkson Melinda , Vincent Eve
Published: October 2018

The new millennium has seen the landscape of Australian Indigenous politics and policy rapidly transformed. This overview essay explores these transformations, highlighting the rise of incorporation and intervention as preferred modes of governance in this period. The essay argues for a need for anthropological attention to grapple with settler colonial legacies as well as higher level processes at work in the contemporary circumstances of Aboriginal people's lives. It offers three terms through which these circumstances might be approached: Dispersal refers to the uneven and unpredictable distribution of policy and ecological effects, the advent of more dispersed and pervasive technologies of governmental surveillance, and new patterns of and reasons for Indigenous movement. Damage glosses questions of suffering, harm, poverty, and also a broader condition: the ecological wreckage colonial capitalist developments often leave in their wake. Resurgence addresses the variety of creative responses made by Indigenous people as they endure and attempt to transcend this intensified governance of their lives.
Effects of different nitrogen fertilizers on two wheat cultivars: An integrated approach
Authors: Vita Federico , Giuntoli Beatrice , Arena Simona , Quaranta Fabrizio , Bertolini Edoardo , Lucarotti Valentina , Guglielminetti Lorenzo , Alessio Massimo , Scaloni Andrea , Alpi Amedeo
Published: October 2018

Investigation of cultivated plant physiology grown under low energy input plays an important role to indicate their fitness to the new environmental conditions. The durum‐wheat cultivars Creso and Dylan were tested to evaluate the growth, production, and proteomic and transcriptomic profiles of the crop under different synthetic and organic nitrogen fertilization regimes. In this work, a two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) approach combined with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used to investigate the protein changes induced by the use of different nitrogen sources (hydrolysate of proteins 1 and 2, rhizovit, synthesis, leather) on wheat plants. Proteomic studies were integrated with qPCR analysis of genes related to glutamine synthetase/glutamine‐2‐oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GS‐GOGAT) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolic pathways because most relevant for nitrogen‐dependent plants growth. The proteomic analysis lead to the isolation of 23 spots that were able to distinguish the analyzed samples. These spots yielded the identification of 60 proteins involved in photosynthesis, glycolysis, and nitrogen metabolism. As an example, the quinone oxidoreductase‐like protein and probable glutathione S‐transferase GSTU proteins were identified in two spots that represents the most statistically significant ones in Dylan samples. Transcript analysis indicated that related genes exhibited different expression trends; the heat map also revealed the different behaviors of the hydrolysates of the proteins 1 and 2 nitrogen sources. The effects of nitrogenous fertilizers at the proteomic and agronomic levels revealed that plants fertilized with synthesis or rhizovit gave the best results concerning yield, whereas rhizovit and protein hydrolysates were most effective for proteins content in the grain (% of dry weight). Therefore, all parameters measured in this study indicated that different kinds of nitrogen fertilization used have a relevant impact on plant growth and production.
Amphiphilic polylactide‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐poly(propylene oxide) block copolymers: Self‐assembly behavior and cell affinity
Authors: Loiola Lívia M. D. , de Farias Marcelo A. , Portugal Rodrigo V. , Felisberti Maria I.
Published: October 2018

Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable polyester recognized for its potential use as a biomedical material. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and copolymers based on PEO and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) are biocompatible polyethers widely applied in the biomedical field, particularly as macromolecular nonionic surfactants. In this work, PLA blocks were attached to the PEO and to the PEO and PPO‐based triblock copolymer PEO–PPO–PEO, through ring‐opening polymerization of racemic lactide (rac‐LA) to obtain the amphiphilic triblock PLA–PEO–PLA and pentablock PLA–PEO–PPO–PEO–PLA copolymers containing hydrophilic/hydrophobic blocks with variable block mass ratios. The copolymers were evaluated for chemical composition, molar mass, and thermal properties, and they were used to prepare self‐assemble aggregates in water from tetrahydrofuran polymer solutions. The combination of scattering light experiments and microscopy techniques revealed the spherical morphology of the aggregates with diameters around 180–200 nm, which comprises a hydrophobic PLA core and a hydrophilic polyether shell. The aggregates are nontoxic to human cervical cancer cell line — HeLa cells, as determined by MTS assay, and the aggregates are potential candidates to be applied in the encapsulation of hydrophobic compounds. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2203–2213
Shared decision making in oncology: A model based on patients', health care professionals', and researchers' views
Authors: Bomhof‐Roordink Hanna , Fischer Maarten J. , van Duijn‐Bakker Nanny , Baas‐Thijssen Monique C. , van der Weijden Trudy , Stiggelbout Anne M. , Pieterse Arwen H.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To construct a model of shared decision making (SDM) about cancer treatment by conducting an extensive consultation of stakeholders, informed by the literature.

Methods

We interviewed 76 stakeholders: cancer patients, potential future patients, oncologists, nurses, and SDM‐researchers. We asked, “If I say ‘Doctors and patients making decisions together about cancer treatment,’ what does this make you think about?” Ideas were further solicited by presenting 19 cards each describing a possible SDM element. Interviews were inductively coded and analysed, and the emerging themes were integrated into a model.

Results

The model that was based on participants' views assigns specific roles in SDM to both oncologists and patients. Oncologists determine possible treatments, emphasise the importance of patients' opinion, explain treatment options, get to know patients, guide patients, and provide treatment recommendations. Patients ask questions, express thoughts and feelings, consider options, offer opinions, and decide or delegate decisions to oncologists. Outside consultations, patients search for information, prepare questions, and consider options.

Conclusions

Next to oncologists' role, cancer patients also have a clear role in SDM about cancer treatment, during and outside consultations. Patients should receive the support they need to fulfil this requirement.