bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematologic Changes in Patients with Graves’ disease in Gorgan During 2014-2015
Authors: Zahedi Maryam , Mirkamali Farzam , Hezarkhani Sharabeh , Motiee Armineh , Rezaei Shahmirzadi Arash , Molseghi Mohammad Hadi , Alipoor Reza
Published: August 2017

Background: The most common cause of hyperthyroidism in areas without iodine deficiency is Graves’ disease. There are reports of some hematological alterations in hyperthyroidism. This study was designed to measure the hematologic profile in the patients with Graves’ disease before and after the treatment.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients were selected with convenience sampling that diagnosed as autoimmune Graves’ disease in our academic endocrinology clinic during 2014-2015. Inclusion criteria included autoimmune hyperthyroidism in patients who were referred to this center during the study period. Patients who refused to take part in the research, had recent infections disease, malignancies, surgical procedures, severe trauma, received immunosuppressive drugs or corticosteroids, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values during the last six months, and not responded to treatment with methimazole were excluded from the study. The simple sampling technique was used to select the patients.   A complete blood count (CBC) was taken before and after treatment. The P-value less than 0.05 was considered as the statistical significance level. All data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) software.Results: One hundred patients with a mean age of 38 ± 9.8 years were included. There were no significant changes in the white blood cells (WBC) count, red blood cells (RBC) count, and platelets. Mild anemia (Hb=12.16±1.23) present before treating the hyperthyroidism that was significantly improved after treatment (P= 0.000). Conclusions: Our results showed that the only significant hematologic change in patients with Graves’ disease was mild anemia that improves after treating the underlying thyroid disorder.
Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Plus: A Case Report and Review of Literatures
Authors: Sharifian Dorche Maryam , Khalili Mohammad Reza , Nomovi Masood , Sharifian Dorche Amirhosein
Published: August 2017

Background: Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is an inherited visual loss and optic atrophy due to mitochondrial mutation. Most of these patients had not any other neurological signs and symptoms more than a visual loss. In a small group of the patients, other neurological manifestations may be occurs. This rare presentation of the disease was named " LHON plus syndromes ."Case presentation: A 15-year-old boy who was completely healthy until age 9, when he gradually developed painless visual loss in his right eye. After 3 months, similar symptoms occurred in his left eye. Within next 2 years, psychomotor regression happened, and at age 11, very intractable seizures were started. According to physical examination and past medical history, LHON plus syndrome was diagnosed for him.  Management of seizure and other symptomatic treatments were started, and there was a weak response to drugs.Conclusion: Early diagnosis and ruling out treatable conditions are critical points in these patients.
Resource Use Efficiency and Factors Affecting Land Allocation for Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Production in Bangladesh
Authors: Barmon Basanta Kumar , Islam Mahfuzul
Published: August 2017

The present study aimed to estimate the resource use efficiency and identify the factors affecting land allocation for wheat production in Bangladesh. Primary data were randomly collected from 183 wheat producers from three Upzillas of Natore district. The results revealed that farmers had experienced decreasing return to scale in wheat production. Farm area, seed cost and labor cost were the main factors that positively, and irrigation negatively affected wheat production. The sampled farmers failed to show their efficiency in using the resources in wheat cultivation. There was further opportunity to increase wheat production using more seed, chemical fertilizers, manure and pesticides. However, there was no further scope to increase wheat production by using irrigation, land preparation and labor inputs. The study also revealed that farmers age, education, wheat farming experience, location and family size significantly affected the probability of land allocation in wheat production. Soil type in the study areas played a vital role in the decision process of wheat cultivation. It could be concluded that proper utilization of inputs can increase wheat in Bangladesh.The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 28-39
Performance Evaluation of BRRI Power Weeder for Low Land Rice (Oryza sativ L.) Cultivation
Authors: Saiful Islam AKM , Islam MT , Islam M Sh. , Lutfor Rahman AKM , Rahman MA
Published: August 2017

Mechanical intervention in crop production is increasing rapidly in Bangladesh. Researchers are finding ways to manage weeds in rice field using suitable mechanical devices instead of conventional hand weeding. A study was conducted to evaluate the field performance of BRRI (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute) power weeder compared to BRRI weeder and hand weeding in the farmers field at Rashidpur in Mithapukur upazila under Rangpur district during boro season of 2014-15. Three treatments: T1 = BRRI weeder (BW), T2 = BRRI power weeder (BPW) and T3 = Hand weeding (HW) were used in the experiment. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated in four farmers plots. Rice variety BRRI dhan28 was selected for the experiment. The effective field capacity of BW and BPW was found to be 0.06 and 0.09 ha hr-1, respectively. The weeding efficiency was the highest in HW (92%), followed by BPW (78%) and BW (73%). It was found that BW damaged the lowest number of plants (9%) compared to BPW (11%) during weeding operation, although the damaged plants recovered after a few days. BW and BPW reduced 74 and 85% of labor requirement in weeding operation compared to HW. The highest weeding cost was involved in HW (Tk. 4287 ha-1) compared to BW (Tk. 1103 ha-1) and BPW (Tk. 950ha-1). Weed control methods exerted insignificant effect on grain yield. BRRI power weeder and BRRI weeder reduced weeding cost, enhanced weed control and improved the labor efficiency without sacrificing grain yield. The highest BCR was obtained in BPW (1.22) followed by BW (1.16) and HW (1.11). BRRI power weeder and BRRI weeder appeared to be economic, easy and also environmentally safe weed control device in low land rice cultivation. The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 40-48
Feasibility of Introducing Rice Based Four Crops Pattern in Rangpur Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Sh. Islam M , Yesmin Zakia , Badshah MA , Ali MA
Published: August 2017

An experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) Farm at Rangpur during July 2014 - June 2016 to introduce a 4-crops pattern with the aim of increasing cropping intensity, productivity, income and soil fertility. The experimental design was RCB with 3 replications. Four cropping patterns were tested which were: CP1 = T. Aman (BRRI dhan62)-Potato (Cardinal)-Mungbean (BARI Mung-6)-T. Aus (BRRI dhan48), CP2 = T. Aman (BRRI dhan62)-Mustard (BARI Sorisha-14)-Mungbean (BARI Mung-6)-T. Aus (BRRI dhan48), Farmers improved practice (FIP) = T. Aman (BR11)-Potato (Cardinal)-Maize (NK 40) and Farmers general practice (FP) = T. Aman (BR11)-Boro (BRRI dhan28)- Fallow.  In T. Aman 2014, BRRI dhan62 produced  3.87 and 3.85 t ha-1 grain yields under CP1 & CP2 (4 crops systems), respectively; BR11 gave grain yield of 4.62 and 4.36 t ha-1 in FIP and FP (3 and 2 crop system), respectively. In T. Aman 2015, BRRI dhan62 produced grain yield of 4.23 and 4.19 t ha-1 in CP1 and CP2, and BR11 gave grain yield of 5.95 and 5.92 t ha-1 in FIP and FP, respectively. After T. Aman, potato yield was 24.66 t ha-1 in CP1 and 24.17 t ha-1 in FIP during 2014-15. In CP2, 2nd crop mustard yield was 1.16 t ha-1 and3rd crop mungbean yield was only 0.98 t ha-1.In CP1, 3rd crop mungbean yield was only 0.83 t ha-1. After potato in FIP, maize yield was 8.38 t ha-1. After T. Aman (BR11) in FP, grain yield of BRRI dhan28 was 5.42 t ha-1. The yield of BRRI dhan48 in CP1 and CP2 (as 4th crop) was 4.5 t ha-1. Similar results of different crops were obtained in 2015-16. The rice equivalent yield (REY) was found to be 30.05 & 35.95 t ha-1yr-1 in CP1 during 1st and 2nd yearfollowed by FIP (23.92 & 29.82 t ha-1yr-1, respectively). The REY was higher in 2nd year compared to 1st year. In 2014-15 the highest net return of Tk.2,42,560 ha-1 was observed in CP1 followed by FIP(Tk.1,58,380 ha-1); in 2015-16, the highest net return was in CP1 (Tk.2,16,960 ha-1) followed by FIP(Tk.1,24,620 ha-1). Potato based cropping pattern was thus, the most suitable and profitable pattern in this area. T. Aman (BRRI dhan62)-Potato (Cardinal)-Mungbean (BARI Mung-6)-T. Aus (BRRI dhan48) may, therefore, be the most suitable and profitable cropping pattern in medium high lands of Rangpur region. The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 116-126
Combined Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza, Rhizobium and Sclerotium rolfsii on Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus)
Authors: Rahman M , Ali ME , Alam F , Islam MN , Bhuiyan MAH
Published: August 2017

The present study was carried out to evaluate the combined effect of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Rhizobium and Sclerotium rolfsii on Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus) in the net house of Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur during 2014-2015 through 2015-2016. The experiment was designed in RCBD with 8 treatments and 4 replications. Grasspea variety BARI Khesari-1 was used as a test crop. Peat based rhizobial inoculum (BARI RLs-10) was used in this experiment @ 50 g kg-1 seed. The AM fungi used in this experiment were Glomus fusianum, Glomus macrocarpum, Glomus warcuppi, Acaulospora foveata, Acaulospora denticulate, Gigaspora albida, Gigaspora rosea, Glomus spp. etc. Soil based AM inoculum containing about approximate 252 spores and infected root pieces of the host plant was used pot-1. There were eight treatments viz. T1: Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), T2: Rhizobium, T3: AM + Rhizobium, T4: Sclerotium rolfsii, T5: Sclerotium rolfsii + AM, T6: Sclerotium rolfsii + Rhizobium, T7: Sclerotium rolfsii + AM + Rhizobium and T8: Control. Dual inoculation (AM + Rhizobium) significantly increased germination (%), nodule number and dry weight, root colonization by AM fungi and spore population in rhizosphere soils of grasspea compared to single inoculation or any other treatments. Dual inoculation increased germination after 23 DAS (20% in 2014-2015 and 23% in 2015-2016) compared to control. It increased nodule number plant-1 (172% in 2014-2015 and 72% in 2015-2016) over AM treatment, and (112% in 2014-2015 and 26% in 2015-2016) over Rhizobium treatment. It also increased root infection (20% in 2014-2015 and 56% in 2015-2016) over AM treatment, and (200% in 2014-2015 and 100% in 2015-2016) over Rhizobium treatment. It reduced foot and root rot disease (48% in 2014-2015 and 44% in 2015-2016) compared to control. On the contrary, Sclerotium rolfsii + Rhizobium, Sclerotium rolfsii + AM, and Sclerotium rolfsii + AM + Rhizobium reduced 12-17%, 16-20% and 28-31% foot and root rot disease, respectively compared to only Sclerotium rolfsii treatment. Therefore, use of these bio-control agents could be promoted as an active component of bio-intensive Integrated Disease Management Program (IDMP) under organic mode. The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 143-155
Selection of Core Collection from Jesso-Balam Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Accessions Using Quantitative, Qualitative and Molecular Characters-A Review
Authors: Ahmed MS , Md. Iftekharuddaula Khandakar
Published: August 2017

Genetic improvement of rice (Oryza sativa L.) for yield is important for increasing demand of the growing population and the changing climate of the world. Recent studies showed that backcrossing twice using modern varieties as receptor and mini core collection as doner, most of the undesirable traits could be improved remarkably and in other words its maximum allele diversity could be brought back into rice fields. Core collection is defined as a subset chosen to represent the most genetic diversity of an initial collection with a minimum of redundancies. The objective of the present study was to review the selection of core collection of Jesso-Balam group of rice genotypes through quantitative, qualitative and molecular characters. Earlier, the same germplasms were characterized for agro-morphological, physico-chemical and molecular characters and grouped into different clusters by different methods at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute during 2009-12. Finally, the core collection was selected by reviewing the above characterized data and using the hierarchical cluster analysis. Moreover, the selection processes of core collection were improved by applying composite evaluation methods; such as agro-morphological traits, biochemical characters and so on, through sampling strategies based on genotypic values, predicted genotypic value, comparing different genetic distances, cluster methods and sampling strategies methods, molecular characterization or SSR marker base data. As a result, the selected core germplasm of Jesso-Balam rice accessions were JBPL1, JBPL8, JBPL9, JBPL10, JBPL13, JBPL15, JBPL16, JBPL17, JBPL19, JBPL20, JBPL21, JBPL23, JBPL25 and JBPL26. In conclusion, the core collection  need to be considered as the working collection of Jesso-Balam rice genotypes for their easy and safe conservation and effective utilization in Gene bank.The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 170-181
La micro-constructionnalisation en tandem : la copularisation de tourner et virer
Authors: Van Wettere Niek , Lauwers Peter
Published: August 2017

Cet article explore les « voies de grammaticalisation primaire » d’une paire de verbes attributifs exprimant un changement d’état, à savoir tourner/virer , à l’aide de la « boîte à outils » de la Grammaire constructionnelle diachronique . Fondamentalement, deux mécanismes de constructionnalisation jouent un rôle important dans le processus de copularisation : (i) l’interaction entre les micro-constructions prépositionnelles d’un emploi déjà désémantisé du verbe et leur micro-construction semi-copulative correspondante et (ii) l’attraction lexicale exercée par un verbe synonymique qui attire d’autres verbes dans le spectre de la construction attributive (cf.  analogisation ).
IFN-α Negatively Regulates the Expression of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Nitric Oxide Production: Implications for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Buie Joy Jones , Renaud Ludivine L. , Muise-Helmericks Robin , Oates Jim C.
Published: August 2017

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a known risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. Murine and human lupus studies revealed a role for IFN-α in vascular abnormalities associated with impaired blood vessel dilation. However, the impact of IFN-α on mediators that induce vasodilation and modulate inflammation, including endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and NO bioavailability, are unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine how IFN-α promotes endothelial dysfunction in SLE, focusing on its regulation of eNOS and NO production in endothelial cells. We demonstrate that IFN-α promotes an endothelial dysfunction signature in HUVECs that is characterized by transcription suppression and mRNA instability of eNOS complemented by upregulation of MCP1 and VCAM1. These changes are associated with IFN-inducible gene expression. IFN-α impairs insulin-mediated NO production, and altered gene expression resulted from eNOS instability, possibly due to enhanced miR-155 expression. IFN-α significantly impaired NO production in insulin-stimulated HUVECs. IFN-α treatment also led to enhanced neutrophil adhesion. Our study introduces a novel pathway by which IFN-α serves as a proatherogenic mediator through repression of eNOS-dependent pathways. This could promote the development of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease in SLE.
Intact Stability Analysis of Dead Ship Conditions using FORM
Authors: Choi Ju-hyuck , Jensen Jørgen J. , Kristensen Hans O. , Nielsen Ulrik D. , Erichsen Henrik
Published: August 2017

The international Maritime Organization (IMO) Weather Criterion has proven to be the governing stability criteria regarding minimum metacentric height for e.g., small ferries and large passenger ships. The formulation of the Weather Criterion is based on some empirical relations derived many years ago for vessels not necessarily representative for current new buildings with large superstructures. Thus, it seems reasonable to investigate the possibility of capsizing in beam sea under the joint action of waves and wind using direct time domain simulations. This has already been done in several studies. Here, it is combined with the first order reliability method (FORM) to define possible combined critical wave and wind scenarios leading to capsize and corresponding probability of capsize. The FORM results for a fictitious vessel are compared with Monte Carlo simulations, and good agreement is found at a much lesser computational effort. Finally, the results for an existing small ferry will be discussed in the light of the current weather criterion.

1. Introduction

Recently, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has initiated a thorough revision of the intact stability rules in the framework of goal-based design, e.g., Peters et al. (2013). Several draft guidelines have been issued, e.g., SDC 1/INF.8 (IMO 2013) discussing in details the requirements for the hydrodynamic software to be applied including qualitative and quantitative assessment procedures. The focus so far has been mostly on failure modes related to the change of righting lever in waves, notably parametric rolling and pure loss of stability, whereas the dead ship behavior in beam sea still is based on the existing Weather Criterion issued by IMO (1985) as Resolution A.562. This criterion is based to a large extent on model tests of older hull forms and does not provide any probability of capsize for a given vessel, just a pass/no pass result. Furthermore, the wave environment is not explicitly specified in the criterion thus leading to the same requirement whether the ship is sailing in restricted areas or not. A very detailed and precise description of the drawbacks in the IMO Weather Criterion, as applied to modern ships, is given in Bulian and Francescutto (2004). In a recent study by Tompuri et al. (2015), a detailed investigation on application of the second generation intact stability criteria has been done. However, the criterion for dead ship condition is excluded from this thorough study because the criterion is thought to be still in the early phase of development.
Iceland‐Scotland Overflow Water transport variability through the Charlie‐Gibbs Fracture Zone and the impact of the North Atlantic Current
Authors: Bower Amy , Furey Heather
Published: August 2017

The Charlie‐Gibbs Fracture Zone (CGFZ), a deep and wide gap in the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge near 52°N, is a gateway between the eastern and western subpolar regions for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). In 2010–2012, an eight‐mooring array of current meters and temperature/salinity sensors was installed across the CGFZ between 500 m and the sea floor to measure the mean transport of westward‐flowing Iceland‐Scotland Overflow Water (ISOW) and investigate the impact of the eastward‐flowing North Atlantic Current (NAC) on ISOW transport variability. The 22 month record mean ISOW transport through the CGFZ, −1.7 ± 0.5 Sv (95% confidence interval), is 30% lower than the previously published estimate based on 13 months of current‐only measurements, −2.4 ± 1.2 Sv. The latter mean estimate may have been biased high due to the lack of continuous salinity measurements, although the two estimates are not statistically different due to strong mesoscale variability in both data sets. Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis and maps of satellite‐derived absolute dynamic topography show that weak westward ISOW transport events and eastward reversals are caused by northward meanders of the NAC, with its deep‐reaching eastward velocities. These results add to growing evidence that a significant fraction of ISOW exits the Iceland Basin by routes other than the CGFZ.
Measurements of light‐absorbing particles in snow across the Arctic, North America, and China: Effects on surface albedo
Authors: Dang Cheng , Warren Stephen G. , Fu Qiang , Doherty Sarah J. , Sturm Matthew , Su Jing
Published: August 2017

Using field observations, we perform radiative transfer calculations on snowpacks in the Arctic, China, and North America to quantify the impact of light‐absorbing particles (LAPs) on snow albedo and its sensitivity to different factors. For new snow, the regional‐averaged albedo reductions caused by all LAPs in the Arctic, North America, and China are 0.009, 0.012, and 0.077, respectively, of which the albedo reductions caused by black carbon (BC) alone are 0.005, 0.005, and 0.031, corresponding to a positive radiative forcing of 0.06, 0.3, and 3 W m−2. For the same particulate concentrations, the albedo reduction for old melting snow is larger than that of new snow by a factor of 2; this leads to 3–8 times larger radiative forcing, in part due to higher solar irradiance in the melting season. These calculations used ambient snowpack properties; if all snowpacks were instead assumed to be optically thick, the albedo reduction would be 20–50% larger for new snow in the Arctic and North America and 120–300% larger for old snow. Accounting for non‐BC LAPs reduces the albedo reduction by BC in the Arctic, North America, and China by 32%, 29%, and 70%, respectively, for new snow and 11%, 7%, and 51% for old snow. BC‐in‐snow albedo reduction computed using a two‐layer model agrees reasonably with that computed using a multilayer model. Biases in BC concentration or snow depth often lead to nonlinear biases in BC‐induced albedo reduction.
Impacts of interactive dust and its direct radiative forcing on interannual variations of temperature and precipitation in winter over East Asia
Authors: Lou Sijia , Russell Lynn M. , Yang Yang , Liu Ying , Singh Balwinder , Ghan Steven J.
Published: August 2017

We used two 150 year preindustrial simulations of the Community Earth System Model, one with interactive dust and the other with prescribed dust, to quantify the impacts of changes in wind during East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) season on dust emissions, and the resulting consequences for interannual variations of temperature and precipitation over East Asia. The simulated December‐January‐February dust column burden and dust optical depth are lower over northern China in the strongest EAWM years than those of the weakest years by 38.3% and 37.2%, respectively. The decrease in dust over the dust source regions and the downwind region leads to an increase in direct radiative forcing (RF) at the surface by up to 1.5 W m−2. The effects of EAWM‐related variations in surface winds, precipitation, and their effects on dust emissions and wet removal contribute 67% to the total dust‐induced variations of direct RF at the surface and partly offset the cooling that occurs with the EAWM strengthening by heating the surface. The variations of surface air temperature induced by the changes in wind and dust emissions between the strongest and weakest EAWM years (strongest minus weakest) decrease by 0.4–0.6 K from eastern coastal China to Japan, which weakens the impact of EAWM on surface air temperature by 3–18% in these regions. The warming results from the combined effects of changes in direct RF, turbulent heat flux at the surface, and northwesterly wind anomalies that bring cold and dry air from Siberia to these regions. Over eastern coastal China, the variations of large‐scale precipitation induced by the feedback of EAWM‐related changes in wind on dust emissions decrease by 10–30% in winter because of the reduced changes in surface air temperature and the anomalous circulation.
Delineation of peatland lagg boundaries from airborne LiDAR
Authors: Langlois Melanie N. , Richardson Murray C. , Price Jonathan S.
Published: August 2017

In Canada, peatlands are the most common type of wetland, but boundary delineation in peatland complexes has received little attention in the scientific literature. Typically, peatland boundaries are mapped as crisp, absolute features, and the transitional lagg zone—the ecotone found between a raised bog and the surrounding mineral land—is often overlooked. In this study, we aim (1) to advance existing approaches for detecting and locating laggs and lagg boundaries using airborne LiDAR surveys and (2) to describe the spatial distribution of laggs around raised bog peatlands. Two contrasting spatial analytical approaches for lagg detection were tested using five LiDAR‐derived topographic and vegetation indices: topography, vegetation height, topographic wetness index, the standard deviation of the vegetation's height (as a proxy for the complexity of the vegetation's structure), and local indices of elevation variance. Using a dissimilarity approach (edge‐detection, split‐moving window analysis), no one variable accurately depicted both the lagg‐mineral land and bog‐lagg boundaries. Some indicators were better at predicting the bog‐lagg boundary (i.e., vegetation height) and others at finding the lagg‐mineral land boundary (i.e., topography). Dissimilarity analysis reinforces the usefulness of derived variables (e.g., wetness indices) in locating laggs, especially for those with weak topographic and vegetation gradients. When the lagg was confined between the bog and the adjacent upland, it took a linear form, parallel to the peatland's edge and was easier to predict. When the adjacent mineral land was flat or sloping away from the peatland, the lagg was discontinuous and intermittent and more difficult to predict.
Edible Electrochemistry: Food Materials Based Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Kim Jayoung , Jeerapan Itthipon , Ciui Bianca , Hartel Martin C. , Martin Aida , Wang Joseph
Published: August 2017

This study demonstrates the first example of completely food‐based edible electrochemical sensors. The new edible composite electrodes consist of food materials and supplements serving as the edible conductor, corn, and olive oils as edible binders, vegetables as biocatalysts, and food‐based packing sleeves. These edible composite electrodes are systematically characterized for their attractive electrochemical properties, such as potential window, capacitance, redox activity using various electrochemical techniques. The sensing performance of the edible carbon composite electrodes compares favorably with that of “traditional” carbon paste electrodes. Well defined voltammetric detection of catechol, uric acid, ascorbic acid, dopamine, and acetaminophen is demonstrated, including sensitive measurements in simulated saliva, gastric fluid, and intestinal fluid. Furthermore, successful biosensing applications are realized by incorporating a mushroom and horseradish vegetable tissues with edible carbon pastes for imparting biocatalytic activity toward the biosensing of phenolic and peroxide compounds. The attractive sensing performance of the new edible sensors indicates considerable promise for physiological monitoring applications and for developing edible and ingestible devices for diverse biomedical applications.
Investigation of Potassium Storage in Layered P3‐Type K0.5MnO2 Cathode
Authors: Kim Haegyeom , Seo Dong‐Hwa , Kim Jae Chul , Bo Shou‐Hang , Liu Lei , Shi Tan , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: August 2017

Novel and low‐cost batteries are of considerable interest for application in large‐scale energy storage systems, for which the cost per cycle becomes critical. Here, this study proposes K0.5MnO2 as a potential cathode material for K‐ion batteries as an alternative to Li technology. K0.5MnO2 has a P3‐type layered structure and delivers a reversible specific capacity of ≈100 mAh g−1 with good capacity retention. In situ X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the material undergoes a reversible phase transition upon K extraction and insertion. In addition, first‐principles calculations indicate that this phase transition is driven by the relative phase stability of different oxygen stackings with respect to the K content.
2D–Materials‐Based Quantum Dots: Gateway Towards Next‐Generation Optical Devices
Authors: Dhanabalan Sathish C. , Dhanabalan Balaji , Ponraj Joice S. , Bao Qiaoliang , Zhang Han
Published: August 2017

A major focus on graphene‐based two‐dimensional (2D) materials is highlighted in recent days owing to their fascinating properties with widespread applications in electronic devices, catalysis, photonics and medicine. Here, we critically evaluate 2D materials based quantum dots (QDs) to understand the significant ways of fabrication adopted to meet their challenging demands in par with other 2D nanostructures to be in parallel with the current photonic technology with emphasis on future research scope to make use of these materials. We also discuss the different applications of 2D QDs emphasizing the realization of fluorescent probes which are in great demand to well‐establish these materials in the healthcare sector for the betterment of mankind. This study is a key priority and will bring a great impact in the advancement of simple yet challenging 2D QDs by bringing them towards the next level of applications point‐of‐view similar to that of graphene.
Catalytic Efficient Nazarov Reaction of Unactivated Aryl Vinyl Ketones via a Bidentate Diiron Lewis Acid Activation Strategy
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zhao Yukun , Cao Yang , He Lirong
Published: August 2017

A catalytic highly efficient Nazarov reaction of unactivated aryl vinyl ketones has been accomplished by employing aryl boric acid/Fe(OTf)3. Significant progress was obtained in utilizing an extremely broad substrate scope, giving indanones in high yields with high regioselectivities and diastereoselectivities. The mechanistic investigation supports a bidentate diiron Lewis acid catalysis, and the strong double electrophilic activation of aryl vinyl ketones via simultaneous coordination plays a key role in achieving a high reaction efficiency.

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Efficient and Hysteresis‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells Based on a Solution Processable Polar Fullerene Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Wang Ying‐Chiao , Li Xiaodong , Zhu Liping , Liu Xiaohui , Zhang Wenjun , Fang Junfeng
Published: August 2017

Fullerene derivatives, which possess extraordinary geometric shapes and high electron affinity, have attracted significant attention for thin film technologies. This study demonstrates an important photovoltaic application using carboxyl‐functionalized carbon buckyballs, C60 pyrrolidine tris‐acid (CPTA), to fabricate electron transport layers (ETLs) that replace traditional metal oxide‐based ETLs in efficient and stable n‐i‐p‐structured planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The uniform CPTA film is covalently anchored onto the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO), significantly suppressing hysteresis and enhancing the flexural strength in the CPTA‐modified PSCs. Moreover, solution‐processable CPTA‐based ETLs also enable the fabrication of lightweight flexible PSCs. The maximum‐performing device structures composed of ITO/CPTA/CH3NH3PbI3/2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD)/Au yield power conversion efficiencies of more than 18% on glass substrates and up to 17% on flexible substrates. These results indicate that the CPTA layers provide new opportunities for solution‐processed organic ETLs by substantially simplifying the procedure for fabricating PSCs for portable applications.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 2017 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment
Authors: Hallek Michael
Published: August 2017

Disease Overview

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the commonest leukemia in western countries. The disease typically occurs in elderly patients and has a highly variable clinical course. Leukemic transformation is initiated by specific genomic alterations that impair apoptosis of clonal B cells.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is established by blood counts, blood smears, and immunophenotyping of circulating B lymphocytes, which identify a clonal B‐cell population carrying the CD5 antigen and B‐cell markers.

Prognosis

Two prognostic staging systems exist, the Rai and Binet staging systems, which are established by physical examination and blood counts. Various biological and genetic markers also have prognostic value. Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 17 (del(17p)) and/or mutations of the TP53 gene predict resistance to available chemotherapies. A comprehensive prognostic score (CLL‐IPI) using genetic, biological, and clinical variables has recently been developed allowing to classify CLL into very distinct risk groups.

Therapy

Patients with active or symptomatic disease or with advanced Binet or Rai stages require therapy. For physically fit patients, chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab remains the current standard therapy. For unfit patients, currently available evidence supports two options for a first‐line therapy: chlorambucil combined with an anti‐CD20 antibody (obinutuzumab or rituximab or ofatumumab) or a continuous therapy with ibrutinib. At relapse, the initial treatment may be repeated, if the treatment‐free interval exceeds 3 years. If the disease relapses earlier, therapy should be changed using alternative agents such as bendamustine (plus rituximab), alemtuzumab, lenalidomide, ofatumumab, ibrutinib, idelalisib, or venetoclax. Patients with a del(17p) or TP53 mutation can be treated with ibrutinib, venetoclax, or a combination of idelalisib and rituximab. An allogeneic SCT may be considered in relapsing patients with TP53 mutations or del(17p) or patients that are refractory to chemoimmunotherapy and the novel inhibitors.

Future Challenges

The new agents (ibrutinib, idelalisib, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab) hold the potential to significantly improve the outcome of CLL patients. However, their optimal use (in terms of combination, sequence, and duration) remains unknown. Therefore, CLL patients should be treated in clinical trials whenever possible.
Direct Functionalization of Azepane via Azomethine Ylides: A Highly Efficient Synthesis of Spirooxindoles Bearing a 1‐Azabicyclo[5.3.0]decane Moiety
Authors: Meng Xiangtai , Du Yanlong , Zhang Qi , Yu Aimin , Zhang Youquan , Jia Jiru , Liu Xiujie
Published: August 2017

Spirooxindoles bearing a 1‐azabicyclo[5.3.0]decane moiety were synthesized in one step via direct functionalization of the azepane without a transition metal or oxidants. This is an efficient process for the synthesis of fused 7/5‐heterobicyclic systems in one step. Furthermore, cycloaddition of the in‐situ‐generated azomethine ylide only proceeded for alkenyl sulfone dipolarophiles.
Body weight is a robust predictor of clinical progression in Huntington disease
Authors: van der Burg Jorien M. M. , Gardiner Sarah L. , Ludolph Albert C. , Landwehrmeyer G. Bernhard , Roos Raymund A. C. , Aziz N. Ahmad
Published: August 2017

Unintended weight loss is a hallmark of Huntington disease (HD), but it is unknown to what extent weight loss impacts the rate of disease progression. Therefore, using longitudinal data from the Enroll‐HD study, we assessed the association between baseline body mass index (BMI) and the rate of clinical progression in 5,821 HD mutation carriers. We found that high baseline BMI was associated with a significantly slower rate of functional, motor, and cognitive deterioration (all p < 0.001), independent of mutant HTT CAG repeat size. Our findings provide strong rationale for exploration of systemic metabolism as a therapeutic target in HD. Ann Neurol 2017;82:479–483
Heterogeneous hydrolytic degradation of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microspheres: Mathematical modeling
Authors: Busatto Carlos , Pesoa Juan , Helbling Ignacio , Luna Julio , Estenoz Diana
Published: August 2017

A new mathematical model for the prediction of the heterogeneous hydrolytic degradation of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA)‐based microspheres was developed. The model takes into account the autocatalytic effect of carboxylic groups and polymer composition on the degradation rate. It is based on mass balances for the different species, considering the kinetic and mass transport phenomena involved. The model estimates the evolution of average molecular weight, mass loss, and morphological change of the particles during degradation, and it was validated with novel experimental data. Theoretical predictions are in agreement with the hydrolysis data of PLGA microspheres (error values less than 5%). The model is able to predict the effect of particle size and molecular weight on the degradation of PLGA‐based microspheres and estimates the morphological changes of the particles due to the autocatalytic effect. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45464.
Alkynylation of Bio‐Based 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to Connect Biomass Processing with Conjugated Polymers and Furanic Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Romashov Leonid V. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: August 2017

Acetylene‐functionalized platform chemicals were synthesized from biomass‐derived 5‐hydrohymethylfurfural (HMF). Demanding mono‐ and bis‐ethynylfurans were obtained in high yields (89–99 %). Applications of these products in the synthesis of smart organic conjugated materials and pharmaceuticals were examined in a series of transformations. Conjugated polyacetylenic polymers with morphology control have been prepared by incorporation of the HMF core.
Construct a gene‐to‐metabolite network to screen the key genes of triterpene saponin biosynthetic pathway in Panax notoginseng
Authors: Wang Ning , Wang Long , Qi Lianwen , Lu Xu
Published: August 2017

Triterpene saponins are main active constituents of Panax notoginseng. Metabolites profiling of 12 triterpene saponins was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in leaf, petiole, and root extracts of P. notoginseng. Most of the 20(S)‐protopanaxatriol (PPT) type saponins, except ginsenoside Re, were mainly distributed in roots, while 20(S)‐protopanaxadiol (PPD) type saponins were detected among various tissues. The total content of PPD‐type saponins decreased in the order of leaf, petiole, and root. The expression patterns of four key genes (PnFPS, PnSQS, PnDS, and PnSE) in the triterpene saponin biosynthetic pathway were measured by real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). All the four investigated genes showed high expression levels in leaf. A gene‐to‐metabolite network was constructed through canonical correlation analysis. The results indicated that the expression levels of PnFPS, PnSQS, PnDS, and PnSE had high correlation with PPD‐type saponins ginsenoside Rb2, Rb3, and Rc, while PnSQS was also highly correlated with Rb1. Combining metabolic profiling, RT‐qPCR, and gene‐to‐metabolite network, we inferred that the leaf of P. notoginseng was the main biosynthesis site of PPD‐type saponins Rb2, Rb3, and Rc. The contribution to the biosynthesis of ginsenosides Rb2, Rb3, and Rc was in the order of PnSE > PnDS > PnSQS > PnFPS. PnSE and PnDS should be the preferred targets to regulate the production of PPD‐type saponins Rb2, Rb3, and Rc in P. notoginseng by plant metabolic engineering.
An Efficient Glycoblotting‐Based Analysis of Oxidized Lipids in Liposomes and a Lipoprotein
Authors: Furukawa Takayuki , Hinou Hiroshi , Takeda Seiji , Chiba Hitoshi , Nishimura Shin‐Ichiro , Hui Shu‐Ping
Published: August 2017

Although widely occurring lipid oxidation, which is triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS), produces a variety of oxidized lipids, practical methods to efficiently analyze oxidized lipids remain elusive. Herein, it is shown that the glycoblotting platform can be used to analyze oxidized lipids. Analysis is based on the principle that lipid aldehydes, one of the oxidized lipid species, can be captured selectively, enriched, and detected. Moreover, 3‐methyl‐1‐p‐tolyltriazene (MTT) methylates phosphoric and carboxylic acids, and this MTT‐mediated methylation is, in combination with conventional tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis, an effective method for the structural analysis of oxidized lipids. By using three classes of standards, liposomes, and a lipoprotein, it is demonstrated that glycoblotting represents a powerful approach for focused lipidomics, even in complex macromolecules.
CoO@N‐Doped Carbon Composite Nanotubes as Excellent Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ren Manman , Li Fanyan , Liu Weiliang , Li Mei , Li Guangda , Hei Jinpei , Su Liwei , Wang Lianzhou
Published: August 2017

In this work, we report the successful fabrication a new type of CoO@N‐doped carbon matrix composite nanotubes (CoO@NC Ntm) using Co(CO3)0.5(OH)⋅0.11H2O needlelike nanorods as the self‐sacrifice templates and polypyrrole as carbon and nitrogen sources. The preparation process is facile and efficient. CoO nanoparticles are homogeneously embedded in the N‐doped carbon nanotube matrix. Combining the benefits of the N‐doped carbon matrix and the special architecture, CoO@NC Ntm delivers a superior long‐term cycling stability and high‐rate performance as the anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. Even when tested at a higher current density of 2000 mA g−1, a reversible capacity of 523.4 mAh g−1 can be retained after 1000 cycles, with capacity retention of almost 100 % from 2 to 1000 cycles. This work may shed light on the fabrication of other oxide materials @N‐doped carbon matrix composites for energy‐storage applications.
Cooperative and Reversible Anisotropic Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles by Modulation of Noncovalent Interparticle Interactions
Authors: Gentili Denis , Ori Guido , Ortolani Luca , Morandi Vittorio , Cavallini Massimiliano
Published: August 2017

Controlled and reversible anisotropic self‐assembly of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) is achieved by ligand exchange with concentrations of ligand below that needed for their complete capping, that is, using substoichiometric ligand coverages. A thoughtful rationale of the ligand chemical structure and control over exchange conditions have been pursued to foster a reversible process grounded on the cooperative balance between attractive, and repulsive interactions. The gradual replacement of the electrostatic and steric repulsions between the GNPs with attractive dipolar interactions and enhanced steric repulsions is accomplished by ligand exchange with an oligo (ethylene glycol) alkanethiol. The modulation of interparticle interactions is driven by the extent of ligand substitution and allows the reversible assembly of nanoparticles and tuning of their optical properties.
Formation of Layer‐by‐Layer Assembled Cocatalyst Films of S2−‐Stabilized Ni3S4 Nanoparticles for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Kim Sungwon , Nishino Toshio , Saruyama Masaki , Sakamoto Masanori , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Akiyama Seiji , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari , Teranishi Toshiharu
Published: August 2017

It remains challenging to develop alternatives, based on widely abundant elements, to highly active Pt catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Metal sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) are potential candidates for such catalysts because of their metallic features and intrinsic high surface area; however, their poor electrocatalytic activity, owing to the presence of surface ligands, is an obstacle to practical use. Here we report the selective synthesis of oleylamine (OAm)‐stabilized Ni3S4 (Ni3S4/OAm) NPs. The insulating ligands were exchanged with S2− and loaded on electrodes by a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly method with metal cation linkers. The enhanced catalytic properties were confirmed by electrochemical measurements. A LbL assembled film with Ni2+ as a linker (11 cycles) showed an overpotential of 555 mV@‐4 mA cm−2 at pH 6.8 and a stable current density for 12 h. In addition, when this LbL assembly method was applied to a CdS/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 photocatalyst electrode, the resulting photoelectrode showed an enhanced photocurrent compared with that of the Ni3S4/OAm NPs‐spin coated and bare photoelectrodes. These results indicate the versatility of LbL assembly for fabrication of ligand‐free NP electrocatalyst films.
Drugs and the Kidneys: Clinical Pharmacology Perspectives
Authors: Vincent John
Published: August 2017

The focus of this edition of Clinical Pharmacolgoy & Therapeutics (CPT) is on drugs and renal function and will not include a detailed discussion of kidney disease and its treatment. It is well recognized that drugs affect the kidneys in different ways, while kidney disease impacts drug metabolism and response. It is impossible to underestimate the value of the kidneys to man in health and disease, from regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance to participating in drug metabolism and transport. Additionally, the kidneys serve as targets for drugs used to treat cardiovascular (CV) diseases including hypertension and heart failure, metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and obesity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as playing a role in the regulation of several hormones. Kidney damage may be distinguished from changes in kidney function using biomarkers, as discussed in some detail in this issue.
Conversion of tars on solid oxide fuel cell anodes and its impact on voltages and current densities
Authors: Herrmann Tobias , Dillig Marius , Hauth Martin , Karl Jürgen
Published: August 2017

This paper focuses on tar conversion on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes and its consequences for operation performance and degradation issues. Based on an extensive literature review it discusses the chemical behavior of tar species in typical gas environments/operation conditions at the Nickel anode and describes an experimental investigation methodology. A numerical 1‐D discretized cell model is developed that represents global tar conversion kinetics on SOFC anodes based on an Arrhenius power law approach. This permits the determination of the apparent kinetic rate constants based on simple OCV measurements at cells operated on tar‐laden gases. The approach is applied and verified with measurement data from literature. Resulting conversion rate constants varied with the investigated tar species (naphthalene, toluene) and the operation temperature (800–900°C) in the range 0.1–1.04 mol/sec/m2/bar. The results showed good consistency within varying tar concentration levels and with FID measurement in the off gas of the SOFC anodes.