bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with retention in Option B+ in Malawi: a case control study
Authors: Hoffman Risa M , Phiri Khumbo , Parent Julie , Grotts Jonathan , Elashoff David , Kawale Paul , Yeatman Sara , Currier Judith S , Schooley Alan
Published: April 2017

Introduction: There are limited data on factors associated with retention in Option B+. We sought to explore the characteristics of women retained in Option B+ in Malawi, with a focus on the role of HIV disclosure, awareness of partner HIV status, and knowledge around the importance of Option B+ for maternal–child health.

Methods: We performed a case‐control study of HIV‐infected women in Malawi initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) under Option B+. Cases were enrolled if they met criteria for default from Option B+ (out of ART for >60 days), and controls were enrolled in approximately 3:1 ratio if they were retained in care for at least 12 months. We surveyed socio‐demographic characteristics, HIV disclosure and awareness of partner HIV status, self‐report about receiving pre‐ART education, and knowledge of Option B+. Univariate logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with retention. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between HIV disclosure, Option B+ knowledge, and retention after adjusting for age, schooling, and travel time to clinic.

Results: We enrolled 50 cases and 153 controls. Median age was 30 years (interquartile range (IQR) 25–34), and the majority (82%) initiated ART during pregnancy at a median gestational age of 24 weeks (IQR 16–28). Ninety‐one per cent of the cases (39/43) who started ART during pregnancy defaulted by three months postpartum. HIV disclosure to the primary sex partner was more common among women retained in care (100% versus 78%, p < 0.001). Odds of retention were significantly higher among women with: age >25 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.44), completion of primary school (OR 3.06), awareness of partner HIV status (OR 5.20), pre‐ART education (OR 6.17), higher number of correct answers to Option B+ knowledge questions (OR 1.82), and support while taking ART (OR 3.65). Pre‐ART education and knowledge were significantly correlated (r = 0.43, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, awareness of partner HIV status (OR 4.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51–10.94, p = 0.02) and Option B+ knowledge (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.15–2.23, p = 0.004) remained associated with retention.

Conclusions: Interventions that address partner disclosure and strengthen pre‐ART education around the benefits of ART for maternal and child health should be evaluated to improve retention in Malawi's Option B+ programme.
IL17 factors are early regulators in the gut epithelium during inflammatory response to Vibrio in the sea urchin larva
Authors: Buckley Katherine M , Ho Eric Chun Hei , Hibino Taku , Schrankel Catherine S , Schuh Nicholas W , Wang Guizhi , Rast Jonathan P
Published: April 2017

IL17 cytokines are central mediators of mammalian immunity. In vertebrates, these factors derive from diverse cellular sources. Sea urchins share a molecular heritage with chordates that includes the IL17 system. Here, we characterize the role of epithelial expression of IL17 in the larval gut-associated immune response. The purple sea urchin genome encodes 10 IL17 subfamilies (35 genes) and 2 IL17 receptors. Most of these subfamilies are conserved throughout echinoderms. Two IL17 subfamilies are sequentially strongly upregulated and attenuated in the gut epithelium in response to bacterial disturbance. IL17R1 signal perturbation results in reduced expression of several response genes including an IL17 subtype, indicating a potential feedback. A third IL17 subfamily is activated in adult immune cells indicating that expression in immune cells and epithelia is divided among families. The larva provides a tractable model to investigate the regulation and consequences of gut epithelial IL17 expression across the organism.
Host-selected mutations converging on a global regulator drive an adaptive leap towards symbiosis in bacteria
Authors: Pankey M Sabrina , Foxall Randi L , Ster Ian M , Perry Lauren A , Schuster Brian M , Donner Rachel A , Coyle Matthew , Cooper Vaughn S , Whistler Cheryl A
Published: April 2017

Host immune and physical barriers protect against pathogens but also impede the establishment of essential symbiotic partnerships. To reveal mechanisms by which beneficial organisms adapt to circumvent host defenses, we experimentally evolved ecologically distinct bioluminescentVibrio fischeriby colonization and growth within the light organs of the squidEuprymna scolopes. Serial squid passaging of bacteria produced eight distinct mutations in thebinKsensor kinase gene, which conferred an exceptional selective advantage that could be demonstrated through both empirical and theoretical analysis. Squid-adaptivebinKalleles promoted colonization and immune evasion that were mediated by cell-associated matrices including symbiotic polysaccharide (Syp) and cellulose.binKvariation also altered quorum sensing, raising the threshold for luminescence induction. Preexisting coordinated regulation of symbiosis traits by BinK presented an efficient solution where altered BinK function was the key to unlock multiple colonization barriers. These results identify a genetic basis for microbial adaptability and underscore the importance of hosts as selective agents that shape emergent symbiont populations.
Whole genome sequencing of group AStreptococcus: development and evaluation of an automated pipeline foremmgene typing
Authors: Kapatai Georgia , Coelho Juliana , Platt Steven , Chalker Victoria J.
Published: April 2017

Streptococcus pyogenesgroup AStreptococcus(GAS) is the most common cause of bacterial throat infections, and can cause mild to severe skin and soft tissue infections, including impetigo, erysipelas, necrotizing fasciitis, as well as systemic and fatal infections including septicaemia and meningitis. Estimated annual incidence for invasive group A streptococcal infection (iGAS) in industrialised countries is approximately three per 100,000 per year. Typing is currently used in England and Wales to monitor bacterial strains ofS. pyogenescausing invasive infections and those isolated from patients and healthcare/care workers in cluster and outbreak situations. Sequence analysis of theemmgene is the currently accepted gold standard methodology for GAS typing. A comprehensive database ofemmtypes observed from superficial and invasive GAS strains from England and Wales informs outbreak control teams during investigations. Each year the Bacterial Reference Department, Public Health England (PHE) receives approximately 3,000 GAS isolates from England and Wales. In April 2014 the Bacterial Reference Department, PHE began genomic sequencing of referredS. pyogenesisolates and those pertaining to selected elderly/nursing care or maternity clusters from 2010 to inform future reference services and outbreak analysis (n = 3, 047). In line with the modernizing strategy of PHE, we developed a novel bioinformatics pipeline that can predictemmtypes using whole genome sequence (WGS) data. The efficiency of this method was measured by comparing theemmtype assigned by this method against the result from the current gold standard methodology; concordance toemmsubtype level was observed in 93.8% (2,852/3,040) of our cases, whereas in 2.4% (n = 72) of our cases concordance was observed toemmtype level. The remaining 3.8% (n = 117) of our cases corresponded to novel types/subtypes, contamination, laboratory sample transcription errors or problems arising from high sequence similarity of the allele sequence or low mapping coverage. De novo assembly analysis was performed in the two latter groups (n = 72 + 117) and was able to diagnose the problem and where possible resolve the discordance (60/72 and 20/117, respectively). Overall, we have demonstrated that our WGS emm-typing pipeline is a reliable and robust system that can be implemented to determine emm type for the routine service.
Barriers to the use of personal health records by patients: a structured review
Authors: Showell Chris
Published: April 2017

Introduction

An increasing focus on personal electronic health records (PHRs) offers healthcare benefits for patients, particularly those in undeserved and marginalised populations, who are at risk of receiving less effective healthcare, and may have worse health outcomes. However, PHRs are likely to favour text, technical and health literate users, and be less suitable for disadvantaged patients. These concerns have prompted this review of the literature, which seeks evidence about barriers to the adoption and continued use of PHRs, the nature of the evidence for those barriers, and the stage of PHR implementation where particular barriers apply.

Methods

Searches in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and ProQuest databases were used to retrieve articles published in English after 2003 in a refereed journal, or presented in a refereed conference or scientific meeting. After screening to remove items which were out of scope, the phase of the PHR implementation, the type of investigation, and PHR barriers were categorised using thematic coding.

Results

The search retrieved 395 items; screening identified 34 in-scope publications, which provided evidence of 21 identified barriers to patient adoption and continued use of PHRs, categorised here as Individual, Demographic, Capability, Health-related, PHR or Attitudinal factors. Barriers were identified in most phases of PHR implementation, and in most types of study. A secondary outcome identified that eleven of the publications may have introduced a bias by excluding participants who were less affluent, less capable, or marginalised.

Conclusions

PHR barriers can interfere with the decision to start using a PHR, with the adoption process, and with continued use, and the impact of particular barriers may vary at different phases of PHR adoption. The complex interrelationships which exist between many of the barriers is suggested in some publications, and emerges more clearly from this review. Many PHR barriers appear to be related to low socioeconomic status. A better understanding is needed of how the effect of barriers is manifested, how that effect can be countered, and how planning and implementation of PHR initiatives can make allowance for patient level barriers to PHR adoption and use, with appropriate actions to mitigate the effect of those barriers for more disadvantaged patients.
Short-term starvation at low temperature prior to harvest does not impact the health and acute stress response of adult Atlantic salmon
Authors: Waagbø Rune , Jørgensen Sven Martin , Timmerhaus Gerrit , Breck Olav , Olsvik Pål A.
Published: April 2017

A period of starvation is regarded as a sound practice in aquaculture prior to handling, transportation and harvest, to minimise impacts on welfare and ensure proper hygiene after harvest. However, documentation of welfare issues such as stress following starvation and handling in adult Atlantic salmon are lacking. This study aimed to examine gut emptying and potential stress during a two week starvation period, and whether this starvation period changed the tolerance for physical stress. The study confirmed slower emptying of the gut segments at low temperature. Plasma and bile cortisol, and selected clinical analyses were used to characterize potential stress, as well as the response to acute physical crowding stress during the starvation period. Neither the general stress level nor the ability to cope with handling stress was affected by a 14 day starvation period. Down-regulation of selected nutritional related gene markers in liver indicated classical starvation responses, with reduced metabolism and oxidative pressure, and sparing of nutrients. The response to acute handling stress was not affected by two weeks of starvation. There were minor effects of starvation on stress and health markers, as evaluated by plasma lysozyme activity and gene expression of selected inflammation marker proteins in heart and skin tissues.
MMS observations of whistler waves in electron diffusion region
Authors: Cao D. , Fu H. S. , Cao J. B. , Wang T. Y. , Graham D. B. , Chen Z. Z. , Peng F. Z. , Huang S. Y. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , André M. , Russell C. T. , Giles B. L. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Torbert R. B. , Ergun R. E. , Le Contel O. , Burch J. L.
Published: April 2017

Whistler waves that can produce anomalous resistivity by affecting electrons' motion have been suggested as one of the mechanisms responsible for magnetic reconnection in the electron diffusion region (EDR). Such type of waves, however, has rarely been observed inside the EDR so far. In this study, we report such an observation by Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission. We find large‐amplitude whistler waves propagating away from the X line with a very small wave‐normal angle. These waves are probably generated by the perpendicular temperature anisotropy of the ~300 eV electrons inside the EDR, according to our analysis of dispersion relation and cyclotron resonance condition; they significantly affect the electron‐scale dynamics of magnetic reconnection and thus support previous simulations.
Fragmentation of wind‐blown snow crystals
Authors: Comola Francesco , Kok Jasper F. , Gaume Johan , Paterna Enrico , Lehning Michael
Published: April 2017

Understanding the dynamics driving the transformation of snowfall crystals into blowing snow particles is critical to correctly account for the energy and mass balances in polar and alpine regions. Here we propose a fragmentation theory of fractal snow crystals that explicitly links the size distribution of blowing snow particles to that of falling snow crystals. We use discrete element modeling of the fragmentation process to support the assumptions made in our theory. By combining this fragmentation model with a statistical mechanics model of blowing snow, we are able to reproduce the characteristic features of blowing snow size distributions measured in the field and in a wind tunnel. In particular, both model and measurements show the emergence of a self‐similar scaling for large particle sizes and a systematic deviation from this scaling for small particle sizes.
Pore network modeling of the electrical signature of solute transport in dual‐domain media
Authors: Day‐Lewis F. D. , Linde N. , Haggerty R. , Singha K. , Briggs M. A.
Published: April 2017

Dual‐domain models are used to explain anomalous solute transport behavior observed in diverse hydrologic settings and applications, from groundwater remediation to hyporheic exchange. To constrain such models, new methods are needed with sensitivity to both immobile and mobile domains. Recent experiments indicate that dual‐domain transport of ionic tracers has an observable geoelectrical signature, appearing as a nonlinear, hysteretic relation between paired bulk and fluid electrical conductivity. Here we present a mechanistic explanation for this geoelectrical signature and evaluate assumptions underlying a previously published petrophysical model for bulk conductivity in dual‐domain media. Pore network modeling of fluid flow, solute transport, and electrical conduction (1) verifies the geoelectrical signature of dual‐domain transport, (2) reveals limitations of the previously used petrophysical model, and (3) demonstrates that a new petrophysical model, based on differential effective media theory, closely approximates the simulated bulk/fluid conductivity relation. These findings underscore the potential of geophysically based calibration of dual‐domain models.
Statistical Modeling of Behavioral Finance
Authors: Caginalp Gunduz , DeSantis Mark
Published: April 2017

We present a methodology that is designed to examine the efficiency of a market as well as uncover the motivations of traders. Using a data set of 124 000 daily ETF (exchange traded fund) price observations, the relationship between volume and price efficiency of ETFs is measured by regressing the fractional deviation between the ETF price and net asset value against the volume of the ETF relative to its own mean and standard deviation. A nonlinear relationship is found, providing support for the thesis that for low to moderate levels of volume greater volume leads to greater efficiency. However, efficiency diminishes as one attains very high volume. To determine trader motivations and examine hypothesized behavioral effects, we present a methodology whereby valuation is modeled and used as an independent variable so that much of the noise inherent in changes in valuation is removed. One can thus examine an open‐ended list of behavioral effects. The impact of these effects on price changes can be compared with one another quantitatively. Using higher powers of the trend variable, we find a nonlinear (cubic) relationship for both the ETF and the S&P 100 studies that involve 77 000 and 185 000 data points, respectively.
Bio‐Inspired Bright Structurally Colored Colloidal Amorphous Array Enhanced by Controlling Thickness and Black Background
Authors: Iwata Masanori , Teshima Midori , Seki Takahiro , Yoshioka Shinya , Takeoka Yukikazu
Published: April 2017

Inspired by Steller's jay, which displays angle‐independent structural colors, angle‐independent structurally colored materials are created, which are composed of amorphous arrays of submicrometer‐sized fine spherical silica colloidal particles. When the colloidal amorphous arrays are thick, they do not appear colorful but almost white. However, the saturation of the structural color can be increased by (i) appropriately controlling the thickness of the array and (ii) placing the black background substrate. This is similar in the case of the blue feather of Steller's jay. Based on the knowledge gained through the biomimicry of structural colored materials, colloidal amorphous arrays on the surface of a black particle as the core particle are also prepared as colorful photonic pigments. Moreover, a structural color on–off system is successfully built by controlling the background brightness of the colloidal amorphous arrays.
Macroscopically Oriented Porous Materials with Periodic Ordered Structures: From Zeolites and Metal–Organic Frameworks to Liquid‐Crystal‐Templated Mesoporous Materials
Authors: Cho Joonil , Ishida Yasuhiro
Published: April 2017

Porous materials with molecular‐sized periodic structures, as exemplified by zeolites, metal–organic frameworks, or mesoporous silica, have attracted increasing attention due to their range of applications in storage, sensing, separation, and transformation of small molecules. Although the components of such porous materials have a tendency to pack in unidirectionally oriented periodic structures, such ideal types of packing cannot continue indefinitely, generally ceasing when they reach a micrometer scale. Consequently, most porous materials are composed of multiple randomly oriented domains, and overall behave as isotropic materials from a macroscopic viewpoint. However, if their channels could be unidirectionally oriented over a macroscopic scale, the resultant porous materials might serve as powerful tools for manipulating molecules. Guest molecules captured in macroscopically oriented channels would have their positions and directions well‐defined, so that molecular events in the channels would proceed in a highly controlled manner. To realize such an ideal situation, numerous efforts have been made to develop various porous materials with macroscopically oriented channels. An overview of recent studies on the synthesis, properties, and applications of macroscopically oriented porous materials is presented.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines
Authors: Auria‐Luna Fernando , Marqués‐López Eugenia , Herrera Raquel P.
Published: April 2017

This review aims to bring light upon a very interesting group of compounds, the 1,4‐dihydropyridines (1,4‐DHPs). These structures are well‐known pharmacophores, used for many years to treat cardiovascular diseases because of their activity as calcium channel blockers. In addition, their potential as drugs to treat other affections has been recently exposed. The racemic synthesis of 1,4‐DHPs has been well studied, while the asymmetric approaches are mainly based on the use of chiral auxiliaries or chiral resolutions. However, there are scarce examples regarding enantioselective organocatalytic methods. Herein, we will summarize the existing examples in this field of research.

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A case of familial transmission of the newly described DNMT3A‐Overgrowth Syndrome
Authors: Lemire Gabrielle , Gauthier Julie , Soucy Jean‐François , Delrue Marie‐Ange
Published: April 2017

DNMT3A‐Overgrowth Syndrome (also known as Tatton–Brown–Rahman Syndrome) (MIM 615879) has recently been described in 13 individuals with de novo heterozygous mutations in DNMT3A gene. This autosomal dominant condition is characterized by overgrowth, dysmorphic facial features and moderate intellectual disability. Missense and truncating point mutations, a small in‐frame deletion, as well as microdeletion 2p23 have been reported. Moreover, DNMT3A is commonly somatically mutated in acute myeloid leukemia. We herein report a family with two siblings and their father affected by the syndrome. The proband is a 12 year‐old boy with tall stature, macrocephaly, facial dysmorphism, and intellectual disability. His 10‐year‐old sister also has learning difficulties, overgrowth and mild facial dysmorphism. Their father is a 49 year‐old man with tall stature, macrocephaly, learning difficulties, and minor facial dysmorphism. He had a right occipital osteoma removed at 20 years of age. A heterozygous splice site mutation NM_022552.4 (DNMT3A): c.2323‐2A > T was found in the proband by whole exome sequencing analysis and by targeted Sanger Sequencing for the proband's sister and father. This mutation has not been previously reported and is believed to be pathogenic. Indeed, this substitution involves a highly conserved canonical splice site and is predicted to cause exon skipping. This is the first report of a familial transmission of DNMT3A‐Overgrowth Syndrome, supporting the autosomal dominant inheritance. The proband's phenotype is more severe than that of his two other affected family members, which illustrates variable expressivity in the syndrome.
The impact of a sibling's life‐limiting genetic condition on adult brothers and sisters
Authors: Brown Erica , Coad Jane , Franklin Anita
Published: April 2017

It is estimated that rare diseases affect the lives of over three million people in the United Kingdom. Of these, a significant proportion are children and young people with genetic life‐limiting or life‐shortening conditions. This study used a qualitative approach with in‐depth semi‐structured interviews to explore the experiences of 10 adult siblings of a baby diagnosed with Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) or Trisomy 18 (Edward syndrome). Findings illustrate that parental grief from the time of their child's diagnosis onward is also experienced by siblings. Although young adults may have conflicting feelings as a bereaved sibling, there is evidence that the experience impacts on their world views and their attitudes about prospective and expectant parenthood. The study highlights the importance of providing siblings with short‐term and long‐term support from the time of their brother's or their sister's diagnosis onward and provides new understanding about benefit of professional and peer support in helping young adults develop resilience and coping strategies.
Wiedemann–Rautenstrauch syndrome: A phenotype analysis
Authors: Paolacci Stefano , Bertola Debora , Franco José , Mohammed Shehla , Tartaglia Marco , Wollnik Bernd , Hennekam Raoul C.
Published: April 2017

Wiedemann–Rautenstrauch syndrome (WRS) is a neonatal progeroid disorder characterized by growth retardation, lipodystrophy, a distinctive face, and dental anomalies. Patients reported to date demonstrate a remarkable variability in phenotype, which hampers diagnostics. We performed a literature search, and analyzed 51 reported patients, using the originally reported patients as “gold standard.” In 15 patients sufficient information and photographic evidence was available to confirm the clinical diagnosis. In 12 patients the diagnosis was suggestive but lack of data prevented a definite diagnosis, and in 24 patients an alternative diagnosis was likely. Core manifestations of the syndrome are marked pre‐natal and severe post‐natal growth retardation, an unusual face (triangular shape, sparse hair, small mouth, pointed chin), dental anomalies (natal teeth; hypodontia), generalized lipodystrophy with localized fat masses, and—in some cases—progressive ataxia and tremor. It has been suggested that the syndrome might be caused by biallelic variants inPOLR3A, identified by exome sequencing in a single patient only. Therefore, we compared the WRS phenotype with characteristics of conditions known to be caused by autosomal recessively inheritedPOLR3Amutations. There are major differences but there are also similarities in phenotype, which sustain the suggestion that the syndrome can be caused by disturbed POLR3A functioning.
Delusional and psychotic disorders in juvenile myotonic dystrophy type‐1
Authors: Jacobs Delphine , Willekens Diane , de Die‐Smulders Christine , Frijns Jean‐Pierre , Steyaert Jean
Published: April 2017

We investigated the clinically derived hypothesis of a relatively high incidence of delusional and psychotic disorders in adolescents with juvenile Myotonic Dystrophy type‐1 (DM1). Twenty‐seven subjects of age 16–25 with juvenile DM1 and their parents were invited to have a clinical psychiatric interview, and to complete an ASEBA behavior checklist (YSR, ASR, CBCL, and ABCL). We diagnosed a Delusional Disorder in 19% of our patients and a Psychotic Disorder not otherwise specified in another 19%. These two groups of patients had a significantly worse level of clinically defined general functioning. It is clinically relevant to investigate in patients with juvenile DM the symptom of delusions and the presence of a delusional and psychotic disorder, and to consider the presence of juvenile DM in youngsters presenting with such a thought disorder. These disorders compromise the general functioning of the subjects and are often to some extent treatable. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genome‐wide association study of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND): A CHARTER group study
Authors: Jia Peilin , Zhao Zhongming , Hulgan Todd , Bush William S. , Samuels David C. , Bloss Cinnamon S. , Heaton Robert K. , Ellis Ronald J. , Schork Nicholas , Marra Christina M. , Collier Ann C. , Clifford David B. , Gelman Benjamin B. , Sacktor Ned , Morgello Susan , Simpson David M. , McCutchan J. Allen , Barnholtz‐Sloan Jill S. , Franklin Donald R. , Rosario Debralee , Letendre Scott L. , Grant Igor , Kallianpur Asha R. ,   for the CHARTER Study Group
Published: April 2017

HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) often complicates HIV infection despite combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) and may be influenced by host genomics. We performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of HAND in 1,050 CNS HIV Anti‐Retroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) Study participants. All participants underwent standardized, comprehensive neurocognitive, and neuromedical assessments to determine if they had cognitive impairment as assessed by the Global Deficit Score (GDS), and individuals with comorbidities that could confound diagnosis of HAND were excluded. Neurocognitive outcomes included GDS‐defined neurocognitive impairment (NCI; binary GDS, 366 cases with GDS ≥ 0.5 and 684 controls with GDS < 0.5, and GDS as a continuous variable) and Frascati HAND definitions that incorporate assessment of functional impairment by self‐report and performance‐based criteria. Genotype data were obtained using the Affymetrix Human SNP Array 6.0 platform. Multivariable logistic or linear regression‐based association tests were performed for GDS‐defined NCI and HAND. GWAS results did not reveal SNPs meeting the genome‐wide significance threshold (5.0 × 10−8) for GDS‐defined NCI or HAND. For binary GDS, the most significant SNPs were rs6542826 (P = 8.1 × 10−7) and rs11681615 (1.2 × 10−6), both located on chromosome 2 in SH3RF3. The most significant SNP for continuous GDS was rs11157436 (P = 1.3 × 10−7) on chromosome 14 in the T‐cell‐receptor alpha locus; three other SNPs in this gene were also associated with binary GDS (P ≤ 2.9 × 10−6). This GWAS, conducted among ART‐era participants from a single cohort with robust neurological phenotyping, suggests roles for several biologically plausible loci in HAND that deserve further exploration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copper immobilized on magnetite nanoparticles coated with ascorbic acid: An efficient and reusable catalyst for C─N and C─O cross‐coupling reactions
Authors: Hajipour Abdol R. , Check Maryam , Khorsandi Zahra
Published: April 2017

In a continuation of using magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)‐supported catalysts, ascorbic acid (readily available, very safe and with strong affinity to MNPs) was used instead of the commonly used silica layer coating. This hybrid was used for immobilizing copper nanoparticles to produce Cu/ascorbic acid@MNPs catalyst. The catalyst was characterized and used in carbon–oxygen and carbon–nitrogen (various substrates) cross‐coupling reactions in aqueous media and at room temperature with excellent product yields. Furthermore, the catalyst could be quickly and completely recovered using an external magnetic field and reused for six reaction cycles without significant change in catalytic activity.
Preparation of choline chloride–urea deep eutectic solvent‐modified magnetic nanoparticles for synthesis of various 2‐amino‐4H‐pyran derivatives in water solution
Authors: Tavakol Hossein , Keshavarzipour Fariba
Published: April 2017

A novel hybrid magnetic nanocatalyst was synthesized by covalent coating of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles with choline chloride–urea deep eutectic solvent using 3‐iodopropyltrimethoxysilane as a linker. The structure of this new catalyst was fully characterized via elemental analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was employed in the synthesis of various 2‐amino‐4H‐pyran derivatives in water solution via an easy and green procedure. The desired products were obtained in high yields via a three‐component reaction between aromatic aldehyde, enolizable carbonyl and malononitrile at room temperature. The employed nanocatalyst was easily recovered using a magnetic field and reused four times (in subsequent runs) with less than 8% decrease in its catalytic activity.
Pyrazine based Pt(II) bis‐alkynyl organometallic complexes: Synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic effect on A549 human lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Bhowmick Sourav , Jana Achintya , Marri Subba R. , Gupta Prerak , Behera J.N. , Mandal Biman B. , Das Neeladri
Published: April 2017

A facile and efficient synthesis of a series of five new pyrazine‐based organometallic complexes is being reported. The complexes (2–6) have been fully characterized. Molecules 2, 3 and 6 were structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray crystallographic analyses. Additionally, anticancer properties of these organometallic complexes have been studied against A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Biological studies suggest that complex 5 (with pendant pyridine moieties) exhibited maximal growth inhibitory cytotoxic effect even at lower concentration (nearly 0.5–1 μM) whereas the other four compounds (2, 3, 4 and 6) were non‐toxic below 1 μM concentration. Two complexes (4 and 6) were effective only at higher doses (approx 30 μM) while the remaining two organometallic complexes (2 and 3) were able to inhibit 50% cell growth at slightly lower concentration (nearly 10 μM). As far as IC50 is concerned, 5 exhibited a minimum value ranging between 3–5 μM which is comparable with cisplatin under similar conditions.
X‐ray observations of Galactic H.E.S.S. sources: An update
Authors: Pühlhofer G. , Eger P. , Bordas P. , Sasaki M. , Gottschall D. , Capasso M. ,   H.E.S.S. Collaboration
Published: April 2017

X‐ray diagnostics of TeV (teraelectronvolt) sources continues to be an important tool to identify the nature of newly detected sources as well as to pinpoint the physics processes that are at work in these highly energetic objects. This paper gives a review of recent studies that have been performed on TeV sources with H.E.S.S. and
XMM‐Newton and also other X‐ray facilities. Here, we mainly focus on the galactic object types γ‐ray binaries and supernova remnants (SNRs). γ‐ray binaries form a small class of objects whose identification and study is challenging because of the sometimes very long orbital periods that need to be established from data. Particular emphasis is given to SNR studies, including recently identified SNRs such as HESS J1731−347 and HESS J1534−571, as well as a revisit of RX J1713.7−3946.
The joint effect of air pollution exposure and copy number variation on risk for autism
Authors: Kim Dokyoon , Volk Heather , Girirajan Santhosh , Pendergrass Sarah , Hall Molly A. , Verma Shefali S. , Schmidt Rebecca J. , Hansen Robin L. , Ghosh Debashis , Ludena‐Rodriguez Yunin , Kim Kyoungmi , Ritchie Marylyn D. , Hertz‐Picciotto Irva , Selleck Scott B.
Published: April 2017

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex trait with a high degree of heritability as well as documented susceptibility from environmental factors. In this study the contributions of copy number variation, exposure to air pollutants, and the interaction between the two on autism risk, were evaluated in the population‐based case‐control Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and Environment (CHARGE) Study. For the current investigation, we included only those CHARGE children (a) who met criteria for autism or typical development and (b) for whom our team had conducted both genetic evaluation of copy number burden and determination of environmental air pollution exposures based on mapping addresses from the pregnancy and early childhood. This sample consisted of 158 cases of children with autism and 147 controls with typical development. Multiple logistic regression models were fit with and without environmental variable‐copy number burden interactions. We found no correlation between average air pollution exposure from conception to age 2 years and the child's CNV burden. We found a significant interaction in which a 1SD increase in duplication burden combined with a 1SD increase in ozone exposure was associated with an elevated autism risk (OR 3.4, P < 0.005) much greater than the increased risks associated with either genomic duplication (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.25–2.73) or ozone (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.93–1.54) alone. Similar results were obtained when CNV and ozone were dichotomized to compare those in the top quartile relative to those having a smaller CNV burden and lower exposure to ozone, and when exposures were assessed separately for pregnancy, the first year of life, and the second year of life. No interactions were observed for other air pollutants, even those that demonstrated main effects; ozone tends to be negatively correlated with the other pollutants examined. While earlier work has demonstrated interactions between the presence of a pathogenic CNV and an environmental exposure [Webb et al., 2016], these findings appear to be the first indication that global copy number variation may increase susceptibility to certain environmental factors, and underscore the need to consider both genomics and environmental exposures as well as the mechanisms by which each may amplify the risks for autism associated with the other. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1470–1480. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The significance of faith for Black men's educational aspirations
Authors: Dumangane Constantino
Published: April 2017

It is uncontested that British African Caribbean men are minimally represented in eliteUKhigher education institutions. Even as data demonstrates that African Caribbean males are more likely to study further education than White malesand that the proportion ofUK‐domiciled Black students pursuing higher education has increased since the 2003/04 academic year (ECU, 2014), the representation of Black students throughout the Russell Group remains low.Less than 3% of the entire Russell Group's student population comprised British African Caribbean students in 2011/12 and 2012/2013 (ECU, 2013, p. 203;ECU, 2014, p. 358). However, according to the 2011 Census, ‘Black’ people represent 5.5% (3.1 million) of the totalUKpopulation (ONS, 2015). For the few Black men who are successful in attaining acceptance at these exclusive universities, to what assets or capitals do these young men attribute their ability to get to and successful graduate from these institutions? Interviews with 15 Black male students who attended Russell Group universities in England and Wales were analysed and several ‘capitals’ or resources were identified as beneficial to their ability to succeed. Drawing on Bourdieu's work on cultural and social capital, this paper advances the concept of ‘faith capital’ as a unique recognised asset that six of the participants described and reflected upon as being influential on their academic trajectories. Based on findings from theESRC‐funded researchExploring the narratives of the few: British African Caribbean male graduates of elite universities in England and Wales, this paper discusses these six participants’ accounts of their higher education journeys in relation to how they identified faith as a resource that was influential to their academic success.
Vowel decoding from single‐trial speech‐evoked electrophysiological responses: A feature‐based machine learning approach
Authors: Yi Han G. , Xie Zilong , Reetzke Rachel , Dimakis Alexandros G. , Chandrasekaran Bharath
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Scalp‐recorded electrophysiological responses to complex, periodic auditory signals reflect phase‐locked activity from neural ensembles within the auditory system. These responses, referred to as frequency‐following responses (FFRs), have been widely utilized to index typical and atypical representation of speech signals in the auditory system. One of the major limitations in FFR is the low signal‐to‐noise ratio at the level of single trials. For this reason, the analysis relies on averaging across thousands of trials. The ability to examine the quality of single‐trial FFRs will allow investigation of trial‐by‐trial dynamics of the FFR, which has been impossible due to the averaging approach.

Methods

In a novel, data‐driven approach, we used machine learning principles to decode information related to the speech signal from single trial FFRs. FFRs were collected from participants while they listened to two vowels produced by two speakers. Scalp‐recorded electrophysiological responses were projected onto a low‐dimensional spectral feature space independently derived from the same two vowels produced by 40 speakers, which were not presented to the participants. A novel supervised machine learning classifier was trained to discriminate vowel tokens on a subset of FFRs from each participant, and tested on the remaining subset.

Results

We demonstrate reliable decoding of speech signals at the level of single‐trials by decomposing the raw FFR based on information‐bearing spectral features in the speech signal that were independently derived.

Conclusions

Taken together, the ability to extract interpretable features at the level of single‐trials in a data‐driven manner offers unchartered possibilities in the noninvasive assessment of human auditory function.
Additional coronary sinus shocking lead as rescue therapy after multiple internal and external defibrillation failures
Authors: Chauveau Samuel , Dulac Arnaud , Sebbag Laurent , Morel Elodie , Chevalier Philippe
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

High defibrillation threshold (DFT) and defibrillation failure can lead to intractable ventricular arrhythmias. Additional coronary sinus coil is an effective strategy to achieve marked reduction in DFT. However, physicians should retain this might prevent future coronary sinus lead placement in case the patient would develop complete left bundle branch block.
Palladium Copper Chromium Ternary Nanoparticles Constructed In situ within a Basic Resin: Enhanced Activity in the Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid
Authors: Mori Kohsuke , Naka Kohei , Masuda Shinya , Miyawaki Kohei , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: April 2017

PdCuCr ternary nanoparticles (NPs) responsible for the efficient production of H2 from formic acid are constructed in situ during the initial catalytic reaction within a macroreticular basic resin that possesses −N(CH3)2 functional groups. A high H2 production rate of 174 000 mL h−1 gpd−1 with a high turnover frequency of 830 h−1 based on Pd can be achieved, which is substantially higher than that obtained with bimetallic PdCu and PdCr and monometallic Pd NPs. Physicochemical characterization was performed by using X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis and high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The kinetic isotope effect revealed not only the stabilization of highly dispersed NPs but also the boosting of the C−H bond dissociation step by a synergistic alloying effect induced by the introduction of Cr atoms, which plays an important role to achieve efficient catalytic activity. Moreover, this heterogeneous catalytic system exhibits high durability without agglomeration and leaching and has potential for applications in high‐pressure gas‐evolution systems.
Water‐Soluble Naked Gold Nanoclusters Are Not Luminescent
Authors: Londoño‐Larrea Pablo , Vanegas Julie P. , Cuaran‐Acosta Daniel , Zaballos‐García Elena , Pérez‐Prieto Julia
Published: April 2017

Here, the synthesis of water‐dispersible naked gold nanoclusters (AuNCnaked) is reported by a simple reduction of HAuCl4 with NaOH at room temperature, and it is shown that they are non‐luminescent. They are then easily passivated with different thiols and adenosine monophosphate, leading to luminescent NCs. This is an important finding because the photoluminescence of the passivated NCs can now be clearly attributed to the ligand–AuNC surface interaction. These results are also highly relevant from the point of view of the preparation of luminescent NCs from the same NC batch. This strategy can be valuable for the preparation of a broad range of nano(bio)composites.
Electrosynthesis of Bifunctional WS3−x/Reduced Graphene Oxide Hybrid for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Tan Shu Min , Pumera Martin
Published: April 2017

A multitude of research into the application of transition‐metal dichalcogenides as earth‐abundant hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts has been conducted. However, current synthetic methods generally deploy environmentally harmful chemicals and energy‐consuming reaction conditions, despite the primary intent to attain renewable energy production. Here, the desirable properties of tungsten sulfide and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been combined and hybrid materials have been fabricated through simultaneous electrochemical reduction and synthesis, as a versatile and environmentally benign alternative to conventional fabrication techniques. Through concurrent studies of three rGO materials, the precursor of which was graphene oxide (GO), produced by Hummers, Staudenmaier, or Hofmann oxidation methods, the importance of the choice of oxidation method employed prior to the fabrication of the hybrid was shown. In this cardinal study, a mixed WS2/WS3 film‐like material (WS3−x) was synthesized directly onto GO‐modified glassy carbon electrodes by cyclic voltammetry and the resultant hybrid materials (WS3−x/rGO) were thoroughly characterized by SEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic performances of WS3−x/rGO towards both HER and oxygen reduction reaction stemmed from the coupled impacts of amplified electrical conductivity and surface area of rGO; the presence of metallic species within rGO, resulting from the oxidation process; and the amount of WS3−x successfully electrodeposited in the hybrid. The efficacious fabrication of the WS3−x/rGO composite through electrosynthesis reveals an innovative and eco‐friendly methodology for the development of cost‐effective and highly active bifunctional electrocatalysts for renewable energy generation.
Virtualizing Lifemapper software infrastructure for biodiversity expedition
Authors: Williams Nadya , Stewart Aimee , Papadopoulos Phil
Published: April 2017

One of the activities of the Pacific Rim Applications and Grid Middleware Assembly (PRAGMA) is fostering Virtual Biodiversity Expeditions by bringing domain scientists and cyber infrastructure specialists together as a team. Over the past few years, PRAGMA members have been collaborating on virtualizing the Lifemapper software. Virtualization and cloud computing have introduced great flexibility and efficiency into IT projects. Virtualization refers to the technologies that provide a layer of abstraction between server hardware system and software that runs on it. This abstraction enables a logical view of computing resources and allows multiple servers to run on the same hardware. With this project, we are virtualizing Lifemapper by enabling its installation and configuration on a virtual cluster. Virtualization provides application scalability, maximizes resources utilization, and creates a more efficient, agile, and automated infrastructure. However, there are downsides to the complexity inherent in these environments, including the need for special techniques to deploy cluster hosts, dependence on virtual environments, and challenging application installation, management, and configuration. In this study, we report on progress of the Lifemapper virtualization framework focused on a reproducible and highly configurable infrastructure capable of fast deployment.

Lifemapper is a distributed software application developed by the Biodiversity Institute at The University of Kansas. Lifemapper creates and maintains a publicly accessible archive of species distribution maps calculated from public specimen data. Lifemapper software also provides a suite of tools for biodiversity researchers that calculate single and multispecies distribution predictions and macroecological analyses through application programming interfaces. Our goal is to create a viable solution that can be easily adopted and reused by scientists from multiple institutions or projects. This solution (1) allows fast deployment of ready‐made cluster images, (2) reproduces the complete Lifemapper processing pipeline on demand at multiple sites and in different hosting environments, and (3) enables scientists to perform Lifemapper‐facilitated data processing on restricted‐use data, very large datasets, or other unique data.

A key contribution of this work is describing the practical experience in taking a complex, clustered, domain‐specific, data analysis, and simulation system and enabling its operation on a variety of system configurations. Uses of this portability range from whole cluster replication to teaching and experimentation on a single laptop. System virtualization is used to practically define and make portable the full application stack, including all of its complex set of supporting software and allows Lifemapper deployment in a variety of environments.