bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling Interfacial Properties of Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathodes with Alkylphosphonate Self‐Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Nicolau Bruno G. , Petronico Aaron , Letchworth‐Weaver Kendra , Ghadar Yasaman , Haasch Richard T. , Soares Julio A. N. T. , Rooney Ryan T. , Chan Maria K. Y. , Gewirth Andrew A. , Nuzzo Ralph G.
Published: March 2018

In this work, the preparation and characterization of modified LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathodes utilizing chemisorbed alkylphosphonic acids to chemically modify their surfaces are reported. Electrochemical methods to study ionic and molecular mobility through the alkylphosphonate self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) for different alkyl chain compositions, in order to better understand their impact on the lithium‐ion electrochemistry, are utilized. Electrochemical trends for different chains correlate to trends observed in contact angle measurements and solvation energies obtained from computational methods, indicating that attributes of the microscopic wettability of these interfaces with the battery electrolyte have an important impact on ionic mobility. The effects of surface modification on Mn dissolution are also reported. The alkylphosphonate layer provides an important mode of chemical stabilization to the LMO, suppressing Mn dissolution by 90% during extended immersion in electrolytes. A more modest reduction in dissolution is found upon galvanostatic cycling, in comparison to pristine LMO cathodes. Taken together, the data suggest that alkylphosphonates provide a versatile means for the surface modification of lithium‐ion battery cathode materials allowing the design of specific interfaces through modification of organic chain functionalities.
Nanostructured Unsubstituted Polythiophene Films Deposited Using Oxidative Chemical Vapor Deposition: Hopping Conduction and Thermal Stability
Authors: Lee Sunghwan , Borrelli David C. , Jo Won Jun , Reed Austin S. , Gleason Karen K.
Published: March 2018

Unsubstituted polythiophene (PT), a promising material that is challenging to process into thin films due to its intrinsic insolubility, can be synthesized and deposited using unique oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD) at room temperature. The conduction mechanism of nanostructured oCVD PT thin films is illuminated through the investigation of in situ conductivity measurements. It is identified that the 3D variable range hopping process governs the transport of charge carriers in oCVD PT thin films with an activation energy of ≈48 meV regardless of doping concentrations. It is also reported that the thermal stability of oCVD PT largely relies on the doping concentration of the material; oCVD PT demonstrates excellent thermal stability at temperatures up to 160 °C with carrier density values lower than ≈1 × 1017 cm−3, while higher doping leads to a reduction in conductivity at T >≈ 100 °C due to electron–hole recombination. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses on the change in the concentrations of dopant anions (Cl− and FeCl4−) support the suggested mechanisms.
Doped, Defect‐Enriched Carbon Nanotubes as an Efficient Oxygen Reduction Catalyst for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Pham Chuyen Van , Britton Benjamin , Böhm Thomas , Holdcroft Steven , Thiele Simon
Published: March 2018

Bond polarization of doped atoms and carbon and lattice defects are considered important aspects in the catalytic mechanisms of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on heteroatom‐doped carbon catalysts. Previous work on metal‐free catalysts has focused either on bond polarization or lattice defects. Here multi‐heteroatom doped defect‐enriched carbon nanotubes (MH‐DCNTs) that combine both effects to enhance ORR activity are designed. Lattice defects in MH‐DCNTs are enriched by unzipping and length‐shortening of carbon nanotubes, and also by creating carbon vacancies via decomposition of doped F atoms. Electrochemical analysis using rotating disc electrode voltammetry shows that the ORR kinetic current density of MH‐DCNT increases with lattice‐defect density, the latter of which is verified by Raman spectroscopy, while the onset potential increases with annealing temperatures. An optimized MH‐DCNT ORR catalyst exhibits a half‐wave potential of 0.81 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and limiting current density of 5.0 mA cm−2 at an electrode rotation speed of 1600 rpm in 0.1 m KOH. Further, it is demonstrated that MH‐DCNT, as a cathode catalyst layer in an anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC), delivers a peak power density of 250 mW cm−2, which is ≈70% the performance of an AEMFC using a conventional Pt/C catalyst.
Spatial Light Patterning of Full Color Quantum Dot Displays Enabled by Locally Controlled Surface Tailoring
Authors: Kang Han‐Lim , Kang Jingu , Won Jong Kook , Jung Su‐Min , Kim Jaehyun , Park Chan Hyuk , Ju Byung‐Kwon , Kim Myung‐Gil , Park Sung Kyu
Published: March 2018

Quantum dot (QD) light‐emitting diodes have been intensively investigated as a future display technology owing to their outstanding optoelectronic properties such as narrow spectral bandwidths and high quantum efficiencies. Significant efforts have been made to achieve full color QD light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) by applying various fine‐patterning technologies to active QD layers. However, the reported patterning methods generally require high processing cost and complex facilities which have limited their wide adoption in industrial‐scale display applications. In this study, a fine patterning method is presented by employing spatial light‐assisted and locally controlled surface tailoring. The chemical functionality of an interfacial polyethyleneimine (PEI) layer between ZnO and the QD layers is locally controlled by spatial light patterning (SLP), which is simultaneously used as a charge transfer layer and an anchoring agent for the selected QD nanoparticles. The versatility of this approach is demonstrated by patterning crossed stripes and multicolor QLED devices on selectively patterned PEI layers with a maximum luminescence of 1950 cd m−2 and a current efficiency of 2.9 cd A−1. The SLP process described herein is a general approach for fabricating full color QLEDs with marginal toxicity. This process is compatible with the standard complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processing technology.
Chemoselective Synthesis of N‐arylbenzamides and Benzoyloxyacetanilides from Aryl Isocyanides: Styrene as Aryl and Arylcarboxymethylene Source
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Jain Nidhi
Published: March 2018

Styrenes serve as unique aryl or arylcarboxymethylene source towards aryl isocyanides in the presence of Cu(II)/TBHP, and yield N‐arylbenzamides or benzoyloxyacetanilides respectively. The chemoselectivity of the reaction is controlled by the nature of the substituents present on styrene ring. Whereas styrenes substituted with electron‐releasing alkyl and alkoxy groups yield N‐arylbenzamides, unsubstituted styrene and those with electron‐withdrawing substituents furnish benzoyloxyacetanilides as the major product. With benzylamines as the substrate, N‐arylbenzamides are formed exclusively as they act only as an aryl donor. TBHP serves as a promoter and oxygen source. Both the pathways are believed to proceed through an initial oxidative C−C bond cleavage of styrene.

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Genetic counseling: Growth of the profession and the professional
Authors: Baty Bonnie J.
Published: March 2018

Growth of the profession of genetic counseling has gone hand‐in‐hand with professional development of individual genetic counselors. Genetic counseling has achieved most of the typical early milestones in the development of a profession. The profession is maturing at a time when the number of practitioners is predicted to vastly expand. The last two decades have seen a proliferation of genetic counselor roles and practice areas, and a distinct professional identity. It is likely that the next two decades will see an increase in educational paths, practice areas, and possibilities for professional advancement. How this maturation proceeds will be impacted by overall trends in healthcare, decisions made by international genetic counseling organizations, and thousands of individual decisions about career trajectories.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective C−H Olefination of Diaryl Sulfoxides through Parallel Kinetic Resolution and Desymmetrization
Authors: Zhu Yu‐Chao , Li Yan , Zhang Bo‐Chao , Zhang Feng‐Xu , Yang Yi‐Nuo , Wang Xi‐Sheng
Published: March 2018

The first example of PdII‐catalyzed enantioselective C−H olefination with non‐chiral or racemic sulfoxides as directing groups was developed. A variety of chiral diaryl sulfoxides were synthesized with high enantioselectivity (up to 99 %) through both desymmetrization and parallel kinetic resolution (PKR). This is the first report of PdII‐catalyzed enantioselective C(sp2)−H functionalization through PKR, and it represents a novel strategy to construct sulfur chiral centers.
Characterization of an Anthracene Intermediate in Dynemicin Biosynthesis
Authors: Cohen Douglas R. , Townsend Craig A.
Published: March 2018

Despite the identification of a β‐hydroxyhexaene produced by the enediyne polyketide synthases (PKSs), the post‐PKS biosynthetic steps to the individual members of this antitumor and antibiotic family remain largely unknown. The massive biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that direct the formation of each product caution that many steps could be required. It was recently demonstrated that the enediyne PKS in the dynemicin A BGC from Micromonospora chersina gives rise to both the anthraquinone and enediyne halves of the molecule. We now present the first evidence for a mid‐pathway intermediate in dynemicin A biosynthesis, an iodoanthracene bearing a fused thiolactone, which was shown to be incorporated selectively into the final product. This unusual precursor reflects just how little is understood about these biosynthetic pathways, yet constrains the mechanisms that can act to achieve the key heterodimerization to the anthraquinone‐containing subclass of enediynes.
Allopurinol Dose Escalation and Mortality Among Patients With Gout
Authors: Coburn Brian W. , Michaud Kaleb , Bergman Debra A. , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Observational data suggest that hyperuricemia and gout are associated with increased mortality, while allopurinol use is associated with reduced mortality. In addition, the protective effect of allopurinol may be dose dependent. The aim of the current study was to determine whether allopurinol dose escalation is associated with cause‐specific mortality in patients with gout.

Methods

In this 10‐year observational, active‐comparator study of US Veterans with gout who initiated treatment with allopurinol, propensity score matching, Cox proportional hazards models, and competing risks regression analyses were used to assess differences in cause‐specific mortality between patients whose allopurinol dose was escalated (dose escalators) and those whose allopurinol dose was not escalated or was reduced (non‐escalators) over a 2‐year period.

Results

Among the 6,428 dose escalators and 6,428 matched non‐escalators, there were 2,867 deaths during the observation period (40.4 deaths per 1,000 person‐years). Dose escalators experienced an increase in all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.01–1.17), with the effect sizes being similar for incidence of cardiovascular‐related deaths (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.97–1.21) and cancer‐related deaths (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.88–1.27), although neither reached statistical significance. Dose escalation to achieve the goal of lowering the serum urate (SU) level to <6.0 mg/dl was infrequent. At 2 years, 10% of dose escalators were receiving a final daily dose of >300 mg and 31% had achieved the SU goal. In a sensitivity analysis limited to dose escalators achieving the SU goal, there was a nonsignificant reduction of 7% in the hazard of cardiovascular‐related mortality (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76–1.14).

Conclusion

This is the largest study to date to investigate the effects of allopurinol use on mortality and is the first to use a rigorous active‐comparator design. Dose escalation was associated with a small (<10%) increase in all‐cause mortality, thus showing that a strategy of allopurinol dose escalation, which in current real‐life practice is characterized by limited dose increases, is unlikely to improve the survival of patients with gout.
Availability and maintenance modeling for systems subject to dependent hard and soft failures
Authors: Qiu Qingan , Cui Lirong , Shen Jingyuan
Published: March 2018

This paper develops availability and maintenance models for single‐unit systems subject to dependent hard and soft failures. A hard failure stops the system immediately, whereas a soft failure only reduces the performance capacity of the system. Dependence between these 2 types of failures is reflected in the fact that each soft failure directly increases the hazard rate of the hard failure. On the basis of such interaction, we derive recursive equations for the system reliability and availability functions. To detect both types of failures, inspections are executed periodically. Furthermore, we investigate the optimal inspection policy via the minimization of the expected cost per unit time. The applicability of the developed availability and maintenance models is validated by a case study on an electrical distribution system.
Stochastic properties of two general versions of the residual lifetime at random times
Authors: Li Xiaohu , Fang Rui
Published: March 2018

This paper studies 2 different versions of the general residual lifetime at random times in the context of statistical dependence between the system lifetime and the random time. We prove that the class of residual lifetimes with a semiindependent random age is equivalent to the class of residual lifetimes at independent random times. Additionally, we conduct stochastic comparisons of the 2 versions of the general residual lifetime at random times. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the ordering results.
Lipoprotein Transport: Greasing the Machines of Outer Membrane Biogenesis
Authors: Grabowicz Marcin
Published: March 2018

The Gram‐negative outer membrane (OM) is a potent permeability barrier against antibiotics, limiting clinical options amid mounting rates of resistance. The Lol transport pathway delivers lipoproteins to the OM. All the OM assembly machines require one or more OM lipoprotein to function, making the Lol pathway central for all aspects of OM biogenesis. The Lol pathways of many medically important species clearly deviate from the Escherichia coli paradigm, perhaps with implications for efforts to develop novel antibiotics. Moreover, recent work reveals the existence of an undiscovered alternate route for bringing lipoproteins to the OM. Here, lipoprotein transport mechanisms, and the quality control systems that underpin them, is re‐examined in context of their diversity.
From gene to structure: Lactobacillus bulgaricus D‐lactate dehydrogenase from yogurt as an integrated curriculum model for undergraduate molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory courses
Authors: Lawton Jeffrey A. , Prescott Noelle A. , Lawton Ping X.
Published: March 2018

We have developed an integrated, project‐oriented curriculum for undergraduate molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory courses spanning two semesters that is organized around the ldhA gene from the yogurt‐fermenting bacterium Lactobacillus bulgaricus, which encodes the enzyme d‐lactate dehydrogenase. The molecular biology module, which consists of nine experiments carried out over eleven sessions, begins with the isolation of genomic DNA from L. bulgaricus in yogurt and guides students through the process of cloning the ldhA gene into a prokaryotic expression vector, followed by mRNA isolation and characterization of recombinant gene expression levels using RT‐PCR. The biochemistry module, which consists of nine experiments carried out over eight sessions, begins with overexpression of the cloned ldhA gene and guides students through the process of affinity purification, biochemical characterization of the purified LdhA protein, and analysis of enzyme kinetics using various substrates and an inhibitor, concluding with a guided inquiry investigation of structure‐function relationships in the three‐dimensional structure of LdhA using molecular visualization software. Students conclude by writing a paper describing their work on the project, formatted as a manuscript to be submitted for publication in a scientific journal. Overall, this curriculum, with its emphasis on experiential learning, provides hands‐on training with a variety of common laboratory techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry and builds experience with the process of scientific reasoning, along with reinforcement of essential transferrable skills such as critical thinking, information literacy, and written communication, all within the framework of an extended project having the look and feel of a research experience. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(3):270–278, 2018.
Down‐regulation of the non‐coding RNA H19 and its derived miR‐675 is concomitant with up‐regulation of insulin‐like growth factor receptor type 1 during neural‐like differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Farzi‐Molan Asghar , Babashah Sadegh , Bakhshinejad Babak , Atashi Amir , Fakhr Taha Masoumeh
Published: March 2018

The differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into specific lineages offers new opportunities to use the therapeutic efficiency of these pluripotent cells in regenerative medicine. Multiple lines of evidence have revealed that non‐coding RNAs play major roles in the differentiation of BMSCs into neural cells. Here, we applied a cocktail of neural inducing factors (NIFs) to differentiate BMSCs into neural‐like cells. Our data demonstrated that during neurogenic induction, BMSCs obtained a neuron‐like morphology. Also, the results of gene expression analysis by qRT‐PCR showed progressively increasing expression levels of neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) as well as microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP‐2) and immunocytochemical staining detected the expression of these neuron‐specific markers along differentiated BMSC bodies and cytoplasmic processes, confirming the differentiation of BMSCs into neuronal lineages. We also compared differences in the expression levels of the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 and H19‐derived miR‐675 between undifferentiated and neurally differentiated BMSCs and found that during neural differentiation down‐regulation of the lncRNA H19/miR‐675 axis is concomitant with up‐regulation of insulin‐like growth factor type‐1 (IGF‐1R), a well‐established target of miR‐675 involved in neurogenesis. The findings of the current study provide support for the hypothesis that miR‐675 may confer functionality to H19, suggesting a key role for this miRNA in the neural differentiation of BSMCs. However, further investigation is required to gain deeper insights into the biological roles of this miRNA in the complex process of neurogenesis.
Ventricular septal rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction: Incidence, treatment, and outcomes among medicare beneficiaries 1999–2014
Authors: Goldsweig Andrew M. , Wang Yun , Forrest John K. , Cleman Michael W. , Minges Karl E. , Mangi Abeel A. , Aronow Herbert D. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Curtis Jeptha P.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

The present study was designed to assess whether the incidence and outcomes of VSR‐AMI have changed in the era of timely primary PCI.

Background

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but frequently fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries from 1999 to 2014 to examine trends in the incidence, surgical and percutaneous repair, and 30‐day and 1‐year mortality of VSR‐AMI.

Results

The annual incidence of VSR‐AMI hospitalization declined by 41.6% from 197 patients per 100,000 AMIs in 1999 to 115 patients per 100,000 AMIs in 2014 (P < 0.001). The 30‐day VSR‐AMI repair rate decreased from 49.9% in 1999 to 33.3% in 2014 (P < 0.001). In 2014, 82.9% of repairs were performed surgically and 17.1% percutaneously. VSR‐AMI mortality rates were high (60.2% at 30 days; 68.5% at 1 year) and changed minimally over the study period with adjusted 30‐day mortality per year Odds Ratio (OR) 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–1.01) and adjusted 1‐year mortality per year OR 0.98 (95% CI 0.97–1.00). Across the 16 years of data, unadjusted mortality rates were lower in patients undergoing repair than in unrepaired patients at 30 days (mean 51.7% and 65.7%, P ≤ 0.01) and 1 year (mean 62.0% and 72.8%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In the era of increased timely primary PCI, the incidence of VSR‐AMI hospitalization declined but its associated mortality rate remained high. Rates of VSR repair decreased from 1999 to 2014 despite increased use of percutaneous repair.
About an aggressive bone lesion
Authors: Kaffel Dhia , Kchir Hela , Hamdi Wafa , Zouch Imen , Maatallah Kaouther , Kchir Mohamed Montacer
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

We report here a case of hyperparathyroidism with disseminated brown tumors mimicking malignancy. The important clinical teaching of our case is that hyperparathyroidism can take various aspects. Plasma parathyroid hormone concentration should be measured in all patients with multiple bone lesions.
Discordant NIPT result in a viable trisomy‐21 pregnancy due to prolonged contribution to cfDNA by a demised trisomy‐14 cotwin
Authors: Hochstenbach Ron , Elferink Martin G. , van Zon Patrick H. A. , Lichtenbelt Klaske D. , van Harssel Jeske , Schuring‐Blom Heleen , Page‐Christiaens Godelieve C.M.L.
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

One of the confounders in noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is the vanishing twin phenomenon. Prolonged contribution to the maternal Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) pool by cytotrophoblasts representing a demised, aneuploid cotwin may lead to a false‐positive outcome for a normal, viable twin. We show that a vanishing trisomy‐14 twin contributes to cfDNA for more than 2 weeks after demise.
Communal Goals, Campus Racial Climate Perceptions, and Cultural Differences in Perceived Academic Satisfaction
Authors: Soto Cristina , Deemer Eric D.
Published: March 2018

Although some research has examined Latino collectivism and Latino students' campus climate perceptions, there remains a gap in the literature regarding the interactive effects of these two constructs. Therefore, the authors examined the moderating effect that perceptions of campus racial climate may have on the relationship between communal goals and academic major satisfaction for Latino students in comparison with European American students. Contrary to prediction, perceptions of a positive university campus racial climate moderated the relationship between communal goals and academic satisfaction for European American students but not Latino students. Specifically, European Americans endorsing higher communal goals were more likely to report higher academic satisfaction when holding a positive perception of the university's racial climate. However, a main effect was observed whereby communal goals were a significant positive predictor of academic satisfaction for Latino students. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
How Exemplar Counselor Advocates Develop Social Justice Interest: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Swartz Melissa Robinson , Limberg Dodie , Gold Joshua
Published: March 2018

The authors examined the experiences of 10 peer‐nominated exemplar counselor advocates using grounded theory methodology (Strauss & Corbin,). Analysis by the authors yielded a model of how exemplar counselor advocates develop a social justice interest and provided key insights on how counselor educators can enhance social justice interest in their students. Implications for supervisors and scholars are presented.
Ternary PtPdCu Multicubes as a Highly Active and Durable Catalyst toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: An Hong Ming , Zhao Zhi Liang , Wang Qi , Zhang Lian Ying , Gu Meng , Li Chang Ming
Published: March 2018

It has been reported that a Pt‐based concave‐convex structure offers good electrocatalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we synthesize ternary PtPdCu multicubes with a hierarchical trepanning concave‐convex structure by a facile solvothermal co‐reduction method. By tailoring the elementary composition, the optimal Pt45Pd30Cu25/C catalyst results in a 2.35‐fold increase in ORR mass activity compared to commercial Pt/C and an excellent long‐term stability. Investigation reveals that the performance enhancement mechanism is mainly caused by the Pd and Cu jointly modified electronic structure of Pt, which facilitates the charge transfer rate as well as the increased number of active sites and improved mass transport by the unique porous multicube concave‐convex structure. Both experiment and theoretical calculations reveal that the three‐elements alloy catalyst and the unique structures play a critical role in high catalytic performance, thus offering guidance to design high‐performance electrocatalysts not only toward the ORR for practical applications in low‐temperature fuel cells, but also for other energy conversion systems rendering a universal significance.
Enantioselective Alkylation of 2‐Oxindoles Catalyzed by a Bifunctional Phase‐Transfer Catalyst: Synthesis of (−)‐Debromoflustramine B
Authors: Craig Ryan , Sorrentino Emiliano , Connon Stephen J.
Published: March 2018

A new bifunctional phase‐transfer catalyst that employs hydrogen bonding as a control element was developed to promote efficient enantioselective SN2 reactions for the construction all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters in high yield and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 97 % ee) utilizing the alkylation of a malleable oxindole substrate. The utility of the methodology was demonstrated through a concise and highly enantioselective synthesis of (−)‐debromoflustramine B.
Electrochemical C−O Bond Formation: Facile Access to Aromatic Lactones
Authors: Tao Xiang‐Zhang , Dai Jian‐Jun , Zhou Jie , Xu Jun , Xu Hua‐Jian
Published: March 2018

An efficient and robust methodology based on electrochemical techniques for the direct synthesis of aromatic lactones through dehydrogenative C−O cyclization is described. This new and useful electrochemical reaction can tolerate a variety of functional groups, and is scalable to 100 g under mild conditions. Remarkably, heterocycle‐containing substrates can be employed, thus expanding the scope of radical C−O cyclization reactions.
Changes in the physicochemical characteristics and spontaneous combustion propensity of Ximeng lignite after hydrothermal dewatering
Authors: Yuan Shao , Liu Jianzhong , Wu Junhong , Zhou Qingqing , Wang Zhihua , Zhou Junhu , Cen Kefa
Published: March 2018

Spontaneous combustion behaviour and physicochemical characteristics of Ximeng lignite dewatered by hydrothermal dewatering (HTD) were investigated. In addition, effect of upgrading temperature, as well as the mechanism for evolution of spontaneous combustion propensity was discussed. The results showed that after HTD, fixed carbon content of lignite increased, whereas equilibrium moisture content and volatile content decreased; aromatic carbons increased relatively at the expense of oxygen‐containing functional groups and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Pore structures of lignite were developed by different extents after HTD. Spontaneous combustion propensity of upgraded lignite was evaluated using the crossing‐point temperature method. The results indicated that the spontaneous combustion propensity of HTD‐upgraded lignite significantly depended on upgrading temperature. When upgrading temperature was lower than 230 °C, spontaneous combustion propensity was raised due to development in pore structure. However, when upgrading temperature exceeded 230 °C, spontaneous combustion propensity was suppressed because active sites involved in coal oxidation were extensively removed. In conclusion, a higher upgrading temperature is recommended to extend the upgrading effect and to further suppress the spontaneous combustion propensity of lignite.
An Analytical Solution to Interpret Active Ion Transport During Chemically‐Tuned Waterflooding Process in High‐Temperature Carbonate Rocks
Authors: Awolayo Adedapo Noah , Sarma Hemanta Kumar
Published: March 2018

Recent studies on carbonate reservoirs suggest that modifying the injected brine chemistry leads to a competition amongst ions at the rock surface sites, causing alteration in the rock wettability. As such, the potential increase in oil recovery heavily relies on the relationship between the ion transport and chemical reaction. In this work, we highlighted the three processes that govern this relationship as advection by fluid transport, hydrodynamic dispersion resulting in spreading, and sorption of the ions to the rock. An analytical solution to the mathematical equations describing solute reactive transport was derived based on the advection‐reaction‐dispersion equation (ARDE). Our model was first used to replicate produced ion histories from single phase experiments to emphasize the impact of the active ions on rock surface sites. We then studied the movement of the active ions by predicting the breakthrough composition of different ions during oil‐brine displacement experiments and evaluated the impact of the transport and reaction parameters on the wettability change. The wettability change profile was captured in terms of the sorbed ion concentration, where a high retardation was observed for the active ions. The observed oil recoveries in a data set of two‐phase experiments were correlated to the resultant effect of the rock surface chemistry. This study highlights the importance of rock surface chemistry on wettability change and oil production from carbonate rocks.
Free Boundary Regularity in the Parabolic Fractional Obstacle Problem
Authors: Barrios Begoña , Figalli Alessio , Ros‐Oton Xavier
Published: March 2018

The parabolic obstacle problem for the fractional Laplacian naturally arises in American option models when the asset prices are driven by pure‐jump Lévy processes. In this paper we study the regularity of the free boundary. Our main result establishes that, when , the free boundary is a C1,α graph in x and t near any regular free boundary point . Furthermore, we also prove that solutions u are C1 + s in x and t near such points, with a precise expansion of the form

urn:x-wiley:0010-3640:media:cpa21745:cpa21745-math-0003

with , and . © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A flow cytometry‐based assay to determine the phagocytic activity of both clinical and nonclinical antibody samples against Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Grasse Marco , Rosenkrands Ida , Olsen Anja , Follmann Frank , Dietrich Jes
Published: March 2018

Globally, an estimated 131 million new cases of chlamydial infection occur annually. Chlamydia trachomatis infection can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes in woman, resulting in infertility and a risk of ectopic pregnancy. There is a great need for a vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis and as a result there is a need for assays to evaluate functional immune responses for use in future clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Antibodies play a crucial role in the defense against infection and can be protective by several functions, including phagocytosis and neutralization. Vaccine development could greatly benefit from a method to measure functional C. trachomatis‐specific antibodies in a large number of samples. In the current in vitro antibody protection assays, which measure the capacity of antibodies to facilitate phagocytic uptake of C. trachomatis, the phagocytosed bacteria have to be counted manually. This is both labor demanding, time consuming, and it prevents high‐throughput usage of this method. In this study, we, therefore, developed a simple and rapid flow cytometry based assay to measure the capacity of antibodies to mediate Fc‐receptor dependent phagocytosis. This method is highly reproducible and suitable to analyze large numbers of clinical and nonclinical samples. © 2018 The Authors. Cytometry Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of ISAC.
A prospective cohort study of early‐pregnancy risk factors for gestational diabetes in polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Li Guanghui , Huang Wenyu , Zhang Li , Tian Zhihong , Zheng Wei , Wang Teng , Zhang Ting , Zhang Weiyuan
Published: March 2018

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a strong risk factor for gestational diabetes (GDM). However, the association between features of PCOS during early pregnancy and the risk of GDM is not clearly characterized. In this prospective cohort study, we seek to identify early‐pregnancy risk factors for GDM in PCOS women.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2013, 248 women with PCOS were followed from their first prenatal visit to delivery. Multiple early‐pregnancy metabolic factors were evaluated for their association with the risk of GDM.

Results

Among 248 subjects, 75 (30.2%) developed GDM. Single factor analysis identified a number of metabolic risk factors for GDM, including higher body mass index, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin resistance; abnormal cholesterol; elevated blood pressure and free androgen index; lower level of sex‐hormone binding globulin (SHBG); and less gestational weight gain. Multivariate analysis showed that FPG, non–high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and SHBG are independent predictive factors for GDM.

Conclusions

Our study established strong association of multiple early‐pregnancy risk factors with development of GDM in PCOS women. These risk factors are predominantly related to the regulation of glucose, lipid, and androgen metabolism. Among these factors, FPG, non–high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, and SHBG, predict incident GDM.
The Failure of Wild Salmon Management: Need for a Place-Based Conceptual Foundation
Authors: Gayeski Nick J , Stanford Jack A , Montgomery David R , Lichatowich Jim , Peterman Randall M , Williams Richard N
Published: March 2018

Salmon management has generally failed to rebuild depressed wild salmon populations or to manage many of them sustainably, despite a broad and growing scientific understanding of salmon ecology. We argue that to correct this failure, management policies and practices related to salmon need to become place-based. Key changes in management practices required to achieve place-based management include requiring that fishing occur closer to rivers of origin where particular populations can be identified with high precision, requiring that fishing gear be capable of releasing (with very low postrelease mortality) nontarget species and populations, and managing harvest to ensure that spawning escapements in most years exceed levels that would produce maximum sustainable yield. The scientific basis in support of place-based salmon management is clear, but implementing the required changes presents serious challenges that must be faced if the diversity and abundance of wild salmon are to be restored and if the world's wild salmon populations are to effectively cope with environmental changes imposed by climate change and continuing habitat degradation. Lessons from locations where management practices are based on a place-based conceptual foundation show how to successfully rebuild or maintain productive wild salmon populations.
Teaching children with autism to explain how: A case for problem solving?
Authors: Frampton Sarah E. , Alice Shillingsburg M.
Published: March 2018

Few studies have applied Skinner's (1953) conceptualization of problem solving to teach socially significant behaviors to individuals with developmental disabilities. The current study used a multiple probe design across behavior (sets) to evaluate the effects of problem‐solving strategy training (PSST) on the target behavior of explaining how to complete familiar activities. During baseline, none of the three participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could respond to the problems presented to them (i.e., explain how to do the activities). Tact training of the actions in each activity alone was ineffective; however, all participants demonstrated independent explaining‐how following PSST. Further, following PSST with Set 1, tact training alone was sufficient for at least one scenario in sets 2 and 3 for all 3 participants. Results have implications for generative responding for individuals with ASD and further the discussion regarding the role of problem solving in complex verbal behavior.
A newly identified lncRNA MAR1 acts as a miR‐487b sponge to promote skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration
Authors: Zhang Zong‐Kang , Li Jie , Guan Daogang , Liang Chao , Zhuo Zhenjian , Liu Jin , Lu Aiping , Zhang Ge , Zhang Bao‐Ting
Published: March 2018

Background

Skeletal muscle atrophy induced by either aging (sarcopenia) or mechanical unloading is associated with serious health consequences. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated as important regulators in numerous physiological and pathological processes.

Methods

Microarray analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs in skeletal muscle between adult and aged mice. The most decreased lncRNA in aged skeletal muscle was identified. The C2C12 mouse myoblast cells were used to assess the biological function of the lncRNA in vitro. The target microRNA of lncRNA and the target protein of microRNA were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and validated in vitro. Furthermore, the biology function of the lncRNA in vivo was investigated by local overexpression or knockdown the lncRNA in skeletal muscle. The therapeutic effect of the lncRNA overexpression in age‐related or mechanical unloading‐induced muscle atrophy was also evaluated.

Results

We identified a novel lncRNA (muscle anabolic regulator 1, MAR1) which was highly expressed in mice skeletal muscle and positively correlated with muscle differentiation and growth in vitro and in vivo. We predicted and validated that microRNA‐487b (miR‐487b) was a direct target of MAR1. We also predicted and validated that Wnt5a, an important regulator during myogenesis, was a target of miR‐487b in C2C12 cells. Our findings further demonstrated that enforced MAR1 expression in myoblasts led to derepression of Wnt5a. Moreover, MAR1 promoted skeletal muscle mass/strength and Wnt5a protein level in mice. Enforced MAR1 expression in mice attenuated muscle atrophy induced by either aging or unloading.

Conclusions

The newly identified lncRNA MAR1 acts as a miR‐487b sponge to regulate Wnt5a protein, resulting in promoting muscle differentiation and regeneration. MAR1 could be a novel therapeutic target for treating muscle atrophy induced by either aging or mechanical unloading.
Preventing muscle wasting by osteoporosis drug alendronate in vitro and in myopathy models via sirtuin‐3 down‐regulation
Authors: Chiu Hsien‐Chun , Chiu Chen‐Yuan , Yang Rong‐Sen , Chan Ding‐Cheng , Liu Shing‐Hwa , Chiang Chih‐Kang
Published: March 2018

Background

A global consensus on the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function in humans refers as sarcopenia and cachexia including diabetes, obesity, renal failure, and osteoporosis. Despite a current improvement of sarcopenia or cachexia with exercise training and supportive therapies, alternative and specific managements are needed to discover for whom are unable or unwilling to embark on these treatments. Alendronate is a widely used drug for osteoporosis in the elderly and postmenopausal women. Osteopenic menopausal women with 6 months of alendronate therapy have been observed to improve not only lumbar bone mineral density but also handgrip strength. However, the effect and mechanism of alendronate on muscle strength still remain unclear. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential and the molecular mechanism of alendronate on the loss of muscle mass and strength in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Mouse myoblasts and primary human skeletal muscle‐derived progenitor cells were used to assess the effects of low‐dose alendronate (0.1–1 μM) combined with or without dexamethasone on myotube hypertrophy and myogenic differentiation. Moreover, we also evaluated the effects of low‐dose alendronate (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) by oral administration on the limb muscle function and morphology of mice with denervation‐induced muscle atrophy and glycerol‐induced muscle injury.

Results

Alendronate inhibited dexamethasone‐induced myotube atrophy and myogenic differentiation inhibition in mouse myoblasts and primary human skeletal muscle‐derived progenitor cells. Alendronate significantly abrogated dexamethasone‐up‐regulated sirtuin‐3 (SIRT3), but not SIRT1, protein expression in myotubes. Both SIRT3 inhibitor AKG7 and SIRT3‐siRNA transfection could also reverse dexamethasone‐up‐regulated atrogin‐1 and SIRT3 protein expressions. Animal studies showed that low‐dose alendronate by oral administration ameliorated the muscular malfunction in mouse models of denervation‐induced muscle atrophy and glycerol‐induced muscle injury with a negative regulation of SIRT3 expression.

Conclusions

The putative mechanism by which muscle atrophy was improved with alendronate might be through the SIRT3 down‐regulation. These findings suggest that alendronate can be a promising therapeutic strategy for management of muscle wasting‐related diseases and sarcopenia.
Ventricular arrhythmias in nonischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chung Fa‐Po , Lin Chin‐Yu , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Chang Shih‐Lin , Lo Li‐Wei , Hu Yu‐Feng , Tuan Ta‐Chuan , Chao Tze‐Fan , Liao Jo‐Nan , Chang Yao‐Ting , Chang Ting‐Yung , Lin Chung‐Hsing , Te Abigail Louise D. , Yamada Shinya , Chen Shih‐Ann
Published: March 2018

Nonischemic cardiomyopathies (NICMs) are composed of variable disease entities, including primary and secondary cardiomyopathies. Determining the etiology of NICM provides pivotal roles of not only the understanding of the individual pathogenesis, but also the clinical management, such as risk stratification, pharmacological treatment, and intervention therapies. Despite the diverse causes of NICM, these cases mostly require clinical attention owing to progressive myocardial injury, resulting in ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. The interaction between the diseased ventricular substrates and systemic/neurophysiological factors contributes to the cornerstones responsible for ventricular arrhythmogenesis and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Prevention of SCD and diminishing ventricular tachyarrhythmias are the important mainstays for the management of NICM patients. Given the understanding of the abnormal ventricular substrates and advancement of navigation systems, radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has become an adjunctive or alternative strategy for NICM patients who experience drug‐refractory ventricular tachycardias (VTs). Successful ablation can frequently be achieved at the expense of an epicardial intervention. A recent study has proven the survival benefits for NICM patients who are free from recurrent VTs after a successful RFCA, regardless of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class status or left ventricular ejection fraction. Additionally, recent evidence has highlighted the better delineation of a diseased myocardium through the incorporation of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) and 3D mapping systems, which can facilitate the identification of critical ventricular arrhythmogenic substrates in NICM patients.
Pacific multi‐decadal oscillation modulates the effect of Arctic oscillation and El Niño southern oscillation on the East Asian winter monsoon
Authors: Chen Dong , Wang Huijun , Sun Jianqi , Gao Ya
Published: March 2018

In this study, the relationship between the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and the Arctic oscillation (AO) and El Niño southern oscillation (ENSO) are reanalysed using long‐term reanalysis data. The AO and ENSO influence the EAWM by means of a significant inter‐decadal oscillation with a periodicity of approximately 60 years. When the linkage between the AO and EAWM is strengthened (weakened), the ENSO has a weakened (strengthened) relationship with the EAWM. The AO and ENSO alternately affect the EAWM for approximately 30 years. Furthermore, an analysis is completed regarding the possible mechanism of the inter‐decadal relationship between the EAWM and ENSO, as well as the AO. Such an inter‐decadal relationship could be due to the phase transition of the Pacific multi‐decadal oscillation (PMO). When the PMO is positive, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Bering Strait and Alaska Current region are warmer than average, which results in a decrease in the East Asian trough and an increase in the Aleutian low and northeastern Pacific vertical wave activity flux. In this case, the vertical wave activity flux propagates upward and is reflected in the polar vortex, which significantly strengthens the relationship between the Asia‐Pacific climate and AO. Simultaneously, during the positive phase of the PMO, the increase in the SST in the eastern South Pacific is stronger than in the west, which leads to a weakening of the east–west temperature gradient and southern oscillation. Thus, the relationship between the ENSO and Asia‐Pacific region is significantly weakened and vice versa. The results of this study deepen the understanding of the Asia‐Pacific climate and may improve the inter‐decadal prediction of the Asia‐Pacific regional climate in the future.
Quasi‐Spectral Method for the Solution of the Master Equation for Unimolecular Reaction Systems
Authors: Koksharov Andrey , Yu Chunkan , Bykov Viatcheslav , Maas Ulrich , Pfeifle Mark , Olzmann Matthias
Published: March 2018

Rate constants of elementary reactions involving unimolecular steps can be calculated from molecular data in a most general way by solving appropriate master equations. The conventional numerical solution requires rather a fine discretization applied over a sufficiently large energy range to achieve a reasonable accuracy. This leads to linear but very high‐dimensional systems of differential equations. We propose a quasi‐spectral method that uses Gaussian radial basis functions to establish a low‐dimensional linear model to speed up the numerical integration. The combination with an iterative adaptation provides a further improvement of computational efficiency. The suggested approach is illustrated and exemplified by means of the unimolecular decomposition of 2,3‐dihydro‐2,5‐dimethylfuran‐3‐yl, an intermediate radical occurring in the pyrolysis and oxidation of 2,5‐dimethylfuran. A comparison of the conventional and the proposed method is presented to validate the novel approach and to demonstrate its performance.