bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some divalent metal(II) complexes of salicylaldehyde‐derived Schiff bases: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, antimicrobial and in vitro anticancer studies
Authors: Devi J. , Yadav M. , Kumar D. , Naik L.S. , Jindal D.K.
Published: December 2018

Mononuclear transition metal(II) complexes of the type M(L)2⋅2H2O (where M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) have been synthesized from uninegative Schiff base ligands (HL1–HL4) designed by condensation of 4‐fluorobenzylamine with 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde/3,5‐dichlorosalicylaldehyde/3,5‐dibromosalicylaldehyde/3‐bromo‐5‐chlorosalicylaldehyde. The compounds were successfully characterized using spectroscopic and physiochemical methods together with elemental analysis. Spectroscopic elucidation indicates a monobasic bidentate nature of ligands coordinated via deprotonated phenolic oxygen and azomethine nitrogen atom which suggests an octahedral geometry around the central metal ions. The complexes and ligands were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains, the zinc(II) complexes being more active against the tested microbial strains. Further, the metal complexes were found to be more active than the uncomplexed ligands due to chelation process and, moreover, the complexes were more active against fungal strains than bacterial strains. Cytotoxic activities of all compounds were evaluated towards human alveolar adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7), human prostate cancer cell line (DU145) and one normal human lung cell line (MRC‐5) using MTT colorimetric assay with doxorubicin as a standard. The zinc complexes were most active against the cancer cell lines and also found to be less toxic against MRC‐5 normal cell line than standard doxorubicin.
Synthesis of a series of new ruthenium organometallic complexes derived from pyridine‐imine ligands and their catalytic activity in oxidation of secondary alcohols
Authors: Hao Zhiqiang , Li Ying , Li Chen , Wu Ruitao , Ma Zhihong , Li Suzhen , Han Zhangang , Zheng Xuezhong , Lin Jin
Published: December 2018

Reactions of pyridine imines [C5H4N‐2‐C(H) = N‐C6H4‐R] [R = H (1), CH3 (2), OMe (3), CF3 (4), Cl (5), Br (6)] with Ru3(CO)12 in refluxing toluene gave the corresponding dinuclear ruthenium carbonyl complexes of the type {μ‐η2‐CH[(2‐C5H4N)(N‐C6H4‐R)]}2Ru2(CO)4(μ‐CO) [R = H (7); CH3 (8); OMe (9); CF3 (10); Cl (11); Br (12)]. All six novel complexes were separated by chromatography, and fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR spectroscopy. Molecular structures of 7, 10, 11, and 12 were determined by X‐ray crystal diffraction. Further, the catalytic performance of these complexes was also tested. The combination of {μ‐η2‐CH[(2‐C5H4N)(N‐C6H4‐R)]}2Ru2(CO)4(μ‐CO) and NMO afforded an efficient catalytic system for the oxidation of a variety secondary alcohols.
Immobilization of Myceliophthora thermophila laccase on poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres enhances the degradation of azinphos‐methyl
Authors: Vera Myleidi , Nyanhongo Gibson S. , Pellis Alessandro , Rivas Bernabé L. , Guebitz Georg M.
Published: December 2018

Laccase enzymes are multicopper oxidases capable of oxidizing different compounds. However, to be able to use this biocatalyst for industrial applications, their immobilization is needed. The present work investigates the immobilization of Myceliophthora thermophila laccase (MtL) on monodisperse microspheres of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) to be used in azinphos‐methyl degradation. The immobilization was optimized to achieve the highest activity of the immobilized enzyme. As result, the protein load obtained was 2.5 mg protein g−1 carrier (35 U g−1 of carrier). The immobilized enzymes showed a broadened pH and temperature range of optimum activity and significantly improved the storage and operational stability. Finally, the complete degradation of azinphos‐methyl using immobilized laccase was achieved after 1 h of reaction. The collected data indicate that the immobilization of MtL on PGMA microspheres is an excellent alternative to improve biochemical properties in the enzyme and to allow their efficient use in pesticides degradation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47417.
Cooperative tracking of vessel trajectories based on curved dynamic coordinates
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Yu Shuanghe , Shen Zhipeng , Guo Ge
Published: December 2018

A novel cooperative motion problem for multiple surface vessels is investigated based on multiple referential points and a terminal sliding mode control method. To overcome the difficulties of modeling some special tracking trajectories like rivers and coastlines in a traditional Cartesian coordinate system, a novel local curved‐dynamic coordinate system is constructed, and multiple referential points with given intervals on the curved coordinates are used as the consensus reference for the group. Then cooperative cruise of surface vessels is analyzed, based on which a local‐to‐global terminal sliding mode controller is designed to keep the relative pose of the dynamic unmanned vessels. At last, the formation trajectory constraint conditions are further discussed and some simulation results show the validity of the presented methods.
Novel salicyloylhydrazone derivatives and corresponding terbium(III) complexes: Synthesis and properties research
Authors: Xiao Rong , Huang Wei , Xiao Xiaoming , Liu Yanhong , Guo Dongcai
Published: December 2018

Four novel salicyloylhydrazone derivatives and their terbium(III) complexes were synthesized and characterized. The thermal analysis results showed that the terbium(III) complexes possessed good thermal stability. The fluorescence research results showed that the terbium(III) complex substituted by phenyl possessed the best fluorescence intensity among them, and its fluorescence quantum yield was also the highest. The exploration of the electrochemical properties indicated that the introduction of electron‐donating groups to the ligand can increase the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels and decrease the oxidation potential of the corresponding terbium(III) complexes. The introduction of electron‐withdrawing groups to the ligand can reduce their HOMO energy levels and increase their oxidation potential. The results showed that the terbium(III) complexes are good candidates for luminescent material.
A laboratory work to introduce biochemistry undergraduate students to basic enzyme kinetics‐alkaline phosphatase as a model
Authors: Miquet Johanna G. , González Lorena , Sotelo Ana I. , González Lebrero Rodolfo M.
Published: December 2018

Enzyme kinetics is an essential topic in undergraduate Biochemistry courses. A laboratory work that covers the principal basic concepts of enzyme kinetics in steady state is presented. The alkaline phosphatase catalyzed reaction of phenyl‐phosphate hydrolysis was studied as a model. The laboratory experience was designed to reinforce the concepts of initial velocity dependence on substrate and enzyme concentration, and to highlight the importance of the accurate determination of initial reaction rate. The laboratory work consists in two parts, in which students first determine the enzyme concentration and the time to be used in the following session to obtain the kinetic parameters (KM and Vmax) by non‐lineal fitting of the Michaelis–Menten equation to the initial velocity dependence with substrate concentration results. The experimental methodology is robust, the cost per student is low and the equipment and reagents used are of easy access. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(1):93–99, 2018.
Extraction technology, component analysis, and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of total flavonoids and fatty acids from Tribulus terrestris L. fruits
Authors: Tian Chunlian , Zhang Zehui , Wang Hong , Guo Yuru , Zhao Jihang , Liu Mingchun
Published: December 2018

The current study focused on the extraction technology, components analysis, in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of total flavonoids and fatty acids from Tribulus terrestris L. fruits. The extraction process of total flavonoids and fatty acids was optimized by the response surface method, and the compositions were identified from the two extracts by HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS− and GC–MS, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated by assay of ABTS, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and minimal inhibitory concentration. The yields of total flavonoids and fatty acids were 0.46 and 9.76% under the optimized conditions. Moreover, nine and eight compositions were identified from the two extracts based on the related references, respectively. In addition, total flavonoids and fatty acids extracts both exhibited certain antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The present findings suggest that total flavonoids extracted from T. terrestris L. fruits comprised a more interesting candidate than fatty acids for the research and development of natural and healthy antioxidants and antibacterial agents for the pharmaceutical and food industries.
A critical appraisal of the quality of head and neck cancer imaging guidelines using the AGREE II tool: A EuroAIM initiative
Authors: Romeo Valeria , Stanzione Arnaldo , Cocozza Sirio , Ugga Lorenzo , Cuocolo Renato , Brunetti Arturo , Bisdas Sotirios
Published: December 2018

Background

Diagnostic imaging guidelines are increasingly embraced in oncologic imaging in order to improve examinations appropriateness and technical quality. The usefulness of guidelines employment in clinical practice is dramatically related to the quality of the guidelines themselves. However, an extreme variability in guidelines’ quality may occur. Following a European Network for the Assessment of Imaging in Medicine (EuroAIM) initiative, the aim of this study was to assess the quality of the available guidelines regarding head and neck cancer (HNC) imaging.

Methods

A literature search was conducted to identify imaging guidelines focused on HNC. Selected guidelines were evaluated by four independent appraisers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation version 2.0 (AGREE II) tool, which comprises 23 key items, rated on a 7‐point scale (1—strongly disagree to 7—strongly agree) and organized within six domains. For each domain, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the agreement among appraisers’ scores.

Results

After literature search, three guidelines were selected and evaluated. One guideline scored “average” as overall quality, while the remaining two scored a “low” overall quality. The highest result (total score = 75.0% ± 19.3%) was obtained in domain 4 (Clarity of presentation) while the lowest (total score = 27.1% ± 4.2%) in domain 6 (Editorial independence). ICC analysis showed a very good agreement (range: 0.932‐0.961) among the four appraisers.

Conclusions

Our results showed a heterogeneous quality of existing guidelines in HNC imaging. Issues raised from this appraisal should be considered when developing future guidelines on HNC imaging.
Multiple Dividing‐Wall Columns – Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Ränger Lena‐Marie , Preißinger Ulrich , Grützner Thomas
Published: December 2018

Dividing‐wall columns are a well‐known and proven technology to separate a ternary mixture into pure products with significant savings in capital and operational costs compared to standard two‐column configurations. A consequent advancement are multiple dividing‐wall columns, which allow the separation of multicomponent mixtures in one column shell. However, due to their high complexity, no practical realization has been reported yet. This paper briefly discusses the current state of the art followed by a detailed description of a robust initialization of rigorous flow sheet simulations based on Vmin diagrams. With the data from the simulation a multi‐objective optimization can be performed. The knowledge from the simulations shall be used to build the first multiple dividing‐wall column worldwide.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Coupling Reaction of Allyl Carboxylates, Norbornenes and Diboronates Involving Sequential Olefins Insertion and Borylation Reaction
Authors: Li Zun , Zheng Jia , Li Chunsheng , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: December 2018

Summary of main observation and conclusion

An efficient Pd‐catalyzed three‐component coupling reaction of allyl carboxylates, norbornenes and diboronates is described, which allows efficient assembly of C(sp3)—C(sp3) and C(sp3)—B bonds in a single process. Moreover, this approach shows advantages of good chemo‐ and regioselectivity, as well as good substrates suitability.
Screening for Neurotoxicity with Microelectrode Array
Authors: Bradley Jenifer A. , Strock Christopher J.
Published: December 2018

Neurotoxicity and seizurogenic liabilities are difficult to detect using currently available in vitro cytotoxicity assays. This is primarily due to the inherent limitations of these assays to predict adverse neural network disruptions and chemically induced perturbations. Many of these detrimental effects are detected with in vivo studies after substantial time and monetary resources have already been invested. Due to these late‐stage unforeseen side effects, the implementation of a reliable high throughput in vitro method for assessing seizure‐inducing and neurotoxic compound effects early in the drug discovery process would be ideal. We have developed an in vitro screening tool to identify chemical entities that cause neurotoxic and seizurogenic effects. This article describes the preparation and use of a 48‐well microelectrode array (MEA) platform along with custom data analysis algorithms and commercially available analysis tools to screen for neurotoxic liabilities and seizurogenic effects using recorded spike file data generated from cryogenically preserved rat cortical neurons. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Convenient Immobilization of Cobalt Corroles on Carbon Nanotubes through Covalent Bonds for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Li Hua , Li Xialiang , Lei Haitao , Zhou Guojun , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui
Published: December 2018

Two different methods were used to immobilize Co corroles on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through covalent bonds. The resulting CNTs engineered with Co corroles were used as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in aqueous solutions of pH 0, 7, and 14. For both HER and OER in all solutions, the hybrids obtained by attaching Co corroles on CNTs through amidation coupling showed better performance. This is likely because the large surface area and good electrical conductivity of CNTs can be well preserved during the amidation reaction under mild conditions.
A survey and comparison on overlay‐underlay mapping techniques in peer‐to‐peer overlay networks
Authors: Ijaz Humaira , Welzl Michael , Jamil Bushra
Published: December 2018

Peer‐to‐peer (P2P) overlay networks were developed initially for file sharing such as Napster and Gnutella; but later, they have become popular for content sharing, media streaming, telephony applications, etc. Underlay‐unawareness in P2P systems can result in suboptimal peer selection for overlay routing and hence poor performance. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of the research work carried out to solve the overlay‐underlay mapping problems up till now. The majority of underlay‐aware proposals for peer selection focus on finding the shortest overlay routes by selecting nearest nodes according to proximity information. Another class of approaches is based on passive or active probing for provision of underlay information to P2P applications. Some other optimizations propose use of P2P middleware to extract, process, and refine underlay information and provide it to P2P overlay applications. Another class of approaches strive to use ISPs or third parties to provide underlay information to P2P overlay applications according to their requirements. We have made a state‐of‐the‐art review and comparison for addressing the overlay‐underlay mismatch in terms of their operation, merits, limitations, and future directions.
Appropriately staffing DS offices in health science education
Authors: Meeks Lisa M. , Sullivan Linda
Published: December 2018

Health science students navigate a complex system of didactic, practical, simulated, and clinical experiences. In addition to students' multifaceted program experiences, they also engage with high‐stakes testing agencies and licensing boards. Disability services providers, to effectively and proactively address student needs, must develop expertise on curriculum, pedagogy, and clinical settings and must be assured sufficient time to perform the full scope of their duties (see Duties of a disability services provider in health science programs, p. 5).
Go beyond required accommodations for students with invisible disabilities
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2018

Samantha Dutra, M.Ed., L.M.H.C., N.C.C., Ma.C.C.S., is a mental health specialist and faculty member at several institutions, including Endicott College and Middlesex Community College.
Lawsuit challenges inaccessibility of websites
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: December 2018

The primary issue pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in National Association of the Deaf et al. v. State of Florida, et al. is whether Florida State University and other defendants, including the state of Florida, the Florida Senate, and the Florida House of Representatives, are entitled to 11th Amendment immunity from monetary damages for failing to caption legislative proceedings on their websites.
Provide training to students with disabilities to support academic success
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2018

ALBUQUERQUE — Strategies for addressing academic challenges can help students with disabilities succeed. Officials at the University of North Florida provide training on specific topics of concern to students registered with the Disability Resource Center. Tara Rowe, Ed.D., assistant director of THRIVE at UNF; and Kiersten Washell, a UNF graduate student, explained how the ACCESS Academy helps students succeed at a session at the Association for Higher Education And Disability annual conference.
Intra‐patient variability of the hair levels of pain medications in chronic migraine patients – a pilot study
Authors: Ferrari Anna , Rustichelli Cecilia , Baraldi Carlo , Vandelli Daniele , Verri Patrizia , Marchesi Filippo , Licata Manuela
Published: December 2018

Monitoring of prescription pain medications is strongly recommended, considering their abuse liability. We used hair analysis for monitoring pain medications in 12 women with chronic migraine and drug overuse. Hair samples were collected at baseline and after 4 and 8 months and analyzed by liquid chromatography−electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS). Intra‐patient variability of the hair‐level‐to‐dose ratio was <20% in most cases. The hair analysis detected changes in the dose taken by the same patient over time, both occasionally and chronically. The agreement between the changes in hair drug levels and those of taken doses was excellent. Therefore, hair analysis appeared advantageous for long‐term monitoring of pain medications, which is otherwise difficult to determine in conventional matrices. In the same sample, multiple medications could be simultaneously determined, and with three samples, nine months of therapy were objectively documented.
Systematic review of hormonal and genetic factors involved in the nonsyndromic disorders of the lower jaw
Authors: Manocha Srishti , Farokhnia Nadia , Khosropanah Sepideh , Bertol Jessica W. , Santiago Joel , Fakhouri Walid D.
Published: December 2018

Mandibular disorders are among the most common birth defects in humans, yet the etiological factors are largely unknown. Most of the neonates affected by mandibular abnormalities have a sequence of secondary anomalies, including airway obstruction and feeding problems, that reduce the quality of life. In the event of lacking corrective surgeries, patients with mandibular congenital disorders suffer from additional lifelong problems such as sleep apnea and temporomandibular disorders, among others. The goal of this systematic review is to gather evidence on hormonal and genetic factors that are involved in signaling pathways and interactions that are potentially associated with the nonsyndromic mandibular disorders. We found that members of FGF and BMP pathways, including FGF8/10, FGFR2/3, BMP2/4/7, BMPR1A, ACVR1, and ACVR2A/B, have a prominent number of gene‐gene interactions among all identified genes in this review. Gene ontology of the 154 genes showed that the functional gene sets are involved in all aspects of cellular processes and organogenesis. Some of the genes identified by the genome‐wide association studies of common mandibular disorders are involved in skeletal formation and growth retardation based on animal models, suggesting a potential direct role as genetic risk factors in the common complex jaw disorders. Developmental Dynamics 248:162‐172, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ubiquinone Ameliorates Simvastatin Induced Respiratory Chain Complex Function Impairment in High‐Fat High‐Cholesterol Diet Fed Mice
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Xiaoli , Feng Lei , Xu Lei , Xue Jing , Yi Shuying , Yu Yang , Zhai Jing
Published: December 2018

Long‐term statins therapy is the primary treatment of hyperlipidemia. A ubiquinone (Co‐enzyme Q10, CoQ10) supplement ameliorates the statins side effects, including skeletal muscle and liver damage, whereas the mechanism involving respiratory chain complex function in a hyperlipidemia animal model remains unknown. Herein, it is reported that the administration of CoQ10 increases plasma CoQ10 level significantly without affecting the lipid lowering effects of statins in high‐fat high cholesterol diet fed mice. Compared with thr statins group, the combination therapy of CoQ10 and statin (Simva + CoQ10) reduces the activity enhancement of plasma CK, ALT, and AST, and restores the activity of complex I in skeletal muscle (2.7‐fold increased) and liver (42% increased). Moreover, the activities of complex II are increased in the muscle (29% increased) and liver (5.8‐folds increased) significantly. Statins decrease the total CoQ10 concentration in mitochondria, while Simva + CoQ10 restore the total CoQ10 concentration in mitochondria from muscle (41% increased) and liver (1.1‐folds increased), respectively. Therefore, administration of CoQ10 ameliorates the function loss of mitochondria respiratory chain complex induced by statins in muscle and liver are concluded.

Practical Applications: Statins are widely used in clinical treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic diseases via inhibiting the synthesis of mevalonic acid to achieve the purpose of reducing endogenous cholesterol loading, to display anti‐inflammatory effects, and to stabilize the atherosclerotic plaques. However, the shortage of MVA may cause the low level of ubiquinone which subsequently leads to increasing various side effects, including muscle and liver damage. This study introduces a novel combined administration which could ameliorate the statins induced muscle and liver damage for hypercholesterolemia individuals. Moreover, the method shows a beneficial effect on mitochondrion integrity and functions in skeletal muscle and liver.

Statin administration inhibits the 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCoA‐R), which subsequently decreases the level of endogenous Co enzyme Q10 (CoQ). CoQ supplementation increases the level of CoQ in mitochondria, and ameliorates the function loss of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex induced by statins.
Understanding flow enhancement in graphene‐coated nanochannels
Authors: Jin Yakang , Tao Ran , Li Zhigang
Published: December 2018

In this work, we investigate pressure‐driven water flows in graphene‐coated copper nanochannels through molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that the flow rate in bare copper nanochannel can be significantly enhanced by a factor of 45 when the nanochannel is coated with monolayer graphene. The enhancement factor for the flow rate reaches about 90 when the nanochannel is modified with 3 or more graphene layers. The dipole relaxation time and the hydrogen bond lifetime of interfacial water molecules show that the graphene coating promotes the mobility of water molecules at the interface. The distribution of the potential of mean force and the free energy barriers also confirm that graphene coating reduces the flow resistance and 3 layers of graphene can fully screen the surface effects. The results in this work provide important information for the design of graphene‐based nanofluidic systems for flow enhancement.
Effect of ZnO‐based TCO on the performance of a‐Si H(n)/a‐Si H(i)/c‐Si H(p)/Al BSF(p+)/Al heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Selmane Naceur , Cheknane Ali , Aillerie Michel , Hilal Hikmat S.
Published: December 2018

Inclusion of ZnO‐based transparent conducting oxide (TCO) film layer into amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon (a‐Si/c‐Si) solar cell enhances its photovoltaic conversion efficiency. These findings have been confirmed here, using Afors HIT software. The simulation study is performed onto a solar cell that was originally lab prepared so as to use its measured parameters in the simulation. The ZnO‐based TCO films were electrodeposited on n‐type (100) silicon wafer and were simulated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirms the zinc blende nature of the TCO layer, and show that the preferred orientation of ZnO films is (002). Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) imaging confirms nano‐size nature of the ZnO based TCO film. For comparison purposes, cells with and without TCO layers are investigated by simulating photo‐current versus applied potential (J–V) plots. Values of fill factor (FF), short circuit current density (Jsc) open circuit potential (VCO) and conversion efficiency (η) are extracted. The energy band diagram, current density and charge carrier generation/recombination phenomena are in‐depth analyzed to understand the mechanism of enhancement in the hetero‐junction cell performance. Values of quantum efficiency (QE) are also simulated. The results show that the solar cell heterojunction is hypersensitive to the ZnO layer. The added value of using the ZnO‐based transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer, in enhancing intrinsic thin layer (HIT) solar cell conversion efficiency, is assessed by critically comparing it with a control cell having no ZnO layer. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2018 © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13114, 2019
Depositional history and provenance of cratonic “Purana” basins in southern India: A multipronged geochronology approach to the Proterozoic Kaladgi and Bhima basins
Authors: Joy Sojen , Patranabis‐Deb Sarbani , Saha Dilip , Jelsma Hielke , Maas Roland , Söderlund Ulf , Tappe Sebastian , van der Linde Gert , Banerjee Amlan , Krishnan Unni
Published: December 2018

Peninsular India is a collage of Archaean cratonic domains separated by Proterozoic mobile belts. A number of cratonic basins, known as “Purana basins” in the Indian literature, formed in different parts of the Indian Peninsula during extensional tectonic events, from Paleoproterozoic through Neoproterozoic times. In this contribution, we present a diversity of new geochronological data for different units within the Kaladgi and the Bhima basins, which overlie the western and eastern Dharwar cratons, respectively. The new geochronology data are discussed in terms of depositional history and provenance of these poorly understood Proterozoic intracratonic basins. For the Kaladgi Group, a U–Pb baddeleyite age of 1,861 ± 4 Ma obtained for a dolerite dyke intruding the Yendigere Formation is used to constrain the minimum age of deposition of the lower Kaladgi Group. This result demonstrates that this part of the succession is comparable in age to the Papaghni Group of the Cuddapah Basin, heralding onset of Purana sedimentation at ~1,900 Ma. The detrital zircon populations from the clastic rocks of the Kaladgi and Bhima basins show unique and distinct age patterns indicating different source of sediments for these two basins. Palaeocurrent analysis indicates a change in provenance from south or southeast to west or northwest between the Kaladgi and Bhima clastic sedimentation. New U–Th–Pb and Rb–Sr radiometric dates of limestones and glauconite‐bearing sandstones of the Bhima Group (Bhima Basin) and the Badami Group (Kaladgi Basin) indicate deposition at around 800–900 Ma, suggesting contemporaneity for the two successions. Thus, the unconformity between the Kaladgi Group and the overlying Badami Group represents a time gap of up to 1,000 Myr. These new results demonstrate the complex multistage burial and unroofing history of the Archaean Dharwar Craton throughout the Proterozoic, with important implications for exploration of metal deposits and diamonds in Peninsular India.
fMRI evidence of aberrant neural adaptation for objects in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Lee Junghee , Reavis Eric A. , Engel Stephen A. , Altshuler Lori L. , Cohen Mark S. , Glahn David C. , Nuechterlein Keith H. , Wynn Jonathan K. , Green Michael F.
Published: December 2018

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) adaptation (also known as fMRI repetition suppression) has been widely used to characterize stimulus selectivity in vivo, a fundamental feature of neuronal processing in the brain. We investigated whether SZ patients and BD patients show aberrant fMRI adaptation for object perception. About 52 SZ patients, 55 BD patients, and 53 community controls completed an object discrimination task with three conditions: the same object presented twice, two exemplars from the same category, and two exemplars from different categories. We also administered two functional localizer tasks. A region of interest analysis was employed to evaluate a priori hypotheses about the lateral occipital complex (LOC) and early visual cortex (EVC). An exploratory whole brain analysis was also conducted. In the LOC and EVC, controls showed the expected reduced fMRI responses to repeated presentation of the same objects compared with different objects (i.e., fMRI adaptation for objects, p < .001). SZ patients showed an adaptation effect that was significantly smaller compared with controls. BD patients showed a lack of fMRI adaptation. The whole brain analyses showed enhanced fMRI responses to repeated presentation of the same objects only in BD patients in several brain regions including anterior cingulate cortex. This study was the first to employ fMRI adaptation for objects in SZ and BD. The current findings provide empirical evidence of aberrant fMRI adaptation in the visual cortex in SZ and BD, but in distinctly different ways.
Early life predictors of callous‐unemotional and psychopathic traits
Authors: Glenn Andrea L.
Published: December 2018

Psychopathy is a disorder that occurs primarily in males. Offenders with psychopathic traits are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime in society, particularly violent crime. Early childhood is a time when individual differences in empathy and guilt—key indicators of the construct of psychopathy—are first evident. A growing number of longitudinal studies have begun to investigate how factors in infancy and early childhood predict psychopathic‐like traits in later childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. These studies have suggested that parenting styles during infancy (parental sensitivity, maternal harsh intrusion, commenting on the emotional state of the child) as well as attachment styles are predictive of later psychopathic‐like traits. In addition, child characteristics such as temperament and the functioning of biological systems such as the autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis are predictive. Overall, studies have suggested that at least some of the origins of psychopathic traits are present in infancy and early childhood, which is consistent with the perspective of psychopathy as a neurodevelopmental disorder. A recent evolutionary‐developmental model provides hypotheses regarding how psychopathy may develop and why it is more common in males than females. This model, and its implications for intervention, is discussed in the context of the longitudinal studies that have been conducted on psychopathy.
A developmental origins perspective on the emergence of violent behavior in males with prenatal substance exposure
Authors: Terrell Sarah , Conradt Elisabeth , Dansereau Lynne , Lagasse Linda , Lester Barry
Published: December 2018

Children with prenatal substance exposure are at increased risk for externalizing behavior problems and violence. However, the contribution of early life experiences for placing these individuals at risk is not well understood. Utilizing a sample of 1,388 children with prenatal substance exposure from the Maternal Lifestyle Study, we attempt to shed light on these contributing factors by examining the impact of infant temperament, maternal sensitivity, and early life stress on the expression of violent behavior at ages 12 through 14 years. Males may be more at risk for increases in violent behavior in early adolescence through a number of early life experiences, such as variability in responses to maternal flexibility and engagement related to individual differences in temperament, as well as exposure to early adversity. Comparing two prevailing developmental theoretical frameworks, deficit models and differential susceptibility, we aim to understand the developmental origins of violent behavior in males by identifying children who may be most susceptible to early caregiving experiences.
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of E6011, a Novel Humanized Antifractalkine (CX3CL1) Monoclonal Antibody: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Single‐Ascending‐Dose Study
Authors: Tabuchi Hiroko , Katsurabara Toshinori , Mori Masahiko , Aoyama Muneo , Obara Takashi , Yasuda Nobuyuki , Kawano Tetsu , Imai Toshio , Ieiri Ichiro , Kumagai Yuji
Published: December 2018

E6011 is a novel humanized antifractalkine (FKN) monoclonal antibody being developed as a therapeutic target for Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and primary biliary cholangitis. This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled single‐ascending‐dose study of intravenous administration of E6011 (0.0006‐10 mg/kg) in healthy Japanese adult men (n = 64). The starting dose was the minimum anticipated biological effect level (MABEL). MABEL was estimated by extrapolating results of a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model relating E6011 exposure and suppression of free soluble FKN using data obtained from cynomolgus monkeys. Safety assessments consisted of monitoring and recording adverse events, laboratory tests, vital signs, intensive electrocardiograms, and chest x‐rays. Blood samples to determine PK, PD (serum total FKN concentration), and serum anti‐E6011 antibody were collected. Noncompartmental analysis was used to derive PK parameters. Single intravenous infusions of E6011 were safe and well tolerated in healthy subjects. Serum E6011 concentrations showed triphasic elimination. An increase in serum total FKN concentration was observed, confirming target engagement. The dose strategy for patient studies is to select regimens that will attain a minimum serum E6011 exposure of 10 μg/mL, identified as the minimum concentration needed to saturate the target‐mediated elimination pathway. Model‐based drug development from preclinical stage was successful in identifying dose regimens for clinical testing.
Ultrastructural analysis of cell wall of drug resistant and sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from cerebrospinal fluid by transmission electron microscope
Authors: Kumar Kavitha , Sagar B. K. Chandrasekhar , Giribhattanavar Prashant , Patil Shripad A.
Published: December 2018

Drug‐resistant tuberculosis is being increasingly recognized and is one among the leading cause of death worldwide. Remarkable impermeability of cell wall to antituberculous drugs protects the mycobacteria from drug action. The present study analyzed the cell wall thickness among first‐line drug resistant and sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolated from cerebrospinal fluid by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average thickness of the cell wall of sensitive isolates was 13.60 ± 0.98 nm. The maximum difference (26.48%) in the cell wall thickness was seen among multi‐drug resistant (18.50 ± 1.71 nm) isolates and the least difference (4.14%) was shown by streptomycin‐resistant (14.18 ± 1.38 nm) isolates. The ultrastructural study showed evident differences in the cell wall thickness among sensitive and resistant isolates. Preliminary TEM examination of cells indicates that morphological changes occur in the cell wall which might be attributed to the drug resistance. The thickened wall of Mtb appears to help the bacilli to overcome the action of antituberculous drugs.
Using multiple microscopic techniques for the comparative systematic of Spergula fallax and Spergula arvensis (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Ullah Fazal , Zaman Wajid , Papini Alessio , Zafar Muhammad , Shah Syed Nasar , Ahmad Mushtaq , Saqib Saddam , Gul Saba , Sohail Aamir
Published: December 2018

In this study, comparative morphology, foliar anatomy and palynology of Spergula fallax and Spergula arvensis (Caryophyllaceae) were studied using multiple microscopic techniques. Genus Spergula includes worldwide five species, while in Flora of Pakistan the genus has two species. In this research, the comparative morphological, anatomical, and palynological characters of the two Pakistani Spergula species were studied. We examined some distinguishing morphological features, in both species, such as plant size, habitat, leaf morphological characters, inflorescences, flowers outer whorls, sepals and petals, and flowers number. These characters species were studied analyzing their comparative systematic significant. The foliar anatomical features also provided distinctive characters as the epidermal cell shape, the wall of the epidermal cell, lobes per cell. The differences in quantitative characters were also examined. The palynological characters showed difference in echini arrangement, echini density, and numbers of pore. Quantitative characters were variations in size of polar, equatorial, exine thickness, pore length, and width and P/E ratio. The multiple microscopic techniques provided sufficient evidence about the systematics of the genus Spergula. Based on morphological, anatomical, and palynological characters, analytical keys were developed for the identification and distinction of the species S. fallax and S. arvensis.
Comparison of the efficacies of two different fiber post‐removal systems: A micro‐computed tomography study
Authors: Arukaslan Göze , Aydemir Seda
Published: December 2018

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the efficacies of two different fiber post‐removal systems. Thirty extracted single‐rooted mandibular premolar teeth were used. After RelyX fiber posts were cemented, the teeth were divided into two groups with regard to the post removal techniques: ultrasonic vibration and D.T. Light‐Post removal kit. Residual material, tooth volume changes, working time and micro‐crack formation were assessed using micro‐computed tomography. All data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann–Whitney U tests. There was significantly more tooth root volume change in the ultrasonic group than removal kit group (p < .05). Fiber post removal time for the ultrasonic group was significantly longer than the removal kit group (p < .01).
Prospective respiratory triggering improves high‐resolution brachial plexus MRI quality
Authors: Sneag Darryl B. , Mendapara Parrykumar , Zhu Jacqui C. , Lee Susan C. , Lin Bin , Curlin Jahnavi , Bogner Eric A. , Fung Maggie
Published: December 2018

Background

Oblique sagittal MRI sequences, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the brachial plexus, can reliably depict morphologic and signal abnormalities. However, nerve visualization may be obscured by ghosting artifact from periodic respiratory motion. Respiratory triggering (RT) with a thoracoabdominal bellows can reduce ghosting artifact, but it is not routinely used for brachial plexus MRI. Furthermore, the efficacy of prospective RT for brachial plexus imaging has not yet been reported.

Purpose

To compare brachial plexus MRI sequences acquired with and without respiratory triggering.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Five volunteers and 20 patients were included. Each subject was imaged with and without RT during the same session.

Field Strength/Sequence

Proton density or T2‐weighted Dixon fat suppressed sequences were obtained at 3.0T using receive‐only 16‐channel flexible array coils.

Assessment

Three musculoskeletal radiologists blindly evaluated each sequence using subjective scoring criteria for ghosting artifact, nerve conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence. Nerve conspicuity scores at three distinct plexus levels were summed to calculate an overall image quality score.

Statistical Tests

Marginal proportional odds logistic regression models were used to compare all scores between RT and non‐RT. Gwet's agreement coefficient was used to assess interobserver and intraobserver reliability.

Results

Mean scan time per sequence increased from 4:25 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI], 4:02–4:49 min) with non‐RT to 6:09 minutes (95% CI, 5:42–6:35 min) with RT. RT reduced ghosting artifact (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.09–0.46, P < 0.001), improved overall image quality (OR = 4.88, 95% CI: 2.18–10.95, P < 0.001), and increased diagnostic confidence (OR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.61–8.63, P = 0.002) for all readers. Interobserver agreement for ghosting artifact and image quality was substantial to almost perfect (AC2 = 0.74–0.85). Interobserver agreement for all other scores was moderate to almost perfect (AC2 = 0.61–0.82). Intraobserver agreement was substantial to almost perfect for all parameters (AC2 = 0.76–1.0).

Data Conclusion

Prospective RT with bellows can effectively minimize ghosting artifact and improve image quality for brachial plexus MRI within clinically optimal acquisition times.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2
Coupling finite elements and auxiliary sources for Maxwell's equations
Authors: Casati Daniele , Hiptmair Ralf , Smajic Jasmin
Published: December 2018

The Multiple Multipole Program is a Trefftz method approximating the electromagnetic field in a domain filled with a homogeneous linear medium. MMP can easily handle unbounded domains; yet, it cannot accommodate inhomogeneous or nonlinear materials, situations well within the scope of the standard finite element method. We propose to couple FEM and MMP to model Maxwell's equations for materials with spatially varying properties in an unbounded domain. In some bounded parts of the domain, we use Nédélec's first family of curl‐conforming elements; in the unbounded complement, multipole expansions. Several approaches are developed to couple both discretizations across the common interface:

Least‐squares–based coupling using techniques from PDE‐constrained optimization.

Multifield variational formulation in the spirit of mortar finite element methods.

Discontinuous Galerkin coupling between the FEM mesh and the single‐entity MMP subdomain.

Coupling by tangential components traces.

We study the convergence of these approaches in a series of numerical experiments.
Neurons rely on glucose rather than astrocytic lactate during stimulation
Authors: Díaz‐García Carlos Manlio , Yellen Gary
Published: December 2018

Brain metabolism increases during stimulation, but this increase does not affect all energy metabolism equally. Briefly after stimulation, there is a local increase in cerebral blood flow and in glucose uptake, but a smaller increase in oxygen uptake. This indicates that temporarily the rate of glycolysis is faster than the rate of oxidative metabolism, with a corresponding temporary increase in lactate production. This minireview discusses the long‐standing controversy about which cell type, neurons or astrocytes, are involved in this increased aerobic glycolysis. Recent biosensor studies measuring metabolic changes in neurons, in acute brain slices or in vivo, are placed in the context of other data bearing on this question. The most direct measurements indicate that, although both neurons and astrocytes may increase glycolysis after stimulation, neurons do not rely on import of astrocytic‐produced lactate, and instead they increase their own glycolytic rate and become net exporters of lactate. This temporary increase in neuronal glycolysis may provide rapid energy to meet the acute energy demands of neurons.
Innovation for sustainability
Authors: Phillips Fred
Published: December 2018

Sustainable development requires new planning methods that acknowledge many kinds of risks. There is a mismatch between the nature and imperatives of innovation on the one hand, and the prospects of reaching the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), on the other. This conceptual note clarifies the connections among innovation, risk, and sustainability, focusing especially on the urgencies of environmental sustainability. It argues that new methods of planning are a precondition of SDGs success, as it is reform of entrepreneurship practices. It notes promising methodological directions.
A Simple, Realistic, Inexpensive Nerve Phantom
Authors: Rathbun Kimberly M. , Brader William T. , Norbury John W.
Published: December 2018

Ultrasound‐guided nerve blocks are common techniques in several medical specialties. Phantoms are commonly used when teaching these procedures. Commercial phantoms are expensive, and most previously published “homemade” nerve phantoms have a substantial amount of posterior shadowing, making it difficult to visualize the needle posterior to the simulated nerve. We have constructed a simple and easy‐to‐make nerve block phantom using a hot dog core embedded in a gelatin–psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid fiber mixture that has little to no posterior shadowing.