bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dados demográficos numa coorte de pacientes com terapia tripla num centro de referência de Salvador
Authors: Lordão Manuela B. de J. , Coutinho Paula , Anjos Fernanda , Schinoni Maria Isabel
Published: September 2017

Introdução: o vírus da hepatite C (VHC) é um vírus de RNA pertencente à família Flaviviridae - gênero Hepacivirus, com alta taxa de replicação hepática, de cadeia simples que apresenta variabilidade genética. Caracterizam-se por seus genótipos (1-6), sendo o genótipo 1 o mais prevalente no Brasil, seguido pelo genótipo 3 e depois o 2. O vírus afeta o fígado podendo ocasionar uma hepatite crônica, cirrose hepática e hepatocarcinoma, assim como manifestações extra-hepáticas do vírus, tipo mialgia, diabetes e comprometimento da qualidade de vida. Objetivos: traçar um perfil demográfico, clínico virológico e biológico dos pacientes de um ambulatório de referência para Hepatites Virais que iniciaram terapia tripla para Hepatite Crônica C. Método: estudo retrospectivo, descritivo de análise de um banco de dados com pacientes portadores de Hepatite C crônica de um Centro de Referência de Salvador. Resultados: a população estudada foi composta predominantemente pelo sexo masculino (51%), sendo que a maioria dos sujeitos se autodenominaram de etnia parda (44,7%). A média de idade dos sujeitos foi de 56 anos. Dentre as comorbidades apresentadas pelos indivíduos do estudo a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (34,5%) e diabetes tipo 2 (18,4%) foram expressivas. Quanto às características do vírus, a carga viral através do RNA-quantitativo apresentou a média de 2.807.331 cópias/mL. Os genótipos detectados foram os 1 e 3, sendo o mais habitual o genótipo 1 (91,3%). O estágio da doença que é avaliado a partir do grau de lesão hepática através, demonstrou que a maioria era 21,4% A1F3, 15,5% A2F3 e 12,6% A1F2. Em relação ao estágio de fibrose diagnosticado através da biópsia hepática, a frequência maior foi de portadores de fibrose grave (F3 e F4) (87%). Conclusão: a infecção pelo vírus VHC é uma doença com um elevado impacto na vida do paciente, principalmente quando esta vem associada a uma coinfecção ou com outras comorbidades como neste estudo, podendo agravar a descompensacão hepática nos pacientes com cirrose. Por conta disto, é cada vez mais importante o diagnóstico precoce e um tratamento antiviral eficaz que proporcione benefícios aos pacientes.

 
Resultados da anamnese para rastreio de transtornos do processamento auditivo em crianças com hipotireoidismo congênito
Authors: Andrade Caio Leônidas , Braga Hélida , Fernandes Luciene , Ramos Helton Estrela , Alves Crésio De Aragão Dantas
Published: September 2017

Introdução: os hormônios tireoidianos (HT) são fundamentais para a adequada maturação neurológica do sistema nervoso auditivo e sabe-se que esta é uma condição necessária para o desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas. Objetivo: analisar sintomas de transtornos do processamento auditivo (TPA) em crianças com hipotireoidismo congênito (HC),coletados durante anamnese. Material e Métodos: Foram avaliadas as informações clínicas e laboratoriais dos prontuários e da anamnese audiológica de 44 crianças com HC, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 5 e 20 anos, atendidos no Serviço de Referência de Triagem Neonatal da APAE-Salvador. Os aspectos observados na anamnese foram: dificuldades comportamentais, discriminação e cognição,dificuldades na leitura, fala e escrita, dosagem da levotiroxina sódica e tempo de tratamento da doença. Resultados: observou-se correlação estatisticamente significante entre as queixas relacionadas à competência auditiva de escuta em ambientes com ruído competitivo de fundo e dosagens de levotiroxina sódica durante o tratamento do HC (p= 0,015).O tempo da doença/tratamento (p=0,008), nível sérico do TSH no exame confirmatório de HC (p=0,027) e a dosagem da levotiroxina sódica (p=0,028) apresentaram correlação significante com os sintomas de alteração comportamental e dificuldades na aquisição da linguagem oral.Conclusão: crianças com HC apresentam sintomas de transtorno do processamento auditivo e o tratamento de reposição hormonal quando não precoce, tende a se configurar como risco para os distúrbios auditivos. A fim de prevenir tais transtornos, faz-se neces­sário desenvolver estudos com avaliações das habilidades auditivas em crianças com HC.
Exatidão e precisão das réguas milimetradas utilizadas durante procedimentos endodônticos
Authors: Lins Rodrigo Pimentel , Menezes Larissa Vieira Pinto , Araújo Roberto Paulo Correia , Silva Sílvio José Albergaria da , Mendes Carlos Maurício Cardeal
Published: September 2017

Introdução: o uso das réguas milimetradas é de fundamental importância para a adequada realização das diversas etapas do tratamento endodôntico. Deve-se estar atento à exatidão e precisão desses instrumentos a fim de se evitar possíveis erros de mensuração e interpretação capazes de comprometer o êxito da terapia endodôntica. Objetivo: este estudo teve como meta avaliar a exatidão e a precisão de réguas milimetradas comercializadas no Brasil e utilizadas durante os procedimentos endodônticos bem como avaliar o uso e a preferência deste instrumento por profissionais que atuam na área. Metodologia: preliminarmente, foram consultados especialistas e pós-graduandos em endodontia quanto ao uso e a preferência de marca das réguas milimetradas. Paralelamente, foram selecionadas cem réguas divididas em dez grupos de dez unidades cada, de acordo com o fabricante e o tipo de material empregado. Em cada régua foi aferida a medida de 30 mm por meio de um paquímetro digital eletrônico, sendo a exatidão avaliada através da comparação das réguas com uma régua padrão-ouro creditada pelo Laboratório de Metrologia – MEC-Q/BA. Quanto à precisão foram comparados os resultados entre as unidades de cada grupo. Resultados: o questionário aplicado revelou que 19,23% dos entrevistados não souberam referir as marcas de réguas utilizadas e 23,07% declararam utilizar mais de uma régua milimetrada para realizar os procedimentos endodônticos. A régua milimetrada produzida pela Maillefer foi a mais citada pelos entrevistados, seguida da Intermedium e Microdont. A avaliação das réguas produzidas pela Maillefer revelou maior exatidão, enquanto que a maior precisão foi atribuída às réguas produzidas pela JON. A régua fabricada em polímero pela Maquira foi considerada a menos exata e precisa. Conclusão: as réguas endodônticas milimetradas analisadas não se mostraram precisas e exatas, devendo o profissional utilizar a mesma régua durante todo o tratamento.
Avaliação de parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos em cães pós-transfundidos com sangue tipo AEC 1.1 positivo
Authors: Santos Suzana Cláudia Spínola dos , Nascimento Roberto José Meyer , Costa Maria de Fátima Dias
Published: September 2017

Introdução: sangue tipificado e compatível são parâmetros importantes para uma transfusão sanguínea segura. Transfusão realizada apenas após a prova de compatibilidade não garante igualdade de tipos sanguíneos entre receptor e doador, devido ao fato da não evidência de aloanticorpos naturais nos cães contra os vários tipos sanguíneos. O tipo AEC (Antígeno Eritrocitário Canino) 1.1, por ser o mais imunogênico, causando sensibilização em animais que não possuam esse tipo, apresenta relevância pós-transfusional. Objetivo: o estudo objetivou avaliar o perfil hematológico e bioquímico dos animais receptores de sangue AEC 1.1 positivo, através de hemograma, dosagem de proteínas plasmáticas totais e dosagens séricas de creatinina e gama-glutamiltransferase, e monitorar a presença de aloanticorpos no período pós-transfusional através da prova de reação cruzada. Metodologia: cães com tipo sanguíneo desconhecido foram submetidos à prova de reação cruzada e, a seguir, transfundidos com sangue AEC 1.1 positivo; prova de reação cruzada e os testes laboratoriais foram avaliados nos dias 7, 14, 21 e 28 pós-transfusão. Resultados: no período avaliado, os animais apresentaram índices normais de leucograma, plaquetas, proteínas plasmáticas totais, creatinina e gama-glutamiltransferase. A média dos valores de eritrogramas estiveram abaixo da normalidade, enquanto as provas de reação cruzada apresentaram valores progressivos a cada semana avaliada, evidenciando presença de aloanticorpos ou autoanticorpos em alguns receptores. Conclusão: os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos avaliados nos animais pós-transfundidos foram adequados independentemente do tipo sanguíneo do receptor ter sido igual ou não ao do doador. E a produção de aloanticorpos observada em alguns cães não interferiu em sua normalidade.
SISTEMAS DE CAPTAÇÃO DE ÁGUA DA CHUVA PARA CONSUMO HUMANO E OS FATORES QUE INFLUENCIAM O SEU USO E FUNCIONAMENTO
Authors: Silva Anne Rosse , Borja Patrícia Campos
Published: September 2017

O uso de cisternas para captação e armazenamento de água da chuva para o consumo humano tem sido fundamental para a população rural do Semiárido Brasileiro, contudo, requer alguns cuidados com o manuseio do sistema e da água armazenada. A presente pesquisa objetivou analisar os fatores intervenientes do uso e funcionamento dos sistemas de captação de água da chuva construídos pelo P1MC. A metodologia adotada pautou-se na análise estrutural dos fatores associada à aplicação de um painel de especialistas e um Grupo Focal. Os resultados sinalizaram que fatores como educação sanitária e ambiental, assistência municipal pós-construção e a participação social são forças motrizes capazes de promover mudanças mais significativas para o uso e funcionamento das cisternas, enquanto que a qualidade e quantidade da água, manutenção do sistema pelo usuário e a existência de barreiras sanitárias são fatores fortemente dependentes da forma como as cisternas são usadas e de seu funcionamento, segundo a reflexão coletiva. Ações estratégicas do Poder Público direcionadas a esses fatores podem contribuir para uma maior efetividade dos sistemas.
Gravity Wave‐Induced Ionospheric Irregularities in the Postsunset Equatorial Valley Region
Authors: Hysell D. L. , Fritts D. C. , Laughman B. , Chau J. L.
Published: September 2017

Plasma irregularities in the postsunset equatorial valley region ionosphere are investigated experimentally and through numerical simulation. Coherent radar backscatter observed at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory shows two classes of irregularities in different altitude bands—one mainly below about 125 km and the other mainly above. Irregularities in both bands are organized into wavefronts with wavelengths of a few kilometers. However, only the irregularities in the high‐altitude band exhibit consistent propagation speeds and directions. Some previous observations of irregularities in the nighttime electrojet suggest that gravity waves may sometimes influence their morphology. The possibility that the valley region irregularities are also related to gravity waves (GWs) is therefore investigated numerically. A model of a GW packet propagating through a tidal wind field is used to drive another model which predicts the resulting ionospheric electrodynamics. The combined simulation shows that GWs can induce field‐aligned currents and excite resistive drift waves which could be responsible for the valley region irregularities in the high‐altitude band. The GWs also induce irregularities in the upper E region directly through simple dynamo action which subsequently deform under the influence of shear flow. This may explain the irregularities in the low‐altitude band.
The Characteristic Response of Whistler Mode Waves to Interplanetary Shocks
Authors: Yue Chao , Chen Lunjin , Bortnik Jacob , Ma Qianli , Thorne Richard M. , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Li Jinxing , An Xin , Zhou Chen , Kletzing Craig , Reeves Geoffrey D. , Spence Harlan E.
Published: September 2017

Magnetospheric whistler mode waves play a key role in regulating the dynamics of the electron radiation belts. Recent satellite observations indicate a significant influence of interplanetary (IP) shocks on whistler mode wave power in the inner magnetosphere. In this study, we statistically investigate the response of whistler mode chorus and plasmaspheric hiss to IP shocks based on Van Allen Probes and THEMIS satellite observations. Immediately after the IP shock arrival, chorus wave power is usually intensified, often at postmidnight to prenoon sector, while plasmaspheric hiss wave power predominantly decreases near the dayside but intensifies near the nightside. We conclude that chorus wave intensification outside the plasmasphere is probably associated with the suprathermal electron flux enhancement caused by the IP shock. Through a simple ray tracing modeling assuming the scenario that plasmaspheric hiss is originated from chorus, we find that the solar wind dynamic pressure increase changes the magnetic field configuration to favor ray penetration in the nightside and promote ray refraction away from the dayside, potentially explaining the magnetic local time‐dependent responses of plasmaspheric hiss waves following IP shock arrivals.
Pulsations in the Earth's Lower Ionosphere Synchronized With Solar Flare Emission
Authors: Hayes Laura A. , Gallagher Peter T. , McCauley Joseph , Dennis Brian R. , Ireland Jack , Inglis Andrew
Published: September 2017

Solar flare emission at X‐ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) energies can cause substantial enhancements in the electron density in the Earth's lower ionosphere. It has now become clear that flares exhibit quasi‐periodic pulsations with timescales of minutes at X‐ray energies, but to date, it has not been known if the ionosphere is sensitive to this variability. Here using a combination of very low frequency (24 kHz) measurement together with space‐based X‐ray and EUV observations, we report pulsations of the ionospheric D region, which are synchronized with a set of pulsating flare loops. Modeling of the ionosphere show that the D region electron density varies by up to an order of magnitude over the timescale of the pulsations (∼ 20 min). Our results reveal that the Earth's ionosphere is more sensitive to small‐scale changes in solar soft X‐ray flux than previously thought and implies that planetary ionospheres are closely coupled to small‐scale changes in solar/stellar activity.
A Low O/Si Ratio on the Surface of Mercury: Evidence for Silicon Smelting?
Authors: McCubbin Francis M. , Vander Kaaden Kathleen E. , Peplowski Patrick N. , Bell Aaron S. , Nittler Larry R. , Boyce Jeremy W. , Evans Larry G. , Keller Lindsay P. , Elardo Stephen M. , McCoy Timothy J.
Published: September 2017

Data from the Gamma‐Ray Spectrometer (GRS) that flew on the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging spacecraft indicate that the O/Si weight ratio of Mercury's surface is 1.2 ± 0.1. This value is lower than any other celestial surface that has been measured by GRS and suggests that 12–20% of the surface materials on Mercury are composed of Si‐rich, Si‐Fe alloys. The origin of the metal is best explained by a combination of space weathering and graphite‐induced smelting. The smelting process would have been facilitated by interaction of graphite with boninitic and komatiitic parental liquids. Graphite entrained at depth would have reacted with FeO components dissolved in silicate melt, resulting in the production of up to 0.4–0.9 wt % CO from the reduction of FeO to Fe0—CO production that could have facilitated explosive volcanic processes on Mercury. Once the graphite‐entrained magmas erupted, the tenuous atmosphere on Mercury prevented the buildup of CO over the lavas. The partial pressure of CO would have been sufficiently low to facilitate reaction between graphite and SiO2components in silicate melts to produce CO and metallic Si. Although exotic, Si‐rich metal as a primary smelting product is hypothesized on Mercury for three primary reasons: (1) low FeO abundances of parental magmas, (2) elevated abundances of graphite in the crust and regolith, and (3) the presence of only a tenuous atmosphere at the surface of the planet within the 3.5–4.1 Ga timespan over which the planet was resurfaced through volcanic processes.
Interannual and Seasonal Patterns of Carbon Dioxide, Water, and Energy Fluxes From Ecotonal and Thermokarst‐Impacted Ecosystems on Carbon‐Rich Permafrost Soils in Northeastern Siberia
Authors: Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Edgar Colin W. , Syndonia Bret‐Harte M. , Kade Anja , Zimov Nikita , Zimov Sergey
Published: September 2017

Eastern Siberia Russia is currently experiencing a distinct and unprecedented rate of warming. This change is particularly important given the large amounts of carbon stored in the yedoma permafrost soils that become vulnerable to thaw and release under warming. Data from this region pertaining to year‐round carbon, water, and energy fluxes are scarce, particularly in sensitive ecotonal ecosystems near latitudinal treeline, as well as those already impacted by permafrost thaw. Here we investigated the interannual and seasonal carbon dioxide, water, and energy dynamics at an ecotonal forested site and a disturbed thermokarst‐impacted site. The ecotonal site was approximately neutral in terms of CO2 uptake/release, while the disturbed site was either a source or neutral. Our data suggest that high rates of plant productivity during the growing season at the disturbed site may, in part, counterbalance higher rates of respiration during the cold season compared to the ecotonal site. We also found that the ecotonal site was sensitive to the timing of the freezeup of the soil active layer in fall, releasing more CO2 when freezeup occurred later. Both sites showed a negative water balance, although the ecotonal site appeared more sensitive to dry conditions. Water use efficiency at the ecotonal site was lower during warmer summers. Overall, these Siberian measurements indicate ecosystem sensitivity to warmer conditions during the fall and to drier conditions during the growing season and provide a better understanding of ecosystem response to climate in a part of the circumpolar Arctic where current knowledge is weakest.
Flow‐Signature Analysis of Water Consumption in Nonresidential Building Water Networks Using High‐Resolution and Medium‐Resolution Smart Meter Data: Two Case Studies
Authors: Clifford Eoghan , Mulligan Sean , Comer Joanne , Hannon Louise
Published: September 2017

Real‐time monitoring of water consumption activities can be an effective mechanism to achieve efficient water network management. This approach, largely enabled by the advent of smart metering technologies, is gradually being practiced in domestic and industrial contexts. In particular, identifying water consumption habits from flow‐signatures, i.e., the specific end‐usage patterns, is being investigated as a means for conservation in both the residential and nonresidential context. However, the quality of meter data is bivariate (dependent on number of meters and data temporal resolution) and as a result, planning a smart metering scheme is relatively difficult with no generic design approach available. In this study, a comprehensive medium‐resolution to high‐resolution smart metering program was implemented at two nonresidential trial sites to evaluate the effect of spatial and temporal data aggregation. It was found that medium‐resolution water meter data were capable of exposing regular, continuous, peak use, and diurnal patterns which reflect group wide end‐usage characteristics. The high‐resolution meter data permitted flow‐signature at a personal end‐use level. Through this unique opportunity to observe water usage characteristics via flow‐signature patterns, newly defined hydraulic‐based design coefficients determined from Poisson rectangular pulse were developed to intuitively aid in the process of pattern discovery with implications for automated activity recognition applications. A smart meter classification and siting index was introduced which categorizes meter resolution in terms of their suitable application.
Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (
PERMANOVA
)
Authors: Anderson Marti J.
Published: September 2017

Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) is a geometric partitioning of variation across a multivariate data cloud, defined explicitly in the space of a chosen dissimilarity measure, in response to one or more factors in an analysis of variance design. Statistical inferences are made in a distribution‐free setting using permutational algorithms. The PERMANOVA framework is readily extended to accommodate random effects, hierarchical models, mixed models, quantitative covariates, repeated measures, unbalanced and/or asymmetrical designs, and, most recently, heterogeneous dispersions among groups. Plots to accompany PERMANOVA models include ordinations of either fitted or residualized distance matrices, including multivariate analogues to main effects and interaction plots, to visualize results.
Recent Advances in the Generation of Antibody–Nanomaterial Conjugates
Authors: Sivaram Amal J. , Wardiana Andri , Howard Christopher B. , Mahler Stephen M. , Thurecht Kristofer J.
Published: September 2017

Targeted nanomedicines have significantly changed the way new therapeutics are designed to treat disease. Central to successful therapeutics is the ability to control the dynamics of protein–nanomaterial interactions to enhance the therapeutic effect of the nanomedicine. The aim of this review is to illustrate the diversity and versatility of the conjugation approaches involved in the synthesis of antibody–nanoparticle conjugates, and highlight significant new advances in the field of bioconjugation. Such nanomedicines have found utility as both advanced therapeutic agents, as well as more complex imaging contrast agents that can provide both anatomical and functional information of diseased tissue. While such conjugates show significant promise as next generation targeted nanomedicines, it is recognized that there are in fact no clinically approved targeted therapeutics on the market. This fact is reflected upon within this review, and attempts are made to draw some reasoning from the complexities associated with the bioconjugation chemistry approaches that are typically utilized. Present trends, as well as future directions of next generation targeted nanomedicines are also discussed.
Droplet Microarray Based on Patterned Superhydrophobic Surfaces Prevents Stem Cell Differentiation and Enables High‐Throughput Stem Cell Screening
Authors: Tronser Tina , Popova Anna A. , Jaggy Mona , Bastmeyer Martin , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: September 2017

Over the past decades, stem cells have attracted growing interest in fundamental biological and biomedical research as well as in regenerative medicine, due to their unique ability to self‐renew and differentiate into various cell types. Long‐term maintenance of the self‐renewal ability and inhibition of spontaneous differentiation, however, still remain challenging and are not fully understood. Uncontrolled spontaneous differentiation of stem cells makes high‐throughput screening of stem cells also difficult. This further hinders investigation of the underlying mechanisms of stem cell differentiation and the factors that might affect it. In this work, a dual functionality of nanoporous superhydrophobic–hydrophilic micropatterns is demonstrated in their ability to inhibit differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and at the same time enable formation of arrays of microdroplets (droplet microarray) via the effect of discontinuous dewetting. Such combination makes high‐throughput screening of undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells possible. The droplet microarray is used to investigate the development, differentiation, and maintenance of stemness of mESC, revealing the dependence of stem cell behavior on droplet volume in nano‐ and microliter scale. The inhibition of spontaneous differentiation of mESCs cultured on the droplet microarray for up to 72 h is observed. In addition, up to fourfold increased cell growth rate of mESCs cultured on our platform has been observed. The difference in the behavior of mESCs is attributed to the porosity and roughness of the polymer surface. This work demonstrates that the droplet microarray possesses the potential for the screening of mESCs under conditions of prolonged inhibition of stem cells' spontaneous differentiation. Such a platform can be useful for applications in the field of stem cell research, pharmacological testing of drug efficacy and toxicity, biomedical research as well as in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Development of Antifouling and Bactericidal Coatings for Platelet Storage Bags Using Dopamine Chemistry
Authors: Hadjesfandiari Narges , Weinhart Marie , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. , Haag Rainer , Brooks Donald E.
Published: September 2017

Platelets have a limited shelf life, due to the risk of bacterial contamination and platelet quality loss. Most platelet storage bags are made of a mixture of polyvinyl chloride with a plasticizer, denoted as pPVC. To improve biocompatibility of pPVC with platelets and to inhibit bacterial biofilm formation, an antifouling polymer coating is developed using mussel‐inspired chemistry. A copolymer of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide and N‐(3‐aminopropyl)methacrylamide hydrochloride is synthesized and coupled with catechol groups, named DA51‐cat. Under mild aqueous conditions, pPVC is first equilibrated with an anchoring polydopamine layer, followed by a DA51‐cat layer. Measurements show this coating decreases fibrinogen adsorption to 5% of the control surfaces. One‐step coating with DA51‐cat does not coat pPVC efficiently although it is sufficient for coating silicon wafers and gold substrates. The dual layer coating on platelet bags resists bacterial biofilm formation and considerably decreases platelet adhesion. A cationic antimicrobial peptide, E6, is conjugated to DA51‐cat then coated on silicon wafers and introduces bactericidal activity to these surfaces. Time‐of‐flight second ion‐mass spectroscopy is successfully applied to characterize these surfaces. pPVC is widely used in medical devices; this method provides an approach to controlling biofouling and bacterial growth on it without elaborate surface modification procedures.
Solid‐State Explosive Reaction for Nanoporous Bulk Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Zhao Kunpeng , Duan Haozhi , Raghavendra Nunna , Qiu Pengfei , Zeng Yi , Zhang Wenqing , Yang Jihui , Shi Xun , Chen Lidong
Published: September 2017

High‐performance thermoelectric materials require ultralow lattice thermal conductivity typically through either shortening the phonon mean free path or reducing the specific heat. Beyond these two approaches, a new unique, simple, yet ultrafast solid‐state explosive reaction is proposed to fabricate nanoporous bulk thermoelectric materials with well‐controlled pore sizes and distributions to suppress thermal conductivity. By investigating a wide variety of functional materials, general criteria for solid‐state explosive reactions are built upon both thermodynamics and kinetics, and then successfully used to tailor material's microstructures and porosity. A drastic decrease in lattice thermal conductivity down below the minimum value of the fully densified materials and enhancement in thermoelectric figure of merit are achieved in porous bulk materials. This work demonstrates that controlling materials' porosity is a very effective strategy and is easy to be combined with other approaches for optimizing thermoelectric performance.
Fluorescent Humidity Sensors Based on Photonic Resonators
Authors: Szendrei Katalin , Jiménez‐Solano Alberto , Lozano Gabriel , Lotsch Bettina V. , Míguez Hernán
Published: September 2017

Among the different approaches to humidity sensing available, those based on fluorescent signals are gathering a great deal of attention due to their fast response and versatility of detection and design. So far, all proposals have focused on the use of luminescent probes whose emission is either triggered or inhibited by the presence of water that reacts or alters their chemical environment, hence inducing the signal change. Here, a novel concept in fluorescent humidity sensing based on combining stimuli‐responsive photonic resonators with molecular fluorescent probes is introduced. The resonator is assembled from humidity‐swellable antimony phosphate nanosheets embedding a planar light‐emitting probe, whose emission is dramatically modified by the changes that ambient humidity causes in its photonic environment. Guided by “in silico” optical design of the resonator architecture and subsequent experimental realization, two embodiments of fluorescent photonic humidity sensors featuring turn‐on and turn‐off detection schemes are presented. The interplay between the luminescent properties of an emitter and its photonic environment implies a fundamental advantage as the emitters are not chemically altered during the detection process. At the same time, it paves the way toward a new generation of photonic humidity sensors which can conveniently be interfaced with common fluorescence detection schemes.
Zirconia‐Supported Cu(I)‐Stabilized Copper Oxide Mesoporous Catalyst for the Synthesis of Quinazolinones Under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Parashuram L. , Sreenivasa Swamy , Akshatha S. , Kumar V. Udaya , Kumar Sandeep
Published: September 2017

Although there are many reports on the synthesis of quinazolinones, the use of high boiling solvents and high temperature restricts their scale‐up to the industrial level. The current research reveals a simple protocol for the catalytic synthesis of quinazolines in the presence of a cost‐effective and reusable mesoporous ZrO2‐supported Cu2O (Cu2ZrO3) catalyst. The catalyst was prepared by simple co‐precipitation and characterized using techniques like XRD, TGA, BET, SEM and TEM. The catalyst was reused for five cycles without significant loss in the activity and the catalyst was truly heterogeneous. The present synthesis utilizes environmentally benign H2O2 as an oxidant. The present protocol showed good tolerance for various substituted aldehydes and good yields for quinazolinone derivatives. The method followed a simple workup procedure and no column chromatography was needed.
Ferroelasticity in an Organic Crystal: A Macroscopic and Molecular Level Study
Authors: Mir Sajjad Husain , Takasaki Yuichi , Engel Emile Richard , Takamizawa Satoshi
Published: September 2017

Ferroelasticity has been relatively well‐studied in mechanically robust inorganic atomic solids but poorly investigated in organic crystals, which are typically inherently fragile. The absence of precise methods for the mechanical analysis of small crystals has, no doubt, impeded research on organic ferroelasticity. The first example of ferroelasticity in an organic molecular crystal of 5‐chloro‐2‐nitroaniline is presented, with thorough characterization by macro‐ and microscopic methods. The observed cyclic stress–strain curve satisfies the requirements of ferroelasticity. Single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis provides insight into lattice correspondence at the twining interface, which enables substantial crystal bending by a large molecular orientational shift. This deformation represents the highest maximum strain (115.9 %) among reported twinning materials, and the associated dissipated energy density of 216 kJ m−3is relatively large, which suggests that this material is potentially useful as a mechanical damping agent.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of 3β‐Hydroxy‐7β‐kemp‐8(9)‐en‐6‐one, a Diterpene Isolated from Higher Termites
Authors: Wang Yuzhou , Jäger Anne , Gruner Margit , Lübken Tilo , Metz Peter
Published: September 2017

The first total synthesis of the title diterpene was accomplished starting from the Wieland–Miescher ketone. A diastereoselective sulfa‐Michael addition enabled the generation of the delicate β,γ‐unsaturated ketone moiety, while the tetracyclic kempane skeleton was readily constructed through domino metathesis.
Poly(lactic acid)/areca fiber laminate composites processed via film stacking technique
Authors: Kousaalya Adhimoolam Bakthavachalam , Biddappa Bopaiah Ittira , Krumm Kelly , Pradeep Sai Aditya , Pilla Srikanth
Published: September 2017

Bio‐based laminate composites, consisting of alternatively stacked poly(lactic acid) (PLA) sheet and randomly oriented areca fiber mat, were processed via film stacking technique (FST). FST was chosen as it is a commercially viable, low energy‐intensive process for fabricating fiber‐reinforced composite, thereby advocating environmental sustainability. Laminate composites exhibited mechanical strength of 6.5 MPa at 16 wt % fiber loading. Crystallinity of as‐received PLA sheets was found to be 26% due to the presence of ∼30 wt % inorganic filler, and showed further enhancement to 50% upon the addition of 22 wt % areca fiber. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed higher glass transition temperature (83 °C) for PLA sheets, mainly due to the presence of higher filler content. This work demonstrates the use of bio‐based laminate composite processed at the lowest possible temperatures as viable alternatives to thermoplastic polyolefins in automobiles. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45795.
Physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of biocompatible carboxymethylcellulose‐silver nanoparticle hybrids for wound dressing and epidermal repair
Authors: Capanema Nádia S. V. , Mansur Alexandra A. P. , Carvalho Sandhra M. , Mansur Lorena L. , Ramos Carolina P. , Lage Andrey P. , Mansur Herman S.
Published: September 2017

Skin loss can be caused by accident, burn, trauma, chronic wounds, and diseases, which is severely aggravated by multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections. Soft hybrids based on biopolymers combined with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have potential applications as wound dressing supports and skin tissue repair. Thus, our study focused on the design, green synthesis, and comprehensive characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC–AgNP) nanocomposites for producing hydrogel membranes, with tunable physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, and biocidal activity for potential application as wound dressing and skin repair. These nanocomposites were prepared using CMC with two degrees of carboxymethylation, distinct concentrations of citric acid (CA) crosslinker, and AgNPs by in situ chemical reduction, forming hybrid membranes by the solvent casting method. The results demonstrated that superabsorbent hydrogels were produced with swelling and degradation behaviors dependent on the concentration of CA crosslinker, degree of carboxymethylation of CMC, and content of AgNP in the matrices. Moreover, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis evidenced that the CMC functional groups (e.g., COOH and OH) were directly involved in the chemical reactions for the formation of AgNPs and hydrogel crosslinking pathway. These nanocomposites were cytocompatible using in vitro 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide cell viability assay with of human embryonic kidney cells. Conclusively, the CMC–AgNP nanohybrids demonstrated to be simultaneously non‐toxic combined with highly effective antibacterial activity against gram‐positive multi‐resistant wound/skin pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus) and moderate effect towards gram‐negative strains (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45812.
DACA shut down by Trump; children and families need help from Congress, providers, and us
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2017

Last month, the federal government said it would shut down the program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 6 months. President Obama had allowed undocumented young people to come out of the shadows and apply for temporary residency under DACA. Those who did so did so in good faith, wanting to be American citizens, to go to school, to work. Many do now go to school, they work, they pay taxes, and they have children of their own. Now, the federal government has reneged on that deal, and advocates are afraid it will use the information to deport them back to countries they may have no memory of and no ties to, unless Congress does something within the next few months.
Chronic cluster‐like headache in a patient with a macroprolactinoma presenting with falsely low prolactin levels: bromocriptine versus cabergoline?
Authors: Pineyro Maria M. , Sosa Gabriela , Finozzi Maria R. , Stecker Natalia , Pisabarro Raul , Belzarena Maria C.
Published: September 2017

Key Clinical Message

Cluster‐like headache may be associated with pituitary tumors, mostly prolactinomas. Pituitary imaging and prolactin measurement should be assessed in patients presenting with cluster‐like headaches with atypical features or unsatisfactory response to treatment. Furthermore, large pituitary adenomas with moderate increase in prolactin levels should prompt prolactin dilutions to avoid “hook effect”.
Regularization and selection in Gaussian mixture of autoregressive models
Authors: Khalili Abbas , Chen Jiahua , Stephens David A.
Published: September 2017

Gaussian mixtures of autoregressive models can be adopted to explain heterogeneous behaviour in mean, volatility, and multi‐modality of the conditional or marginal distributions of time series. One important task is to infer the number of autoregressive regimes and the autoregressive orders. Information‐theoretic criteria such asaicorbicare commonly used for such inference, and typically evaluate each regime/autoregressive combination separately in order to choose an optimal model. However the number of combinations can be so large that such an approach is computationally infeasible. In this article we first develop a computationally efficient regularization method for simultaneous autoregressive‐order and parameter estimation when the number of autoregressive regimes is pre‐determined. We then propose a regularized Bayesian information criterion (rbic) to select the number of regimes. We study asymptotic properties of the proposed methods, and investigate their finite sample performance via simulations. We show that asymptotically therbicdoes not underestimate the number of autoregressive regimes, and provide a discussion on the current challenges in investigating whether and under what conditions therbicprovides a consistent estimator of the number of regimes. We finally analyze U.S. gross domestic product growth and unemployment rate data to demonstrate the proposed methods.The Canadian Journal of Statistics45: 356–374; 2017 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
A nonparametric hypothesis test for heteroscedasticity in multiple regression
Authors: Zambom Adriano Z. , Kim Seonjin
Published: September 2017

This article presents a new method to test for heteroscedasticity in a general multiple nonparametric regression model. The test statistic is based on a high‐dimensional one‐way ANOVA constructed with the absolute value of the residuals, and its asymptotic distribution is derived under the null hypothesis of homoscedasticity and local alternative. The properties of the proposed test statistic are preserved when a correctly specified parametric mean function is used to obtain the residuals. Unlike most methods in the literature no parametric form is required for the multivariate variance function. Extensive simulations suggest that the proposed test detects heteroscedasticity in all models considered while classical methods fail in some cases. Two real data applications are examined.The Canadian Journal of Statistics45: 425–441; 2017 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
Mitochondria‐Targeting Polyamine–Protoporphyrin Conjugates for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Taba Fargol , Onoda Akira , Hasegawa Urara , Enoki Toshiaki , Ooyama Yousuke , Ohshita Joji , Hayashi Takashi
Published: September 2017

Two polyamine derivatives of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) were tested as photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents in HT29 colorectal cancer and HEP3B liver cancer cell lines. These compounds exhibit excellent singlet oxygen quantum yields and show strong in vitro PDT efficacy after 660 nm laser irradiation, whereas exogenous PPIX itself exhibits much weaker PDT effects. Confocal microscopy imaging studies reveal that a protoporphyrin derivative with eight amine moieties has excellent water solubility, and localizes mainly in the mitochondria of both HT29 and HEP3B cells, whereas the cellular distribution of a protoporphyrin derivative with four amine moieties is not as specific. This work demonstrates that polyamine moieties on macrocycles can enhance PDT efficacy by targeting mitochondria.
Electrochemical Detection of Para‐nitrophenol using Copper Metal Nanoparticles Modified Gold Electrode
Authors: Barman Koushik , Changmai Bishwajit , Jasimuddin Sk
Published: September 2017

para‐Nitrophenol (p‐NP) is a high priority environmental pollutant. For the sake of safety, sensitive detection of its presence in water resources and food is highly important. The present article describes the use of copper metal nanoparticles for selective and sensitive electrochemical detection of p‐NP in pure and real sample. For this the gold electrode was fabricated by polyvenylpyrrolidone stabilized copper metal nanoparticles (ca. 4 nm d.) via self‐assembled 4,4′‐bipyridine monolayer and characterized by microscopic and electrochemical techniques. The newly developed sensor permits for sensitive detection of p‐NP in a linear concentration range of 1–500 μM with lowest detection limit of 0.34 nM and high sensitivities 247.1 μA cm−2 μM−1. The sensor electrode exhibited high stability, reproducibility, good selectivity in the presence of potential interfering agents and had an excellent capability for the selective determination of p‐NP in river water without preliminary treatments.
New hydroxyapatite nanophases with enhanced osteogenic and anti‐bacterial activity
Authors: Ballardini A. , Montesi M. , Panseri S. , Vandini A. , Balboni P. G. , Tampieri A. , Sprio S.
Published: September 2017

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of new apatite phases co‐doped with gallium, magnesium and carbonate, exhibiting osteogenic and antibacterial ability. The apatites are synthesized at low temperature to retain nanocrystallinity and controlled doping with the various bioactive foreign ions, as assessed by physico–chemical and crystallographic analyses, reporting the achievement of single phases with reduced crystal ordering. The analysis of single and multi‐doped apatites reports to different mechanisms acting in the incorporation of gallium and magnesium ions in the apatite structure. The release of bioactive ions is correlated to the behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells and of different bacterial strands, selected among the most frequently affecting surgical procedures. Enhanced osteogenic and antibacterial ability is assessed in multi‐doped apatites, thus suggesting potential future applications as new smart biomaterials integrating a significant boosting of bone regeneration with adequate protection against bacteria. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 521–530, 2018.
Article Alerts: Items from 2012
Authors: Hafdahl Adam R.
Published: September 2017

This seventh installment of “Article Alerts” includes a print component with 200 methodological articles about research synthesis published in 2012. More than 800 dissertations and theses have been added to the archive component since the preceding installment. Also since that installment, the parent compilation from which the print and archive components are built has more than doubled and now contains nearly 26 000 items.
Evaluating a Targeted Bedside Measure of Cerebral Perfusion in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Neonatal Hypoxic‐Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Peeples Eric S. , Ezeokeke Chikodinaka K. , Juul Sandra E. , Mourad Pierre D.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To compare ultrasound‐derived resistive indices (RIs) obtained at the level of the thalamus via fast Doppler ultrasound with traditional anterior cerebral artery measures in a model of neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy and to correlate each with clinical outcomes.

Methods

Nine nonhuman primate neonates underwent no umbilical cord occlusion (n = 3), umbilical cord occlusion without hypothermia (n = 3), or umbilical cord occlusion with hypothermia (n = 3). The RI was measured in the anterior cerebral artery and thalamus on days 0, 1, and 4 of life. Magnetic resonance imaging with spectroscopy was performed on day 4.

Results

Mean thalamus and anterior cerebral artery RI values in the first 36 hours of life were statistically different in neonates who died (+0.13; P = .019) or developed cerebral palsy (−0.08; P = .003). Thalamic RI values showed stronger associations with serum and spectroscopic lactate values than those in the anterior cerebral artery. The umbilical cord occlusion‐with‐hypothermia group showed a significant increase in the RI in the thalamus but not the anterior cerebral artery.

Conclusions

Resistive index measurements in the thalamus may eventually supplement other bedside measures for predicting outcomes in the HIE population, but further studies need to differentiate the effect of hypothermia from illness severity on thalamic perfusion.
Prenatal Bowel Findings in Male Siblings With a Confirmed FOXP3 Mutation
Authors: Griswold Catherine , Durica Allison R. , Dennis Larry G. , Jewell Ann F.
Published: September 2017

There are multiple etiologies for fetal dilated bowel loops on ultrasonography (US), and we present a unique case of male siblings with a forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) mutation. Both children presented with fetal bowel anomalies on prenatal US. Family histories of cystic fibrosis and immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X‐linked (IPEX) syndrome were reported. Amniocentesis in both pregnancies identified a normal male karyotype and the familial mutation associated with IPEX syndrome. IPEX syndrome is one of a group of conditions known as congenital diarrhea disorders. Other congenital diarrhea disorder cases have presented with similar prenatal US findings. As a result of these associations, we suggest considering IPEX syndrome as a potential cause of fetal bowel anomalies, particularly with a known family history. However, continued research into the phenotypic and genotypic correlations for IPEX syndrome is likely needed to better understand this possible prenatal presentation.
Advantages of Cardiopulmonary Ultrasound in Post–Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Tension Pneumothorax
Authors: Lanks Charles W. , Correa Vanessa
Published: September 2017

Tension pneumothorax is a life‐threatening condition that frequently occurs in the setting of cardiopulmonary resuscitation as a result of positive pressure ventilation and chest compressions. Developing crepitus due to subcutaneous air can severely limit pleural ultrasound (US) views and hinder the diagnosis of pneumothorax by pleural US. Physicians trained in the use of point‐of‐care US must be familiar with the subcostal cardiac and inferior vena cava views associated with tension pneumothorax. These include a dilated, nondistensible inferior vena cava and hyperdynamic right heart as a result of a reduced preload.