bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dimensional approach to determine common and specific neurofunctional markers for depression and social anxiety during emotional face processing
Authors: Luo Lizhu , Becker Benjamin , Zheng Xiaoxiao , Zhao Zhiying , Xu Xiaolei , Zhou Feng , Wang Jiaojian , Kou Juan , Dai Jing , Kendrick Keith M.
Published: November 2017

Major depression disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorder are both prevalent and debilitating. High rates of comorbidity between MDD and social anxiety disorder (SAD) suggest common pathological pathways, including aberrant neural processing of interpersonal signals. In patient populations, the determination of common and distinct neurofunctional markers of MDD and SAD is often hampered by confounding factors, such as generally elevated anxiety levels and disorder‐specific brain structural alterations. This study employed a dimensional disorder approach to map neurofunctional markers associated with levels of depression and social anxiety symptoms in a cohort of 91 healthy subjects using an emotional face processing paradigm. Examining linear associations between levels of depression and social anxiety, while controlling for trait anxiety revealed that both were associated with exaggerated dorsal striatal reactivity to fearful and sad expression faces respectively. Exploratory analysis revealed that depression scores were positively correlated with dorsal striatal functional connectivity during processing of fearful faces, whereas those of social anxiety showed a negative association during processing of sad faces. No linear relationships between levels of depression and social anxiety were observed during a facial‐identity matching task or with brain structure. Together, the present findings indicate that dorsal striatal neurofunctional alterations might underlie aberrant interpersonal processing associated with both increased levels of depression and social anxiety.
A global perspective on hepatitis B‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms and evolution during human migration
Authors: Tai Dar‐In , Jeng Wen‐Juei , Lin Chun‐Yen
Published: November 2017

Genome‐wide association studies have indicated that human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DP and HLA‐DQ play roles in persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Asia. To understand the evolution of HBV‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to correlate these SNPs with chronic HBV infection among different populations, we conducted a global perspective study on hepatitis‐related SNPs. We selected 12 HBV‐related SNPs on the HLA locus and two HBV and three hepatitis C virus immune‐related SNPs for analysis. Five nasopharyngeal carcinoma‐related SNPs served as controls. All SNP data worldwide from 26 populations were downloaded from 1,000 genomes. We found a dramatic difference in the allele frequency in most of the HBV‐ and HLA‐related SNPs in East Asia compared to the other continents. A sharp change in allele frequency in 8 of 12 SNPs was found between Bengali populations in Bangladesh and Chinese Dai populations in Xishuangbanna, China (P < 0.001); these areas represent the junction of South and East Asia. For the immune‐related SNPs, significant changes were found after leaving Africa. Most of these genes shifted from higher expression genotypes in Africa to lower expression genotypes in either Europe or South Asia (P < 0.001). During this two‐stage adaptation, immunity adjusted toward a weak immune response, which could have been a survival strategy during human migration to East Asia. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection in Africa is as high as in Asia; however, the HBV‐related SNP genotypes are not present in Africa, and so the genetic mechanism of chronic HBV infection in Africa needs further exploration. Conclusion: Two stages of genetic changes toward a weak immune response occurred when humans migrated out of Africa. These changes could be a survival strategy for avoiding cytokine storms and surviving in new environments. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:1005–1013)
Role of BMI and age in predicting pathologic vertebral fractures in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Yi‐Lun , Liu Yao‐Chung , Wu Chia‐Hung , Yeh Chiu‐Mei , Chiu Hsun‐I , Lee Gin‐Yi , Lee Yu‐Ting , Hsu Pei , Lin Ting‐Wei , Gau Jyh‐Pyng , Hsiao Liang‐Tsai , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye , Liu Jin‐Hwang , Liu Chia‐Jen
Published: November 2017

Vertebral fractures affect approximately 30% of myeloma patients and lead to a poor impact on survival and life quality. In general, age and body mass index (BMI) are reported to have an important role in vertebral fractures. However, the triangle relationship among age, BMI, and vertebral fractures is still unclear in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients.

This study recruited consecutive 394 patients with NDMM at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015. Risk factors for vertebral fractures in NDMM patients were collected and analyzed. The survival curves were demonstrated using Kaplan‐Meier estimate. In total, 301 (76.4%) NDMM patients were enrolled in the cohort. In the median follow‐up period of 18.0 months, the median survival duration in those with vertebral fractures ≥ 2 was shorter than those with vertebral fracture < 2 (59.3 vs 28.6 months; P = 0.017). In multivariate Poisson regression, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 declared increased vertebral fractures compared with BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m2 (adjusted RR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.44–5.43). In multivariable logistic regression, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 was an independent risk factor for vertebral fractures ≥ 2 compared with BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m2 (adjusted OR, 6.05; 95% CI, 2.43–15.08). Among age stratifications, patients with both old age and low BMI were at a greater risk suffering from increased vertebral fractures, especially in patients > 75 years and BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (adjusted RR, 12.22; 95% CI, 3.02–49.40). This is the first study that demonstrated that age had a significant impact on vertebral fractures in NDMM patients with low BMI. Elder patients with low BMI should consider to routinely receive spinal radiographic examinations and regular follow‐up.
Analyzing epigenetic control of galectin expression indicates silencing of galectin‐12 by promoter methylation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Katzenmaier Eva‐Maria , Kloor Matthias , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Gebert Johannes , Kopitz Juergen
Published: November 2017

Galectins, a class of lectins with specificity for ß‐galactoside containing glycoconjugates, modulate several cellular processes that are involved in the control of normal cell growth, differentiation, cell‐cell, and cell matrix interactions. Pathological alterations of the galectin expression pattern have been implicated in the development and progression of cancer. We therefore analyzed epigenetic mechanisms for control of galectin expression in 9 colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. Our data demonstrate that expression of galectins‐1, −2, −7, −8, and −9 can be regulated by histone acetylation in CRC cell lines. In addition, the same set of galectins was also found to be modulated by DNA methylation. Of particular note, galectin‐12 is silenced in all tested CRC cell lines but known to be re‐expressed upon butyrate‐induced differentiation and present in normal colonic mucosa. Loss of galectin‐12 expression in undifferentiated CRC cells is associated with promoter hypermethylation and for the first time we provide detailed methylation analysis of the promoter region. In CRC tumor tissue, galectin‐12 expression was downregulated in 66% of CRC tissue specimens as compared to adjacent normal tissue hinting to a possible tumor‐suppressing function in CRC. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(12):962–970, 2017
Fabrication of interconnected porous β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) based on a setting reaction of β‐TCP granules with HNO3followed by heat treatment
Authors: Ishikawa Kunio , Putri Tansza Setiana , Tsuchiya Akira , Tanaka Keisuke , Tsuru Kanji
Published: November 2017

β‐Tricalcium phosphate [β‐TCP] is the typical bone substitute due to its excellent osteoconductivity and bioresorbability. One of the keys to improve its potential as bone substitute is to introduce porous structure and its regulation. In this study, interconnected porous β‐TCP blocks were fabricated through a setting reaction of β‐TCP granules and subsequent heat treatment. First, β‐TCP granules were mixed with HNO3. Upon mixing, β‐TCP granules were bridged with dicalcium phosphate dihydrate [DCPD: CaHPO4·2H2O] containing Ca(NO3)2. Then, the DCPD‐bridged β‐TCP was heated at 1100°C. During the heating process, DCPD containing Ca(NO3)2transformed into β‐TCP and bonded with β‐TCP granules. As a result, an interconnected porous β‐TCP block formed. The diametral tensile strength and porosity of the interconnected porous β‐TCP block fabricated from 200–300‐μm β‐TCP granules and 5 N HNO3and then heated at 1,100°C were 1.4 ± 0.2 MPa and 57% ± 2%, respectively. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 797–804, 2018.
Pharmacokinetics, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy of Etanercept in Pediatric Patients With Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Langley Richard G. , Kasichayanula Sree , Trivedi Mona , Aras Girish A. , Kaliyaperumal Arunan , Yuraszeck Theresa , Gibbs John , Gibbs Megan , Kricorian Greg , Paller Amy S.
Published: November 2017

Etanercept has been recently approved in the United States for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients aged 4–17 years. The objective of this study was to characterize etanercept pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and efficacy in pediatric patients. Data from a phase 3 study and open‐label extension study were analyzed. Etanercept serum concentrations in pediatric patients receiving etanercept 0.8 mg/kg (maximum, 50 mg) weekly were compared with adult psoriasis patients and pediatric patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who received etanercept 0.4 mg/kg twice weekly. The developments of antietanercept antibodies and efficacy based on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index were evaluated. Steady‐state trough etanercept concentrations were similar across visits from weeks 12–48, between patients aged 4–11 and 12–17 years, between pediatric and adult psoriasis patients, and between pediatric patients with psoriasis or JIA. Etanercept serum concentrations and safety profiles were similar in patients with (15.9%) and without antietanercept antibodies. Dosing used in the study provided similar exposures and efficacy across ranges of weight and body mass index. Pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity, and efficacy data support 0.8 mg/kg (maximum, 50 mg) weekly dosing of etanercept in patients aged 4–17 years.
Interannual variation of precipitation over the Hengduan Mountains during rainy season
Authors: Dong Danhong , Huang Gang , Tao Weichen , Wu Renguang , Hu Kaiming , Li Chaofan
Published: November 2017

The present study investigates the interannual variability of precipitation over the Hengduan Mountains (HMs) during rainy season based on daily precipitation dataset of 151 meteorological stations. More HMs precipitation is associated with an anomalous lower level cyclonic circulation over the northern South China Sea (SCS) and the upper level Silk Road pattern (SRP)‐like geopotential height anomalies. Along the north flank of the anomalous cyclonic circulation, easterly wind anomalies weaken climatology winds and prevent further movement of southwest moisture transport, leading to the enhancement of moisture convergence over HMs. Diagnosis shows that anomalous vertical motions are owing to the advection of anomalous temperature by basic zonal winds. The anomalous lower level cyclonic circulation over the northern SCS is related to La Niña‐like sea surface cooling in the equatorial central and eastern Pacific. This cooling adjusts the Walker Circulation, causing positive precipitation anomalies near the SCS, which trigger the anomalous cyclonic circulation as a warm Rossby wave response. The distribution of upper level geopotential height anomalies over the mid‐latitude Asian land resembles the SRP. Due to its barotropic structure, the SRP leads to warm and cold anomalies over the central Asia and the central China, respectively. The advection of anomalous temperature gradient by mean westerlies leads to anomalous ascending motions and more precipitation over HMs.
Quantifying meniscal kinematics in dogs
Authors: Park Brian H , Banks Scott A , Pozzi Antonio
Published: November 2017

The dog has been used extensively as an experimental model to study meniscal treatments such as meniscectomy, meniscal repair, transplantation, and regeneration. However, there is very little information on meniscal kinematics in the dog. This study used MR imaging to quantify in vitro meniscal kinematics in loaded dog knees in four distinct poses: extension, flexion, internal, and external rotation. A new method was used to track the meniscal poses along the convex and posteriorly tilted tibial plateau. Meniscal displacements were large, displacing 13.5 and 13.7 mm posteriorly on average for the lateral and medial menisci during flexion (p = 0.90). The medial anterior horn and lateral posterior horns were the most mobile structures, showing average translations of 15.9 and 15.1 mm, respectively. Canine menisci are highly mobile and exhibit movements that correlate closely with the relative tibiofemoral positions. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1710–1716, 2018.
Synthesis and application of a novel solid‐phase extraction adsorbent for multiresidue analysis of insecticides in water
Authors: Xiong Jingjing , Li Huizhen , Ma Xue , You Jing
Published: November 2017

A new solid‐phase adsorbent was synthesized for the simultaneous enrichment of multiple classes of trace insecticides (neonicotinoids, organophosphates, fiproles, and organochlorines) in water. The adsorbent was spherical with a diameter, surface area, average pore volume, and pore size of approximately 5 μm, 341 m2/g, 0.092 m3/g, and 2.22 nm, respectively. Extraction conditions were optimized, including water pH and the type and volume of the rinsing and eluting solvents. After extraction, target insecticides were analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The recovery of neonicotinoids ranged from 63.0 to 124%, except for clothianidin (40.1–52.9%). Recoveries of organophosphates, fiproles, and organochlorines were in the ranges of 37.0–102, 64.0–101, and 42.0–69.3%, respectively. Relative standard deviations were <20% except for profenofos (5.1–30%) and method detection limits were 1.8–12.7 ng/L, suggesting that the precision and accuracy of the developed method were viable. At environmentally relevant concentrations, the new adsorbent achieved comparable recoveries of target insecticides to hydrophilic–lipophilic balance adsorbent while providing an additional advantage by further reducing matrix effects. Field water samples from the Pearl River in Guangzhou, China were analyzed, and the frequent detection of neonicotinoids raises concerns about their aquatic risk.
Tourism price causalities: Case of an Adriatic country
Authors: Gricar Sergej , Bojnec Stefan
Published: November 2017

The aim of this article is to investigate the linearities and causalities between Slovenian tourism and macroeconomic aggregates. The monthly time‐series data for the drivers of the rise in the Slovenian hospitality industry prices are tested in the vector autoregressive framework and smooth transition autoregressive model during the 3 specific subperiods. The results are robust for the applied linear methods on prices and value‐added tax sensitive tourist demand and for the applied nonlinear methods on exchange rate and labor costs. Granger causality tests confirmed 5 correlations in the set of 3 hypotheses. Input costs are significant drivers for the rise of the Slovenian hospitality industry prices.
Motor and sensory morbidity associated with the anterolateral thigh perforator free flap
Authors: Noel Christopher W. , Vosler Peter S. , Hong Michael , Orsini Mario , Sultanov Fayzullo , Lu Zihang , Busato Gian‐Marco , Enepekides Danny , Higgins Kevin
Published: November 2017

Objective

To quantify changes in motor function, sensation, and lower extremity quality of life following anterior lateral thigh free flap (ALT) resection.

Methods

This mixed methods study contained both a prospective cohort arm (n = 20) and retrospective cross‐sectional arm (n = 20). In both arms, patients underwent formal motor and sensation testing of the ipsilateral and contralateral thigh by sphygmomanometry and monofilament testing. In the prospective arm, data was collected preoperatively and at the 6‐month and 1‐year follow‐up visits. In the retrospective arm, consecutive patients with a minimum of 6‐month postoperative follow‐up were enrolled.

Results

Postoperatively, 82% of participants endorsed some degree of numbness and tingling at the donor site. On monofilament testing, patients from the prospective arm showed decreased sensibility of the midthigh at both the 6‐ and 12‐month assessment (P < 0.01). Two‐point discrimination scores were moderately correlated with the cross‐sectional surface area of the flap. Donor thighs demonstrated a similar peak isometric quadriceps contraction (retrospective [retro]: 47 ± 24 mmHg, prospective [pro]: 90 ± 36 mmHg) to the unoperated thighs (retro: 43 mmHg ± 22, pro: 69 ± 35.3 mmHg, P = 0.49). When stratified by perforator anatomy, no significant differences were noted. Subjective donor site morbidity measured with the lower extremity function scale demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the preoperative and 12‐month postoperative assessment.

Conclusion

The ALT flap offers minimal donor site morbidity. Reduced sensibility of the ALT flap is a common complaint among patients. Quadriceps strength is not significantly affected by an ALT free flap harvest.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1057–1061, 2018
A new defect‐correction method for the stationary Navier‐Stokes equations based on pressure projection
Authors: Wen Juan , He Yinnian
Published: November 2017

A new defect‐correction method based on the pressure projection for the stationary Navier‐Stokes equations is proposed in this paper. A local stabilized technique based on the pressure projection is used in both defect step and correction step. The stability and convergence of this new method is analyzed detailedly. Finally, numerical examples confirm our theory analysis and validate high efficiency and good stability of this new method.
The Effect of Berry‐Based Food Interventions on Markers of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Heneghan Clara , Kiely Mairead , Lyons Jacqueline , Lucey Alice
Published: November 2017

Scope

Epidemiological evidence, animal, and in vitro studies suggest that berry consumption may ameliorate markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate findings from berry‐based randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to establish the effects of berry consumption on markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Methods and results

PubMed and Web of Science are searched for RCTs investigating berry consumption on CVD risk outcomes in adults. A total of 23 studies (which includes 1168 participants) out of 1384 records meet the inclusion criteria. Of these 23 studies, 17 RCTs are of high quality, where 12 RCTs (71%) report beneficial effects of berry consumption on CVD risk markers. Overall, 4/11 RCTs that observe a reduction in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure (BP); 3/7 RCTs report favorable effects on endothelial function, 2/3 RCTs report improvements in arterial stiffness, 7/17 studies observe benefits in blood lipids, and 3/6 studies report improvements in glycemic profile.

Conclusion

Our evaluation of the literature indicates that more than two‐thirds of high‐quality trials have reported beneficial effects of berry consumption on markers of CVD risk. This systematic review contributes moderate to strong evidence for the inclusion of berries as part of a cardioprotective diet.
The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Brazil: Results from the epidemiology of LUTS (Brazil LUTS) study
Authors: Soler Roberto , Gomes Cristiano Mendes , Averbeck Marcio Augusto , Koyama Mitti
Published: November 2017

Aims

We performed the first large population‐based study to evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Brazil. The study objective was to assess the prevalence and bother of LUTS in the population aged ≥40 years in five major cities of Brazil.

Methods

This study was conducted as a telephone survey with assessment of LUTS using a standardized protocol, which included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and, for overactive bladder (OAB), the OAB‐V8 questionnaire. Participants were asked to rate how often they experienced individual LUTS and the degree of associated bother.

Results

Of the 5184 participants, 53% were women, and the age group with most participants (34%) was 50‐59 years. The prevalence of LUTS (symptoms occurring less than half the time or more) was 75%: 69% in men and 82% in women. There was a statistically significant association between the frequency and bother intensity of each symptom (P < 0.001). The prevalence of OAB was similar in men and women (25% and 24%, respectively). According to the IPSS questionnaire, moderate‐to‐severe symptoms were present in 21% of men and 24% of women. LUTS detrimentally affected quality of life in many individuals: 39% would be “mostly dissatisfied,” “unhappy,” or consider it “terrible” to spend the rest of their life with their urinary condition as it is currently.

Conclusions

This was the first nationwide, population‐based epidemiological study of LUTS to be performed in Brazil. LUTS are highly prevalent and often bothersome among men and women aged ≥40 years.
Imidazole improves cognition and balances Alzheimer's‐like intracellular calcium homeostasis in transgenic Drosophila model
Authors: Li Min , Zhang Wanrong , Wang Wei , He Qing , Yin Mengmei , Qin Xue , Zhang Tongyu , Wu Ting
Published: November 2017

Aims

The characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation and aggregation of amyloid‐β (Aβ). So far, we already know that the dysregulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis is considered to be associated with Aβ neurotoxicity. Meantime, we also found that the channels formed by Aβ are electronegative as calcium channels. Base on this hypothesis, the formation of Aβ channels will provide us with a new therapeutic direction for AD. Aβ channel hypothesis is proposed that the axis of Aβ channel's pore was encompasses by the His13–His14 diad. Imidazole especially the imidazole ring was supposed binding to the side chains of Aβ peptides.

Methods

In our study, we adopted Gal4/UAS system to establish transgenic drosophila model which lay a good foundation to explore the imidazole's function and mechanism of action.

Results

The results suggested that Imidazole could not only improve the cognition of Aβ42‐expressing flies, but also decreases p‐JNK activation in whole brain of Aβ42‐expressing flies.

Conclusions

Furthermore, freshly prepared oligomeric Aβ42 peptide ascended primary pupal neuronal calcium concentration and this phenomenon was alleviated by Imidazole and Zn2+.
Hybrid multiscale integration for directionally scale separable problems
Authors: Zhang Shuhai , Oskay Caglar
Published: November 2017

This manuscript presents the formulation and implementation of a hybrid multiscale integration scheme for multiscale problems that exhibit different scale separation characteristics in different directions. The proposed approach uses the key ideas of the variational multiscale enrichment at directions that exhibit poor scale separation and computational homogenization at directions with good scale separability. The proposed approach is particularly attractive for surface degradation problems in structures operating in the presence of aggressive environmental agents. Formulated in the context of variational multiscale principles, we develop a novel integration scheme that takes advantage of homogenization‐like integration along directions that exhibit scale separation. The proposed integration scheme is applied to the reduced‐order variational multiscale enrichment method to arrive at a computationally efficient multiscale solution strategy for surface degradation problems. Numerical verifications are performed to verify the implementation of the hybrid multiscale integrator. The results of the verifications reveal high accuracy and computational efficiency, compared with the direct reduced‐order variational multiscale enrichment simulations. A coupled transport‐thermomechanical analysis is presented to demonstrate the capability of the proposed computational framework.
NTHL1 and MUTYH polyposis syndromes: two sides of the same coin?
Authors: Weren Robbert DA , Ligtenberg Marjolijn JL , Geurts van Kessel Ad , De Voer Richarda M , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Kuiper Roland P
Published: November 2017

It is now well established that germline genomic aberrations can underlie high‐penetrant familial polyposis and colorectal cancer syndromes, but a genetic cause has not yet been found for the major proportion of patients with polyposis. Since next‐generation sequencing has become widely accessible, several novel, but rare, high‐penetrant risk factors for adenomatous polyposis have been identified, all operating in pathways responsible for genomic maintenance and DNA repair. One of these is the base excision repair pathway. In addition to the well‐established role of the DNA glycosylase gene MUTYH, biallelic mutations in which predispose to MUTYH‐associated polyposis, a second DNA glycosylase gene, NTHL1, has recently been associated with adenomatous polyposis and a high colorectal cancer risk. Both recessive polyposis syndromes are associated with increased risks for several other cancer types as well, but the spectrum of benign and malignant tumours in individuals with biallelic NTHL1 mutations was shown to be broader; hence the name NTHL1‐associated tumour syndrome. Colorectal tumours encountered in patients with these syndromes show unique, clearly distinct mutational signatures that may facilitate the identification of these syndromes. On the basis of the prevalence of pathogenic MUTYH and NTHL1 variants in the normal population, we estimate that the frequency of the novel NTHL1‐associated tumour syndrome is five times lower than that of MUTYH‐associated polyposis. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations between school climate, suicidal thoughts, and behaviors and ethnicity among middle school students
Authors: La Salle Tamika P. , Wang Cixin , Parris Leandra , Brown Jacqueline A.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the relationships between suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs), school climate, and student demographics among middle school students. The study was conducted with a sample of 152,191 middle school students across 607 schools within 182 school districts in a southeastern state. Results support prior research that positive perceptions of school climate are associated with fewer reports of STB. Participants identified family reasons, bullying, peer problems, and “other” as the most common reasons for STB. Further, older students and males were more likely to engage in STB than their counterparts. When examining cross‐sectional interactions, race/ethnicity moderated the relationship between school climate and STB. Findings from the study support the role of school psychologists in advocating for prevention and intervention STB supports for middle school students with particular attention to students who may be at increased risk based on group identification. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Sorption of light gases in glassy poly(ethyl methacrylate)
Authors: Bol'shakov Boris V. , Syutkin Vladimir M. , Vyazovkin Vladimir L. , Grebenkin Sergey
Published: November 2017

Although gas sorption in glassy polymers is a well‐studied phenomenon, no general microscopical model is developed which is able to describe the gas sorption in a wide temperature range using only characteristics of polymer and gas molecule. In this work, sorption isotherms and desorption kinetics of O2, Ar, and N2 for glassy poly(ethyl methacrylate) have been measured in the temperature range from 160 to 308 K. To describe both the phenomena, the model is developed which postulates that, in the frozen structure of glassy polymer, any cavities between macromolecules are the sorption sites for small molecules. The cavities of small size can expand elastically to accommodate a gas molecule. The sorption sites are considered to be the potential wells and their depths are distributed according to Gaussian law. The concentration of sorption sites, their mean depth and depths dispersion, and the frequency of molecules oscillations in the sorption sites are the only parameters which determine both the gas transport and sorption. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 288–296
The structure of the large regulatory α subunit of phosphorylase kinase examined by modeling and hydrogen‐deuterium exchange
Authors: Rimmer Mary Ashley , Nadeau Owen W. , Yang Jianyi , Artigues Antonio , Zhang Yang , Carlson Gerald M.
Published: November 2017

Phosphorylase kinase (PhK), a 1.3 MDa regulatory enzyme complex in the glycogenolysis cascade, has four copies each of four subunits, (αβγδ)4, and 325 kDa of unique sequence (the mass of an αβγδ protomer). The α, β and δ subunits are regulatory, and contain allosteric activation sites that stimulate the activity of the catalytic γ subunit in response to diverse signaling molecules. Due to its size and complexity, no high resolution structures have been solved for the intact complex or its regulatory α and β subunits. Of PhK's four subunits, the least is known about the structure and function of its largest subunit, α. Here, we have modeled the full‐length α subunit, compared that structure against previously predicted domains within this subunit, and performed hydrogen‐deuterium exchange on the intact subunit within the PhK complex. Our modeling results show α to comprise two major domains: an N‐terminal glycoside hydrolase domain and a large C‐terminal importin α/β‐like domain. This structure is similar to our previously published model for the homologous β subunit, although clear structural differences are present. The overall highly helical structure with several intervening hinge regions is consistent with our hydrogen‐deuterium exchange results obtained for this subunit as part of the (αβγδ)4 PhK complex. Several low exchanging regions predicted to lack ordered secondary structure are consistent with inter‐subunit contact sites for α in the quaternary structure of PhK; of particular interest is a low‐exchanging region in the C‐terminus of α that is known to bind the regulatory domain of the catalytic γ subunit.
Learning process safety principles through practice
Authors: Gunasekera Manisha , Khan Faisal , Ahmed Salim
Published: November 2017

Learning of process safety principles through practice is an area that needs promotion in process and chemical engineering academic institutions. This work presents a problem‐based learning (PBL) activity to introduce process engineering safety protocols into laboratory experimental procedures. The activities include direct engagement of students in identifying hazards involved with each step in the experimental procedure and respective safety options related to each hazard. The required safety options are then selected in the hierarchy from inherent safety to procedural safety. The selected safety strategies are implemented and practiced during the experiment promoting industrial safety culture within the laboratory. This learning activity was introduced in the laboratory experimental procedure for evaluating the performance of a plug flow reactor. The feedback from students shows that the majority has a positive perception toward the main learning outcomes. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 37:347–354, 2018
A comparative study of synthetic and semisynthetic approaches for ligating the epidermal growth factor to a bivalent scaffold
Authors: Gell Anna Lena , Groysbeck Nadja , Becker Christian F. W. , Conibear Anne C.
Published: November 2017

A prominent target of monoclonal antibodies as targeted therapies for cancer is the epidermal growth factor receptor, which is overexpressed on the surface of various cancer cell types. Its natural binder, the epidermal growth factor (EGF), is a 53 amino acid polypeptide. Anticancer synthetic targeted immune system engagers (ISErs) comprising two ‘binder’ peptides, which are attached to a scaffold conveying immune stimulating ‘effector’ properties, via monodisperse polyethylene glycol chains. So far, preparation of ISErs has been limited to the use of small peptides (8–20 amino acids) as binding functionalities, and they have been entirely synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis. Here, we describe a synthetic and a semisynthetic approach for the preparation of an ISEr bearing two murine EGF molecules as binding entities (ISEr‐EGF2). EGF was either synthesized in segments by solid phase peptide synthesis or expressed recombinantly and ligated to the scaffold by native chemical ligation. We report the successful generation of synthetic and semisynthetic ISEr‐EGF2 as well as several challenges encountered during the synthesis and ligations. We demonstrate the application of native chemical ligation for the design of larger ISEr constructs, facilitating new objectives for the coupling of small binder peptides and larger proteins to multivalent ISEr scaffolds. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Nitrogen Doped Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes With Caffeine
Authors: Fedi Filippo , Domanov Oleg , Ayala Paola , Pichler Thomas
Published: November 2017

Nitrogen doped single walled carbon nanotubes have many functional benefits. Doping opens the possibility to control the electronic energy levels, surface energy, surface reactivity, and charge carrier density. The additional electron in the outer shell changes the electronic properties of the nanotubes when introduced into the carbon lattice. Here we present the latest findings in the in situ doping during synthesis of single walled carbon nanotubes using caffeine as a precursor of both carbon and nitrogen. A special furnace with two heating elements allowed us to sublimate and decompose the solid precursor. Caffeine allowed us to reach a high doping percentage with high quality nanotubes directly in a one‐step synthesis procedure.
The effect of scanning technology and UPC placement on supermarket self‐checkout
Authors: Mumani Ahmad , Stone Richard , Wang Zhonglun
Published: November 2017

Self‐checking services are offered in many supermarkets. In order to checkout efficiently, customers must locate and scan the Universal Product Code (UPC) of the items with relative ease. Otherwise, their preferences toward using the self‐checkout (SCO) stations may be negatively affected. The current literature has no focus on UPC location, and the scanning technology used effect on performance and preferences. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of these from an operational and ergonomic perspective. To that end, 2 UPC placement techniques (current and recommended placement) and 2 scanning technologies (bi‐optic and handheld scanners) were tested. The total scanning time, individual items scanning time, trunk posture, total number of wrong twists/flips, individual items wrong flips, muscle activities, and participants' subjective preferences were measured. The results revealed that total scanning time was significantly reduced when using bi‐optic scanner (F = 20.9, P < 0.01). The recommended UPC placement led to a significant improvement on UPC anticipation for both scanning technologies (F = 16.8, P < 0.01). Additionally, exposure to non‐neutral trunk posture(s) was shown to be significantly decreased in the bi‐optic condition (F = 10.4, P < 0.01). Proper UPCs' placement and bi‐optic scanner can positively improve the efficiency and experience of the SCO.
Dynamical properties of developing tropical cyclones using Lagrangian flow topology
Authors: Rutherford B. , Boothe M. A. , Dunkerton T. J. , Montgomery M. T.
Published: November 2017

The goal of this study is to characterize the dynamics and structure of tropical cyclone formation from global model analyses to determine thresholds marking the various stages of development which can be computed from the analysis data. We introduce here a new methodology for identifying disturbances that show high likelihood of becoming a tropical depression or tropical storm. We use Lagrangian frame‐independent quantities to define intrinsic coordinates for candidate disturbances prior to and post tropical depression declaration in the best‐track data (HURDAT2). We use these Lagrangian quantities also as metrics for quantifying the strength of these systems within global model analyses as they are declared depressions, storms or hurricanes in HURDAT2. The criteria proposed are more precise than similar Eulerian criteria since the minimum thresholds for development in the best‐track dataset are very close to the threshold at which no false alarms are produced in the global model analyses. Since only very loose thermodynamic thresholds are required, these criteria can be considered dynamically based and require no statistical analysis to compensate for uncertainties in moisture or convection.

We describe further the structure of the developing systems using a set of objective profiles where level contours of the Lagrangian averaged rotation rate are mapped to an equivalent radius. Composites of these profiles reveal that the transition to tropical storm strength vortices is marked by the existence of a notable shear sheath outside a region of enhanced solid‐body rotation.
Bayesian optimum life testing plans under progressive Type‐I interval censoring scheme
Authors: Roy Soumya , Pradhan Biswabrata
Published: November 2017

In many industrial applications, it is not always feasible to continuously monitor the life testing experiments to collect lifetime data. Moreover, intermediate removals of the test units from the life testing experiment are sometimes essential. Progressive Type‐I interval censoring schemes are useful in these scenarios. Optimal planning of such progressive Type‐I interval censoring schemes is an important issue to the experimenter, as the optimal plans can achieve the desired objectives using much lesser resources. This article provides Bayesian D‐optimal progressive Type‐I interval censoring schemes, assuming that the lifetime follows a log‐normal distribution. An algorithm is provided to find the optimal censoring schemes and the number of inspections. The algorithm is then used to obtain the optimal Bayesian progressive Type‐I interval censoring schemes in 2 different contexts. The resulting optimal Bayesian censoring schemes are compared with the corresponding locally optimal censoring schemes. A detailed sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the effect of prior information. The sampling variation associated with the optimal censoring schemes is visualized through a simulation study.
Tunneling and quantum localization in chaos‐driven symmetric triple well potential: An approach using quantum theory of motion
Authors: Kar Susmita , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: November 2017

For a symmetric triple well potential, driven by the forces associated with the bifurcation diagram of a logistic map, the tunneling and quantum localization are studied using quantum theory of motion and time‐dependent Fourier grid Hamiltonian methods. Detailed analysis reveals that application of only asymmetric or symmetric perturbation results into either quantum localization or over‐barrier transition and no tunneling while application of mixed symmetry perturbation gives either tunneling or over‐barrier transition, depending on temporal nature and initial position of the particle. For bifurcative and chaotic symmetric‐asymmetric perturbation, with truncation of mixed symmetry perturbation, a sudden jump in energy causes a transition from the tunneling phenomenon to the over‐barrier transition. With particle located initially near to either of the minima of the unperturbed well, quantum localization, or over‐barrier transition is observed, depending on types of perturbation used.
High‐energy collision‐induced dissociation of histidine ions [His + H]+ and [His − H]− and histidine dimer [His2 + H]+
Authors: Khreis Jusuf M. , Reitshammer Julia , Vizcaino Violaine , Klawitter Kevin , Feketeová Linda , Denifl Stephan
Published: November 2017

Rationale

Histidine (His) is an essential amino acid, whose side group consists of an aromatic imidazole moiety that can bind a proton or metal cation and act as a donor in intermolecular interactions in many biological processes. While the dissociation of His monomer ions is well known, information on the kinetic energy released in the dissociation is missing.

Methods

Using a new home‐built electrospray ionization (ESI) source adapted to a double‐focusing mass spectrometer of BE geometry, we investigated the fragmentation reactions of protonated and deprotonated His, [His + H]+ and [His − H]−, and the protonated His dimer [His2 + H]+, accelerated to 6 keV in a high‐energy collision with helium gas. We evaluated the kinetic energy release (KER) for the observed dissociation channels.

Results

ESI of His solution in positive mode led to the formation of His clusters [Hisn + H]+, n = 1–6, with notably enhanced stability of the tetramer. [His + H]+ dissociates predominantly by loss of (H2O + CO) with a KER of 278 meV, while the dominant dissociation channel of [His − H]− involves loss of NH3 with a high KER of 769 meV. Dissociation of [His2 + H]+ is dominated by loss of the monomer but smaller losses are also observed.

Conclusions

The KER for HCOOH loss from both [His + H]+ and [His − H]− is similar at 278 and 249 meV, respectively, which suggests that the collision‐induced dissociation takes place via a similar mechanism. The loss of COOH and C2H5NO2 from the dimer suggests that the dimer of His binds through a shared proton between the imidazole moieties.
Coarse recovery of carrier frequency and symbol timing in multibeam satellite channels
Authors: Gappmair Wilfried , Plimon Karin , Ginesi Alberto
Published: November 2017

A multibeam concept under full frequency reuse is a major prerequisite for high throughput satellite systems. The resulting interference problems might be tackled by appropriately designed precoding or multiuser detection schemes. However, before such powerful techniques are applicable, the most important transmission parameters have to be recovered successfully. In the context of this paper, a feedback structure for joint control of carrier frequency and symbol timing is investigated for a multibeam scenario, which has been developed in some previous work by the authors for a single user link. It is to be noticed that we describe a recovery method for a multibeam satellite network with suitably selected interference mitigation techniques; as a consequence, all cochannels are assumed to be aligned in frequency and time to the reference beam; other signal models are out of scope and not addressed in this contribution.
Multi‐arm trials with multiple primary endpoints and missing values
Authors: Hasler Mario , Hothorn Ludwig A.
Published: November 2017

We present an extension of multiple contrast tests for multiple endpoints to the case of missing values. The endpoints are assumed to be normally distributed and correlated and to have equal covariance matrices for the different treatments. Different multivariate t distributions will be applied, differing in endpoint‐specific degrees of freedom. In contrast to competing methods, the familywise error type I is maintained in the strong sense in an admissible range, and the problem of different marginal errors type I is avoided. The information of all observations is exploited, thereby enabling a gain in power compared with a complete case analysis.
Full‐Inorganic Thin Film Solar Cell and Photodetector Based on “Graphene‐on‐Antimony Sulfide” Heterostructure
Authors: Xiao Yequan , Li Changli , Tan Xinyu , Zhang Li , Zhong Yujia , Zhu Hongwei
Published: November 2017

Graphene‐on‐semiconductor has been proved to be a quality heterojunction with efficient photoelectric conversion. Graphene serves multiple functions as transparent electrode, active junction layer, hole collector, and anti‐reflection layer in heterojunction photodevices, such as solar cells and photodetectors, and could be extended to other optoelectronics. Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3), a promising and readily available absorber material, is widely employed in low‐cost and environmentally friendly solar cells. However, current Sb2S3 thin‐film solar cells mostly use organic material as the hole‐transporting layer and suffer from unsatisfactory stability. Here, graphene is selected as a hole‐transporting layer to construct novel planar graphene/Sb2S3 based full‐inorganic thin film solar cell and visible‐light photodetector. By modifying the surface of Sb2S3 to reduce surface defects and balancing the transparency and conductivity of graphene layers, the solar cell records an overall power conversion efficiency of 1.65%, as well as an open circuit voltage of 0.665 V under AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW cm−2). The device shows almost no degradation even after 2 months of ambient storage. Moreover, the device with high a built‐in electric field as photoanode is applied to detect the visible light without a power source. This self‐powered light‐photodetector exhibits good visible‐light response, linear photocurrent characteristics, high stability, excellent reproducible properties, and fast photoresponse. These findings are believed to consequently spur further attempts to bridge graphene and semiconductor towards the promising goal of harvesting solar energy.
Seconded National Experts and global mobility—Extending the paradigm
Authors: Renshaw Phil St John , Parry Emma , Dickmann Michael
Published: November 2017

Global mobility is an expanding field of academic research, which identifies an increasing range of modern variants of people working abroad. The community of Seconded National Experts (SNEs) in the institutions, bodies, and agencies of the European Union (EU) is a distinct category of internationally mobile employees, which has so far been neglected. This article assesses the features of this influential group of people and compares them to other communities within the generally recognized expatriate community. The unique nature of SNEs and hence the challenges that need to be considered by human resource (HR) practitioners to ensure they achieve their desired goals at organizational and individual levels are identified. The findings suggest that expatriate typologies should be extended to include this unique community and provide further guidance to HR practitioners. Finally, areas for additional research are offered, with the aim of learning from SNEs to extend international assignment theory.