bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal dynamics in mosquito abundance and temperature do not influence avian malaria prevalence in the Himalayan foothills
Authors: Ishtiaq Farah , Bowden Christopher G. R. , Jhala Yadvendradev V.
Published: September 2017

We examined seasonal prevalence in avian haemosporidians (PlasmodiumandHaemoproteus) in migrant and resident birds in western Himalaya, India. We investigated how infection with haemosporidians in avian hosts is associated with temporal changes in temperature and mosquito abundance along with host abundance and life‐history traits (body mass). Using molecular methods for parasite detection and sequencing partial cytochromebgene, 12Plasmodiumand 27Haemoproteuslineages were isolated. Our 1‐year study from December 2008 to December 2009 in tropical Himalayan foothills revealed a lack of seasonal variation inPlasmodiumspp. prevalence in birds despite a strong correlation between mosquito abundance and temperature. The probability of infection withPlasmodiumdecreased with increase in temperature. Total parasite prevalence and specificallyPlasmodiumprevalence showed an increase with average avian body mass. In addition, total prevalence exhibited a U‐shaped relationship with avian host abundance. There was no difference in prevalence ofPlasmodiumspp. orHaemoproteusspp. across altitudes; parasite prevalence in high‐altitude locations was mainly driven by the seasonal migrants. OneHaemoproteuslineage showed cross‐species infections between migrant and resident birds. This is the first molecular study in the tropical Himalayan bird community that emphasizes the importance of studying seasonal variation in parasite prevalence. Our study provides a basis for further evolutionary study on the epidemiology of avian malaria and spread of disease across Himalayan bird communities, which may not have been exposed to vectors and parasites throughout the year, with consequential implications to the risk of infection to naïve resident birds in high altitude.
Genotype by sequencing identifies natural selection as a driver of intraspecific divergence in Atlantic populations of the high dispersal marine invertebrate, Macoma petalum
Authors: Metivier Stacy L. , Kim Jin‐Hong , Addison Jason A.
Published: September 2017

Mitochondrial DNA analyses indicate that the Bay of Fundy population of the intertidal tellinid bivalve Macoma petalum is genetically divergent from coastal populations in the Gulf of Maine and Nova Scotia. To further examine the evolutionary forces driving this genetic break, we performed double digest genotype by sequencing (GBS) to survey the nuclear genome for evidence of both neutral and selective processes shaping this pattern. The resulting reads were mapped to a partial transcriptome of its sister species, M. balthica, to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in protein‐coding genes. Population assignment tests, principle components analyses, analysis of molecular variance, and outlier tests all support differentiation between the Bay of Fundy genotype and the genotypes of the Gulf of Maine, Gulf of St. Lawrence, and Nova Scotia. Although both neutral and non‐neutral patterns of genetic subdivision were significant, genetic structure among the regions was nearly 20 times higher for loci putatively under selection, suggesting a strong role for natural selection as a driver of genetic diversity in this species. Genetic differences were the greatest between the Bay of Fundy and all other population samples, and some outlier proteins were involved in immunity‐related processes. Our results suggest that in combination with limited gene flow across the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, local adaptation is an important driver of intraspecific genetic variation in this marine species with high dispersal potential.
A geographic cline in the ability to self‐fertilize is unrelated to the pollination environment
Authors: Koski Matthew H. , Grossenbacher Dena L. , Busch Jeremiah W. , Galloway Laura F.
Published: September 2017

The reproductive assurance (RA) hypothesis predicts that the ability to autonomously self‐fertilize should be favored in environments where a lack of mates or pollinators limits outcross reproduction. Because such limits to outcrossing are predicted to be most severe at range edges, elevated autonomy in peripheral populations is often attributed toRA. We test this hypothesis in 24 populations spanning the range ofCampanula americana, including sampling at the range interior and three geographic range edges. We scored autonomous fruit set in a pollinator‐free environment and detected clinal variation—autonomy increased linearly from the southern to the northern edge, and from the eastern to the western edge. We then address whether the cline reflects the contemporary pollination environment. We measured population size, plant density, pollinator visitation, outcross pollen limitation andRAin natural populations over two years. Most populations were pollen limited, and those that experienced higher visitation rates by bumblebees had reduced pollen limitation. Reproductive assurance, however, was generally low across populations and was unrelated to pollen limitation or autonomy. Neither pollen limitation norRAdisplayed geographic clines. Finally, autonomy was not associated with pollinator visitation rates or mate availability. Thus, the data do not support theRAhypothesis; clinal variation in autonomy is unrelated to the current pollination environment. Therefore, geographic patterns of autonomy are likely the result of historical processes rather than contemporary natural selection forRA.
Plant diversity maintains long‐term ecosystem productivity under frequent drought by increasing short‐term variation
Authors: Wagg Cameron , O'Brien Michael J. , Vogel Anja , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Eisenhauer Nico , Schmid Bernhard , Weigelt Alexandra
Published: September 2017

Increasing frequency of extreme climatic events can disrupt ecosystem processes and destabilize ecosystem functioning. Biodiversity may dampen these negative effects of environmental perturbations to provide greater ecosystem stability. We assessed the effects of plant diversity on the resistance, recovery and stability of experimental grassland ecosystems in response to recurring summer drought over 7 yr. Plant biomass production was reduced during the summer drought treatment compared with control plots. However, the negative effect of drought was relatively less pronounced at high than at low plant diversity, demonstrating that biodiversity increased ecosystem resistance to environmental perturbation. Furthermore, more diverse plant communities compensated for the reduced productivity during drought by increasing spring productivity compared to control plots. The drought‐induced compensatory recovery led to increased short‐term variations in productivity across growing seasons in more diverse communities that stabilized the longer‐term productivity across years. Our findings show that short‐term variation between seasons in the face of environmental perturbation can lead to longer‐term stability of annual productivity in diverse ecosystems compared to less diverse ecosystems.
Mechanosynthesis of Second‐Sphere Coordination Salts and Chelating Complexes: Structures, Reversible Transformations, and Nitroaromatic Explosives Sensing
Authors: Li Hai‐tao , Duan Wen‐long , Guo Fang
Published: September 2017

We have investigated the mechanosynthesis of a series of second‐sphere salts, guest⊂[H2L]2+·[MCl4]2– [L = N,N′‐dibenzyl‐(±)‐trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane], and the reversible transformations to their chelating coordination complexes [MCl2(L)] through dehydrochlorination reactions. The second‐sphere salts and their corresponding coordination complexes show different solid‐state fluorescence spectra. The complex ZnCl2(L) (2′) acts as a sensor for the highly sensitive detection of nitroaromatic compounds through fluorescence quenching.
Preparation of MoS2‐graphene Hybrid Nanosheets and Simultaneously Electrochemical Determination of Levodopa and Uric Acid
Authors: Yue Hong Yan , Song Shan Shan , Huang Shuo , Zhang Hong , Gao Xuan P. A. , Gao Xin , Lin Xuan Yu , Yao Long Hui , Guan En Hao , Zhang Hong Jie
Published: September 2017

MoS2 nanoflakes were prepared by exfoliating commercial MoS2 powders with the assistance of ultrasound and graphene foam was synthesized by chemical vapor deposition using nickel foam as the template. MoS2‐graphene hybrid nanosheets were developed through the combination of MoS2 nanoflakes and graphene nanosheets by ultrasonic dispersion. The hybrid nanosheets were sprayed onto the ITO coated glass, which acts as an electrode for the simultaneously electrochemical determination of levodopa and uric acid. The MoS2‐graphene hybrid nanosheets were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the hybrid nanosheets are composed of MoS2 and graphene with a sheet‐like morphology. The sensitivity of the electrode for levodopa and uric acid is 0.36 μA μM−1 and 0.39 μA μM−1, respectively. The electrode also shows low limit of detection, good selectivity, reproducibility and stability. And it is potential for use in clinical research.
Intermediate purification of CHO‐derived recombinant human Factor IX using hydrophobic interaction membrane‐based chromatography and its comparison to a sulfated resin
Authors: Ribeiro Daniel A. , Passos Douglas F. , Ferraz Helen C. , Castilho Leda R.
Published: September 2017

This work investigated the use of hydrophobic interaction membrane chromatography for intermediate purification of recombinant human Factor IX (rFIX) produced by CHO cells. The first purification step was based on a strong anion exchange monolith, thus forming a purification process fully based on convective media, which allow operation at high flow rates and low pressure drops, as well as modular scale‐up. Although the starting material was challenging (CHO cell culture supernatant harvested at 70% cell viability), the two‐step purification process showed promising results, with a global purification factor of 298, a global recovery of 69%, and DNA and endotoxin levels close to regulatory limits. Final host cell DNA (68.8 ng per dose of 500 IU), endotoxins (60 EU per dose of 500 IU) and activated FIX (FIXa/FIX = 2.33%) were in levels close to those recommended by regulatory authorities. HCP removal was of 99.98%, decreasing from 9 424 358 ppm in the supernatant to a final HCP value of 2071 ppm. The use of a supernatant harvested at higher viability and/or the addition of a third polishing step focusing on HCP removal could allow meeting the desired HCP range of 50–100 ppm, as well as the regulatory requirements for the other critical contaminants.
Testing for local structure in spatiotemporal point pattern data
Authors: Siino Marianna , Rodríguez‐Cortés Francisco J. , Mateu Jorge , Adelfio Giada
Published: September 2017

The detection of clustering structure in a point pattern is one of the main focuses of attention in spatiotemporal data mining. Indeed, statistical tools for clustering detection and identification of individual events belonging to clusters are welcome in epidemiology and seismology. Local second‐order characteristics provide information on how an event relates to nearby events. In this work, we extend local indicators of spatial association (known as LISA functions) to the spatiotemporal context (which will be then called LISTA functions). These functions are then used to build local tests of clustering to analyse differences in local spatiotemporal structures. We present a simulation study to assess the performance of the testing procedure, and we apply this methodology to earthquake data.
Nitrogen deposition and plant biodiversity: past, present, and future
Authors: Payne Richard J , Dise Nancy B , Field Christopher D , Dore Anthony J , Caporn Simon JM , Stevens Carly J
Published: September 2017

Reactive nitrogen (N) deposition from intensive agricultural and industrial activity has been identified as the third greatest threat to global terrestrial biodiversity, after land‐use and climate change. While the impacts of N deposition are widely acknowledged, their magnitude is poorly quantified. We combine N deposition models, empirical response functions, and vegetation mapping to simulate the effects of N deposition on plant species richness from 1900 to 2030, using the island of Great Britain as a case study. We find that current species richness values – when averaged across five widespread habitat types – are approximately one‐third less than without N deposition. Our results suggest that currently expected reductions in emissions will achieve no more than modest increases in species richness by 2030, and that emissions cuts based on habitat‐specific “critical loads” may be an inefficient approach to managing N deposition for the protection of plant biodiversity. The effects of N deposition on biodiversity are severe and are unlikely to be quickly reversed.
Miniaturisation? Yes, please!
Authors: Piotter Volker , Eberl Christoph , Kraft Oliver
Published: September 2017

Material and process technology: To develop and use high‐resilience ceramic and metal microcomponents, the entire process chain from prototype to volume production needs to be optimised. To achieve this, researchers are using microforming processes – and the results mean benefits for vehicles, medical devices and more.
Short‐term language switching training tunes the neural correlates of cognitive control in bilingual language production
Authors: Kang Chunyan , Fu Yongben , Wu Junjie , Ma Fengyang , Lu Chunming , Guo Taomei
Published: September 2017

The present study investigated how language switching experience would modulate the neural correlates of cognitive control involved in bilingual language production. A group of unbalanced Chinese–English bilinguals undertook an 8‐day cued picture naming training during which they named pictures in either of their languages based on visually presented cues. Participants’ brain activation was scanned before and after the training in the same task. Behavioral results revealed a significant training effect such that switch costs were reduced after training. fMRI results showed that after training, activation of brain areas associated with cognitive control including the anterior cingulated cortex and the caudate was reduced. Besides, the activation reduction in the left dorsal anterior cingulated cortex positively correlated with the reduction in switch costs in response time and this training effect could be transferred to untrained stimuli. These findings suggest that neural correlates of cognitive control, especially that of the conflict monitoring process, in bilingual language production could be modulated by short‐term language switching training. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5859–5870, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) while effective HCV treatment decreases the incidence of CKD
Authors: Park Haesuk , Chen Chao , Wang Wei , Henry Linda , Cook Robert L. , Nelson David R.
Published: September 2017

We assessed the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients and the incidence reduction of CKD after receipt of HCV treatment. We also evaluated the risk of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and cryoglobulinemia in chronic HCV patients. A retrospective cohort analysis of the Truven Health MarketScan Database (2008‐2015) in the United States was conducted. In a cohort of 56,448 HCV‐infected patients and 169,344 propensity score (1:3)–matched non‐HCV patients, we examined the association of HCV infection with the incidence of CKD. Of 55,818 HCV patients, 6.6 % (n = 3666), 6.3% (n = 3534), and 8.3% (n = 4628) patients received either interferon‐based dual, triple, or all‐oral direct acting antiviral agent therapy, respectively, whereas 79% of patients did not receive any HCV treatment. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of developing CKD in HCV patients compared with non‐HCV patients and treated patients compared with untreated HCV patients. In a multivariate time‐varying Cox regression model, HCV‐infected patients had a 27% increased risk of CKD compared with non‐HCV patients (hazard ratio [HR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18‐1.37). Among HCV patients, individuals who received the minimally effective HCV treatment for dual, triple, or all‐oral therapy had a 30% decreased risk of developing CKD (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55‐0.88). In addition, HCV‐infected patients experienced a twofold and a nearly 17‐fold higher risk of MPGN (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.84‐2.71) and cryoglobulinemia (HR, 16.91; 95% CI, 12.00‐23.81) respectively, compared with non‐HCV patients. Conclusion: HCV‐infected individuals in the United States are at greater risk of developing CKD, MPGN, and cryoglobulinemia. Minimally effective treatment of HCV infection can prevent the development of CKD, although the association was not significant for all‐oral therapy. (Hepatology 2018;67:492‐504).
Disability status, individual variable pay, and pay satisfaction: Does relational and institutional trust make a difference?
Authors: Shantz Amanda , Wang Jing , Malik Amina
Published: September 2017

Although prior research suggests that disabled employees have different needs in the context of some HRM practices, we know little about their reactions to reward systems. We address this gap in the literature by testing a model using the 2011 British Workplace Employee Relations Survey (disabled employees, n = 1,251; nondisabled employees, n = 9,959; workplaces, n = 1,806) and find that disabled employees report lower levels of pay satisfaction than nondisabled employees, and when compensated based on individual performance, the difference in pay satisfaction is larger. We suggest that relational (derived from trust in management) and institutional (derived from firm‐wide policies and HRM practices, both intended to provide equitable treatment to disabled employees) forms of trust play important roles. The results of multilevel analyses show that when trust in management is high, the difference in pay satisfaction under variable pay is reduced. We find just the opposite for employees who work in organizations with a formal disability policy but without supportive HRM practices; the gap in pay satisfaction is exacerbated. However, the combination of the presence of a firm‐wide policy and HRM practices reduced the difference in pay satisfaction. Implications of the findings for theory, future research, and management practice are discussed.
Improving Cohesion in Our Writing: Findings From an Identity Text Workshop With Resettled Refugee Teens
Authors: Daniel Shannon M. , Eley Caitlin
Published: September 2017

Analysis of data in an after‐school writing workshop wherein resettled refugee teens were reading and writing identity texts to prepare for achieving their postsecondary goals suggests that a discursive practice of the connective press was productive in helping teens develop cohesion in their writing. Although true communicative competence in an additional language includes grammatical, strategic, sociocultural, and discourse competence, language‐learning environments too often focus on grammatical competence only. Because facilitating language learners’ development of discourse competence can seem more complex than explicitly teaching grammar, this article offers possibilities for educators working with language learners who strive to enhance their reading comprehension and writing skills. The connective press, which is a prompt for someone to notice or create connections between ideas in different parts of a text, seemed productive for teens as they analyzed texts, brainstormed their writing collaboratively, and peer‐edited one another's essays.
Utilizing lymphatic cell markers to visualize human lymphatic abnormalities
Authors: Lokmic Zerina
Published: September 2017

In vivo visualization of the human lymphatic system is limited by the mode of delivery of tracing agents, depth of field and size of the area examined, and specificity of the cell markers used to distinguish lymphatic endothelium from the blood vessels and the surrounding tissues. These limitations are particularly problematic when imaging human lymphatic abnormalities. First, limited understanding of the lymphatic disease aetiology exists with respect to genetic causes and phenotypic presentations. Second, the ability of a tracer to reach the entire lymphatic network within the diseased tissue is suboptimal. Third, what is known about the expression of lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers, such as podoplanin, lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor, Drosophila melanogaster homeobox gene prospero‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐3 in rodent lymphatic vessels and healthy human LECs may not necessarily apply in human lymphatic disease settings. The aim of this review is to highlight challenges in visualizing lymphatic vessels in human lymphatic abnormalities with respect to distribution patterns of the cellular markers currently employed to visualize abnormal human lymphatic vessels in experimental settings. Allowing for these limitations within new diagnostic visualization technologies is likely to improve our ability to image human lymphatic diseases.
Influence of hydrodynamic pressure on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stromal cells seeded on polyurethane scaffolds
Authors: Tang Xiangyu , Teng Songsong , Liu Chaoxu , Jagodzinski Michael
Published: September 2017

Hydraulic pressure has recently been introduced as an effective stimulation in the field of tissue engineering. In this study, a polymer scaffold consisting of polyurethane (PU)‐based 1, 4‐butanediisocyanate was fabricated. A self‐designed bioreactor was employed to produce perfusion and hydrodynamic pressure stimulations. The viability, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of the rat bone mesenchymal stromal cell (rBMSC) growing in the polymer scaffold were investigated after hydrodynamic pressure stimulation. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the cell‐laden constructs were also evaluated. Our findings suggested that the perfusion rate (10 mL/min) and low hydrodynamic pressure stimulation (60 mmHg, 0.5 Hz) maintained the viability of rBMSC during 2 weeks cultivation. The cell proliferation was promoted by 60 mmHg stimulation in the first week. The synthesis of alkaline phosphates and osteocalcin was enhanced after 2 weeks stimulation. Meanwhile, the equilibrium modulus of scaffold was increased by 1.85‐fold using 60 mmHg hydrodynamic pressure stimulation. Additionally, type I and III procollagen produced by rBMSC was increased 4.92‐ and 3.02‐fold, respectively. However, no encouraging results were detected in 120 mmHg hydrodynamic pressure group. Our study suggests that the 60 mmHg hydrodynamic pressure is a promising approach to enhance the functional properties of the rBMSC‐laden PU‐based bone scaffold. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3445–3455, 2017.
The client as the expert in psychotherapy: What clinicians and researchers can learn about treatment processes and outcomes from psychotherapy clients
Authors: Swift Joshua K. , Parkin Susannah R.
Published: September 2017

Clients are frequently recognized as perhaps having the largest impact on the eventual success or failure of treatment; however, researchers and clinicians alike often give inadequate attention to clients’ perspectives on psychotherapy processes and outcomes. Researchers who do examine client variables in psychotherapy often conduct research about the client rather than from the client. The purpose of this article is to introduce a special issue focused on the client's perspective in psychotherapy. Specifically, the articles in this issue present case studies and quantitative and qualitative research that seek to (a) demonstrate how to tailor interventions according to the client's perspective and (b) identify common themes in clients’ perspectives about their experiences in psychotherapy.
Repeatability and sources of variation of the bacteria‐killing assay in the common snapping turtle
Authors: Beck Michelle L. , Thompson Molly , Hopkins William A.
Published: September 2017

Research on reptile ecoimmunology lags behind that on other vertebrates, despite the importance of such studies for conservation and evolution. Because the innate immune system is highly conserved across vertebrate lineages, assessments of its performance may be particularly useful in reptiles. The bacteria‐killing assay requires a single, small blood sample and quantifies an individual's ability to kill microorganisms. The assay's construct validity and interpretability make it an attractive measure of innate immunity, but it requires proper optimization and sample storage. We optimized this assay for the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) to assess the repeatability of the assay and the effects of freezing and thawing on bactericidal capacity. We determined whether age (adult female and hatchlings) or incubation temperature influenced bactericidal capacity. We found that the assay was repeatable and that freezing plasma samples for 6 weeks at −80°C did not decrease bactericidal capacity nor did a single 30‐min thaw and subsequent refreezing. However, we detected subtle interassay variation and results from one assay were 5–6% greater than those from the other two. Adult females had significantly greater bactericidal ability than hatchlings and we found no relationship between incubation temperature and bactericidal capacity. This assay is a useful tool in snapping turtles and may have applicability in other reptiles. However, species‐specific optimization is required to ensure that variation among individuals exceeds interassay variation. Consideration should be given to optimization conditions that facilitate comparisons between or within groups, particularly groups that differ considerably in bactericidal capacity.
Preparation of novel deuterated cyclosporin A standards for quantitative LC‐MS analysis
Authors: Bąchor Remigiusz , Kluczyk Alicja , Stefanowicz Piotr , Szewczuk Zbigniew
Published: September 2017

The investigation on the synthesis of α‐C deuterated analogues of cyclosporin A (CsA) in N‐methylated amino acid residues was performed. The reaction based on our previous report (Bachor et al 2014 J Mass Spectrom 49, 43–49) proceeds in the presence of bases like TBD or MTBD at pH 13.4. The obtained results suggest the possibility of introduction of 3 deuterons, 2 at the α‐C of sarcosine, and 1 at the chiral α‐C atom of 2‐N‐methyl‐(R)‐((E)‐2‐butenyl)‐4‐methyl‐L‐threonine residue. The stability of the obtained isotopologues was analyzed both under neutral or acidic conditions, and the obtained results revealed that the introduced deuterons do not undergo back exchange. In addition, the co‐elution of deuterated and non‐deuterated forms was observed, which opens the possibility of application of the synthesized isotopologues for the quantitative analysis utilizing isotope dilution strategy. The proposed strategy of the deuterated CsA analogues synthesis is rapid, cost‐efficient, and does not require derivatization reagents or further purification and may be useful in quantitative analysis of cyclosporin A and its metabolites.
Action range communication (ARC): A digital architecture for user and device interaction
Authors: Tsai Hsiung‐Kuang
Published: September 2017

We propose a new networking interface (ARC) for electronic devices. This interface will unify display, user input, and data transmission into one information broadcasting structure. The concept is based on the dependence of action on vision. Because action and vision are consecutive steps, they should be considered together as one information transmission process. We propose a model to describe this digital information transmission. In this model, a new information carrier containing both image and data is broadcasted to a receiver through the user. The user acts like a network switch that selects information to receiver. On‐screen user input and short‐range data transmission represent such transmission but in different environments. The display function is also included by incorporating the “null” data concept. The display matrix can be converted into an information broadcaster, and the panel becomes a transceiver for ARC. This reduces the cost and leads to a simpler device architecture with only networking interfaces. The information carrier is a generalization of data carrier. A general information transmission is proposed to include both ARC and data communication. We also discuss new interactions based on ARC such as cyborg input.
Rapid separation and simultaneous quantitative determination of 13 constituents in Psoraleae Fructus by a single marker using high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Chen Zhiyong , Xu Xiaokun , Zhou Qiang , Liu Xiaolong , Liao Liping , Zhang Zijia , Wang Zhengtao
Published: September 2017

Psoraleae Fructus is one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicines. Coumarins, flavonoids, and meroterpenes are the main contributors to the biological activity of Psoraleae Fructus. In this study, a new method for the quality control of Psoraleae Fructus was developed, through the quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker with diode array detector. Thirteen components, including psoralenoside, isopsoralenoside, psoralen, isopsoralen, psoralidin, neobavaisoflavone, bavachin, corylin, isobavachalcone, corylifol A, bavachinin, bavachalcone, and bakuchiol were rapidly separated and identified within 12 min by the newly developed method. The feasibility and reliability of this method were corroborated. The method was also compared to the external standard method and detection by corona charged aerosol detector. The results of percent difference (%) and cos (θ) have shown that there were no significant differences observed between the quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker and external standard method analyses; psoralen and isopsoralen were undetectable with the corona charged aerosol detector due to their but the sensitivity for all the compounds except bakuchiol detected by corona charged aerosol detector are higher than those obtained by diode array detector. In addition, the newly method developed was applied to the quality evaluation of Chinese patent medicines containing Psoraleae Fructus.
New minimal hypersurfaces in and
Authors: Hoppe Jens , Linardopoulos Georgios , Turgut O. Teoman
Published: September 2017

We find a class of minimal hypersurfaces as the zero level set of Pfaffians, resp. determinants of real dimensional antisymmetric matrices. While and are congruent to the quadratic cone resp. Hsiang's cubic invariant in , (special harmonic ‐invariant cones of degree ⩾4) seem to be new.
Environmental stress cracking of polyethylene high density (PE‐HD) induced by liquid media – Validation and verification of the full‐notch creep test (FNCT)
Authors: Schilling M. , Böhning M. , Oehler H. , Alig I. , Niebergall U.
Published: September 2017

The full‐notch creep test (FNCT) is widely used to characterize the slow crack growth (SCG) behavior of polyolefin materials in “inert” media as well as effects of environmental stress cracking (ESC) in which the medium has decisive influence on damage mechanism and time to failure. The test is of greatest importance for pipe and blow molding types of polyethylene, high density (PE‐HD). Usually the full‐notch creep test is applied as a standardized testing method (ISO 16770) using a few universal liquid media, such as solutions of Arkopal N 100. In our study, selected relevant polyethylene, high density materials are investigated also in real media – practical formulations as well as representative pure chemicals – and influences of temperature and geometry of specimen and notch are explicitly addressed. Furthermore, the investigations comprise also the environmental stress cracking behavior of polyethylene, high density in media that are sorbed to a significant extent – examples are diesel and biodiesel – based on comparison with samples previously saturated with those media. Thus, also the underlying diffusion controlled sorption process has to be assessed before. The investigations were performed using a full‐notch creep testing device with 12 individual sub‐stations, each equipped with individual electronic stress and temperature control and continuous online monitoring of the specimen elongation.
Entwicklung einer neuartigen wirtschaftlichen, eisenbasierten Beschichtung zur Erhöhung der Lebensdauer von Gussbauteilen unter dem Gesichtspunkt der Korrosionsbeständigkeit
Authors: Bobzin K. , Zhao L. , Öte M. , Königstein T. , Oechsner M. , Siebers M. , Andersohn G. , Ellermeier J.
Published: September 2017

Aufgrund der ausgezeichneten Gießbarkeit und Bearbeitbarkeit, der guten mechanischen Eigenschaften sowie der wirtschaftlichen Vorteile werden Graugusswerkstoffe sehr verbreitet zur Herstellung von Bauteilen in rotierenden Maschinen, wie z. B. in Pumpen verwendet. Jedoch müssen sie oft durch wesentlich teurere Werkstoffe mit einem zusätzlich aufwendigeren Fertigungsprozess ersetzt werden, um erhöhten Anforderungen an die Beanspruchbarkeit z. B. in Form von Korrosions‐ und Erosionsbeständigkeit von Bauteilen gerecht zu werden. Ein potenzieller wirtschaftlicherer Lösungsweg zur Erhöhung der Korrosions‐ und Erosionsbeständigkeit von Gussbauteilen liegt darin, Gussbauteile mit einer Korrosions‐ und Erosionsschutzschicht zu versehen. Im Rahmen dieser Untersuchungen wurde ein neuartiges eisenbasiertes Beschichtungssystem auf Basis von einer FeCrMnBC‐Legierung entwickelt. Diese FeCrMnBC‐Legierung stellt im Vergleich zu hochlegierten Stählen oder Nickel‐ und Kobaltbasislegierungen eine wirtschaftlich interessante Alternative dar. Die FeCrMnBC‐Legierung wurde mit dem Atmosphärischen Plasmaspritzen aufgetragen und im Hinblick auf ihr Korrosionsverhalten untersucht. Gegenüber dem unbeschichteten Gusswerkstoff (EN‐GJL‐250) wird eine signifikante Verbesserung der Korrosions‐ und Erosionsbeständigkeit erreicht. Diese neuartige Beschichtung weist damit ein großes Potenzial zum lokalen Schutz vor Korrosion und Erosion von Gussbauteilen auf.
Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers: Where Are We and Where Do We Go Next?
Authors: Chahine Lana M. , Stern Matthew B.
Published: September 2017

Background

Objective measures of Parkinson's disease (PD) are needed for purposes of diagnosis and prognostication, as well as identification of those at risk of PD. In this qualitative review, we provide an overview of the current state of the field of PD biomarker development, delineate challenges, and discuss how the field is evolving.

Methods

A search of PubMed was conducted for articles pertaining to objective biomarkers for PD. Articles were selected based on relevance and methodology; where available, meta‐analyses, systematic reviews, and comprehensive qualitative review articles were preferentially referenced.

Results

There are several potential sources of objective PD biomarkers including biofluids, peripheral tissue, imaging, genetics, and technology based objective motor testing. Approaches to biomarker identification include the candidate biomarker approach and unbiased discovery methods, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Several emerging techniques hold promise in each of these areas. Advances in technology and bioinformatics, and the increasing availability of biobanks, are expected to facilitate future PD biomarker development.

Conclusions

The field of objective biomarkers for PD has made great progress but much remains to be done in translating putative biomarkers into tools useful in the clinic and for research. Multimodal biomarker platforms have the potential to capitalize on the utility and strengths of individual biomarkers. Rigorous methodology and standards for replication of findings will be key to meaningful progress in the field.
(‐)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in HepG2 Cells: Involvement of Bmal1
Authors: Mi Yashi , Qi Guoyuan , Gao Yuqi , Li Runnan , Wang Yiwen , Li Xingyu , Huang Shuxian , Liu Xuebo
Published: September 2017

Scope

Normal physiological processes require a robust biological timer called the circadian clock. Dysregulation of circadian rhythms contributes to a variety of metabolic syndrome, including obesity and insulin resistance. (‐)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) has been demonstrated to possess antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and cardioprotective bioactivities. The objective of this study was to explore whether the circadian clock is involved in the protective effect of EGCG against insulin resistance.

Methods and results

The results demonstrated that EGCG reverses the relatively shallow daily oscillations of circadian clock genes transcription and protein expression induced by glucosamine in HepG2 cells. EGCG also alleviates insulin resistance by enhancing tyrosine phosphorylated levels of IRS‐1, stimulating the translocation of GLUT2, and activating PI3K/AKT as well as AMPK signaling pathways in a Bmal1‐dependent manner both in HepG2 cells and primary hepatocytes. Glucosamine‐stimulated excessive secretions of ROS and depletions of mitochondrial membrane potential were notably attenuated in EGCG co‐treated HepG2 cells, which consistent with the recovery in expression of mitochondrial respiration complexes.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that EGCG possesses a Bmal1‐dependent efficacy against insulin resistance conditions by strengthening the insulin signaling and eliminating oxidative stress, suggesting that EGCG may serve as a promising natural nutraceutical for the regulation of metabolic disorders relevant to circadian clocks.
Macromolecule mapping of the brain using ultrashort‐TE acquisition and reference‐based metabolite removal
Authors: Lam Fan , Li Yudu , Clifford Bryan , Liang Zhi‐Pei
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To develop a practical method for mapping macromolecule distribution in the brain using ultrashort‐TE MRSI data.

Methods

An FID‐based chemical shift imaging acquisition without metabolite‐nulling pulses was used to acquire ultrashort‐TE MRSI data that capture the macromolecule signals with high signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (SNR) efficiency. To remove the metabolite signals from the ultrashort‐TE data, single voxel spectroscopy data were obtained to determine a set of high‐quality metabolite reference spectra. These spectra were then incorporated into a generalized series (GS) model to represent general metabolite spatiospectral distributions. A time‐segmented algorithm was developed to back‐extrapolate the GS model‐based metabolite distribution from truncated FIDs and remove it from the MRSI data. Numerical simulations and in vivo experiments have been performed to evaluate the proposed method.

Results

Simulation results demonstrate accurate metabolite signal extrapolation by the proposed method given a high‐quality reference. For in vivo experiments, the proposed method is able to produce spatiospectral distributions of macromolecules in the brain with high SNR from data acquired in about 10 minutes. We further demonstrate that the high‐dimensional macromolecule spatiospectral distribution resides in a low‐dimensional subspace. This finding provides a new opportunity to use subspace models for quantification and accelerated macromolecule mapping. Robustness of the proposed method is also demonstrated using multiple data sets from the same and different subjects.

Conclusion

The proposed method is able to obtain macromolecule distributions in the brain from ultrashort‐TE acquisitions. It can also be used for acquiring training data to determine a low‐dimensional subspace to represent the macromolecule signals for subspace‐based MRSI. Magn Reson Med 79:2460–2469, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Stable Europium(III) Complexes with Short Linkers for Site‐Specific Labeling of Biomolecules
Authors: Faschinger Felix , Ertl Martin , Zimmermann Mirjam , Horner Andreas , Himmelsbach Markus , Schöfberger Wolfgang , Knör Günther , Gruber Hermann J.
Published: September 2017

In this study, two new terpyridine‐based EuIII complexes were synthesized, the structures of which were optimized for luminescence resonance energy‐transfer (LRET) experiments. The complexes showed high quantum yields (32 %); a single long lifetime (1.25 ms), which was not influenced by coupling to protein; very high stability in the presence of chelators such as ethylenediamine‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetate and ethylene glycol‐bis(2‐aminoethylether)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid; and no interaction with cofactors such as adenosine triphosphate and guanosine triphosphate. A special feature is the short length of the linker between the EuIII ion and the maleimide or hydrazide function, which allows for site‐specific coupling of cysteine mutants or unnatural keto amino acids. As a consequence, the new complexes appear particularly suited for accurate distance measurements in biomolecules by LRET.
Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression is not a predominant feature in Ewing sarcomas
Authors: Spurny Christian , Kailayangiri Sareetha , Jamitzky Silke , Altvater Bianca , Wardelmann Eva , Dirksen Uta , Hardes Jendrik , Hartmann Wolfgang , Rossig Claudia
Published: September 2017

Background

Programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) receptor engagement on T cells by its ligand programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is a key mechanism of immune escape, and antibody blockade of the interaction has emerged as an effective immunotherapeutic strategy in some cancers. The role and relevance of the PD‐1 checkpoint in Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is not yet understood.

Procedure

Here, we investigated expression of PD‐L1 and PD‐1 in EwS by immunohistochemistry analysis of pretherapeutic tumor biopsies and in tumor xenografts following treatment with human T cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against the tumor‐associated antigen GD2. PD‐L1 surface expression in EwS cell lines was assessed by flow cytometry.

Results

PD‐L1 expression was not detectable on tumor cells in any of the 60 EwS biopsies. Infiltrating PD‐L1 positive T cells were found in one tumor, and four biopsies contained PD‐1‐positive T cells. Of 13 EwS cell lines, none constitutively expressed PD‐L1 on the cell surface. Interferon‐γ cytokine stimulation induced upregulation of the ligand on all cell lines. Adoptive therapy with CAR gene‐modified T cells in a mouse model did not induce PD‐L1 expression in EwS xenografts despite tumor infiltration with PD‐1+ CD3+ T cells.

Conclusions

EwS cells can upregulate PD‐L1 under inflammatory conditions, but do not express the ligand in the pretherapeutic tumor microenvironment or postexposure to CAR T cells. PD‐1 checkpoint blockade alone is thus unlikely to evoke potent immune responses against EwS. Identification of the relevant immune evasion strategies in EwS will be vital for the development of effective immune targeting strategies.
Hydroxyurea prescription, availability and use for children with sickle cell disease in Italy: Results of a National Multicenter survey
Authors: Colombatti Raffaella , Palazzi Giovanni , Masera Nicoletta , Notarangelo Lucia Dora , Bonetti Elisa , Samperi Piera , Barone Angelica , Perrotta Silverio , Facchini Elena , Miano Maurizio , Del Vecchio Giovanni Carlo , Guerzoni Maria Elena , Corti Paola , Menzato Federica , Cesaro Simone , Casale Maddalena , Rigano Paolo , Forni Gian Luca , Russo Giovanna , Sainati Laura ,   on behalf of The Italian Multicenter Study of Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Anemia Investigators
Published: September 2017

Background

The number of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) has increased in Italy in the past decade due to immigration. In spite of the established efficacy of hydroxyurea (HU) in childhood, population‐based data regarding its prescription and effectiveness come mainly from studies performed in adults or outside Europe.

Population and methods

The Hydroxyurea in SCD: A Large Nation‐wide Cohort Study from Italy was a retrospective cohort study of adult and pediatric patients with SCD attending 32 centers. Pediatric data are analyzed separately.

Results

Out of 504 children followed in 11 centers, 206 (40%) were on HU (194 SS/Sβ°, 12 SC/Sß+); 74% came from Sub‐Saharian Africa and 18% from Europe. HU therapy indications for SS/Sβ° patients were as follows: 57% painful vaso‐occlusive crisis, acute chest syndrome or both, 24% anemia, 8% anemia, and other reasons (the majority had Hb ≤ 8–8.5 g/dl, revealing scarce acceptance of low Hb values by pediatric hematologist). Mean starting dose was 15.5 mg/kg, and dose at full regimen was 17.1 mg/kg. Mean age at HU therapy was 7.68 years, although it was lower for SS/Sβ° patients. Only 10% started HU before 3 years. In 92%, 500 mg capsule was used; in 6%, the galenic was used; and in 2%, 100 mg tablet was used. Significant reduction of clinical events and inpatients admissions, with improvement in hematological parameters, was observed for SS/Sβ° patients and a trend toward improvement for SC/Sß+ patients was also observed.

Conclusions

HU effectiveness is demonstrated in a national cohort of children with SCD living in Italy, even at a lower dose than recommended, revealing good adherence to a treatment program by a socially vulnerable group of patients such as immigrants.
Characteristics of N2 and O2 Plasma‐Induced Damages on AlGaN Thin Film Surfaces
Authors: Kawakami Retsuo , Niibe Masahito , Nakano Yoshitaka , Tanaka Ryo , Azuma Chisato , Mukai Takashi
Published: September 2017

A fundamental understanding of N2 and O2 plasma‐induced damage on AlGaN surface is needed in order not to severely degrade electrical characteristics and in order to intelligently achieve the normally‐off operation of AlGaN/GaN‐based electronic devices. A difference between the damage characteristics of Al0.24Ga0.76N thin film surfaces irradiated with N2 and O2 plasmas is reported, from the perspective of impact of ultraviolet (UV) photons emitted from the plasmas. With the lengthening irradiation time, N2 plasma irradiation introduced a large degree of nitrogen deficiency under the influence of near‐UV photons with energies of 3.68 and 3.93 eV larger than the AlGaN band‐gap energy, compared to O2 plasma irradiation without the emission of near‐UV photons. In a short irradiation time, O2 plasma irradiation introduced a larger degree of nitrogen deficiency. With increasing gas pressure, O2 plasma‐induced damage on the surface was more enhanced than N2 plasma‐induced damage. The degree of aluminum deficiency was more enhanced than that of gallium deficiency, the amount of oxides incorporated into the surface was suppressed, and the etch‐pit density comparable to the dislocation density was introduced on the surface. These findings can be attributed to the impacts of vacuum ultraviolet photons and energetic O+ ions from the O2 plasma.
Low‐Temperature Saw Damage Gettering to Improve Minority Carrier Lifetime in Multicrystalline Silicon
Authors: Al‐Amin M. , Grant N. E. , Murphy J. D.
Published: September 2017

The minority carrier lifetime in multicrystalline silicon − a material used in the majority of today's manufactured solar cells − is limited by defects within the material, including metallic impurities which are relatively mobile at low temperatures (≤700 °C). Addition of an optimised thermal process which can facilitate impurity diffusion to the saw damage at the wafer surfaces can result in permanent removal of the impurities when the saw damage is etched away. We demonstrate that this saw damage gettering is effective at 500 to 700 °C and, when combined with subsequent low‐temperature processing, lifetimes are improved by a factor of more than four relative to the as‐grown state. The simple method has the potential to be a low thermal budget process for the improvement of low‐lifetime “red zone” wafers.