bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MoP Nanoparticles Supported on Indium‐Doped Porous Carbon: Outstanding Catalysts for Highly Efficient CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Sun Xiaofu , Lu Lu , Zhu Qinggong , Wu Congyi , Yang Dexin , Chen Chunjun , Han Buxing
Published: January 2018

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into value‐added product is an interesting area. MoP nanoparticles supported on porous carbon were synthesized using metal–organic frameworks as the carbon precursor, and initial work on CO2 electroreduction using the MoP‐based catalyst were carried out. It was discovered that MoP nanoparticles supported on In‐doped porous carbon had outstanding performance for CO2 reduction to formic acid. The Faradaic efficiency and current density could reach 96.5 % and 43.8 mA cm−2, respectively, when using ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate as the supporting electrolyte. The current density is higher than those reported up to date with very high Faradaic efficiency. The MoP nanoparticles and the doped In2O3 cooperated very well in catalyzing the CO2 electroreduction.
Total Synthesis and Conformational Study of Callyaerin A: Anti‐Tubercular Cyclic Peptide Bearing a Rare Rigidifying (Z)‐2,3‐ Diaminoacrylamide Moiety
Authors: Zhang Shengping , De Leon Rodriguez Luis M. , Leung Ivanhoe K. H. , Cook Gregory M. , Harris Paul W. R. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: January 2018

The first synthesis of the anti‐TB cyclic peptide callyaerin A (1), containing a rare (Z)‐2,3‐diaminoacrylamide bridging motif, is reported. Fmoc‐formylglycine‐diethylacetal was used as a masked equivalent of formylglycine in the synthesis of the linear precursor to 1. Intramolecular cyclization between the formylglycine residue and the N‐terminal amine in the linear peptide precursor afforded the macrocyclic natural product 1. Synthetic 1 possessed potent anti‐TB activity (MIC100=32 μm) while its all‐amide congener was inactive. Variable‐temperature NMR studies of both the natural product and its all‐amide analogue revealed the extraordinary rigidity imposed by this diaminoacrylamide unit on peptide conformation. The work reported herein pinpoints the intrinsic role that the (Z)‐2,3‐diaminoacrylamide moiety confers on peptide bioactivity.
Development of highly reinforced maleated natural rubber nanocomposites based on sol–gel‐derived nano alumina
Authors: Roy Kumarjyoti , Jatejarungwong Chainut , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: January 2018

In the present study, sol–gel synthesized alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. Then, Al2O3 nanoparticles were employed to improve cure, mechanical, and thermal properties of maleated natural rubber (MNR) nanocomposites. The MNR nanocomposite with 2 phr nano Al2O3 exhibited excellent value of cure rate index and exceptionally high value of mechanical properties like modulus and tensile strength in comparison to unfilled MNR compound. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that nano Al2O3 was able to improve the thermal stability of MNR composites to some extent. Additionally, the present study revealed that the interfacial interaction between MNR and nano Al2O3 was far better than that between NR and nano Al2O3 as confirmed from crosslinking degree measurement and morphological analysis. The present article offers a fresh approach to prepare high performance nano Al2O3‐based MNR compounds for future industrial application. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46248.
Neuropeptide AF Induces Piecemeal Degranulation in Murine Mucosal Mast Cells: A New Mediator in Neuro‐Immune Communication in the Intestinal Lamina Propria?
Authors: Abdellah Nada , van Remoortel Samuel , Mohey‐Elsaeed Omnia , Mustafa Mohamed‐Nabil , Ahmed Yasser A. , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre , Buckinx Roeland
Published: January 2018

Neuropeptides AF (NPAF), FF (NPFF) and SF (NPSF) are RFamide neuropeptides known to be widely expressed in the mammalian central nervous system, where they fulfill a wide range of functions with pain modulation being the most prominent one. Recent evidence indicates that RFamides act as mediators in mast cell–sensory nerve communications related to allergic disease. Previous work by our group has shown that the expression levels of some members of the Mas‐related gene receptor (Mrgpr) family in both enteric neurons and mucosal mast cells change during intestinal inflammation. The Mrgpr subtypes C11 and A4 can be activated by NPAF, while A1 and C11 are triggered by NPFF. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether RFamides of the NPFF group are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and to identify possible targets and receptors that might be involved in RFamide‐associated mast cell modulation. To this end, the expression and distribution patterns of NPFF/AF receptors and the NPFF precursor protein were determined in bone marrow‐derived mucosal mast cells (BMMCs) by immunocytochemistry and (RT‐) PCR. BMMCs were found to express MrgprA4 and A1, and functional analysis of the effects of NPAF by means of a β‐hexosaminidase assay, mMCP‐1 ELISA, electron microscopy and live cell calcium imaging revealed a piecemeal degranulation induced by NPAF. However, knock‐out of MrgprA4 and A1 did not reduce the effect of NPAF, indicating that the BMMC response to NPAF was receptor independent. ProNPFF was expressed in neurons and BMMCs, suggesting that both cell types are potential sources of NPAF in situ. Our results show that the RFamide NPAF can be considered as a novel modulator of BMMC activity in the neuro‐immune communication in the gastrointestinal tract, although the exact signaling pathway remains to be elucidated. Anat Rec, 00:000–000, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 301:1103–1114, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supramolecular Gels Derived from the Salts of Variously Substituted Phenylacetic Acid and Dicyclohexylamine: Design, Synthesis, Structures, and Dye Adsorption
Authors: Roy Rajdip , Adalder Tapas Kumar , Dastidar Parthasarathi
Published: January 2018

A well‐studied supramolecular synthon, namely, secondary ammonium monocarboxylate (SAM), was exploited to generate a new series of organic salts derived from variously substituted phenylacetic acid and dicyclohexylamine as potential low‐molecular‐weight gelators. As much as 25 % of the SAM salts under study were gelators. The gels were characterized by rheology, and the morphology of the gel networks was studied by high‐resolution electron microscopy. Single‐crystal and powder XRD data were employed to study structure–property (gelation) correlations. One of the gels could adsorb a hydrophobic dye (Nile Red) more efficiently than that of a hydrophilic dye (Calcein) from dimethyl sulfoxide; this might provide useful clues towards the development of stain‐removing gels.
Graph theory analysis of cortical thickness networks in adolescents with d‐transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Watson Christopher G. , Stopp Christian , Newburger Jane W. , Rivkin Michael J.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Adolescents with d‐transposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA) who had the arterial switch operation in infancy have been found to have structural brain differences compared to healthy controls. We used cortical thickness measurements obtained from structural brain MRI to determine group differences in global brain organization using a graph theoretical approach.

Methods

Ninety‐two d‐TGA subjects and 49 controls were scanned using one of two identical 1.5‐Tesla MRI systems. Mean cortical thickness was obtained from 34 regions per hemisphere using Freesurfer. A linear model was used for each brain region to adjust for subject age, sex, and scanning location. Structural connectivity for each group was inferred based on the presence of high inter‐regional correlations of the linear model residuals, and binary connectivity matrices were created by thresholding over a range of correlation values for each group. Graph theory analysis was performed using packages in R. Permutation tests were performed to determine significance of between‐group differences in global network measures.

Results

Within‐group connectivity patterns were qualitatively different between groups. At lower network densities, controls had significantly more long‐range connections. The location and number of hub regions differed between groups: controls had a greater number of hubs at most network densities. The control network had a significant rightward asymmetry compared to the d‐TGA group at all network densities.

Conclusions

Using graph theory analysis of cortical thickness correlations, we found differences in brain structural network organization among d‐TGA adolescents compared to controls. These may be related to the white matter and gray matter differences previously found in this cohort, and in turn may be related to the cognitive deficits this cohort presents.
Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism associates with affect and cortisol levels in women
Authors: Hill Lauren D. , Lorenzetti Margaret S. , Lyle Sarah M. , Fins Ana I. , Tartar Aurélien , Tartar Jaime L.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

We tested the extent to which the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism is associated with affective state and evening cortisol levels. We limited our study to women as previous research suggests that the link between COMT genotype and psychological health is entangled by sex differences.

Materials and Methods

The participants were assessed on measures of anxiety, mood disturbance, depressive symptomatology, and perceived stress. We also evaluated participants on a quality of life measures that included two emotion domains and two physical domains (physical health and environment).

Results

We found that under normal (nonstress) conditions, the COMT A allele (Met carriers, higher dopamine) associates with healthier affect and lower afternoon cortisol levels in women. These effects were limited to affective measures and not to physical or environmental quality of life.

Conclusions

These findings help to shed light on the complex nature of COMT and emotion, and suggest that both sex and task condition (stress vs. nonstress) should be considered when examining the relationship between COMT genotype and emotion.
Propranolol can induce PTSD‐like memory impairments in rats
Authors: Zhu Rong‐Ting , Liu Xiang‐Hui , Shi Yan‐Wei , Wang Xiao‐Guang , Xue Li , Zhao Hu
Published: January 2018

Introduction

One hallmark symptom of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an inability to restrict fear responses to the appropriate predictor. An infusion of glucocorticoids (GCs) after a high‐intensity shock has been shown to induce PTSD‐like memory impairments. In addition to GCs, noradrenergic signalling is also recognized as a key biomarker underlying PTSD symptomatology.

Methods

To explore the role of the noradrenergic system in PTSD‐like memory impairments, in this study, various doses of the β‐adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol were systemically or bilaterally injected into the dorsal hippocampus immediately after unpaired cue‐shock contextual fear conditioning, and then the rats were tested 24 h later.

Results

Interestingly, we found that only low‐dose propranolol could induce PTSD‐like memory impairments, as rats showed reduced freezing to the correct predictor and generalized fear responses to the safe cues, accompanied by increased NE levels in the hippocampus and altered neural activity within the frontal‐subcortical circuit.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that the noradrenergic system is involved in regulating the consolidation of contextual fear memory and that propranolol can dose‐dependently induce PTSD‐like memory impairments.
Surface‐Passivated Hierarchically Structured ZSM5 Zeolites: High‐Performance Shape‐Selective Catalysts for para‐Xylene Production
Authors: Lv Jian , Hua Zile , Zhou Jian , Liu Zhicheng , Guo Hangle , Shi Jianlin
Published: January 2018

Hierarchically structured ZSM‐5 zeolites (HSZ) were synthesized and used as high‐performance catalysts for para‐xylene (p‐X) production by tuning their pore structures and external surface acidity, which was achieved by two independent passivation approaches: dealumination in oxalic acid solution and chemical liquid deposition of tetra‐ethoxysilane (CLD of TEOS). The mesoporous structures of HSZ were well‐preserved after dealumination or CLD of TEOS, and the external surfaces of HSZ were passivated significantly. Compared to dealumination, CLD is more efficient because not only the external surface could be passivated, but also the pore‐openings of HSZ had been effectively narrowed, which both favored the enhancement of product p‐X selectivity in ortho‐xylene (o‐X) isomerization. The constraint index (CI) of as‐synthesized catalysts derived from the competitive reactions of ethylbenzene (EB) dealkylation and meta‐xylene (m‐X) isomerization and gravimetric adsorption measurements were introduced to investigate the extent of pore‐narrowing by CLD of TEOS. Benefitting from the auxiliary mesopores and surface‐passivation treatments, the optimized catalyst HSZ(Si0.5) showed remarkably enhanced catalytic activity over the microporous ZSM‐5 counterpart in the model reaction of o‐X isomerization.
3D Printing for Chemical Process Laboratories II: Measuring Liquid‐Solid Mass Transfer Coefficients
Authors: Gelhausen Marius Gerrit , Lenz Daniel , Krull Fabian , Korkmaz Vedat , Agar David William
Published: January 2018

The sulfonation of solid acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene, a feedstock that is often used in the 3D printing process of fused filament fabrication, and its application in characterizing liquid‐solid mass transfer is reported. The ion‐exchange capacity was assessed experimentally, and intraparticle diffusion coupled with extraparticle liquid‐solid mass transfer was simulated. Tubular reactors and spherical particles were fabricated by 3D printing, modified by sulfonation, and used to determine mass transfer coefficients for laminar flow in a tubular reactor and a fixed bed of spherical particles. The results show good agreement with published correlations and demonstrate the applicability of this cost‐effective, accurate, and reliable method.
Management of Gas Storages in Biogas Plants
Authors: Kube Jürgen
Published: January 2018

An overview is given over different types of gas storages and their pressure/level relationship, which is crucial for the design of the plant's gas system. It focuses on the design of air‐inflated double‐membrane gas storages, their blowers, and pressure control valves. During the design phase of a biogas plant, the responsible engineer must calculate the pressure gradient for several scenarios to ensure it is fully functional and safe, even outside normal operation. Methods for the design of cascading flow and ring flow of biogas through the biogas plant are summarized, and a technique of managing the gas storages in a way that the full storage capacity can be used is provided. The findings of this paper are illustrated with examples of two large‐scale industrial biogas plants.
Mineralized Peptide Nanofiber Gels for Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Eren E. Deniz , Tansik Gulistan , Tekinay Ayse B. , Guler Mustafa O.
Published: January 2018

Mineral deposition is observed in both bacterial and eukaryotic organisms through a broad range of mechanisms. Both organic and inorganic components play crucial roles in the formation of mineralized tissues, and acidic proteins are particularly important in this context owing to their ability to stimulate nucleation of minerals. Here, we present negatively‐charged self‐assembling peptide amphiphile molecules as a template to nucleate calcium phosphate mineralization in a bioactive scaffold environment. Acidic peptide molecules were shown to induce formation of hydroxyapatite like calcium phosphate mineralization, which was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffractometry, oscillatory rheology and atomic force microscopy. The osteoblast‐like cells were found to reveal enhanced osteogenic differentiation on pre‐mineralized peptide nanofiber networks, suggesting that mineral deposition can be used as a means of enhancing the bioactivity of peptide‐based scaffold systems.
Non‐Parametric Comparison of Single Parameter Histograms
Authors: Wood James C.S.
Published: January 2018

A number of methods have been developed to compare single parameter histograms. Some perform a channel‐by‐channel analysis and others give a single statistic about how the histograms may or may not differ. If they do differ, then the significance of the difference or confidence limit is usually provided. The specific location(s) for the greatest deviations may also be given. Some are more effective at resolving severely overlapping populations and others work poorly when there is any significant overlap. Each method makes certain assumptions about the data. It is important to understand the assumptions being made and to understand the limitations of each method. It is essential to know how to identify when a comparison method will work for a given set of histograms. This unit explores the different methods, and provides a guide for the reader to choose the most appropriate method(s) to use for a specific data set(s). © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Oxazolium Iodide Modified Perovskites for Solar Cell Fabrication
Authors: Salado Manuel , Shirzadi Erfan , Kazim Samrana , Fei Zhaofu , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Dyson Paul J. , Ahmad Shahzada
Published: January 2018

Perovskites solar cells are gaining interest due to their attractive solar‐to‐electricity conversion efficiencies; however, they suffer from certain problems, such as suboptimal ion migration and stability issues. We report here on the inclusion of a phenyloxazolium salt (2‐phenyl‐3‐methyloxazolium iodide) in perovskite solar cells based on methyl ammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3). The fabricated solar cells not only displayed improved photovoltaic properties, but importantly the oxazolium cations can protect the perovskite layers from UV exposure as they down‐convert electromagnetic irradiation; that is, the photons in the UV are absorbed and re‐emitted at a different wavelength. The loading of 2‐phenyl‐3‐methyloxazolium iodide in the perovskite precursor solution was optimized, the resulting perovskite films characterized, and the solar cells fabricated from them evaluated for their performance. Overall, this simple approach serves to optimize the performance parameters of perovskites films for solar cell applications.
An exploratory analysis of the joint contribution of HPA axis activation and motivation to early adolescent depressive symptoms
Authors: Rudolph Karen D. , Troop‐Gordon Wendy , Modi Haina H. , Granger Douglas A.
Published: January 2018

This study examines the interactive contribution of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and approach‐avoidance motivation systems to longitudinal changes in depressive symptoms across the adolescent transition. In the summer prior to, or fall of, 4th grade, 132 youth (68 girls; 64 boys; M age = 9.46 years) participated in a social challenge task and reported on their depressive symptoms. In the winter of 6th grade, youth completed a semi‐structured interview of depression and a self‐report measure of approach‐avoidance motivations. Analyses revealed two profiles of risk for adolescent depressive symptoms, with some gender differences: (1) excessive disengagement, reflected in HPA underactivation along with low approach motivation or high avoidance motivation; and (2) excessive engagement, reflected in HPA overactivation along with high approach motivation. This research highlights the importance of a multi‐system perspective on development, suggesting that the implications of HPA dysregulation for depressive symptoms are contingent on adolescents’ tendencies toward approach versus avoidance.
Early temperamental fearfulness and the developmental trajectory of error‐related brain activity
Authors: Meyer Alexandria , Hajcak Greg , Torpey‐Newman Dana , Kujawa Autumn , Olino Thomas M. , Dyson Margaret , Klein Daniel N.
Published: January 2018

The error‐related negativity (ERN) is a negative deflection in the event‐related potential waveform that occurs when an individual makes a mistake, and an increased ERN has been proposed as a biomarker for anxiety. However, previous work suggests that fearful children are characterized by a smaller ERN. We have proposed that this may reflect the changing phenomenology of anxiety across development. In the current study, we investigate this possibility using a longitudinal within‐subject design. In 271 children, we completed observational measures of fear when the children were 3 years old, and then measured the ERN when the children were 6 and 9 years old. Fearful children were characterized by a decreased ERN when they were 6‐year‐old; by age 9, the same children who were fearful at age 3 had increased ERNs—a pattern that closely resembles that of anxious adolescents and adults.
Predators attract prey through ecosystem engineering in the Arctic
Authors: Gharajehdaghipour Tazarve , Roth James D.
Published: January 2018

Predators can affect prey through mechanisms other than predation; for example, redistributing resources could modify habitats favorably for other organisms. We examined Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) den use by lemmings, their primary prey, in winter during a year of low lemming densities. We found winter nests, which are built by lemmings under snow, on 69% of fox dens, whereas no control sites had nests. In August, dens had twice the vegetation cover and 50% greater nitrogen content in grass than controls, suggesting soil enrichment by foxes increased food quantity and quality for herbivores. Snow was ~4 times thicker in April on dens than controls, and 1.4 times thicker on dens with lemming nests than dens without, suggesting lemmings choose thicker snow for thermal insulation. Snow cover thickness was positively related to vegetation cover on dens, but not on control sites. Thus, Arctic foxes not only prey on lemmings but also engineer productive habitat that attracts lemmings. During winters with low lemming densities, when foxes often leave the denning area and predation risk is lower, fox dens may provide a refuge that could buffer the effects of deteriorating snow conditions with Arctic warming. This additional mechanism of predators interacting with their prey illustrates how ecosystem engineers potentially alter food web interactions and highlights the importance of integrating these bodies of theory in attempts to understand community dynamics.
Toward more robust plant‐soil feedback research
Authors: Rinella Matthew J. , Reinhart Kurt O.
Published: January 2018

Understanding if and how plant‐soil biota feedbacks (PSFs) shape plant communities has become a major research priority. In this paper, we draw on a recent, high‐profile PSF study to illustrate that certain widely used experimental methods cannot reliably determine if PSFs occur. One problem involves gathering soil samples adjacent to multiple conditioning plants, mixing the samples and then growing phytometers in the mixtures to test for PSFs. This mixed soil approach does not establish that the conditioning plant being present caused the soil biota to be present, the first step of a PSF. Also, soil mixing approximates replacing raw data with averages prior to analysis, a move certain to generate falsely precise statistical estimates. False precision also results from sample sizes being artificially inflated when phytometers are misinterpreted as experimental units. Plant biomass ratios become another source of false precision when individual plant values contribute to multiple ratio observations. Any one of these common missteps can cause still living null hypotheses to be pronounced dead, and risks of this increase with numbers of missteps. If soil organisms truly structure plant communities, then null hypotheses indicating otherwise will not survive proper testing. We discuss conceptual, experimental and analytical refinements to facilitate accurate testing.
Microbial mitigation–exacerbation continuum: a novel framework for microbiome effects on hosts in the face of stress
Authors: David Aaron S. , Thapa‐Magar Khum B. , Afkhami Michelle E.
Published: January 2018

A key challenge to understanding microbiomes and their role in ecological processes is contextualizing their effects on host organisms, particularly when faced with environmental stress. One influential theory, the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, might predict that the frequency of positive interactions increases with stressful conditions such that microbial taxa would mitigate harmful effects on host performance. Yet, equally plausible is that microbial taxa could exacerbate these effects. Here, we introduce the Mitigation–Exacerbation Continuum as a novel framework to conceptualize microbial mediation of stress. We (1) use this continuum to quantify microbial mediation of stress for six plant species and (2) test the association between these continuum values and natural species' abundance. We factorially manipulated a common stress (allelopathy) and the presence of soil microbes to quantify microbial effects in benign and stressed environments for two critical early life‐history metrics, seed germination and seedling biomass. Although we found evidence of both mitigation and exacerbation among the six species, exacerbation was more common. Across species, the degree of microbial‐mediated effects on germination explained >80% of the variation of natural field abundances. Our results suggest a critical role of soil microbes in mediating plant stress responses, and a potential microbial mechanism underlying species abundance.
Catheter‐based edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair for pulmonary pressure reduction and to postpone heart transplantation in a teenaged patient
Authors: Messner Moritz , Hintringer Florian , Müller Silvana , Zaruba Marc Michael , Bonaros Nikolaos , Antretter Herwig , Basic Daniel , Pölzl Gerhard
Published: January 2018

We report a case of catheter‐based edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair in a teenage male patient with non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy to improve pulmonary hypertension secondary to severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) to defer anticipated heart transplantation. A 19‐year‐old patient with previous history of fulminant myocarditis followed by markedly left ventricular dysfunction presented with severe mitral regurgitation 3 years after initial recovery. Slightly over time, deterioration of FMR was associated with gradual increase in pulmonary artery pressures despite optimal medical therapy. MitraClip implantation in this young patient was successfully performed with sustainable improvement of pulmonary hypertension.
Low‐complexity soft‐output MIMO uplink detection for large systems iterative detection and decoding
Authors: Pereira Alexandre A. , Sampaio‐Neto Raimundo
Published: January 2018

Iterative detection and decoding techniques, based on the turbo principle, have been proposed in the literature to achieve near‐capacity on both single‐ and multiple‐antenna fading communication systems. In the multiple‐input–multiple‐output case, when a very large system is considered, one major issue is the overall system complexity. Here, we propose an iterative detection and decoding scheme for the uplink of coded multiple‐input–multiple‐output systems that replaces the exponential complexity maximum a posteriori detector by an approximate maximum a posteriori low‐complexity detector that uses a simple hard‐output inner detector at the first iteration followed by parallel interference cancelation and filtering matched to the channel coefficient matrix that is estimated with the aid of orthogonal pilot transmission. From the second iteration onward, the inner hard‐output detector is replaced by the results from the previous iteration. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy presents good bit‐error‐rate performance with low computational complexity, measured by the average number of floating‐point operations per message bit.
The growth rate series in Kenya: Evidence of non‐linearities and factors behind the slow growth
Authors: Gil‐Alana Luis A. , Mudida Robert
Published: January 2018

This paper deals with the growth rate in Kenya, examining its statistical properties and investigating the factors that may explain the slow growth rates observed during the last 50 years. The results show that Kenyan growth rate is unstable with non‐linearities and long range dependence structures. We also investigate what might explain these features. In this regard, we conclude that the development of anomalous political institutions in Kenya in the decades after independence is the root cause that has led to subsequent weak economic institutions and macroeconomic mismanagement and the vulnerability of the Kenyan economy to domestic and external shocks.
Prescriptive Financial Transformation—What Every CFO Should Know
Authors: Higgins Brian
Published: January 2018

Activity Value Management® (AVM®), the method described in this article, provides the linkages necessary to achieve outstanding and often breakthrough improvements in financial and operational performance by linking data elements that previously have not been fused for the purpose of improving performance. Unique features of AVM® include, but are not limited to, a revolutionary method of accurately costing and measuring the financial performance of products and services that includes both cost and effort, inclusion of stakeholder experiential data linked to the work processes for the purpose of defining value, and an assemblage of specifically designed tools that can be applied to produce breakthrough improvement in financial and operational performance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: Effects and mechanism of puerarin on the human retinoblastoma cells
Authors: Yang Chao , Fan Xiaohui , Fan Shuxia
Published: January 2018

Puerarin is an isoflavonoid that is extracted from Kudzu root and is considered to have an anti‐tumor effect. In the present study, the effects of puerarin on human retinoblastoma (RB) cells and the related pathways was determined. The retinoblastoma RB cell lines were used in this study. Cell viability and colony formation capacity were measured by MTT and colony formation assays. Cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were examined by Transwell assay. The expression of cell cycle, EMT, and MAPK/ERK signal pathway‐related proteins were detected by western blot following puerarin treatment. The results revealed that cell viability and proliferation of RB cells treated with puerarin were significantly lower in RB cells compared to the control group. Puerarin significantly decreased the proportion of cells during S phase which was accompanied with increase in cells at G0/1 and G2 phases. Moreover, puerarin suppressed cell migration, invasion and up‐regulated E‐Cadherin expression as well as down‐regulated Vimentin and α‐SMA expression. Furthermore, puerarin treatment suppressed the expression of p‐MEK and p‐ERK in RB cells. Our findings suggest that puerarin contributes to in the treatment of RB and other malignant tumors.
Autophagy inhibition promotes phagocytosis of macrophage and protects mice from methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus pneumonia
Authors: Zhu Yulin , Li Huichun , Ding Shenggang , Wang Yating
Published: January 2018

The present study is to investigate the effect of autophagy in macrophages and the protection of mouse models against MRSA invasion, which provide new potential therapeutic direction for lung infection. The effect of ST239 in macrophages were analyzed by Western blot. The immunofluorescence was used to observe the influence of autophagy inhibitor 3‐MA in macrophages. Then we established MRSA mice model and the models were divided into different groups of drugs. The effect of autophagy in macrophage with MRSA and the changes of lung pathological in the mouse model was analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. The ability of phagocytic decreases when ST239 infected the macrophages. And the autophagy‐related genes Beclin‐1, LC3‐I, and LC3‐II protein expression significantly increased. GFP‐LC3 immunostaining showed that GFP‐LC3 was significantly over‐expressed in ST239‐infected macrophages. Then we found the autophagy inhibitors 3‐MA could make the expression of autophagy‐related genes Beclin‐1, LC3‐I, and LC3‐II decreased, the number of ST239 decreased, and the ability of macrophages phagocytosed MRSA increasing. In the mouse model we performed the same assay, the results showed that the percentage of macrophages in the mouse model treated with 3‐MA was increased compared to the ST239 mouse model and that the number of bacteria in right lung significantly reduced. Lung cells treated with3‐MA significantly improved the lesion of ST239 lung cell disease. Inhibition of autophagy can increase the ability of macrophages phagocytosed MRSA, and it is a suitable target for preventing or treating MRSA infection.
MIAT lncRNA is overexpressed in breast cancer and its inhibition triggers senescence and G1 arrest in MCF7 cell line
Authors: Alipoor Firooz J. , Asadi Malek H. , Torkzadeh‐Mahani Masoud
Published: January 2018

Long non‐coding RNAs are known as key regulators in the progression and metastasis of breast cancer. MIAT originally has been considered as an lncRNA to be associated with a susceptibility to myocardial infarction. Here, we have detected the expression of MIAT in different cancer cells and a series of breast tumor tissue. MIAT expression was much higher in high‐grade tumors compared to low‐grade ones. Unlike P53 positive tumors, MIAT expression was upregulated in ER, PR, Her2 positive tumor tissues. Knockdown MIAT suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation and caused G1 arrest in cell cycle. Furthermore, downregulation of MIAT promoted apoptosis and significantly decreased migration of breast cancer cells. An increase in the expression of mir‐302, mir‐150, and a decrease in the expression of mir‐29c were detected following MIAT silencing. More importantly, knockdown MIAT significantly elevated the expression of p16Ink4A and Cox2, which commitment cellular senescence in breast cancer cells. Altogether, our results suggest that MIAT involved in breast cancer progression and could be candidate as a novel tumor marker for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
K313, a novel benzoxazole derivative, exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties via inhibiting GSK3β activity in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Zhao Bo‐Bo , Guo Hui‐Jie , Liu Yang , Luo Xing‐Yan , Yang Shu‐Xia , Wang Yan‐Tang , Leng Xiao , Mo Chun‐Fen , Zou Qiang
Published: January 2018

Benzoxazole and its derivatives have been widely studied in recent years due to their various biological properties. A previous study has demonstrated that K313 (1H‐indole‐2,3‐dione 3‐(1,3‐benzoxazol‐2‐ylhydrazone)), a novel benzoxazole derivative, inhibits T cell proliferation to yield immunosuppressive effects. However, there are no related reports about its anti‐inflammatory effects. In the present study, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory properties and the underlying molecular mechanism of K313 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW264.7 macrophages. K313 dose‐dependently (5, 10, and 20 μM) inhibited LPS‐stimulated nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) production and significantly decreased the gene transcription levels of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), IL‐6, and TNF‐α. In addition, the results showed that the inflammatory cytokines suppressed by K313 were not regulated by p65 NF‐κB, ERK1/2, AKT, or p38 MAPK. Instead, K313 increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta (GSK‐3β) (Ser9) resulting in GSK‐3β deactivation. Moreover, in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, K313 and lithium chloride (LiCl) had a synergistic effect on the anti‐inflammatory response. These results indicated that K313 exhibited anti‐inflammatory properties and revealed the potential mechanism. K313 can increase GSK‐3β (Ser9) phosphorylation to decrease GSK‐3β activation in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 macrophages.
Calcium‐sensing receptor activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in LS14 preadipocytes mediated by ERK1/2 signaling
Authors: D'Espessailles Amanda , Mora Yuly A. , Fuentes Cecilia , Cifuentes Mariana
Published: January 2018

The study of the mechanisms that trigger inflammation in adipose tissue is key to understanding and preventing the cardiometabolic consequences of obesity. We have proposed a model where activation of the G protein‐coupled calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) leads to inflammation and dysfunction in adipose cells. Upon activation, CaSR can mediate the expression and secretion of proinflammatory factors in human preadipocytes, adipocytes, and adipose tissue explants. One possible pathway involved in CaSR‐induced inflammation is the activation of the NLR family, pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, that promotes maturation and secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1β. The present work aimed to study whether CaSR mediates the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in the human adipose cell model LS14. We assessed NLRP3 inflammasome priming and assembly after cinacalcet‐induced CaSR activation and evaluated if this activation is mediated by downstream ERK1/2 signaling in LS14 preadipocytes. Exposure to 2 μM cinacalcet elevated mRNA expression of NLRP3, CASP‐1, and IL‐1β, as well as an increase in pro‐IL‐1β protein. In addition, CaSR activation triggered NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, as evidenced by a 25% increase in caspase‐1 activity and 63% IL‐1β secretion. CaSR silencing (siRNA) abolished the effect. Upstream ERK pathway inhibition decreased cinacalcet‐dependent activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. We propose CaSR‐dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation in preadipocytes through ERK signaling as a novel mechanism for the development of adipose dysfunction, that may favor the cardiovascular and metabolic consequences of obesity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report linking the inflammatory effect of CaSR to NLRP3 inflammasome induction in adipose cells.
Prior Uterine Evacuation and the Risk of Short Cervical Length: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Boelig Rupsa C. , Villani Michela , Jiang Eva , Orzechowski Kelly M. , Berghella Vincenzo
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To determine whether a prior uterine evacuation procedure is associated with an increased risk of short cervical length (≤20 mm) in women without prior spontaneous preterm birth.

Methods

This work was a retrospective cohort study from January 2012 to December 2014 of singletons without prior spontaneous preterm birth with cervical length screening between 18 weeks and 23 weeks 6 days. Women with a prior miscarriage/abortion were excluded if management (medical, surgical, or expectant) was not specified. Prior uterine evacuation was defined as dilation and curettage or dilation and evacuation of a spontaneous or induced abortion. The primary outcome was the risk of short cervical length (≤20 mm) among women with and without 1 of more prior uterine evacuations at any gestational age, assessed by the odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio for confounders.

Results

Of 2672 women included, 714 (27%) had at least 1 prior uterine evacuation. The overall incidence of short cervical length in the cohort was 1% (n = 27). Women with at least 1 prior uterine evacuation were more likely to be African American (64% versus 41%; P < .001), smoke (14% versus 8%; P < .001), have a higher body mass index (mean ± SD, 28.1 ± 7.1 versus 26.8 ± 7.1 kg/m2; P < .001), and have had prior full‐term delivery (60% versus 41%; P < .001). Women with at least 1 prior uterine evacuation had a significantly higher incidence of short cervical length (2% versus 0.7%; P = .003; odds ratio, 2.99 [95% confidence interval, 1.40–6.40]). After adjustment for confounders, prior uterine evacuation remained a source of increased risk of short cervical length (adjusted odds ratio, 2.63 [95% confidence interval, 1.19–5.80]).

Conclusions

Although the overall incidence of short cervical length is low (1%–2%), women with at least 1 prior uterine evacuation have at least a 2‐fold increased risk of a short second‐trimester cervical length compared to women without a prior uterine evacuation.
Role of Elastography in Axillary Examination of Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Chang Wanying , Jia Wanru , Shi Junni , Yuan Congcong , Zhang Yuzhu , Chen Man
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study aimed at exploring the role of ultrasound (US) elastography in the diagnosis of the axillary lymph node status in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

We analyzed 140 visible axillary lymph nodes on conventional US imaging. All of them underwent elastography. Five conventional US features were adopted to assess axillary lymph nodes: longitudinal diameter, longitudinal‐to‐transverse diameter ratio, cortical thickness, status of the hilum, and vascular pattern. As for elastography, the proportion of the hard area within each lymph node was estimated visually. The lymph node was defined as positive on elastography when the proportion was 50% or greater. Meanwhile, disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of US and elastography were adopted to evaluate the lymph nodes. The histopathologic diagnosis was regarded as the reference standard.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 76.92%, 87.10%, and 81.43%, respectively, for conventional US and 84.62%, 83.87%, and 84.29% for the disjunctive combination. The conjunctive combination had specificity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 100%, whereas the sensitivity was low.

Conclusions

Elastography can improve the sensitivity when disjunctively combined with conventional US for diagnosis of the axillary lymph node status. Despite the low sensitivity, the conjunctive combination of US and elastography can improve the positive predictive value on a large scale. Elastography is a useful adjuvant tool in addition to conventional US for the preoperative assessment of axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer.
Use of Hysterosalpingo‐Foam Sonography for Assessment of the Efficacy of Essure Hysteroscopic Sterilization
Authors: Rosič Maja , Žegura Branka , Vadnjal Đonlagić Sabina
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Hysterosalpingo‐foam sonography (HyFoSy) has been suggested to be a possible less invasive alternative to hysterosalpingography (HSG), which is the reference standard for confirmation of tubal occlusion after Essure (Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany) hysteroscopic sterilization. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of HyFoSy compared to HSG for confirmation of tubal occlusion after Essure hysteroscopic sterilization.

Methods

A prospective study included 90 patients who underwent Essure hysteroscopic sterilization. Twelve weeks after the sterilization, 2‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography was performed to assess the microinsert position and was followed by HyFoSy and HSG for evaluation of tubal occlusion. Patients with patent fallopian tubes on HSG were scheduled for additional HSG procedures at 3‐month intervals until tubal occlusion was documented.

Results

Of 90 enrolled patients, 86 patients with 170 fallopian tubes underwent the complete imaging protocol. Tubal occlusion was evaluated by HyFoSy as an index test and HSG as a reference standard. The accuracy of HyFoSy was 97.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93%–99%). The sensitivity and specificity were 100% (95% CI, 97%–100%) and 54.6% (95% CI, 23%–83%), whereas the positive and negative predictive values were 97.0% (95% CI, 93%–99%) and 100% (95% CI, 42%–100%), respectively. No long‐term complications were reported for HyFoSy or HSG.

Conclusions

Given that the concordance rate for tubal occlusion between HyFoSy and HSG was not 100%, an occluded fallopian tube on HyFoSy should be confirmed by HSG, which remains the reference standard for confirmation of tubal occlusion after Essure hysteroscopic sterilization.
Bridging the molecular divide: alcohol‐induced downregulation of PAX9 and tumour development
Authors: Fujihara Kenji Mark , Clemons Nicholas James
Published: January 2018

The pathogenesis of oro‐oesophaeal squamous cell carcinoma is causally linked to the consumption of alcohol. Beyond the carcinogenic effects of ethanol and its metabolites via DNA damage, the precise mechanisms by which alcohol drives tumourigenesis remain to be fully elucidated. A novel contributor now revealed is aberrant differentiation and proliferation mediated by suppression of PAX9, a key regulator of normal squamous maturation in oro‐oesophageal tissues. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metallic Fumes at Indoor Military Shooting Ranges: Lead, Copper, Nickel, and Zinc in Different Fractions of Airborne Particulate Matter
Authors: Orru Hans , Pindus Mihkel , Harro Haldo‐Rait , Maasikmets Marek , Herodes Koit
Published: January 2018

Small firearm shooting emits residues of energetic materials as well as heavy metals of different particle sizes into the air, posing a risk to human health. The current study assessed concentrations of Pb, Cu, Ni and Zn in 14 different size fractions of particulate matter at indoor military shooting ranges. Air samples were collected using ELPI+ over two hour period and filters analysed with ICP‐MS and ICP‐OES.
Choosing non‐redundant representative subsets of protein sequence data sets using submodular optimization
Authors: Libbrecht Maxwell W. , Bilmes Jeffrey A. , Noble William Stafford
Published: January 2018

Selecting a non‐redundant representative subset of sequences is a common step in many bioinformatics workflows, such as the creation of non‐redundant training sets for sequence and structural models or selection of “operational taxonomic units” from metagenomics data. Previous methods for this task, such as CD‐HIT, PISCES, and UCLUST, apply a heuristic threshold‐based algorithm that has no theoretical guarantees. We propose a new approach based on submodular optimization. Submodular optimization, a discrete analogue to continuous convex optimization, has been used with great success for other representative set selection problems. We demonstrate that the submodular optimization approach results in representative protein sequence subsets with greater structural diversity than sets chosen by existing methods, using as a gold standard the SCOPe library of protein domain structures. In this setting, submodular optimization consistently yields protein sequence subsets that include more SCOPe domain families than sets of the same size selected by competing approaches. We also show how the optimization framework allows us to design a mixture objective function that performs well for both large and small representative sets. The framework we describe is the best possible in polynomial time (under some assumptions), and it is flexible and intuitive because it applies a suite of generic methods to optimize one of a variety of objective functions.
Highly Selective β‐Hydride Elimination in the Pd‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of N‐Tosylhydrazones with Benzyl Bromides
Authors: Sun Zhenze , Du Chaoqun , Liu Ping , Wei Yu , Xu Liang , Dai Bin
Published: January 2018

In Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions between tosylhydrazones and organohalides, the competitive β–H elimination of palladium complex intermediate generated through palladium‐carbene complex's migratory insertion is usually avoided by combining two specific coupling partners, in which only one contains a β‐H. To address this limitation, herein we present cross‐coupling reactions between benzyl bromides and tosylhydrazones derived from benzocyclic ketones. Benzyl‐substituted dihydronaphthalenes and 1H‐indenes can be obtained in up to 88% yields and 25:1 selectivity for the cyclic olefin via this method. DFT studies were performed to elucidate the reaction mechanism. The β‐H elimination process, which follows the migratory insertion of Pd carbene intermediates, favours the abstraction of hydrogen atoms on the cyclic skeletons and results in the observed regioselectivity.