bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A survey of pharmacists' perceptions of the adequacy of their training for addressing mental health–related medication issues
Authors: Goodman Courtney S. , Smith Tammy J. , LaMotte Joseph M.
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of North Carolina pharmacists' perceptions of their pharmacy training in mental health–related medication issues and how this influenced their perceived ability to address these issues in the provision of pharmaceutical care to their patients.

Methods:

A survey consisting of 17 questions was developed and emailed to licensed pharmacists in North Carolina. Surveys that were returned were analyzed to see if conclusions could be made regarding the pharmacists' perceptions about their mental health–related medication training and its influence on their practice.

Results:

A total of 848 pharmacists completed the survey (response rate of 7.9%). Of the survey participants, 489 (58.2%) reported that pharmacy school training adequately prepared them to provide basic pharmaceutical care to patients taking mental health–related medications. However, 350 (41.4%) reported feeling less comfortable providing medication counseling for mental health–related medications compared to cardiac medications.

Discussion:

Despite the volume of prescriptions that mental health–related medications represent in day-to-day practice, a significant portion of licensed pharmacists responding to our survey indicate that the emphasis on mental health in their training may have been inadequate.
D-cycloserine in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Baker Joni F. , Cates Marshall E. , Luthin David R.
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and serious psychiatric illness. Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that is considered a first-line treatment option for PTSD. D-cycloserine (DCS) enhances fear extinction/exposure therapy in patients with various anxiety disorders, presumably via its N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor partial agonist effects. The aim of this paper is to review the published literature regarding the efficacy of DCS in the treatment of PTSD.

Methods:

A literature search for placebo-controlled trials assessing the use of DCS as the primary study drug in PTSD was conducted for trials published before June 2015 using PubMed, Ovid International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and www.clinicaltrials.gov. The search terms were variations of “cycloserine” and “posttraumatic stress disorder.”

Results:

Seven clinical trials were analyzed, including 2 trials comparing DCS with placebo as add-on treatment to ongoing stable pharmacotherapy and 5 trials that compared DCS with placebo given prior to exposure therapy. D-cycloserine as adjunctive therapy showed no benefit in 1 trial and limited benefit in the other. As an enhancement of exposure therapy, DCS showed beneficial effects in 1 trial, detrimental effects in 1 trial, and inconclusive effects in 3 trials.

Discussion:

Current literature does not adequately support the use of DCS as adjunctive therapy without psychotherapy, but limitations of the 2 studies that exist make firm conclusions unfeasible. D-cycloserine might have a role in augmentation of exposure therapy. Future studies should consider receptor selectivity, administration time with respect to peak cerebrospinal fluid concentrations, number of exposure therapy sessions, and dose.
A three‐microRNA signature identifies two subtypes of glioblastoma patients with different clinical outcomes
Authors: Marziali Giovanna , Buccarelli Mariachiara , Giuliani Alessandro , Ilari Ramona , Grande Sveva , Palma Alessandra , D'Alessandris Quintino G. , Martini Maurizio , Biffoni Mauro , Pallini Roberto , Ricci‐Vitiani Lucia
Published: March 2017

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by aggressive growth, limited response to therapy, and inexorable recurrence. Because of the extremely unfavorable prognosis of GBM, it is important to develop more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on biologically and clinically relevant patient stratification systems. Analyzing a collection of patient‐derived GBM stem‐like cells (GSCs) by gene expression profiling, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and signal transduction pathway activation, we identified two GSC clusters characterized by different clinical features. Due to the widely documented role played by microRNAs (miRNAs) in the tumorigenesis process, in this study we explored whether these two GBM patient subtypes could also be discriminated by different miRNA signatures. Global miRNA expression pattern was analyzed by oblique principal component analysis and principal component analysis. By a combined inferential strategy on PCA results, we identified a reduced set of three miRNAs – miR‐23a, miR‐27a, and miR‐9* (miR‐9‐3p) – able to discriminate the proneural‐ and mesenchymal‐like GSC phenotypes as well as mesenchymal and proneural subtypes of primary GBM included in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant correlation between the selected miRNAs and overall survival in 429 GBM specimens from TCGA‐identifying patients who had an unfavorable outcome. The survival prognostic capability of the three‐miRNA signatures could have important implications for the understanding of the biology of GBM subtypes and could be useful in patient stratification to facilitate interpretation of results from clinical trials.
Geoengineering, marine microalgae, and climate stabilization in the 21st century
Authors: Greene Charles H. , Huntley Mark E. , Archibald Ian , Gerber Léda N. , Sills Deborah L. , Granados Joe , Beal Colin M. , Walsh Michael J.
Published: March 2017

Society has set ambitious targets for stabilizing mean global temperature. To attain these targets, it will have to reduce CO2 emissions to near zero by mid‐century and subsequently remove CO2 from the atmosphere during the latter half of the century. There is a recognized need to develop technologies for CO2 removal; however, attempts to develop direct air‐capture systems have faced both energetic and financial constraints. Recently, BioEnergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) has emerged as a leading candidate for removing CO2 from the atmosphere. However, BECCS can have negative consequences on land, nutrient, and water use as well as biodiversity and food production. Here, we describe an alternative approach based on the large‐scale industrial production of marine microalgae. When cultivated with proper attention to power, carbon, and nutrient sources, microalgae can be processed to produce a variety of biopetroleum products, including carbon‐neutral biofuels for the transportation sector and long‐lived, potentially carbon‐negative construction materials for the built environment. In addition to these direct roles in mitigating and potentially reversing the effects of fossil CO2 emissions, microalgae can also play an important indirect role. As microalgae exhibit much higher primary production rates than terrestrial plants, they require much less land area to produce an equivalent amount of bioenergy and/or food. On a global scale, the avoided emissions resulting from displacement of conventional agriculture may exceed the benefits of microalgae biofuels in achieving the climate stabilization goals.
The role of historical forcings in simulating the observed Atlantic multidecadal oscillation
Authors: Murphy Lisa N. , Bellomo Katinka , Cane Mark , Clement Amy
Published: March 2017

We analyze the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) in the preindustrial (PI) and historical (HIST) simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) to assess the drivers of the observed AMO from 1865 to 2005. We draw 141 year samples from the 41 CMIP5 model's PI runs and compare the correlation and variance between the observed AMO and the simulated PI and HIST AMO. The correlation coefficients in 38 forced (HIST) models are above the 90% confidence level and explain up to 56% of the observed variance. The probability that any of the unforced (PI) models do as well is less than 3% in 31 models. Multidecadal variability is larger in 39 CMIP5 HIST simulations and in all HIST members of the Community Earth System Model Large Ensemble than their corresponding PI. We conclude that there is an essential role for external forcing in driving the observed AMO.
Martian magnetic storms
Authors: Luhmann J. G. , Dong C. F. , Ma Y. J. , Curry S. M. , Xu S. , Lee C. O. , Hara T. , Halekas J. , Li Y. , Gruesbeck J. R. , Espley J. , Brain D. A. , Russell C. T. , Jakosky B. M.
Published: March 2017

The response of Mars to the major space weather events called interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) is of interest for both general planetary solar wind interaction studies and related speculations on their evolutionary consequences—especially with respect to atmosphere escape. Various particle and field signatures of ICMEs have been observed on Phobos‐2, Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Express (MEX), and now Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN). Of these, MAVEN's combined instrumentation and orbit geometry is particularly well suited to characterize both the event drivers and their consequences. However, MAVEN has detected only moderate disturbances at Mars due in large part to the general weakness of the present solar cycle. Nevertheless, the strongest event observed by MAVEN in March 2015 provides an example illustrating how further insights can be gained from available models. Here we first look more closely at what previously run BATS‐R‐US MHD simulations of the combined MAVEN observations tell us about the March 2015 event consequences. We then use analogous models to infer those same responses, including magnetic field topology changes and ionospheric consequences, to a hypothetical extreme ICME at Mars based on STEREO A measurements in July 2012. The results suggest how greatly enhanced, yet realistic, solar wind pressure, magnetic field, and convection electric field combine to produce strong magnetospheric coupling with important consequences for upper atmosphere and ionosphere energization.
Electrostatic analyzer with a 3‐D instantaneous field of view for fast measurements of plasma distribution functions in space
Authors: Morel X. , Berthomier M. , Berthelier J.‐J.
Published: March 2017

We describe the concept and properties of a new electrostatic optic which aims to provide a 2π sr instantaneous field of view to characterize space plasmas. It consists of a set of concentric toroidal electrodes that form a number of independent energy‐selective channels. Charged particles are deflected toward a common imaging planar detector. The full 3‐D distribution function of charged particles is obtained through a single energy sweep. Angle and energy resolution of the optics depends on the number of toroidal electrodes, on their radii of curvature, on their spacing, and on the angular aperture of the channels. We present the performances, as derived from numerical simulations, of an initial implementation of this concept that would fit the need of many space plasma physics applications. The proposed instrument has 192 entrance windows corresponding to eight polar channels each with 24 azimuthal sectors. The initial version of this 3‐D plasma analyzer may cover energies from a few eV up to 30 keV, typically with a channel‐dependent energy resolution varying from 10% to 7%. The angular acceptance varies with the direction of the incident particle from 3° to 12°. With a total geometric factor of two sensor heads reaching ~0.23 cm2 sr eV/eV, this “donut” shape analyzer has enough sensitivity to allow very fast measurements of plasma distribution functions in most terrestrial and planetary environments on three‐axis stabilized as well as on spinning satellites.
Arc magmatism associated with steep subduction: Insights from trace element and Sr–Nd–Hf–B isotope systematics
Authors: Zhang Yunying , Yuan Chao , Sun Min , Long Xiaoping , Wang Yunpeng , Jiang Yingde , Lin Zhengfan
Published: March 2017

Subduction zones are the major sites for elemental cycling via slab dehydration and subsequent mantle metasomatism and melting. However, the nature of slab fluids associated with steep subduction remains largely unknown. To clarify this issue, we present an integrated study for Late Paleozoic (318–312 Ma) intermediate dykes from the Beishan orogenic collage, NW China. The dykes consist mainly of dioritic and granodioritic rocks. The dioritic dykes exhibit typical subduction‐like geochemical signatures, together with relatively high Mg#, high εNd(t) and εHf(t), and low initial Sr isotopes, suggesting that they originated probably from a subduction‐modified mantle. The granodioritic dykes exhibit high Mg#, high Sr/Y, La/Yb, and Na2O/K2O ratios, low Y and Yb contents, and mid‐ocean ridge basalt‐like Sr–Nd isotopes and high zircon εHf(t), similar to slab‐derived adakite, indicating that they were likely formed by partial melting of subducted oceanic crust. The coeval adakitic and normal dioritic dykes reflect a thermal anomaly that was probably caused by rollback of subducted oceanic slab. The dioritic dykes have δ11B values from −7.7 to −6.4‰, whereas the adakitic dykes have relatively high δ11B values from −6.9 to −4.4‰. The δ11B values of adakitic dykes are lower than those of typical altered oceanic crust, in agreement with the expected loss of 11B from subducted oceanic slab during early subduction. Results of a mixing model suggest that the mantle source of the dioritic dykes has been hybridized by 11B‐depleted fluids expelled from a highly dehydrated slab at deep depth, owing to the high‐angle dip of the subducting oceanic slab.
The sensitivity of West Antarctica to the submarine melting feedback
Authors: Arthern Robert J. , Williams C. Rosie
Published: March 2017

We use an ice sheet model with realistic initial conditions to forecast how the Amundsen Sea sector of West Antarctica responds to recently observed rates of submarine melting. In these simulations, we isolate the effects of a positive feedback, driven by submarine melt in new ocean cavities flooded during retreat, by allowing the present climate, calving front and melting beneath existing ice shelves to persist over the 21st century. Even without additional forcing from changes in climate, ice shelf collapse, or ice cliff collapse, the model predicts slow, sustained retreat of West Antarctica, driven by the marine ice sheet instability and current levels of ocean‐driven melting. When observed rates of melting are included in new subglacial ocean cavities, the simulated sea level contribution increases, and for sufficiently intense melting it accelerates over time. Conditional Bayesian probabilities for sea level contributions can be derived but will require improved predictions of ocean heat delivery.
Spinal Cord Injury: Repair, Plasticity and Rehabilitation
Authors: Reier Paul J , Howland Dena R , Mitchell Gordon , Wolpaw Jonathan R , Hoh Daniel , Lane Michael A
Published: March 2017

Devastating functional deficits following spinal cord injury (SCI) are no longer considered irreversible. Laboratory findings indicate that some improvements can be achieved with therapeutic approaches designed to promote tissue repair. It also has become widely recognised that the spinal cord is not a ‘hard‐wired’ structure; neural circuits can undergo spontaneous anatomical, neurophysiological, or molecular remodelling (i.e. endogenous neuroplasticity) after injury with accompanying behavioural changes. New rehabilitation regimens and spinal cord electrical stimulation have likewise been found to have great potential for enhancing neuroplasticity and activating synaptic networks below the spinal level of injury. While many challenges remain, promising therapeutic strategies are now emerging for promoting significant improvements in quality of life after
SCI
by integrating cellular and molecular treatments with neurorehabilitation and complementary neuroengineering approaches.

Key Concepts

Spinal cord injury is no longer viewed as an untreatable condition.

The spinal cord is not a rigidly wired structure; it can exhibit structural and functional remodelling.

Intrinsic ‘neuroplasticity’ can contribute to partial improvement in function post spinal cord injury.

Novel therapeutic approaches have emerged, which target cellular responses to spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injuries are rarely anatomically complete, even when defined clinically as being functionally or neurologically complete.

Uninjured pathways and spinal interneurons can play important roles in subserving spontaneous functional improvements in lieu of original pathways that fail to show long‐distance regrowth.

Transplantation of neural progenitors that are destined to become spinal neurons may contribute to interneuronal relays capable of transmitting functional information between separated regions of the injured spinal cord.

Specialised rehabilitation regimens, exercise and electrical stimulation of muscles can promote and guide plasticity that improves motor function.

Electrical stimulation of the injured spinal cord can evoke some voluntary movement in people who otherwise exhibit complete loss of voluntary control of movement below the spinal level of injury.

Optimal therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury are unlikely to result from a single type of treatment, but rather from strategies involving two or more complementary approaches.
Influence of Substrate Temperature and Film Thickness on Thermal, Electrical, and Structural Properties of HPPMS and DC Magnetron Sputtered Ge Thin Films
Authors: Furlan Andrej , Grochla Dario , D'Acremont Quentin , Pernot Gilles , Dilhaire Stefan , Ludwig Alfred
Published: March 2017

Ge was deposited as thickness gradient films at temperatures up to 800 °C by direct current (DC) and high power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HPPMS). Structural characterization shows increased crystallization with increasing substrate temperature and film thickness. Thermal conductivity was measured by a novel high‐throughput time‐domain thermo‐reflectance method. Thermo‐electrical properties correlate to the degree of crystallization. Conductivities increase with increasing substrate temperature up to 500 °C. For higher temperatures the trend reverses. A room temperature deposited/annealed film displays smaller crystallites (10 nm) and lower thermal conductivity (5 Wm−1 K−1) compared to 25 Wm−1 K−1 for hot DC deposition. Compared to DC, HPPMS films show higher thermal conductivities up to 45 Wm−1 K−1.
Long‐Term Structural Evolution of an Intercalated Layered Semiconductor
Authors: Chew Annabel R. , Fonseca Jose J. , Dubon Oscar D. , Salleo Alberto
Published: March 2017

Intercalated molecules can dramatically modify the electronic band structure of layered semiconductors, significantly altering the optical properties of the material. In the layered monochalcogenide Gallium Telluride (GaTe), exposure to air induces a nearly 1 eV reduction of its band gap due to the interlayer diffusion and chemisorption of oxygen. The effect of oxygen chemisorption at the Te‐terminated surfaces on the structure of GaTe, however, is much less known. To better understand the structure–property relationship of intercalated GaTe, a systematic, long‐term, X‐ray diffraction study has been performed on GaTe exfoliated crystals exposed to ambient conditions. It is observed that the structural changes are not limited to a previously observed short‐term increase in lattice expansion. Over the course of months and even years after exfoliation, the oxygen adsorbates continue to modify the structure of GaTe, inducing significant disorder and grain reorientation. It is estimated that approximately one out of every two grains is slightly displaced by the intercalating oxygen, demonstrating a significant increase in grain mosaicity, while still maintaining the original {−2 0 1} out‐of‐plane texture. Correlating these structural transformations to observed changes in electrical and optical properties will enable capitalization of the use of adsorbates to engineer novel properties in these layered materials.
Textile Resistance Switching Memory for Fabric Electronics
Authors: Jo Anjae , Seo Youngdae , Ko Museok , Kim Chaewon , Kim Heejoo , Nam Seungjin , Choi Hyunjoo , Hwang Cheol Seong , Lee Mi Jung
Published: March 2017

A new type of wearable electronic device, called a textile memory, is reported. This is created by combining the unique properties of Al‐coated threads with a native layer of Al2O3 as a resistance switching layer, and carbon fiber as the counter‐electrode, which induces a fluent redox reaction at the interface under a small electrical bias (typically 2–3 V). These two materials can be embroidered into an existing cloth or woven into a novel cloth. The electrical resistance of the contacts is repeatedly switched by the bias polarity, as observed in the recently highlighted resistance switching memory. The devices with different structure from the solid metal‐insulator‐metal devices show reliable resistance switching behaviors in textile form by single stitch and in array as well that would render this new type of material system applicable to a broad range of emerging wearable devices. Such behavior cannot be achieved in other material choices, revealing the uniqueness of this material system.
Promoting SnTe as an Eco‐Friendly Solution for p‐PbTe Thermoelectric via Band Convergence and Interstitial Defects
Authors: Li Wen , Zheng Linglang , Ge Binghui , Lin Siqi , Zhang Xinyue , Chen Zhiwei , Chang Yunjie , Pei Yanzhong
Published: March 2017

Compared to commercially available p‐type PbTe thermoelectrics, SnTe has a much bigger band offset between its two valence bands and a much higher lattice thermal conductivity, both of which limit its peak thermoelectric figure of merit, zT of only 0.4. Converging its valence bands or introducing resonant states is found to enhance the electronic properties, while nanostructuring or more recently introducing interstitial defects is found to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity. Even with an integration of some of the strategies above, existing efforts do not enable a peak zT exceeding 1.4 and usually involve Cd or Hg. In this work, a combination of band convergence and interstitial defects, each of which enables a ≈150% increase in the peak zT, successfully accumulates the zT enhancements to be ≈300% (zT up to 1.6) without involving any toxic elements. This opens new possibilities for further improvements and promotes SnTe as an environment‐friendly solution for conventional p‐PbTe thermoelectrics.
MoS2–HgTe Quantum Dot Hybrid Photodetectors beyond 2 µm
Authors: Huo Nengjie , Gupta Shuchi , Konstantatos Gerasimos
Published: March 2017

Mercury telluride (HgTe) colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) have been developed as promising materials for the short and mid‐wave infrared photodetection applications because of their low cost, solution processing, and size tunable absorption in the short wave and mid‐infrared spectrum. However, the low mobility and poor photogain have limited the responsivity of HgTe CQD‐based photodetectors to only tens of mA W−1. Here, HgTe CQDs are integrated on a TiO2 encapsulated MoS2 transistor channel to form hybrid phototransistors with high responsivity of ≈106 A W−1, the highest reported to date for HgTe QDs. By operating the phototransistor in the depletion regime enabled by the gate modulated current of MoS2, the noise current is significantly suppressed, leading to an experimentally measured specific detectivity D* of ≈1012 Jones at a wavelength of 2 µm. This work demonstrates for the first time the potential of the hybrid 2D/QD detector technology in reaching out to wavelengths beyond 2 µm with compelling sensitivity.
Microwave Admittance of Gold‐Palladium Nanowires with Proximity‐Induced Superconductivity
Authors: Lake Russell E. , Govenius Joonas , Kokkoniemi Roope , Tan Kuan Yen , Partanen Matti , Virtanen Pauli , Möttönen Mikko
Published: March 2017

Quantitative electrical admittance measurements of diffusive superconductor–normal‐metal–superconductor (SNS) junctions at gigahertz frequencies and millikelvin temperatures are reported. The gold‐palladium‐based SNS junctions are arranged into a chain of superconducting quantum interference devices. The chain is coupled strongly to a multimode microwave resonator with a mode spacing of approximately 0.6 GHz. By measuring the resonance frequencies and quality factors of the resonator modes, the dissipative and reactive parts of the admittance of the chain are extracted. The phase and temperature dependence of the admittance near 1 GHz are compared with theory based on the time‐dependent Usadel equations. This comparison allows the identification of important discrepancies between theory and experiment that are not resolved by including inelastic scattering or elastic spin‐flip scattering in the theory.
A Stable Monomeric SiO2 Complex with Donor–Acceptor Ligands
Authors: Rodriguez Ricardo , Gau David , Saouli Jérémy , Baceiredo Antoine , Saffon‐Merceron Nathalie , Branchadell Vicenç , Kato Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2017

Isolation of a monomeric SiO2 compound 3 as a stable donor–acceptor complex with two different ligands —a σ‐donating ligand (pyridine, dimethylaminopyridine, N‐heterocyclic carbene) and a donor–acceptor ligand (iminophosphorane)—is presented. The SiO2 complex 3 is soluble in ordinary organic solvents and is stable at room temperature in solution and in the solid state. Of particular interest, 3 remains reactive and can be used as a stable and soluble unimolecular SiO2 reagent.
Divalent Thulium Triflate: A Structural and Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Xémard Mathieu , Jaoul Arnaud , Cordier Marie , Molton Florian , Cador Olivier , Le Guennic Boris , Duboc Carole , Maury Olivier , Clavaguéra Carine , Nocton Grégory
Published: March 2017

The first molecular TmII luminescence measurements are reported along with rare magnetic, X and Q bands EPR studies. Access to simple and soluble molecular divalent lanthanide complexes is highly sought for small‐molecule activation studies and organic transformations using single‐electron transfer processes. However, owing to their low stability and propensity to disproportionate, these complexes are hard to synthetize and their electronic properties are therefore almost unexplored. Herein we present the synthesis of [Tm(μ‐OTf)2(dme)2]n, a rare and simple coordination compound of divalent thulium that can be seen as a promising starting material for the synthesis of more elaborated complexes. This reactive complex was structurally characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis and its electronic structure has been compared with that of its halide cousin TmI2(dme)3.
Selective induction heating to eliminate the fundamental defects of thin‐walled moldings used in electrical industry
Authors: Mrozek Krzysztof , Chen Shia‐Chung
Published: March 2017

In the study, a new technology of selective induction heating of injection mold based on the introduction of temperature gradient in the area of one cavity is presented. Only those surfaces of the mold were subjected to heating that were responsible for creation of defects. With use of the ANSYS program the theoretical model and the simulations of induction heating of separated forming surface were developed. On the basis of simulation tests the mold was designed and created to produce the experimental molding part with the wall thickness of 0.4 mm. There were made two production series: in the conventional technology and with support of selective induction heating of the selected forming parts. The application of induction heating technology allowed to entirely eliminate the defects appeared during the production. The results showed that the shape and the localization of the induction coil have great influence on the time of heating. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44992.
Antibacterial polyamide obtained by the incorporation of glass microparticles doped with ionic zinc and by zinc oxide nanoparticle: Evaluation with Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kirschner M. R. C. , Rippel T. , Ternus R. , Duarte G. W. , Riella H. G. , Dal Magro J. , Mello J. M. M. , Silva L. L. , Fiori M. A.
Published: March 2017

Food security is very important in all processes executed for the manufacture of meat in meatpacking industries. Meat security can be improved by the use of accessories produced with antimicrobial materials in the manufacture lines. In this work, the antibacterial property was incorporated in the plates of polyamide 6 by the addition of two antibacterial compounds and the antimicrobial characteristics were studied. The antibacterial materials used were glass microparticles doped with ionic zinc and zinc oxide nanoparticles. The antibacterial polyamide 6 was produced containing different percentages of antibacterial compound and its microbiological characterization was realized with the bacteria Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus. The distribution of the antimicrobial compound in polyamide 6 matrix was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Atomic absorption spectrometry was applied to study the migration capacity of the antibacterial compound in the aqueous medium. The results demonstrated that the polyamide 6 containing glass microparticles doped with ionic zinc present better antibacterial action than the polyamide 6 containing zinc oxide nanoparticles. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45005.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate augments the therapeutic effects of benzo[a]pyrene‐mediated lung carcinogenesis
Authors: Cromie Meghan M. , Liu Zhongwei , Gao Weimin
Published: March 2017

Our previous study found curcumin and vitamin E to have protective effects against benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) exposure in human normal lung epithelial BEAS‐2B cells. The first objective of this study was to determine whether epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) elicited the same response. Co‐treatment with 5 µM BaP and 20 µM EGCG in BEAS‐2B promoted a significant reduction in cell viability and greater G2/M cell cycle arrest, induction of ROS, and reductions in BaP‐induced CYP1A1/CYP1B1/COMT, EGFR, p‐Akt (Ser473), p‐p53 (Thr55), and survivin mRNA/protein expression, as well as an increase in p‐p53 (Ser15). Based on these findings, the second objective was to extend the investigation by developing a novel BaP‐transformed BEAS‐2B cell line, BEAS‐2BBaP, to examine the effects of EGCG when co‐administered with gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Cell colony formation assay demonstrated in vitro tumorigenic potential of BEAS‐2BBaP, which had an overexpression of EGFR. Viability testing revealed gefitinib co‐treatment with EGCG resulted in more cell death compared with gefitinib alone. Co‐treated cells had greater reductions in gefitinib‐induced CYP1A1/CYB1B1, EGFR, cyclin D1, p‐Akt (Ser473), and survivin mRNA/protein expression, as well as an increase in p‐p53 (Ser15). Therefore, EGCG was found to promote greater cytotoxicity to BEAS‐2B co‐treated with BaP and BEAS‐2BBaP upon gefitinib co‐treatment through regulating metabolism enzymes and signaling pathways involving EGFR and p53. These findings suggest that EGCG did not act as a protective compound in BEAS‐2B after acute BaP exposure, but has the potential to be a useful adjuvant chemotherapeutic compound when coupled with gefitinib for chemosensitization. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(4):529–539, 2017
Partners under Pressure: Examining the Consistency of True and False Alibi Statements
Authors: Sakrisvold Marthe Lefsaker , Granhag Pär Anders , Mac Giolla Erik
Published: March 2017

How to discriminate between honest and deceptive alibi statements holds great legal importance. We examined this issue from the perspective of group deception. Our goals were to (a) compare the consistency between the statements of guilty and innocent suspects and those of their respective alibi witnesses, and (b) to examine the moderating role of object‐salience on the level of consistency between their statements. Pairs of truth‐tellers provided honest testimonies. Pairs of liars were divided into perpetrators and alibi witnesses. Statements of lying pairs were considerably more consistent than the statements of truth‐telling pairs. In addition, both truth‐tellers and liars showed lower levels of within‐group consistency when recalling less salient details about an event. However, truth‐tellers' consistency levels were considerably more affected by salience than were liars' consistency levels. These findings contribute to deception theory and have important implications for the real‐life task of distinguishing between true and false alibi statements. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acidified bile acids enhance tumor progression and telomerase activity of gastric cancer in mice dependent on c‐Myc expression
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Sun Lei , Wang Xijing , Kang Huafeng , Ma Xiaobin , Wang Meng , Lin Shuai , Liu Meng , Dai Cong , Dai Zhijun
Published: March 2017

c‐Myc overexpression has been implicated in several malignancies including gastric cancer. Here, we report that acidified bile acids enhance tumor progression and telomerase activity in gastric cancer via c‐Myc activation both in vivo and in vitro. c‐Myc mRNA and protein levels were assessed in ten primary and five local recurrent gastric cancer samples by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. The gastric cancer cell line MGC803 was exposed to bile salts (100 μmol/L glycochenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid) in an acid medium (pH 5.5) for 10 min daily for 60 weeks to develop an MGC803‐resistant cell line. Control MGC803 cells were grown without acids or bile salts for 60 weeks as a control. Cell morphology, proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis of MGC803‐resistant cells were analyzed after 60 weeks. To determine the involvement of c‐Myc in tumor progression and telomere aging in MGC803‐resistant cells, we generated xenografts in nude mice and measured xenograft volume and in vivo telomerase activity. The c‐Myc and hTERT protein and mRNA levels were significantly higher in local recurrent gastric cancer samples than in primary gastric cancer samples. MGC803‐resistant cells showed a marked phenotypic change under normal growth conditions with more clusters and acini, and exhibited increased cell viability and colony formation and decreased apoptosis in vitro. These phenotypic changes were found to be dependent on c‐Myc activation using the c‐Myc inhibitor 10058‐F4. MGC803‐resistant cells also showed a c‐Myc‐dependent increase in xenograft growth and telomerase activity in vivo. In conclusion, these observations support the hypothesis that acidified bile acids enhance tumor progression and telomerase activity in gastric cancer and that these effects are dependent on c‐Myc activity. These findings suggest that acidified bile acids play an important role in the malignant progression of local recurrent gastric cancer.
Unraveling the Oxygen‐Reduction Sites in Graphitic‐Carbon Co–N–C‐Type Electrocatalysts Prepared by Single‐Precursor Pyrolysis
Authors: Subramanian Palaniappan , Mohan Roopathy , Schechter Alex
Published: March 2017

Metal‐ and nitrogen‐doped carbon‐based hybrid materials (M–N–C) are widely regarded as promising alternative to platinum for catalyzing the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel‐cell cathodes. The two important steps involved in the preparation of these catalysts are acid washing and a second heat treatment of the pyrolyzed mixture made of carbon, nitrogen, and metal precursors (M). We have explored in detail the changes induced by the post‐treatment steps on structure, composition, and oxygen‐reduction activity of new hybrid catalysts prepared by the prolonged pyrolysis of a single well‐defined organometallic precursor. The marginal increase in nitrogen content, apparent BET surface area, porosity, surface defects, and the higher degree of graphitization positively contribute to the substantial improvement in ORR activity of post‐treated catalysts in alkaline solution, whereas this procedure is found to have a weaker influence on the ORR activity in acid solution. The findings from this study suggest that both free and nitrogen‐coordinated metal sites, specifically, “Co2N” sites, which are present in the catalyst bulk and protected by the nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon layer, are most likely the active sites in Co–N–C catalysts. Based on these experimental results, we propose a model that will assist in improving the understanding of plausible functioning of these active sites in acid and alkaline solution.
Recent Advances Based on Nanomaterials as Electrochemiluminescence Probes for the Fabrication of Sensors
Authors: Zhai Qingfeng , Li Jing , Wang Erkang
Published: March 2017

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is chemiluminescence that is triggered by electrochemical techniques, and it has received broad applications because of its advantages, such as high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. In recent years, some novel luminescent nanomaterials have been developed and widely used to fabricate ECL biosensors with the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This Review presents a general description of luminescent nanomaterials as ECL emitters from the last five years, including semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), carbon‐based materials, metal nanoclusters (NCs), and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). The basic mechanisms, developments, and applications of these materials are given. Finally, we conclude with a brief look at the future challenges and prospects in the development of ECL sensors.
Next generation sequencing of the nidus of early (adenosquamous proliferation rich) radial sclerosing lesions of the breast reveals evidence for a neoplastic precursor lesion
Authors: Wilsher Mark J , Owens Thomas W , Allcock Richard JN
Published: March 2017

We sought to determine if adenosquamous proliferation of early cellular radial sclerosing lesions of the breast harbours hot spot mutations and to help clarify its relationship to low‐grade adenosquamous carcinoma as a potential form of early neoplasia. Four low‐grade adenosquamous carcinomas, early radial sclerosing lesions from 13 individuals, and 4 benign proliferative breast lesions were microdissected and assessed with a 50‐gene Hot‐spot cancer panel. Early radial sclerosing lesions were selectively microdissected concentrating on their adenosquamous proliferation (nidus). Hot spot mutations in PIK3CA were detected in ten (77% of) radial sclerosing lesions, in one low‐grade adenosquamous carcinoma, and in usual ductal hyperplasia and apocrine adenosis. Over three quarters of individuals with cellular (adenosquamous proliferation rich) early radial sclerosing lesions tested harboured somatic mutations in PIK3CA suggesting that adenosquamous proliferation is a clonal lesion. Its relationship to low‐grade adenosquamous carcinoma remains unclear in view of the small sample size and unmatched radial sclerosing lesions and low‐grade adenosquamous carcinomas.
A hybrid computational model to explore the topological characteristics of epithelial tissues
Authors: González‐Valverde Ismael , García‐Aznar José Manuel
Published: March 2017

Epithelial tissues show a particular topology where cells resemble a polygon‐like shape, but some biological processes can alter this tissue topology. During cell proliferation, mitotic cell dilation deforms the tissue and modifies the tissue topology. Additionally, cells are reorganized in the epithelial layer and these rearrangements also alter the polygon distribution.

We present here a computer‐based hybrid framework focused on the simulation of epithelial layer dynamics that combines discrete and continuum numerical models. In this framework, we consider topological and mechanical aspects of the epithelial tissue. Individual cells in the tissue are simulated by an off‐lattice agent‐based model, which keeps the information of each cell. In addition, we model the cell‐cell interaction forces and the cell cycle. Otherwise, we simulate the passive mechanical behaviour of the cell monolayer using a material that approximates the mechanical properties of the cell. This continuum approach is solved by the finite element method, which uses a dynamic mesh generated by the triangulation of cell polygons. Forces generated by cell‐cell interaction in the agent‐based model are also applied on the finite element mesh. Cell movement in the agent‐based model is driven by the displacements obtained from the deformed finite element mesh of the continuum mechanical approach.

We successfully compare the results of our simulations with some experiments about the topology of proliferating epithelial tissues in Drosophila. Our framework is able to model the emergent behaviour of the cell monolayer that is due to local cell‐cell interactions, which have a direct influence on the dynamics of the epithelial tissue.
Black Phosphorus: Properties, Synthesis, and Applications in Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Xue Yinghui , Zhang Qin , Zhang Tao , Fu Lei
Published: March 2017

Following graphene, MXenes, and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), black phosphorus (BP) has recently been introduced as a new member of the 2D materials family. Recently, the intensified research in BP has been motivated not only by its appealing properties, such as tunable band gap and high carrier mobility, but also by the strong light–matter interactions and lithium storage capability. The band gap of BP changes from 0.3 eV to 2.0 eV, and can be tuned efficiently for photon absorption. BP can undergo electrochemical reactions with both lithium and sodium as an anode material with a high theoretical specific capacity. The anisotropic structure of BP also makes it a fast ion conductor in a specific direction. The unique structure and properties of BP make it a promising material for various applications including energy conversion and storage. This review provides a summary of recent research progress for BP in terms of its properties, synthesis, and applications in energy conversion and storage, with a focus on enabling the important roles that BP could play in rechargeable batteries.
Nonmonotonic Hydration Behavior of Bovine Serum Albumin in Alcohol/Water Binary Mixtures: A Terahertz Spectroscopic Investigation
Authors: Das Dipak Kumar , Das Mahanta Debasish , Mitra Rajib Kumar
Published: March 2017

We report the experimental observation of nonmonotonic changes in the collective hydration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the presence of alcohols of varying carbon‐chain lengths, that is, ethanol, 2‐propanol, and tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA), by using terahertz (THz) time domain spectroscopy. We measured the THz absorption coefficient (α) of the protein solutions, and it was observed that α fluctuated periodically as a function of alcohol concentration at a fixed protein concentration. For a fixed alcohol concentration, an increase in the protein concentration resulted in nonmonotonic changes in α; thus, it first decreased rapidly and then increased, which was followed by a shallow decrease. An alcohol‐induced α helix to random coil transition of the protein secondary structure was revealed by circular dichroism spectroscopy measurements, and the effect was most prominent in TBA. The anomalous change in the hydration was found to be a delicate balance between the various interactions present in the three‐component system.
FKBP5 genotype and early life stress exposure predict neurobehavioral outcomes for preterm infants
Authors: D'Agata Amy L. , Walsh Stephen , Vittner Dorothy , Cong Xiaomei , McGrath Jacqueline M. , Young Erin E.
Published: March 2017

PROBLEM

This study evaluated the relationship between stressful early life neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experiences, genetic variation of a stress response‐associated gene (FKBP5), and neurobehavioral outcomes.

METHOD

The impact of genetic variation and stress experience on neurobehavioral outcomes was examined for 41 preterm infants. Statistical analyses explored the main effects of FKBP5 genotype and NICU stress experience, as well as their interaction on infant neurobehavioral development prior to discharge.

RESULTS

Statistical analyses demonstrated a relationship between both FKPB5 genotype and stress related to NICU care that were independently associated with neurobehavioral outcomes; indicating a main effect of genotype and a main effect of stress on neurodevelopment. Additionally, we found an interaction between the minor allele genotype and NICU stress potentially associated with less favorable developmental progress at discharge.

IMPLICATIONS

Evidence of genetic and environmental risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment suggests the need for improved evidence‐based practice initiatives to protect those most vulnerable to the combination of genetic susceptibility to stress and medical fragility.
Regulation of skeletal muscle stem cells by fibroblast growth factors
Authors: Pawlikowski Bradley , Vogler Thomas Orion , Gadek Katherine , Olwin Bradley B.
Published: March 2017

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are essential for self‐renewal of skeletal muscle stem cells (satellite cells) and required for maintenance and repair of skeletal muscle. Satellite cells express high levels of FGF receptors 1 and 4, low levels of FGF receptor 3, and little or no detectable FGF receptor 2. Of the multiple FGFs that influence satellite cell function in culture, FGF2 and FGF6 are the only members that regulate satellite cell function in vivo by activating ERK MAPK, p38α/β MAPKs, PI3 kinase, PLCγ and STATs. Regulation of FGF signaling is complex in satellite cells, requiring Syndecan‐4, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, as well as ß1‐integrin and fibronectin. During aging, reduced responsiveness to FGF diminishes satellite cell self‐renewal, leading to impaired skeletal muscle regeneration and depletion of satellite cells. Mislocalization of ß1‐integrin, reductions in fibronectin, and alterations in heparan sulfate content all contribute to reduced FGF responsiveness in satellite cells. How these cell surface proteins regulate satellite cell self‐renewal is incompletely understood. Here we summarize the current knowledge, highlighting the role(s) for FGF signaling in skeletal muscle regeneration, satellite cell behavior, and age‐induced muscle wasting. Developmental Dynamics 246:359–367, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gastrulation in an annual killifish: Molecular and cellular events during germ layer formation in Austrolebias
Authors: Pereiro Luisa , Loosli Felix , Fernández Juan , Härtel Steffen , Wittbrodt Joachim , Concha Miguel L.
Published: March 2017

Background: Comparative studies beyond the traditional model organisms have been instrumental in enhancing our understanding of the conserved and derived features of gastrulation, a fundamental process in which the germ layers are specified and shaped to form the body axis. Here, we analyzed gastrulation in a vertebrate group with an extreme mode of early development, the annual killifish. Results: Gastrulation in annual killifish of the genus Austrolebias takes place after the initially dispersed deep blastomeres congregate to form the so‐called reaggregate. Cells from the early reaggregate do not appear to form part of any recognizable axial embryonic structure and are possibly extraembryonic. In contrast, later reaggregate cells become engaged in morphogenetic transformations indicative of a process of gastrulation and axis formation. The expression of brachyury and goosecoid suggests that gastrulation takes place in a compressed blastopore‐like structure with an organizer region displaced to one end. No collective cell internalization proper of blastopore architecture is observed, though, and it appears that gastrulation primarily involves the reorganization of individual cells. Conclusions: The unique mode of gastrulation in annual killifish demonstrates that a process so ancient and fundamental to ontogenesis can have striking morphogenetic variations nonpredicted from the sole examination of model species. Developmental Dynamics 246:812–826, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.