bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic explorations of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Szoko Nicholas , McShane Adam J. , Natowicz Marvin R.
Published: May 2017

Proteomics, the large‐scale study of protein expression in cells and tissues, is a powerful tool to study the biology of clinical conditions and has provided significant insights in many experimental systems. Herein, we review the basics of proteomic methodology and discuss challenges in using proteomic approaches to study autism. Unlike other experimental approaches, such as genomic approaches, there have been few large‐scale studies of proteins in tissues from persons with autism. Most of the proteomic studies on autism used blood or other peripheral tissues; few studies used brain tissue. Some studies found dysregulation of aspects of the immune system or of aspects of lipid metabolism, but no consistent findings were noted. Based on the challenges in using proteomics to study autism, we discuss considerations for future studies. Apart from the complex technical considerations implicit in any proteomic analysis, key nontechnical matters include attention to subject and specimen inclusion/exclusion criteria, having adequate sample size to ensure appropriate powering of the study, attention to the state of specimens prior to proteomic analysis, and the use of a replicate set of specimens, when possible. We conclude by discussing some potentially productive uses of proteomics, potentially coupled with other approaches, for future autism research including: (1) proteomic analysis of banked human brain specimens; (2) proteomic analysis of tissues from animal models of autism; and (3) proteomic analysis of induced pluripotent stem cells that are differentiated into various types of brain cells and neural organoids. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1460–1469. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beitrag zur Abbildung von Schlitzwänden in räumlichen Finite‐Elemente‐Berechnungen
Authors: Klein Linus , Moormann Christian
Published: May 2017

Bei der Herstellung wasserdruckhaltender Baugruben sowie zur Gewährleistung geringer aushubbedingter Verformungen angrenzender baulicher Anlagen werden häufig Schlitzwände eingesetzt. Im Zuge der Durchführung numerischer Berechnungen mit räumlichen Finite‐Elemente‐Modellen zur Untersuchung des Verformungsverhaltens der Baugrube und der Verformungsauswirkungen auf Bauwerke im Umfeld stellt sich die Frage, welchen Einfluss die Schlitzwandfugen auf das Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten der Baugrube haben. Basierend auf einer Betrachtung der zur Ausführung kommenden Fugensysteme sowie der bestehenden Ansätze zur Berücksichtigung der Schlitzwandfugen werden in dem Beitrag die Ergebnisse einer numerischen Parameterstudie, in deren Rahmen unterschiedliche Modellierungsansätze für die Schlitzwandfugen bei Verwendung von Volumen‐ und Schalenelementen zur Abbildung der Verbauwände betrachtet werden, vorgestellt. Dabei wird der Einfluss der Schlitzwandfugen auf die Horizontalverformungen und Biegemomentenbeanspruchung der Verbauwände, die Setzungen der Geländeoberfläche sowie die Verteilung des entlang der Verbauwände einwirkenden Erddrucks untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Schlitzwandfugen einen gewissen, jedoch geringfügigen Einfluss auf die auftretenden Verformungen von Verbauwand und Geländeoberfläche haben. Auch die Verteilung des einwirkenden Erddrucks entlang der Verbauwand sowie deren Biegebeanspruchung werden nicht maßgeblich beeinflusst. Unter Berücksichtigung der gewonnenen Erkenntnisse wird ein Vorschlag zur einfachen Berücksichtigung des Einflusses von Schlitzwandfugen bei der Durchführung von numerischen Verformungsberechnungen unter Einsatz von Schalenelementen entwickelt.
Dokumentation der Entwicklung des m‐Faktors und neuer Aspekt der Verbrennungseffizienz
Authors: Hahn Sarah‐K. , Rost Michael , Kusche Christian , Knaust Christian , Krause Ulrich
Published: May 2017

Vor dem Hintergrund der Zurückziehung der DIN 18230 Teil 2 zur Bestimmung des m‐Faktors von Materialien für die Brandlastbewertung im Industriebau müssen neue Wege gefunden werden, wie das Abbrandverhalten alternativ quantifiziert werden kann. Der Beitrag fasst die Entstehung und die Entwicklung der Bestimmungsweise von Abbrandfaktoren zusammen und gibt Ausblick auf eine neue Möglichkeit zur Bewertung von Brandlasten, die Verbrennungseffizienz.
Experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten brandbeanspruchter Tunnelschalen
Authors: Siemon Matthias , Zehfuß Jochen
Published: May 2017

Ereignisse wie der Brand im Eurotunnel, bei dem über eine Länge von 500 m Betonabplatzungen von bis zu 30 cm Tiefe auftraten, resultierten in der Einführung unterschiedlicher Anforderungen, um das Abplatzen sowohl in Bezug auf die Abplatztiefe als auch die betroffene Fläche auf ein verträgliches Maß zu begrenzen. Im Vergleich zu Bränden im Hochbau ist bei Tunnelbränden mit hohen Aufheizraten der brandbeanspruchten Bauteile zu rechnen. Aus diesem Grund kommt bei der versuchstechnischen Bewertung von Tunnelbauteilen für Eisenbahntunnel in Deutschland die sogenannte EBA‐Tunnelbrandkurve zum Einsatz, die anhand von Großversuchen an Eisenbahnwaggons abgeleitet wurde.

Das Tragverhalten von Tunnelbauteilen unter Brandbeanspruchung wurde in den vergangenen Jahren im Rahmen verschiedener Forschungsvorhaben untersucht. Die in diesem Beitrag vorgestellten Ergebnisse basieren auf einem von der Deutschen Bahn beauftragten Vorhaben zur Untersuchung und Überprüfung von zwei Betonrezepturen sowie dem Nachweis der Standsicherheit der Tunnelinnenschale im Brandfall mithilfe von Großversuchen. Für diese Versuche wurden maßstabsgetreue Tunnelsegmente abgeleitet, die hinsichtlich ihrer Abmessungen, Konstruktion und Bewehrungsführung der maßgebenden Stelle eines real existierenden Eisenbahntunnels entsprachen.

Vor dem Start der Beflammung wurden die Probekörper mithilfe von horizontal und vertikal angeordneten hydraulischen Pressen belastet. Die Prüfkräfte wurden in Vorberechnungen bestimmt und berücksichtigen die gebettete Lagerung der Tunnelinnenschale, den Boden‐ und Wasserdruck, das Eigengewicht sowie die thermisch induzierten Zwangkräfte aufgrund Brandbeanspruchung. Um weitere Zwangkräfte während des Versuchs zu verhindern, wurde der Probekörper statisch bestimmt gelagert und die Versuchslasten kraftgesteuert eingeleitet.
The Common Ratio Effect in Choice, Pricing, and Happiness Tasks
Authors: Schneider Mark , Shor Mikhael
Published: May 2017

The Allais common ratio effect is one of the most robust violations of rational decision making under risk. In this paper, we conduct a novel test of the common ratio effect in which we elicit preferences for the common ratio choice alternatives in choice, pricing, and happiness rating tasks. We find large shifts in preference patterns across tasks, both within and between subjects. In particular, we find that both the consistency and distribution of responses differ systematically across tasks, with modal choices replicating the Allais preference pattern, modal happiness ratings exhibiting consistent risk aversion, and modal prices maximizing expected value. We discuss the predictions of various cognitive explanations of the common ratio effect in the context of our experiment. We find that a dual process framework provides the most complete account of our results. Surprisingly, we also find that although the Allais pattern was the modal behavior in the choice task, none of the 158 respondents in our experiment exhibited the Allais pattern simultaneously in choice, happiness, and pricing tasks. Our results constitute a new paradox for the leading theories of choice under risk. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of joint modeling and landmarking for dynamic prediction under an illness‐death model
Authors: Suresh Krithika , Taylor Jeremy M.G. , Spratt Daniel E. , Daignault Stephanie , Tsodikov Alexander
Published: May 2017

Dynamic prediction incorporates time‐dependent marker information accrued during follow‐up to improve personalized survival prediction probabilities. At any follow‐up, or “landmark”, time, the residual time distribution for an individual, conditional on their updated marker values, can be used to produce a dynamic prediction. To satisfy a consistency condition that links dynamic predictions at different time points, the residual time distribution must follow from a prediction function that models the joint distribution of the marker process and time to failure, such as a joint model. To circumvent the assumptions and computational burden associated with a joint model, approximate methods for dynamic prediction have been proposed. One such method is landmarking, which fits a Cox model at a sequence of landmark times, and thus is not a comprehensive probability model of the marker process and the event time. Considering an illness‐death model, we derive the residual time distribution and demonstrate that the structure of the Cox model baseline hazard and covariate effects under the landmarking approach do not have simple form. We suggest some extensions of the landmark Cox model that should provide a better approximation. We compare the performance of the landmark models with joint models using simulation studies and cognitive aging data from the PAQUID study. We examine the predicted probabilities produced under both methods using data from a prostate cancer study, where metastatic clinical failure is a time‐dependent covariate for predicting death following radiation therapy.
Beware of the predatory science journal: A potential threat to the integrity of medical research
Authors: Johal Jaspreet , Ward Robert , Gielecki Jerzy , Walocha Jerzy , Natsis Kostantinos , Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios
Published: May 2017

The issue of predatory journals has become increasingly more prevalent over the past decade, as the open‐access model of publishing has gained prominence. Although the open‐access model is well intentioned to increase accessibility of biomedical research, it is vulnerable to exploitation by those looking to corrupt medical academia and circumvent ethics and research standards. Predatory journals will achieve publication by either soliciting unsuspecting researchers who have legitimate research but fall victim to these predators or researchers looking to quickly publish their research without a thorough review process. Some features of predatory journals are a quick non‐peer‐review process, falsely listing or exaggerating the credibility of editorial board members, and either lack of or falsification of institutional affiliations and database listings. These predatory journals are a serious threat to the integrity of medical research, as they will infect the available literature with unsubstantiated articles, and allow low‐quality research. A number of steps can be taken to prevent the spread and increase awareness of predatory publishers, and these must be done to maintain the integrity of medical academia. Clin. Anat. 30:767–773, 2017. © 2017Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of the ischioanal fossa: Application to abscess spread
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Fei , Du Mei‐Ling , Sui Hong‐Jin , Yang Yong , Zhou Huan‐Yu , Meng Chao , Qu Mei‐Jing , Zhang Qian , Du Bin , Fu Yuan‐Shan
Published: May 2017

The location of perianal abscesses and the course of the fistula follow certain patterns, especially in the relationship between external and internal openings. However, it is still not clear how the contents of the ischioanal fossa, especially the fibrous network of fat tissue, affect the route for such diseases. Ten male adult cadavers were selected for the study. Seven horizontal transverse section planes from 1 cm above the pubic symphysis to the inferior border of the lesser trochanter of the femur were recorded after P45 sheet plastination. We observed characteristics of fiber distribution in the ischioanal fossa and its relationship with surrounding structures in every plane. There was a dense strip‐type fiber connecting with junction fascia between the obturator internus and gluteus maximus muscles. Close to the levator ani, obturator internus, and gluteus maximus, the fibers were very dense and continuous with the fascia on the surfaces of these three muscles. The function of the fibrous network was considered to be not only the support of fat tissue in the fossa but also cushioning during physiological actions such as defecation. We hope that these morphological results could help to elucidate the passage of fistulae and the locations susceptible to perianal abscesses. Clin. Anat. 30:1029–1033, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomic landmarks in lacrimal surgery from an ophthalmologist's point of view: Clinical findings of external dacryocystorhinostomy and dacryoendoscopy
Authors: Heichel Jens , Struck Hans‐Gert , Viestenz Anja , Hammer Thomas , Viestenz Arne , Fiorentzis Miltiadis
Published: May 2017

Epiphora is a common clinical symptom of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. However, it is present in several pathologies and can lead to decreased quality of life for patients. A careful clinical examination including a detailed patient's history and diagnostic tests such as the fluorescein dye disappearance test and diagnostic syringing of the lacrimal duct are essential. Depending on the time of presentation (congenital, primary, or secondary acquired), grade (subtotal or total) and location of the stenosis, different surgical approaches can be considered. These are subdivided into minimally invasive (transcanalicular) and anastomosing (dacryocystorhinostomy) procedures. Furthermore, the anatomical landmarks and the site of surgical intervention differentiate the surgical techniques into endoscopic or transcutaneous. Modern intubation techniques offer a large spectrum of therapeutic possibilities enabling patient care to be customized and individualized. Knowledge of the topographical anatomy is crucial for achieving greater success and a lower complication rate. Clin. Anat. 30:1034–1042, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Practice proper stewardship of student conduct records
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2017

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Parents insisting you must allow them to see student conduct records. And students wanting to know why their accounts are on hold, but they can't find their conduct records online.
Overcome resistance and pitfalls facing compliance officers, programs
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2017

ORLANDO, Fla. — “We know we have a policy on that, but it's much easier to do it this way instead, and that's just our culture. In fact, we've always done it this way.”
Children's reasoning about peer and school segregation in a diverse society
Authors: Tenenbaum Harriet R. , Leman Patrick , Aznar Ana
Published: May 2017

This study examined children's reasoning about gender‐ and religion‐based exclusion in the context of single‐gender and single‐faith schools and play contexts. Young people (twenty‐three 8‐ to 10‐year‐olds and fifty‐three 12‐ to 14‐year‐olds) were asked to judge and reason about the acceptability of exclusion based on gender and religion by children and school principals. Participants rated exclusion based on gender as more acceptable than exclusion based on religion. Exclusion from school contexts was rated as more acceptable than exclusion from play contexts. Participants tended to invoke moral reasons to condemn exclusion when reasoning about religion, whereas they tended to invoke social conventional reasons when reasoning about gender. Young people's greater support for religiously inclusive schooling compared to gender inclusive schooling suggests that societal and governmental acceptance of religious diversity has support from future generations.
Improve Title IX education, raise awareness among student‐athletes
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2017

Title IX, sexual harassment, sexual assault, bystander intervention, and consent. They've all become such commonly used terms in conversation and in the media lately that we tend to assume student‐athletes must understand what they mean and how they apply to their lives. But the reality is that misconceptions and confusion abound among student‐athletes. And that can lead to legal and reputational problems for your student‐athletes, your athletics department, and your school as a whole.
Was rowing club given chance to challenge suspension?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: May 2017

Pursuant to rules imposed by California State University, Sacramento, only students could participate in the Men's Rowing Club.
‘It takes a team’ to manage the most significant challenges facing college athletics
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2017

When facing challenging circumstances in college athletics, Bridget Belgiovine, B.S., M.Ed., knows better than to try to go it alone. Instead, she knows “it takes a team” to ensure the most effective management of the most significant challenges facing college athletics, she said.
Reversed single string technique for coronary bifurcation stenting—First report of case demonstrations in vitro
Authors: Adjedj Julien , Toth Gabor G. , Pellicano Mariano , Wijns William
Published: May 2017

Objectives

This work reports the concept and the practical feasibility of Reversed Single String bifurcation stenting technique by demonstrating three in vitro cases.

Background

Provisional T stenting is the most used interventional technique to treat coronary bifurcation lesions. However, after main branch (MB) stenting, treatment of the side branch (SB) may become indicated to provide a good final result. Currently applied methods all have their structural limitations with respect to wall coverage, multiple strut layers, poor apposition rate. We reasoned that reversing the Single String technique principle could be used as a bail out after inadequate provisional T stenting.

Methods and results

We simulated in three silicone bifurcation phantoms a scenario whereby stenting the SB becomes indicated after provisional T stenting. Thereafter, as first step of Reversed Single String, a stent was deployed into the SB ostium with one single protruding stent‐cell into the MB. After wiring that stent‐cell and positioning MB balloon across it, final kissing balloon dilation was performed. Results of the in vitro Reversed Single String cases were evaluated by X‐ray angiography, optical frequency domain imaging, and 3‐Dimensional (3D) reconstruction (OFDI). Each case was successfully performed and completed. In the bifurcation area, perfect apposition was documented in over 81% of the struts. Malapposition remained below 4% of struts in each case. 3D OFDI reconstruction did not reveal any strut fracture.

Conclusion

This report suggests that Reversed Single String technique might offer a potential bail out solution for provisional T‐stenting cases, when treatment of the SB becomes indicated. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Balloon venoplasty opens the road for an implantable defibrillator patient with complex stenosis
Authors: Magnusson Peter , Kastberg Robert
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

There is an increasing need for physicians to handle venous obstructions in pacemaker/implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implants. Venoplasty performed by an experienced operator is a simple, safe, and fast way to manage this situation and proceed to implant. Compared to other approaches, this strategy may offer particular advantages.
Ancient schwannoma of the cervical sympathetic chain
Authors: Bowles Philippe F. , Cheong Ryan Chin Taw , Cartwright Samuel , Pelser Andrew
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

Ancient schwannomas exhibit characteristic histological features. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is of limited use. Radiological evidence demonstrating displacement of blood vessels may aid diagnosis of schwannoma. Malignant transformation of ancient schwannoma has been reported. Surgical excision carries a high risk of postoperative Horner's syndrome.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
Authors: Koratala Abhilash , Bhatti Vikrampal
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a fibrosing disorder seen in patients with renal dysfunction, commonly precipitated by administration of gadolinium contrast. There is no consistently successful treatment, but oral steroids, topical dovonex, extracorporeal photopheresis, and plasmapheresis have been tried [http://www.icnfdr.org/ Last accessed: 1/6/2017]. Avoidance of gadolinium in such patients is the key to prevention.
Utility of real‐time three‐dimensional echocardiography in improved assessment of a mitral valve papillary fibroelastoma
Authors: Suresh Rahul , Boor Paul J. , Al‐Dossari Ghannam A. , Abu‐Sharifeh Tareq , Venkatachalam Sridhar , Berbarie Rafic F.
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

Primary cardiac tumors are exceedingly rare. They are usually first identified by transthoracic echocardiography. However, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), with the aid of real‐time three‐dimensional (3D) imaging, can provide additional important mass characteristics. We present a case that demonstrates the usefulness of 3D TEE in characterizing a papillary fibroelastoma.
Performance Improvement of a Sequencing Batch Reactor for Treating Tannery Wastewaters
Authors: Balaguer-Arnandis Esther , Cuartas-Uribe Beatriz , Bes-Piá M. Amparo , Mendoza-Roca Jose Antonio , Galiana-Aleixandre M. Vicenta
Published: May 2017

Tannery wastewater has a high environmental impact due to its low biodegradability. Sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) are an established method for treating highly polluted wastewater. To minimize the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the SBRs, various HRT values were tested and the best value was chosen according to the removal efficiency of the soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD). A series of experiments was then carried out with two cationic polyelectrolytes added to the system in two different modes to improve the effluent quality. Both modes were evaluated in terms of the soluble COD, suspended solid concentration, and turbidity of the final effluent. The results showed that reducing the HRT to two days did not diminish the COD removal efficiencies.
Determination of the Effects of Carboxylic Acids on Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate Crystallization
Authors: Polat Sevgi , Sayan Perviz
Published: May 2017

Calcium sulfate dihydrate crystallization was carried out using a mixed‐suspension mixed‐product removal (MSMPR)‐type crystallizer in pure media and in the presence of three different types of carboxylic acid: propionic acid, oxalic acid, and propane‐1,2,3‐tricarboxylic acid. The crystal size distributions and filtration rates of the calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals were measured, and the crystals obtained were analyzed using a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and mass spectrometer (TGA‐FTIR‐MS). The average particle size, length‐to‐width ratio of the crystals, and the filtration rate of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals were decreased in the presence of all three carboxylic acids when compared to the pure media. TGA‐FTIR‐MS indicated that all carboxylic acids adsorbed onto the calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals.
Control of Continuous Mixed‐Solution Mixed‐Product Removal Crystallization Processes
Authors: Geyyer Rostyslav , Dürr Robert , Temmel Erik , Li Tao , Lorenz Heike , Palis Stefan , Seidel-Morgenstern Andreas , Kienle Achim
Published: May 2017

Continuous mixed‐solution mixed‐product removal (MSMPR) crystallization is considered. This process has been studied well, however, different aspects, in particular, process modeling, monitoring, and control remain challenging. An innovative approach for online measurement of the crystal size distribution is presented. Furthermore, unscented Kalman filtering is applied to overcome biased concentration measurement. Finally, a discrepancy‐based control is applied to continuous MSMPR crystallization and its closed‐loop performance is evaluated.
Impedance Spectroscopy of Spin‐Cast and Electrochemically Deposited PEDOT:PSS Films on Microfabricated Electrodes with Various Areas
Authors: Koutsouras Dimitrios A. , Gkoupidenis Paschalis , Stolz Clemens , Subramanian Vivek , Malliaras George G. , Martin David C.
Published: May 2017

We have examined the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of PEDOT:PSS‐coated gold electrodes in various electrolytes as a function of temporal frequency (from 0.1 to 104 Hz) by using a custom‐designed microfabricated substrate. The electrode areas were systematically varied over a broad range in nominal size from 10×10 μm (100 μm2) to 500×500 μm (2.5×105 μm2). Comparisons were made between spin‐cast PEDOT:PSS crosslinked with GOPS and electrochemically deposited PEDOT:PSS films with similar thicknesses. The impedance spectra of the PEDOT:PSS‐coated electrodes with various sizes could all be reasonably well described by a two‐element equivalent circuit model with a solution resistance Rs and a film capacitance C. These two parameters together define a characteristic temporal frequency fc=1/(2πRsC). By normalizing the impedance with respect to Rs (Zn=|Z|/Rs) and the frequency with respect to fc (fn=f/fc), we found that all of the experimental Bode curves could be collapsed onto a single master plot of Zn vs. fn. In addition, analytical formulas that allow the estimation of the film impedance magnitude |Z| and phase ϕ were derived and experimentally validated. These results are of fundamental interest and are also anticipated to be important for the design, characterization, and optimization of conjugated polymer films for interfacing biomedical devices with living tissue.
Progress of the Electrochemiluminescence Biosensing Strategy for Clinical Diagnosis with Luminol as the Sensing Probe
Authors: Fang Chen , Li Huiling , Yan Jilin , Guo Heming , Yifeng Tu
Published: May 2017

Electrochemiluminescence (electrogenerated chemiluminescence, ECL), which involves light emission from excited states of electrochemically generated species at the electrode surface, is widely applied for chemical analysis. Integrating the advantages of outstanding selectivity from biological recognition and the high sensitivity of ECL signaling, ECL biosensors are powerful for ultrasensitive bio‐checkups and quantification, in which luminol is adopted as an important luminophore. Nanomaterials have been introduced into ECL biosensors, which enlarge the applicable pH range and improve analytical performances, with successful applications in clinical events. In particular, this Minireview will focus on new progresses related to luminol‐based biosensors and their applications in clinical diagnosis, with emphasis on nanomaterials being employed as the improver.
Supramolecular Assembly Mediated by Metal Ions in Aqueous Solution and Its Application in Their Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jing , Tang Qing , Gao Zhong‐Zheng , Qiu Sheng‐Chao , Huang Ying , Tao Zhu
Published: May 2017

A water‐soluble fluorescent sensor based on the interaction of twisted cucurbit[14]uril (tQ[14]) and thiazole orange (TO) in aqueous solution was developed. Formation of the tQ[14]/TO complex gives rise to stronger fluorescence in both neutral and acidic aqueous solutions compared with that of free TO. Further experiments on the interaction of the tQ[14]/TO complex with metal ions revealed that, from a series of nineteen selected common metal ions, 1) only Hg2+ can lead to fluorescence enhancement and then quenching of the tQ[14]/TO (2:1) complex in neutral aqueous solution; 2) only Ba2+ can induce fluorescence quenching of the tQ[14]/TO (2:1) complex in aqueous HCl solution (pH 2); furthermore, the tQ[14]/TO/Ba2+ systems exhibit reversible changes in fluorescent intensity on successively adding SO42− and Ba2+; and 3) only Ba2+ or Pb2+ can induce fluorescence quenching of the tQ[14]/TO (15:1) complex in aqueous HCl solution (pH 2). Thus, the tQ[14]/TO complex can act as a supramolecular fluorescence‐based sensor for the determination of Hg2+, Ba2+, and Pb2+ ions.
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Activity by Autologous Cd/CdO/CdS Heterojunction Photoanodes with High Conductivity and Separation Efficiency
Authors: Xie Shilei , Zhang Peng , Zhang Min , Liu Peng , Li Wei , Lu Xihong , Cheng Faliang , Tong Yexiang
Published: May 2017

The development for hydrogen from solar energy has attracted great attention due to the global demand for clean, environmentally friendly energy. Herein, autologous Cd/CdO/CdS heterojunctions were prepared in a carefully controlled process with metallic Cd as the inner layer and CdO as the interlayer. Further research revealed that the transportation and separation of photogenerated pairs were enhanced due to low resistance of the Cd inner layer and the type II CdO/CdS heterojunction. As a result, the optimized Cd/CdO/CdS heterojunction photoanode showed outstanding and long‐term photoelectrochemical activity for water splitting, with a current density of 3.52 mA cm−2, or a benchmark specific hydrogen production rate of 1.65 μmol cm−2 min−1 at −0.3 V versus Ag/AgCl, by using the environmental pollutants of sulfide and sulfite as sacrificial agents.
Evaluation of the Medicinal Potential of Two Ruthenium(II) Polypyridine Complexes as One‐ and Two‐Photon Photodynamic Therapy Photosensitizers
Authors: Hess Jeannine , Huang Huaiyi , Kaiser Adrian , Pierroz Vanessa , Blacque Olivier , Chao Hui , Gasser Gilles
Published: May 2017

Two [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ derivatives (phen=1,10‐phenantroline, dppz=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine) with different functional groups on the dppz ligand [dppz‐7,8‐(OMe)2 (1), dppz‐7,8‐(OH)2 (2)] have been synthesized, characterized and investigated as photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) against cancer. Both complexes showed intense red phosphorescence and promising singlet oxygen (1O2) quantum yields of 75 % (1) and 54 % (2) in acetonitrile. Complex 1 (logPo/w=−0.52, 2.4 nmol Ru per mg protein) was found to be more lipophilic, having also a higher cellular uptake efficiency compared to 2 (logPo/w=−0.20, 0.9 nmol Ru per mg protein). Complex 1 localized evenly in HeLa cells whereas 2, was mainly visualized in the cell membrane by confocal microscopy. In the dark, complex 1 (IC50=36.5 μm) was found to be more toxic than complex 2 (IC50 >100 μm) on a HeLa cells monolayer. Importantly, in view of PDT applications, both complexes were found to be non‐toxic in the dark towards multicellular HeLa spheroids (IC50>100 μm). Upon one‐photon irradiation (420 nm, 9.27 J cm−2), 1 exhibited higher phototoxicity (IC50=3.1 μm) than 2 (IC50=16.7 μm) on HeLa cell monolayers. When two‐photon irradiation (800 nm, 9.90 J cm−2) was applied, only 1 (IC50=9.5 μm) was found to be active toward HeLa spheroids. This study demonstrates that the functional group on the intercalative ligand has a strong influence on the cellular localization and anticancer activity of RuII polypyridyl complexes.
Trapping CO2by Adduct Formation with Nitrogen Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs): A Theoretical Study
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Montero‐Campillo M. Merced , Elguero José
Published: May 2017

Carbon dioxide can form compounds with nitrogen heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) based on azoles through noncovalent interactions or by covalent bonding. A narrow dependence on the carbene structure has been observed for the preference for one or the other type of bonding, as revealed by a series of physicochemical descriptors. In our survey, a set of NHCs based on the azole family (three classical, three abnormal, and one remote) was shown to bind CO2at the accurate G4MP2 computational level. In most cases, exothermic reaction profiles towards the covalently bound form were found, which reached stabilization enthalpies of up to −77 kJ mol−1for the remote carbene case. Both noncovalent and covalent minima and the corresponding transition state that connects them have been identified as stationary points along the reaction coordinate.
CuI/Oxalic Diamide‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Thiols with Aryl Bromides and Chlorides
Authors: Chen Chia‐Wei , Chen Yi‐Ling , Reddy Daggula Mallikarjuna , Du Kai , Li Chao‐En , Shih Bo‐Hao , Xue Yung‐Jing , Lee Chin‐Fa
Published: May 2017

We report a general copper‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of thiols with aryl halides by using N‐aryl‐N′‐alkyl oxalic diamide (L3) or N,N′‐dialkyl oxalic diamide (L5) as the ligand. Both aryl and alkyl thiols can be coupled with unactivated aryl bromides and chlorides to give the desired products in good yields. Furthermore, this system features a broad substrate scope and good tolerance of functional groups. Importantly, the oxalic diamides are stable and can be prepared easily from commercially available and cheap starting materials.
Oxoborane (RBO) Complexation and Concomitant Electrophilic Bond Activation Processes
Authors: Swarnakar Anindya K. , Hering‐Junghans Christian , Ferguson Michael J. , McDonald Robert , Rivard Eric
Published: May 2017

Donor–acceptor complexes of the oxoboranes ClB=O and HOB=O were synthesized and each feature short multiply bonded B=O linkages. The retention of high Lewis acidic character within these encapsulated monomeric oxoboranes was manifested by their ability to support C−F and Si−O bond activation/functionalization. The reported ClB=O complexes can be regarded as synthetic surrogates of the [BO]+ cation, an inorganic analogue of CO.
Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased acute kidney injury and 1‐year mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Mina George S. , Gill Priyanka , Soliman Demiana , Reddy Pratap , Dominic Paari
Published: May 2017

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with adverse outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement. However, there are conflicting data on the impact of DM on outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Hypothesis

DM is associated with poor outcomes after different cardiac procedures. Therefore, DM can also be associated with poor outcomes after TAVR.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies that evaluated outcomes after TAVR and stratified at least 1 of the studied endpoints by DM status. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality at 1 year. Secondary endpoints were early (up to 30 days) mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), major bleeding, and major vascular complications. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects models.

Results

We included 64 studies with a total of 38 686 patients. DM was associated with significantly higher 1‐year mortality (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.26, P = 0.008) and periprocedural AKI (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.52, P = 0.004). On the other hand, there were no significant differences between diabetics and nondiabetics in early mortality, CVAs, major bleeding, or major vascular complications.

Conclusions

DM is associated with increased 1‐year mortality and periprocedural AKI in patients undergoing TAVR. The results of this study suggest that DM is a predictor of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing TAVR.
Online virtual machine migration for renewable energy usage maximization in geographically distributed cloud data centers
Authors: Khosravi Atefeh , Nadjaran Toosi Adel , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: May 2017

Energy consumption and its associated costs represent a huge part of cloud providers' operational costs. In this study, we explore how much energy cost savings can be made knowing the future level of renewable energy (solar/wind) available in data centers. Since renewable energy sources have intermittent nature, we take advantage of migrating virtual machines to the nearby data centers with excess renewable energy. In particular, we first devise an optimal offline algorithm with full future knowledge of renewable level in the system. Since in practice, accessing long‐term and exact future knowledge of renewable energy level is not feasible, we propose two online deterministic algorithms, one with no future knowledge called deterministic and one with limited knowledge of the future renewable availability called future‐aware. We show that the deterministic and future‐aware algorithms are 1+1/sand 1+1/s−ω/s.Tmcompetitive in comparison to the optimal offline algorithm, respectively, wheresis the network to the brown energy cost,ωis the look‐ahead window‐size, andTmis the migration time. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is analyzed through extensive simulation studies using real‐world traces of meteorological data and Google cluster workload.
A crowdsourced “Who wants to be a millionaire?” player
Authors: Aydin Bahadir Ismail , Yilmaz Yavuz Selim , Demirbas Murat
Published: May 2017

Question answering is a fundamental problem for artificial intelligence research. State‐of‐the‐art question answering systems, such as search engines, can answer well‐formed factual questions. However, they fail on nonfactual and natural language queries. On the other hand, crowdsourcing leverages human intelligence to present solutions for problems, which are hard for computers. In the process of crowdsourcing, aggregating the responses from the crowd is a big challenge of itself. This work presents a model that integrates artificial intelligence with crowdsourcing to answer difficult natural language multiple choice questions. We build a crowdsourced mobile gaming experience for “Who wants to be a millionaire?” TV quiz show to test our methods. We use lightweight artificial intelligence models in aggregating the crowd responses. Our methods are able to answer even the hardest questions with very high accuracy. The experiment results suggest that building a super player for “Who wants to be a millionaire?” is feasible using our models. This study shows that facilitating crowdsourcing with artificial intelligence is an important tool for answering questions, which trouble state‐of‐the‐art question answering systems.
On the effectiveness of isolation‐based anomaly detection in cloud data centers
Authors: Calheiros Rodrigo N. , Ramamohanarao Kotagiri , Buyya Rajkumar , Leckie Christopher , Versteeg Steve
Published: May 2017

The high volume of monitoring information generated by large‐scale cloud infrastructures poses a challenge to the capacity of cloud providers in detecting anomalies in the infrastructure. Traditional anomaly detection methods are resource‐intensive and computationally complex for training and/or detection, what is undesirable in very dynamic and large‐scale environment such as clouds. Isolation‐based methods have the advantage of low complexity for training and detection and are optimized for detecting failures. In this work, we explore the feasibility of Isolation Forest, an isolation‐based anomaly detection method, to detect anomalies in large‐scale cloud data centers. We propose a method to code time‐series information as extra attributes that enable temporal anomaly detection and establish its feasibility to adapt to seasonality and trends in the time‐series and to be applied online and in real‐time.
Purification Toxoplasma gondii Tissue Cysts Using Percoll Gradients
Authors: Watts Elizabeth A. , Dhara Animesh , Sinai Anthony P.
Published: May 2017

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is capable of infecting all warm‐blooded animals and humans. Infectious, transmissible forms of the parasite include oocysts produced by the sexual cycle within the definitive feline host and tissue cysts that form Toxoplasma in the central nervous system and muscle during the asexual cycle within all chronically infected warm‐blooded hosts. These tissue cysts are populated with slow‐growing bradyzoites, which until recently have been thought to be dormant entities in the context of immune sufficiency. Reactivation to active growth during immune suppression is of critical clinical importance. However, little is known about tissue cysts or the bradyzoites they house, as the diversity of tissue cysts cannot be replicated in cell culture systems. This protocol for optimization of tissue cyst purification from the brains of infected mice using Percoll gradients provides an efficient means to recover in vivo–derived tissue cysts that can be applied to imaging, cell biological, biochemical, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation, Culture and Cryopreservation of Sarcocystis species
Authors: Verma S. K. , Lindsay D. S. , Grigg M. E. , Dubey J. P.
Published: May 2017

More than 200 valid Sarcocystis species have been described in the parasitological literature. The developmental life cycle in the intermediate host and definitive host has only been described for a few species. Sarcocystis parasites are common pathogens infecting a wide range of animals, including humans, and this unit reviews the methods used for isolating infective stages of the parasite from both definitive and intermediate host(s), as well as methods used to initiate cultures from sporocysts and merozoites and for cryopreservation of various Sarcocystis spp. These methods are based on published reports and our experience with Sarcocystis species in cell culture over many years. The information presented is suitable for the efficient culture of many Sarcocystis species; however, some minor modifications may be needed based on the unique developmental patterns of some species. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rhesus Macaque iPSC Generation and Maintenance
Authors: Yada Ravi Chandra , Hong So Gun , Lin Yongshun , Winkler Thomas , Dunbar Cynthia E.
Published: May 2017

The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is physiologically and phylogenetically similar to humans, and therefore represents an invaluable model for the pre‐clinical assessment of the safety and feasibility of iPSC‐derived cell therapies. The use of an excisable polycistronic lentiviral STEMCCA vector to reprogram rhesus fibroblasts or bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) into RhiPSCs is described. After reprogramming, the pluripotency transgenes can be removed by transient expression of Cre, leaving a residual genetic tag that may be useful for identification of RhiPSC‐derived tissues in vivo. Finally, the steps to maintain pluripotency during passaging of RhiPSCs, required for successful utilization of RhiPSCs, is described. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Angiogenesis within Stem Cell–Seeded Silk Scaffolds Cultured on the Chorioallantoic Membrane and Visualized by 3D Imaging
Authors: Woloszyk Anna , Mitsiadis Thimios A.
Published: May 2017

The long‐term survival and successful integration of implants for tissue replacement and regeneration highly depends upon the fast ingrowth of blood vessels from the surrounding tissues. Before selecting potential biomaterials for clinical applications, they must be thoroughly tested with proper analytical tools. This unit provides a protocol for studying the potential of cell‐seeded scaffolds to attract vessels that will form vascular networks within biomaterials. It includes seeding of stem cells into silk fibroin scaffolds, angiogenesis assay on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of fertilized chicken eggs, a procedure for perfusion with MicroFil, and finally microcomputed tomography (µCT) scanning. This technique can help screen potential biomaterial implants, thereby reducing the amount of animals needed for pre‐clinical in vivo studies. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tetracycline‐Inducible and Reversible Stable Gene Expression in Human iPSC‐Derived Neural Progenitors and in the Postnatal Mouse Brain
Authors: Akhtar Aslam Abbasi , Breunig Joshua J.
Published: May 2017

The pB‐tet‐GOI plasmid system allows for stable piggyBac transposition‐mediated integration into cells, a fluorescent nuclear reporter to identify cells that have been transfected, and robust transgene activation or suppression upon the addition of dox to the cell culture or diet of the animal. Furthermore, the addition of luciferase downstream of the target gene allows for quantitative assessment of gene activity in a non‐invasive manner. The protocols herein provide instructions for the use of this system in cell lines and in the neonatal mouse brain. Specifically, a detailed protocol is provided to illustrate: (1) cloning of the respective GOI (genetic element(s) of interest); (2) nucleofection of the plasmid system into human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived neural progenitors; (3) dox‐induced activation in vitro or in vivo; and (4) non‐invasive assessment of gene activity in vivo by bioluminescence imaging. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
What Difference Does ADR Make? Comparison of ADR and Trial Outcomes in Small Claims Court
Authors: Charkoudian Lorig , Eisenberg Deborah Thompson , Walter Jamie L.
Published: May 2017

This study compares the experience of small claims litigants who use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to those who proceed to trial without ADR. ADR had significant immediate and long‐term benefits, including improved party attitudes toward and relationship with each other, greater sense of empowerment and voice, increases in parties taking responsibility for the dispute, and increases in party satisfaction with the judiciary. Cases that settled in ADR also were less likely to return to court for an enforcement action within the next year.
A novel error correction and encryption algorithm combined fountain code and AES
Authors: Lin Wenliang , Deng Zhongliang
Published: May 2017

Satellite broadcast communications make demand on reliable and secure data transmissions. Aiming at balancing data disorder and correlation from encryption and errors correction, this paper proposes a novel error correction and encryption algorithm combined fountain code and advanced encrypt standard (FC‐AES), which constructs a 3‐layer cascade framework for cryptosystem to harmonize the coding payloads of services, products, and users. Furtherly, distributed degree would be compensated with round key, which provides with entire security controls. Information degree is designed to limit data overhead and disorder. Sparsely coding control for product degree is developed to prevent decoding error avalanche. We also provide a suitable decryption scheme for FC‐AES. The simulations show the new algorithm enhances the performance of data‐recovery failure probability by 29.56% and average error symbol rate by 13.09%.
Digital accessibility still a problem for higher education
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2017

Higher education institutions still do not meet the demand for digital accessibility, particularly through the use of web platforms and digital material, for their disabled students, according to a white paper published by 3PlayMedia. According to a 2011 report on disability from the World Health Organization, 11 percent of students in higher education suffer from a disability that impairs their access to websites and digital content. According to the white paper, “the proliferation of web multimedia has outpaced accessibility initiatives … leaving many disabled students more disadvantaged than ever before.”
Golga5 is dispensable for mouse embryonic development and postnatal survival
Authors: McGee Lynessa J. , Jiang Alex L. , Lan Yu
Published: May 2017

Golgins are a family of coiled‐coil proteins located at the cytoplasmic surface of the Golgi apparatus and have been implicated in maintaining Golgi structural integrity through acting as tethering factors for retrograde vesicle transport. Whereas knockdown of several individual golgins in cultured cells caused Golgi fragmentation and disruption of vesicle trafficking, analysis of mutant mouse models lacking individual golgins have discovered tissue‐specific developmental functions. Recently, homozygous loss of function of GOLGA2, of which previous in vitro studies suggested an essential role in maintenance of Golgi structure and in mitosis, has been associated with a neuromuscular disorder in human patients, which highlights the need for understanding the developmental roles of the golgins in vivo. We report here generation of Golga5‐deficient mice using CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing. Although knockdown studies in cultured cells have implicated Golga5 in maintenance of Golgi organization, we show that Golga5 is not required for mouse embryonic development, postnatal survival, or fertility. Moreover, whereas Golga5 is structurally closely related to Golgb1, we show that inactivation of Golga5 does not enhance the severity of developmental defects in Golgb1‐deficient mice. The Golga5‐deficient mice enable further investigation of the roles and functional specificity of golgins in development and diseases.