bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometric morphometric analysis as a proxy to evaluate age‐related change in molar shape variation of low‐crowned Notoungulata (Mammalia)
Authors: Scarano Alejo C. , Vera Bárbara
Published: October 2017

Shape and age variation in dentition of Paleogene extinct native South American ungulates (Notoungulata) has been traditionally described using qualitative and quantitative approaches, and has played a controversial role in the systematics of several groups. Such is the case of the Notopithecidae, a group of notoungulates with low‐crowned teeth, known from the middle Eocene of Patagonia (Argentina). In this group, as well as in other contemporary families, extreme morphological changes associated to increasing dental wear were originally assumed to represent taxonomic differences; thus, dozens of species were erected, clearly reflecting the difficulty of defining discrete characters. In this contribution, a total of 89 upper molars and 91 lower molars were analyzed distributed in two factors, wear and species; three species of notopithecids were considered as study case, Notopithecus adapinus, Antepithecus brachystephanus, and Transpithecus obtentus, based on the large and well‐identified sample of upper and lower molars for each species. We have coupled geometric morphometric analyses with traditional comparative methods to get a better understanding and interpretation of both the changes in tooth shape contour and the link between shape and ontogeny. In addition, we evaluate the utility of this approach to identify which changes are strictly wear‐related and also test the qualitative characteristics used for diagnosing and differentiating notopithecid species. Our study yielded consistent results when applying independent geometric morphometric analyses on complex structures such as brachydont molar teeth. The landmark data is highly congruent with alternative sources of evidence, such as morphological studies using discrete characters. In notopithecid species, wear is the main factor affecting molar shape, followed by species (in lower molars) and allometry; in addition, lower teeth morphology is more definitive in separating species than upper molars, a fact that entails a key point for systematic studies of Paleogene brachydont notoungulates.
Polyphenol oxidase fromPectobacterium atrosepticum: identification and cloning of gene and characteristics of the enzyme
Authors: Gorshkov Vladimir , Tarasova Nadezhda , Gogoleva Natalia , Osipova Elena , Petrova Olga , Kovtunov Evgeny , Gogolev Yuri
Published: October 2017

In the present study, we attempted to elucidate if the harmful phytopathogenic bacteria ofPectobacteriumgenus (P. atrosepticum) possess the enzymes for oxidation of phenolic compounds. Polyphenol oxidase (laccase) activity was revealed inP. atrosepticumcell lysates. Using bioinformatic analysis, an ORF encoding a putative copper‐containing polyphenol oxidase of 241 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 25.9 kDa was found. This protein (named Pal1) shares significant level of identity with laccases of a new type described for several bacterial species. Cloning and expression of thepal1gene and the analysis of corresponding recombinant protein confirmed that Pal1 possessed laccase activity. The recombinant Pal1 protein was characterized in terms of substrate specificity, kinetic parameters, pH and temperature optimum, sensitivity to inhibitors and metal content. Pal1 demonstrated alkali‐ and thermo‐tolerance. The kinetic parametersKmandkcatfor 2,6‐dimethoxyphenol were 0.353 ± 0.062 mM and 98.79 ± 4.9 s−1, respectively. The protein displayed high tolerance to sodium azide, sodium fluoride, NaCl, SDS and cinnamic acid. The transcript level of thepal1gene inP. atrosepticumwas shown to be induced by plant‐derived phenolic compound (ferulic acid) and copper sulfate.
Supraphysiological loading induces osteocyte‐mediated osteoclastogenesis in a novel in vitro model for bone implant loosening
Authors: Fahlgren Anna , Bratengeier Cornelia , Semeins Cornelis M. , Klein‐Nulend Jenneke , Bakker Astrid D.
Published: October 2017

We aimed to develop an in vitro model for bone implant loosening, allowing analysis of biophysical and biological parameters contributing to mechanical instability‐induced osteoclast differentiation and peri‐implant bone loss. MLO‐Y4‐osteocytes were mechanically stimulated for 1 h by fluid shear stress using regimes simulating: (i) supraphysiological loading in the peri‐prosthetic interface (2.9 ± 2.9 Pa, 1 Hz, square wave); (ii) physiologic loading in the cortical bone (0.7 ± 0.7 Pa, 5 Hz, sinusoidal wave); and (iii) stress shielding. Cellular morphological parameters, membrane‐bound RANKL expression, gene expression influencing osteoclast differentiation, nitric oxide release and caspase 3/7‐activity were determined. Either Mouse bone marrow cells were cultured on top of loaded osteocytes or osteocyte‐conditioned medium was added to bone marrow cells. Osteoclast differentiation was assessed after 6 days. We found that osteocytes subjected to supraphysiological loading showed similar morphology and caspase 3/7‐activity compared to simulated physiological loading or stress shielding. Supraphysiological stimulation of osteocytes enhanced osteoclast differentiation by 1.9‐fold compared to physiological loading when cell‐to‐cell contact was permitted. In addition, it enhanced the number of osteoclasts using conditioned medium by 1.7‐fold, membrane‐bound RANKL by 3.3‐fold, and nitric oxide production by 3.2‐fold. The stimulatory effect of supraphysiological loading on membrane‐bound RANKL and nitric oxide production was higher than that achieved by stress shielding. In conclusion, the in vitro model developed recapitulated the catabolic biological situation in the peri‐prosthetic interface during instability that is associated with osteoclast differentiation and enhanced RANKL expression. The model thus provides a platform for pre‐clinical testing of pharmacological interventions with potential to stop instability‐induced bone implant loosening. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1425–1434, 2018.
Temperature variation in the home setting: implications for continuous ambulatory infusions
Authors: Sluggett Janet K. , Sharley Nicholas A. , Reynolds Karen J. , Sluggett Andrew J.
Published: October 2017

Background

Home infusion therapy is being increasingly utilised. Little is known about variation in the temperature of the infusion solution in the home and its effect on drug stability.

Aim

To investigate temperature changes over a 24‐h period during usual daily activities and assess the effect of ice packs on infusion solution temperature during storage at 25°C or 32°C.

Method

Six healthy volunteers (without intravenous access) wore a waist pouch containing an elastomeric infuser for 24 h during autumn and recorded their daily activities. Infusion solution temperature and ambient temperature were measured every 10 min. In a separate experiment, an infuser was placed inside a waist pouch containing ice packs and ambient temperature was maintained at 25°C or 32°C for 24 h. Ice packs were replaced eight‐hourly. The procedure was repeated twice at each temperature.

Results

The mean temperature of the infusion solutions worn by volunteers ranged from 22.7°C (±3.5) to 27.9°C (±5.6), and the cumulative time exceeding 25°C ranged 6–20 h. The infusers stored in waist pouches with ice packs usually maintained a solution temperature below 20°C when stored at 25°C. Infusers stored at 32°C maintained a solution temperature greater than 20°C for up to 11 h.

Conclusion

Infusion solutions may reach temperatures above 30°C in the home which should be considered when assessing patient suitability for home therapy. There is a need to assess drug stability at high temperatures and determine if exposure to high temperatures has a negative impact on therapeutic outcomes.
Using e‐learning and lightning presentations to communicate medication‐related problems
Authors: Teoh Stephanie W. K. , Lebedevs Tamara
Published: October 2017

The aim of the project was to engage clinical staff with site‐specific, targeted education including lightning presentations, using combined information collated from clinical incidents and pharmacists' intervention data. A self‐directed learning presentation titled ‘Reflective Learning on Medication Related Problems (MRPs) at King Edward Memorial Hospital' was disseminated to all clinical staff in October 2015 by email and in‐service presentation on various wards. The presentation featured 10‐year data on pharmacist interventions at King Edward Memorial Hospital, highlighting organisational common MRPs and tips to prevent these errors. The staff members were invited to complete a satisfaction survey. A total of 82 responses were received. Staff appreciated the presentation and agreed that the site‐specific clinical incident data made them more aware of MRPs at a local level. Subsequently, the Medication Safety Review Group, Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee and the Pharmacy initiated a series of lightning presentations, highlighting one MRP in each module. They contained concise, easy to understand, practical information. They focused on: clinical incidents data followed by pharmacist intervention data, the consequence of the MRP, and practical advice to prevent the MRP in future practice. The lightning presentations have received positive staff feedback on the innovative strategy in disseminating information. The presentations have been converted to e‐learning packages on the hospital education hub. The innovative means of addressing MRPs using interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver lightning presentations was well received by the staff members and demonstrated great staff satisfaction by utilising targeted, site‐specific education.
A cationic β‐cyclodextrin as a dynamic coating for the separation of proteins in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Quirino Joselito P.
Published: October 2017

A cationic cyclodextrin was used as dynamic coating for the capillary electrophoresis of a model mixture of proteins (i.e., ubiquitin, α‐lactoglobulin, cytochrome‐c, and myoglobin) as positively charged species in a fused silica capillary. An interesting feature of the coating is that by simple adjustment of the concentration of cyclodextrin added into the background electrolyte, a neutral or positively charged surface, which was beneficial in preventing protein adsorption at the inner capillary wall surface, was obtained. This is the first demonstration of a dynamic coating that yielded a neutral surface for protein separations in capillary electrophoresis. Based on electro‐osmotic flow measurements, addition of 0.05 to 0.10 mg/mL quaternary β‐cyclodextrin in a low pH electrolyte resulted in a neutral or positive surface (undetectable to very slow anodic electro‐osmotic flow). The coating approach afforded the electrophoretic separation of the mixture of proteins at positive polarity with good repeatability and separation performance.
Rapid preparation of methyltrimethoxy‐modified magnetic mesoporous silica as an effective solid‐phase extraction adsorbent
Authors: Qin Shi‐Bin , Fan Yu‐Han , Li Xiao‐Shui , Zhang Yuan , Qi Shi‐Hua
Published: October 2017

A time‐saving method was applied to synthesize methyltrimethoxy‐modified magnetic mesoporous silica with or without p‐toluenesulfonic acid as the catalyst for magnetic solid‐phase extraction. The synthesized materials were systematically characterized. Results demonstrated that methyltrimethoxy modified magnetic mesoporous silica with p‐toluenesulfonic acid as the catalyst has a relatively smaller aperture and extreme hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 135°). To evaluate the feasibility of these prepared materials as effective adsorbents, it was combined with gas chromatography and electron capture detection to determine 26 polychlorinated biphenyls in environmental water. The result revealed that methyltrimethoxy modified magnetic mesoporous silica with p‐toluenesulfonic acid as the catalyst had the best extraction efficiency and recovery. Under the optimized extracted conditions, the proposed method showed good linearity within the concentration range of 5 to 200 ng/L with correlation coefficients of 0.9969 to 0.9999. The limits of detection and quantification based on signal‐to‐noise ratios of 3 and 10 were in the range of 0.16 to 0.91 and 0.52 to 3.0 ng/L, respectively. The polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in environmental water samples were successfully determined using the developed method. PCB008 and PCB110 were 4.05 and 8.52 ng/L in Red‐Star lake water (Hubei Province, China), respectively.
Twenty‐four Segment Transverse Ventricular Fractional Shortening: A New Technique to Evaluate Fetal Cardiac Function
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Klas Berthold , Satou Gary , Sklansky Mark
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Because of various fetal and maternal disease states, this study was conducted to evaluate the fractional shortening of 24 transverse segments distributed from the base to the apex of the ventricular chambers.

Methods

Two hundred control fetuses were examined between 20 and 40 weeks' gestation. The transverse displacement of the ventricular endocardium during the cardiac cycle was computed by using offline software. From the output of the analysis, 24 end‐diastolic and end‐systolic segments were measured from the base (segment 1) to the apex (segment 24) of the right and left ventricles, and the fractional shortening was computed: [(end‐diastolic length – end‐systolic length)/end‐diastolic length] × 100. Examples of fetal cardiovascular abnormalities were selected to demonstrate the utility of this technique.

Results

The fractional shortening for each segment was independent of gestational age and fetal biometric measurements. There was no significant difference in fractional shortening for segments 1 to 5 between the right and left ventricles. However, the fractional shortening of the left ventricle was significantly greater (P < .0001) than that of the right ventricle for segments 6 to 24, suggesting that the mid and apical segments of the left ventricle have increased displacement toward the center of the chamber compared to the right ventricle. Fetuses with various cardiac structural abnormalities had abnormal fractional shortening values.

Conclusions

The fractional shortening of 24 segments of the right and left ventricles provides a comprehensive method to examine the contractility of the ventricular chambers.
Nose blowing after endoscopic sinus surgery does not adversely affect outcomes
Authors: Ayoub Noel , Chitsuthipakorn Wirach , Nayak Jayakar V. , Patel Zara M. , Hwang Peter H.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Patients frequently are advised to abstain from nose blowing following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), despite a lack of evidence supporting this recommendation. This randomized study assessed whether nose blowing in the first postoperative week affects subjective and objective clinical outcomes.

Methods

Forty patients undergoing ESS were randomized into an interventional arm in which patients blew their nose at least twice daily for the first 7 postoperative days, or a control arm in which patients refrained from nose blowing. All patients were allowed to blow their nose after 7 days. The frequency and degree of epistaxis was documented by daily diary and visual analog scale (VAS). At 1 and 4 weeks postoperatively, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐22 (SNOT‐22) were collected, and endoscopies were recorded for blinded Lund‐Kennedy scale scoring.

Results

There were no differences between the two groups in terms of frequency and duration of bleeding events, VAS epistaxis scores, SNOT‐22 scores, and NOSE scores at every postoperative timepoint. Lund‐Kennedy scores also were similar at the 1‐week (P = 0.0762) and 4‐week (P = 0.2340) postoperative visits, but the nose‐blowing group had improved nasal discharge subscores at the first (P = 0.0075) and second (P = 0.0298) postoperative visits.

Conclusion

Nose blowing after ESS does not appear to measurably improve symptoms of nasal congestion or general sinonasal quality of life, nor does it seem to adversely affect the frequency or severity of postoperative epistaxis during the first postoperative week. Judicious nose blowing may be permissible immediately after uncomplicated ESS.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 128:1268–1273, 2018
Inferring scale‐dependent processes influencing stream water biogeochemistry from headwater to sea
Authors: Tiwari Tejshree , Buffam Ishi , Sponseller Ryan A. , Laudon Hjalmar
Published: October 2017

Understanding how scale‐dependent processes regulate patterns of water chemistry remains a challenge in aquatic biogeochemistry. This study evaluated how chemical properties of streams and rivers vary with drainage size and explored mechanisms that may underlie nonlinear changes with increasing scale. To do this, we contrasted concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC) with pH and cations (Ca and Mg) from 69 catchments in northern Sweden, spanning a size gradient from headwaters (< 0.01 km2) to major rivers and estuaries (> 100,000 km2). Across this gradient, we evaluated (1) changes in average concentrations and temporal variation, (2) scale breaks in catchment area‐concentration relationships, and (3) the potential importance of groundwater inputs and instream processes as drivers of change. Results indicated that spatial and temporal signals converge at ∼2–10 km2 as streams draining distinct headwater catchments coalesce and mix. Beyond 10 km2, streams tended to lose headwater signatures, reflecting a transition from shallow to deep groundwater influence. This was accompanied by a second break at ∼70–500 km2 corresponding to reduced spatial variability and a convergence of the response to snowmelt, as the dominance of deep groundwater influence increased with catchment scale. Larger catchments showed greater effect of instream processing on TOC, as concentrations predicted from the conservative mixing of upstream signals and dilution with deep groundwater were lower than measured. This study improves the understanding of scaling biogeochemical patterns and processes in stream networks, highlighting thresholds that imply shifts in the factors that shape variation in chemistry from headwaters to the sea.
Tailored Modification of Thioacrylates in a Versatile, Sequence‐Defined Procedure
Authors: Holloway Joshua O. , Aksakal Suzan , Du Prez Filip E. , Becer C. Remzi
Published: October 2017

A strategy for the synthesis of sequence‐defined oligomers using a selective side‐group insertion approach making use of thiophenol‐catalyzed amidation reactions is herein reported. In this context, a new thiolactone‐based, multistep, iterative protocol is designed, utilizing thioacrylates in combination with solid‐phase synthesis for step‐by‐step growth, resulting in sequence‐defined oligomers. Sequence definition and structure variation are introduced by substituting the thioacrylate side groups with a wide variety of amines. The step‐by‐step growth of the oligomers is followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and high‐resolution mass spectroscopy to determine both conversion and purity.
Benzothiadiazole Versus Thiophene: Influence of the Auxiliary Acceptor on the Photovoltaic Properties of Donor–Acceptor‐Based Copolymers
Authors: Li Zongbo , Weng Kangkang , Chen Aihua , Sun Xiaobo , Wei Donghui , Yu Mingming , Huo Lijun , Sun Yanming
Published: October 2017

Two donor–acceptor (D–A) type conjugated copolymers, P1 and P2, are designed and synthesized. A classical benzothiadiazole acceptor is used to replace a thiophene unit in the polymer chain of P1 to obtain P2 terpolymer. Compared with P1, P2 exhibits broader absorption spectra, higher absorption coefficient, deeper lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level, and a relatively lower band gap. As a result, the P2‐based solar cell exhibits a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.60%, with a short‐circuit current (J
sc) of 12.43 mA cm−2, and a fill factor (FF) of 73.1%, which are higher than those of the P1‐based device with a PCE of 4.70%, a J
sc of 9.43 mA cm−2, and an FF of 61.6%.
Long non‐coding RNA AGER‐1 functionally upregulates the innate immunity gene AGER and approximates its anti‐tumor effect in lung cancer
Authors: Pan Zihua , Liu Li , Nie Wenjing , Miggin Sinead , Qiu Fuman , Cao Yi , chen Jinbin , Yang Binyao , Zhou Yifeng , Lu Jiachun , Yang Lei
Published: October 2017

Little is known about long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) related to innate immunity in lung cancer. The advanced glycosylation end‐product specific receptor (AGER) belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily, and currently, is the only innate immune pattern‐recognition receptor whose abnormal expression has been detected in lung cancer. We aimed to explore the lncRNA that is related to AGER and test its effect on lung carcinogenesis. We selected one lncRNA whose chromosome location is in close proximity to AGER namely lnc‐AGER‐1 (defined as lncAGER). The expression of lncAGER was tested in 276 pairs of lung cancer tissues and adjacent lung normal tissues, and its correlation with lung cancer clinical progress was analyzed. A series of assays were further used to assess the biological function of lncAGER on lung cancer development, tumor immunity and autophagy. LncAGER expression was moderately correlated with AGER expression (r = 0.360, P = 2.15 × 10−18) underlying a mechanism that lncAGER upregulates AGER by competitively binding to miRNA‐185. LncAGER was significantly down‐regulated in 76.4% of lung cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues due to promoter hypermethylation. Over‐expression of the lncRNA resulted in significant decreases in proliferation rate, migration ability, colony formation efficiency of lung cancer cells and tumor growth in nude mice. Notably, lncAGER possibly conduced to enhancement of cytotoxic effect of THP1. Additionally, the lncRNA also promoted cell apoptosis by strengthening autophagy. Taken together, these observations suggest that lncAGER has an inhibitory effect on lung cancer development via AGER, which may serve as a target for lung cancer treatment.
Improvement of life quality measured by Lansky Score after enzymatic replacement therapy in children with Gaucher disease type 1
Authors: Cerón‐Rodríguez Magdalena , Barajas‐Colón Edgar , Ramírez‐Devars Lyuva , Gutiérrez‐Camacho Claudia , Salgado‐Loza Juan L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1, OMIM# 230800), is a condition with high impact in patient's quality of life (QoL). We report the improvement in QoL of children with GD1 measured by Lansky play‐performance scale (LS) after enzymatic replacement therapy (ERT) and to describe our experience in the treatment of children with GD1.

Methods

Five children with diagnosis of GD1 received imiglucerase 60 mg/kg every two weeks. LS, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, hemoglobin, platelets, and growth rate were measured every 6 months after beginning ERT for 30 months.

Results

After ERT, LS increased significantly from 28 ± 16.48 points before ERT to 70 ± 10 (P = 0.0046) and 95 ± 10 (P = 0.0022) points after 6 and 30 months of ERT, respectively; hemoglobin and platelets changed significantly from 9.28 ± 0.61 to 12.40 ± 0.85 (P = 0.0198) and from 71.50 ± 14.89 to 205.00 ± 65.34 (P = 0.0428) after 30 months of ERT, respectively. All patients demonstrated decreased hepatic and splenic size with mean reductions of 66% and 80% at 30 months of treatment and the USG longitudinal axis was reduced in both liver and spleen after ERT.

Conclusion

The use of ERT with imiglucerase 60 mg/kg every two weeks has substantial benefits and significantly improves QoL, assessed with Lansky Score, of the five children with GD1 studied.
The maternal‐zygotic transition and zygotic activation of the Mnemiopsis leidyi genome occurs within the first three cleavage cycles
Authors: Davidson Phillip L. , Koch Bernard J. , Schnitzler Christine E. , Henry Jonathan Q. , Martindale Mark Q. , Baxevanis Andreas D. , Browne William E.
Published: October 2017

The maternal‐zygotic transition (MZT) describes the developmental reprogramming of gene expression marked by the degradation of maternally supplied gene products and activation of the zygotic genome. While the timing and duration of the MZT vary among taxa, little is known about early‐stage transcriptional dynamics in the non‐bilaterian phylum Ctenophora. We sought to better understand the extent of maternal mRNA loading and subsequent differential transcript abundance during the earliest stages of development by performing comprehensive RNA‐sequencing‐based analyses of mRNA abundance in single‐ and eight‐cell stage embryos in the lobate ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi. We found 1,908 contigs with significant differential abundance between single‐ and eight‐cell stages, of which 1,208 contigs were more abundant at the single‐cell stage and 700 contigs were more abundant at the eight‐cell stage. Of the differentially abundant contigs, 267 were exclusively present in the eight‐cell samples, providing strong evidence that both the MZT and zygotic genome activation (ZGA) have commenced by the eight‐cell stage. Many highly abundant transcripts encode genes involved in molecular mechanisms critical to the MZT, such as maternal transcript degradation, serine/threonine kinase activity, and chromatin remodeling. Our results suggest that chromosomal restructuring, which is critical to ZGA and the initiation of transcriptional regulation necessary for normal development, begins by the third cleavage within 1.5 hr post‐fertilization in M. leidyi.
Human umbilical cord blood relaxation times and susceptibility at 3 T
Authors: Portnoy Sharon , Milligan Natasha , Seed Mike , Sled John G. , Macgowan Christopher K.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To characterize the magnetic susceptibility and relaxation times (T1 and T2) of fetal blood at 3 T as a function of the hematocrit (Hct) and oxygen saturation (sO2).

Methods

Susceptibility and relaxometry measurements were performed on cord blood specimens (N = 90, derived from six caesarean deliveries) with a range of hematocrits and oxygen saturations (0.09 < Hct < 0.82, 7 < sO2 < 100%). To obtain simple, analytic relationships between MRI properties and blood properties, data were fit to established two‐compartment (plasma and erythrocytes) models.

Results

Two‐compartment models effectively described the cord blood data. The root‐mean‐squared deviation between the model and the data was 6.3, 10.3, and 1.3% for fits to T1, T2, and susceptibility measurements. Relaxometry data and estimated T1 and T2 model parameters were generally consistent with those reported in cord blood at 1.5 T and comparable to published values for adult blood. Notably, the measured value of Δχdeo, the susceptibility difference between fully oxygenated (sO2 = 100%) and deoxygenated (sO2 = 0) cord blood was approximately 20% lower than the established adult blood value (Δχdeo,cord = 2.64 ppm, Δχdeo,adult = 3.4 ppm).

Conclusions

The described models and associated parameter values can be used to inform acquisition parameters, and interpret fetal/neonatal blood susceptibility measurements and relaxometry data acquired at 3 T with respect to hematocrit and sO2. Magn Reson Med 79:3194–3206, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Integer programming models for detecting graph bipartitions with structural requirements
Authors: Vogiatzis Chrysafis , Walteros Jose L.
Published: October 2017

The graph bipartitioning problem consists of dividing a graph into two disjoint subgraphs, such that each node is highly similar to others in the same subgraph, but also different from members of the other subgraph, according to some homogeneity criterion. This problem has received significant attention over the last few years because of its applicability in areas as diverse as data classification, image segmentation, and social network analysis. In this article we study a variation of the graph bipartitioning problem in which, in addition to considering homogeneity criteria for generating the partition, we also ensure that one of the subgraphs satisfies a set of predefined structural properties—that is, such a subgraph is required to induce a given motif. We focus our attention on imposing structural constraints that force one of the subgraphs to induce stars, cliques, and clique relaxations (quasi‐cliques) and discuss some specific applications for such particular cases. We tackle this problem by modeling it as a general fractional programming optimization problem and study several solution approaches. Moreover, we discuss additional algorithmic enhancements to tackle some of the aforementioned cases, and provide two greedy algorithms for the specific cases of induced cliques and stars, showing the approximation ratio for induced stars. Finally, we test the quality of our approach by solving a collection of several real‐life and randomly generated instances with various configurations, analyzing the benefits of the proposed models, as well as possible further extensions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 71(4), 432–450 2018
Application of finite difference method of lines on the heat equation
Authors: Kazem Saeed , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: October 2017

In this article, we apply the method of lines (MOL) for solving the heat equation. The use of MOL yields a system of first–order differential equations with initial value. The solution of this system could be obtained in the form of exponential matrix function. Two approaches could be applied on this problem. The first approach is approximation of the exponential matrix by Taylor expansion, Padé and limit approximations. Using this approach leads to create various explicit and implicit finite difference methods with different stability region and order of accuracy up to six for space and superlinear convergence for time variables. Also, the second approach is a direct method which computes the exponential matrix by applying its eigenvalues and eigenvectors analytically. The direct approach has been applied on one, two and three‐dimensional heat equations with Dirichlet, Neumann, Robin and periodic boundary conditions.
The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology workforce assessment: Part 2—Implications for fellowship training
Authors: Leavey P. J. , Hilden J. M. , Matthews D. , Dandoy C. , Badawy S. M. , Shah M. , Wayne A. S. , Hord J. ,   on behalf of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Workforce Advisory Taskforce
Published: October 2017

The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) solicited information from division directors and fellowship training program directors to capture pediatric hematology/oncology (PHO) specific workforce data of 6 years (2010–2015), in response to an increase in graduating fellows during that time. Observations included a stable number of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) in clinical PHO, an increased proportion of APPs hired compared to physicians, and an increase in training‐level first career positions. Rapid changes in the models of PHO care have significant implications to current and future trainees and require continued analysis to understand the evolving discipline of PHO.
Alteration of Liver Peroxisomal and Mitochondrial Functionality in the NZO Mouse Model of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Knebel Birgit , Göddeke Simon , Hartwig Sonja , Hörbelt Tina , Fahlbusch Pia , Al‐Hasani Hadi , Jacob Sylvia , Koellmer Cornelia , Nitzgen Ulrike , Schiller Martina , Lehr Stefan , Kotzka Jorg
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) consists of five risk factors: elevated blood pressure and fasting glucose, visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypercholesterinemia. The physiological impact of lipid metabolism indicated as visceral obesity and hepatic lipid accumulation on MetS is still under debate. One major cause of disturbed lipid metabolism might be dysfunction of cellular organelles controlling energy homeostasis, i.e., mitochondria and peroxisomes.

Experimental design

The New Zealand Obese (NZO) mouse model exhibits a polygenic syndrome of obesity, insulin resistance, triglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia that resembles human metabolic syndrome. We applied a multi‐omics approach combining lipidomics with liver transcriptomics and top‐down MS based organelle proteomics (2D‐DIGE) of highly enriched mitochondria and peroxisomes in male mice, to investigate molecular mechanisms related to the impact of lipid metabolism in the pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Proteome analyses of liver organelles indicate differences in fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism, mainly influenced by PG‐C1α/PPARα and other nuclear receptor mediated pathways. These results are in accordance with altered serum lipid profiles and elevated organelle functionality. These data emphasize that metabolic syndrome is accompanied with increased mitochondria and peroxisomal activity to cope with dyslipidemia and hypercholesterinemia driven hepatic lipid overflow in developing a fatty liver.
Tuning Resistive, Capacitive, and Synaptic Properties of Forming Free TiO2‐x‐Based RRAM Devices by Embedded Pt and Ta Nanocrystals
Authors: Bousoulas Panagiotis , Karageorgiou Ismini , Aslanidis Vaggelis , Giannakopoulos Kostas , Tsoukalas Dimitris
Published: October 2017

The incorporation of metal nanocrystals (NCs) within TiO2‐x thin films offers great advantages for adjusting a wide range of non‐volatile memory properties, ranging from resistive and capacitive switching to synaptic capabilities. In this study, it is demonstrated that by inserting very small NCs (≈3 nm diameter) of either Pt or Ta, resistance changes over six orders of magnitude and capacitance changes over two orders of magnitude can be induced, with promising variability due to the local enhancement of the electric field effect, while these effects are attributed to the energy band diagram configuration induced by the presence of NCs. The gradual switching pattern observed exhibits also attractive synaptic properties, offering higher design flexibility for neuromorphic applications.
Performance Comparisons of Light‐Emitting Thyristors with and without Indium Tin Oxide Transparent Conductive Layers
Authors: Chen Ching‐Ho , Tseng Ming‐Chun , Chen Yu‐Jie , Wuu Dong‐Sing , Horng Ray‐Hua
Published: October 2017

Indium tin oxide (ITO) deposited on different contact layers are studied to be used as transparent electrodes on light‐emitting thyristors (LETs). The performance of LETs with either ITO or a metal electrode is compared. It is found that the ITO could be used as an ohmic contact layer, because the ITO layer was deposited on the contact layer with heavy dopant concentration. Moreover, the thermal annealing at 400 °C is necessary. The S‐shaped current–voltage characteristic of LETs with either metal or ITO electrodes is compared. The LETs with an ITO thin film exhibit excellent performance. The light output power and thermal stability of the LETs with the ITO layer are higher than those of the LETs with the metal electrode. The light‐extraction efficiency of the ITO‐LET is 24% higher than that of the metal‐LET. The surface temperature of the ITO‐LET is 9.57 °C lower than that of the metal‐LET. The ITO electrode on the LET chip significantly improved the light intensity distribution properties as compared with the metal electrode on the LET chip. The above results are promising for the development of ITO thin films to enhance the performance of LET applications.
Sub‐THz Response of Strained‐Silicon MODFETs
Authors: Delgado‐Notario Juan A. , Javadi Elham , Calvo‐Gallego Jaime , Diez Enrique , Meziani Yahya M. , Velázquez‐Pérez Jesús E. , Fobelets Kristel
Published: October 2017

Plasma waves in gated 2‐D systems can be used to detect THz electromagnetic radiation. This work reports on a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic‐model (HDM) applied to investigate the sub‐THz photovoltaic response of Schottky‐gated strained‐Si MODFETs. TCAD simulation results are validated through comparison with measurements on the transistors. Simulation and experimental results show an excellent agreement in terms of the efficiency of the transconductance. The measurement of the photovoltaic response of s‐Si MOSFETs with 100‐nm gate length is carried out at two sub‐THz frequencies: 0.15 and 0.3 THz. The THz photovoltaic response of the transistor is implemented in TCAD, as in measurements, grounding the source, biasing the gate, and floating the drain contact while a sub‐THz sinusoidal signal is superimposed to the bias gate voltage. In agreement with measurements, a non‐resonant sub‐THz photovoltaic response is found for the simulated devices. As THz detection by any plasma wave FET depends on many parameters (device dimensions, material system, the excitation frequency, etc.), its optimization is a complex problem that needs to be addressed using physics‐based tools, like the HDM. Since the HDM is able to describe in detail the photovoltaic response, its use may be generalized to design plasma wave s‐Si MODFET detectors.
Scopoletin‐standardized Morinda elliptica leaf extract suppressed inflammation and cartilage degradation to alleviate osteoarthritis: A preclinical study
Authors: Wan Osman Wan Nurfarahin , Lau Seng Fong , Mohamed Suhaila
Published: October 2017

The effect of scopoletin‐standardized Morinda elliptica leaf extract against osteoarthritis was investigated in ex vivo explant culture and preclinical rodent model. Thirty male rats were grouped (n = 6) into untreated osteoarthritis (OA), OA + Diclofenac (5 mg/kg), and OA + extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) and compared with healthy control. Monosodium iodoacetate were injected into the right intra‐articular knee joints to induce OA. The rats were evaluated for OA severity via physical (micro‐CT and histological observations), biochemical, ELISA, and mRNA expression analysis (for inflammation and cartilage degradation biomarkers), after 28 days of treatment. The extract suppressed glycosaminoglycan release from the cartilage explant in the presence of Interleukin‐1β. The 200 mg/kg dose appeared better than 400 mg/kg dose, at reducing cartilage and subchondral bone erosions in OA‐induced rats, by significantly down‐regulating the collagenases and aggrecanase. The extract dose‐dependently reduced serum inflammation biomarkers and increased bone formation biomarkers to near normal levels in the OA‐induced rats. M. elliptica leaf scopoletin‐standardised extract alleviated OA progression and articular cartilage structure, by ameliorating cartilage degradation, nitric oxide levels, inflammation, bone /cartilage homeostasis, collagenase/aggrecanase activities, chondrocytes survival, subchondral bone structure and integrity.
Development and evaluation of an integral sliding mode fault‐tolerant control scheme on the RECONFIGURE benchmark
Authors: Chen L. , Alwi H. , Edwards C.
Published: October 2017

This paper describes the development, application, and evaluation of a linear parameter‐varying integral sliding mode control allocation scheme to the Reconfiguration of Control in Flight for Integral Global Upset Recovery benchmark model to deal with an actuator failure/fault scenario. The proposed scheme has the capability to maintain close to nominal (fault free) load factor control performance in the face of elevator failures/faults by including a retrofitted integral sliding mode term and then rerouting (via control allocation) the augmented control signal to healthy elevators without reconfiguring the baseline controller. In order to mitigate any chattering appearing in the elevator demands, the retrofitted signal is based on a super‐twisting sliding mode structure. This produces a control signal that is continuous and does not have the discontinuous switching nature of traditional sliding mode schemes. The scheme is evaluated using an industrial Functional Engineering Simulator developed as part of the Reconfiguration of Control in Flight for Integral Global Upset Recovery project. Monte Carlo campaign results are shown to demonstrate the performance of the proposed scheme.
Three‐Dimensional Imaging of High Performance Liquid Chromatography Processes Using a Mini Positron Emission Tomograph
Authors: Sarkadi‐Priboczki Eva , Valastyan Ivan , Brezovcsik Karoly , Nagy David , Opposits Gabor , Lajtos Imre , Emri Miklos , Balkay Laszlo , Molnar Jozsef
Published: October 2017

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a widely used technique for following radiotracer distribution, molecule specific binding or biochemical processes in living animals or in human body. Small animal PET cameras with high spatial resolution and high sensitivity are also useful, beyond their original pre‐clinical application, in the following of surface chemical and the physicochemical processes.

The purpose of this study was the introduction of the three‐dimensional real‐time PET based visualization method in separation processes. The separated tracer compounds can be followed and displayed in three dimension along chromatography column using the PET technique. We studied the separation of 11C‐labeled methanol and 11C‐labeled methyl iodide using reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on semi‐preparative and analytical columns in order to determine the detection limits of our PET camera (MiniPET). The PET imaging is suitable for analyzing the column efficiency and the underlying processes in the liquid chromatography.

Synthesis, separation and quality control of PET radiopharmaceuticals are performed in radiochemistry labs (in PET Centers) with the help of the liquid chromatography, therefore equipment, infrastructure and other lab conditions are usually available for researchers and for private companies to study chromatographic separation processes and to develop columns.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity from Mixture‐Fuel Cells by ZnO Template‐Assisted Pd‐Pt Hollow Nanorods
Authors: Yang Hao , He Lan‐Qi , Wang Zi‐Han , Lu Xihong , Li Gao‐Ren , Fang Ping‐Ping , Tong Yexiang
Published: October 2017

We designed a ZnO template‐assisted Pd−Pt hollow nanorods electrocatalyst for photoelectrooxidation of methanol‐ethanol mixed‐fuel cells. The ZnO template‐assisted Pd−Pt hollow nanorods can be prepared by simple three steps electrodeposition method. The hollow nanorods were achieved simultaneously with the deposition of Pt. The electrodeposition of Pt is controllable and time dependent, which in turn created a hollow cavity along with ZnO residual. Owing to the open hollow structure, enhanced electrocatalytic and photocatalytic performance from the ZnO and the Pd−Pt hollow nanorods were obtained for the methanol‐ethanol mixture fuel cells. Such ZnO metal semiconductor nanostructure can improve the separation efficiency of the holes and electrons and greatly enhance the photocatalytic activity for the electro‐oxidation of the methanol and ethanol mixture.
Effective Catalytic Reduction of Methyl Orange Catalyzed by the Encapsulated Random Alloy Palladium‐Gold Nanoparticles Dendrimer.
Authors: Ilunga Ali K. , Khoza Thembisile , Tjabadi Evah , Meijboom Reinout
Published: October 2017

A series of stable and well‐dispersed random alloy nanoparticles of palladium and gold was synthesized by a template method using dendrimers. The synthesized nanoparticles were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized by UV‐Vis spectrophotometry (UV‐Vis), High‐resolution transmission electron spectroscopy (HR‐TEM), energy dispersed X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). Metal nanoparticles size (Pd55Au55/Dens‐OH ((2.21 ± 0.41) nm)) were significantly close to the calculated nanoparticles size (Pd55Au55/Dens‐OH (2.59 nm)). Catalytic reduction of methyl orange was performed as a model reaction in the presence of sodium borohydride. The kinetic investigation was monitored through a microplate reader. The obtained data were kinetically interpreted according to the

Langmuir‐Hinshelwood approach. The catalytic process described an exothermic process, where the model compound physicochemical adsorption on the nanoparticles active surface site was found to be a non‐spontaneous process.
Push‐Pull N‐Annulated Perylene‐Based Sensitizers for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Theoretical Property Tuning by DFT/TDDFT
Authors: Hadsadee Sarinya , Rattanawan Rattanawalee , Tarsang Ruangchai , Kungwan Nawee , Jungsuttiwong Siriporn
Published: October 2017

We evaluate the effects of donor and π‐linker moieties on power‐conversion efficiency for a series of push‐pull type, N‐annulated perylene dyes for dye‐sensitized solar cells. Triphenylamine and diphenylamine are used as electron donors. We investigate the structural, optical, and electronic properties of dyes by performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP level, using the 6‐311G(d,p) basis set. Electronic absorption wavelengths were investigated using time dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations on M062x/6‐311G(d,p) in THF. Our calculated results reveal that the diphenylamine (DPA) donor provides a small dihedral angle between diphenylamine and the perylene core, resulting in a red‐shifted absorption spectrum. Introduction of an O‐methoxy substituent into diphenylamine improves its donor properties, red‐shifts the absorption wavelength, and increases the dipole moment, indicating increased intramolecular charge transfer in the O‐methoxy substituted dye. Incorporation of a C‐C triple bond in linker extends the π‐conjugation system and decreases the dihedral angle between N‐annulated perylene and cyanoacrylic acid; the dye adopts a planar structure, causing a red‐shift in the absorption spectrum. Our results demonstrate that use of computational design can to help the experimentalist for out looking future developments to identify push‐pull perylene sensitizers for highly efficient solar cells.
Copper(II) Complexes with Tridentate Bis(pyrazolylmethyl)pyridine Ligands: Synthesis, X‐ray Crystal Structures and ϵ‐Caprolactone Polymerization
Authors: Rueda‐Espinosa Juan , Torres Juan F. , Gauthier Carmen Valdez , Wojtas Lukasz , Verma Gaurav , Macías Mario A. , Hurtado John
Published: October 2017

Reactions of Cu(ClO4)2⋅6H2O with 2,6‐bis(3,5‐dimethylpirazol‐1‐ylmethyl)pyridine (dmpz‐py) (1), 2,6‐bis(4‐iodo‐3,5‐dimethylpirazol‐1‐ylmethyl)pyridine (I‐dmpz‐py) (2) and 2,6‐bis(4‐nitro‐3,5‐dimethylpirazol‐1‐ylmethyl)pyridine (NO2‐dmpz‐py) (3) yield the corresponding metal complexes: [Cu(dmpz‐py)(H2O)(ClO4)]ClO4 (4), [Cu(I‐dmpz‐py)(H2O)](ClO4)2 (5) and [Cu(NO2‐dmpz‐py)(H2O)(ClO4)2] (6). The complexes were isolated in high yields as stable solids at room temperature and characterized by melting point, electrical conductivity, and infrared and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. In addition, the crystal structures of the new complexes were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and showed square‐base pyramidal (4), distorted square‐planar (5) and octahedral (6) geometries. All three complexes were active in the ring opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone under solvent‐free conditions, producing polycaprolactones of narrow polydispersity and high crystallinity. The results obtained show an important increase in polymerization speed compared with analogous azole‐derived copper (II) complexes.
Generation and Trapping of Terminal Phosphinidene Complex [CF3P‐W(CO)5]
Authors: Wong Jonathan , Zhou Melody , Ganguly Rakesh , Mathey François
Published: October 2017

The LUMO of [CF3P−W(CO)5] is lower in energy than the LUMO of [ClP−W(CO)5] by 0.30 eV and [CF3P−W(CO)5] is the most electrophilic phosphinidene tungstenpentacarbonyl complex described so far. It is generated by reaction of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate with the appropriate 1‐trifluoromethylphosphole complex at 80 oC in toluene. It reacts normally with alkynes to give 1‐trifluoromethylphosphirene complexes. The reaction with alkenes works only with electron‐rich species. The phosphirane complexes appear to be unstable when electron‐poor C=C double bonds are used such as with trans‐stilbene. This highlights the importance of the P to C=C backbonding in the stability of the phosphirane adducts.