bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conducting Polymers Crosslinked with Sulfur as Cathode Materials for High‐Rate, Ultralong‐Life Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zeng Shuaibo , Li Ligui , Xie Lihong , Zhao Dengke , Wang Nan , Chen Shaowei
Published: July 2017

Low electrical conductivity and a lack of chemical confinement are two major factors that limit the rate performances and cycling stabilities of cathode materials in lithium–sulfur (Li−S) batteries. Herein, sulfur is copolymerized with poly(m‐aminothiophenol) (PMAT) nanoplates through inverse vulcanization to form the highly crosslinked copolymer cp(S‐PMAT) in which approximately 80 wt % of the feed sulfur is bonded chemically to the thiol groups of PMAT. A cp(S‐PMAT)/C‐based cathode exhibits a high discharge capacity of 1240 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and remarkable rate capacities of 880 mAh g−1 at 1 C and 600 mAh g−1 at 5 C. Moreover, it can retain a capacity of 495 mAh g−1 after 1000 deep discharge–charge cycles at 2 C; this corresponds to a retention of 66.9 % and a decay rate of only 0.040 % per cycle. Such a remarkable rate performance is attributed to the highly conductive pathways of PMAT nanoplates, and the excellent cycling stability is ascribed mainly to the chemical confinement of sulfur through a large number of stable covalent bonds between sulfur and the thiol groups of PMAT. The results suggest that this strategy is a viable paradigm for the design and engineering of conducting polymers with reactive functional groups as effective electrode materials for high‐performance Li−S batteries.
Nanofiltration‐Enabled In Situ Solvent and Reagent Recycle for Sustainable Continuous‐Flow Synthesis
Authors: Fodi Tamas , Didaskalou Christos , Kupai Jozsef , Balogh Gyorgy T. , Huszthy Peter , Szekely Gyorgy
Published: July 2017

Solvent usage in the pharmaceutical sector accounts for as much as 90 % of the overall mass during manufacturing processes. Consequently, solvent consumption poses significant costs and environmental burdens. Continuous processing, in particular continuous‐flow reactors, have great potential for the sustainable production of pharmaceuticals but subsequent downstream processing remains challenging. Separation processes for concentrating and purifying chemicals can account for as much as 80 % of the total manufacturing costs. In this work, a nanofiltration unit was coupled to a continuous‐flow rector for in situ solvent and reagent recycling. The nanofiltration unit is straightforward to implement and simple to control during continuous operation. The hybrid process operated continuously over six weeks, recycling about 90 % of the solvent and reagent. Consequently, the E‐factor and the carbon footprint were reduced by 91 % and 19 %, respectively. Moreover, the nanofiltration unit led to a solution of the product eleven times more concentrated than the reaction mixture and increased the purity from 52.4 % to 91.5 %. The boundaries for process conditions were investigated to facilitate implementation of the methodology by the pharmaceutical sector.
The Neurotensin NTS1 Receptor Agonist PD149163 Produces Antidepressant‐Like Effects in the Forced Swim Test: Further Support for Neurotensin as a Novel Pharmacologic Strategy for Antidepressant Drugs
Authors: Carey Lawrence M. , Rice Remington J. , Prus Adam J.
Published: July 2017

Preclinical Research

Neurotensin is a nonbrain penetrant neuropeptide neurotransmitter that alters dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. Previous animal behavioral studies have demonstrated that intra‐ventral tegmental administration of neurotensin and system administration of the selective neurotensin NTS1 receptor agonist, PD149163 produce antidepressant‐like effects in a forced swim test and a differential reinforcement of low rate task, respectively. The present study sought to expand upon these past findings by assessing systemic administration of PD149163 in a forced swim test, a primary antidepressant preclinical screening model, in mice. The tricyclic antidepressant drug imipramine was tested for comparison, and both compounds were also assessed in an open field test. Both PD149163 and imipramine reduced time spent immobile, an antidepressant‐like effect, in the forced swim test. The highest dose of each compound significantly reduced locomotor activity. These findings provide further evidence for the putative antidepressant effects for PD149163 and suggest that NTS1 receptor activation may be a novel pharmacologic strategy for antidepressant drug development. Drug Dev Res 78 : 196–202, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antinociceptive Activity of Ent‐Dihydrotucumanoic Acid Isolated from Gymnosperma glutinosum Spreng Less
Authors: Alonso‐Castro Angel Josabad , González‐Chávez Marco Martin , Zapata‐Morales Juan Ramón , Verdinez‐Portales Alexia Karina , Sánchez‐Recillas Amanda , Ortiz‐Andrade Rolffy , Isiordia‐Espinoza Mario , Martínez‐Gutiérrez Fidel , Ramírez‐Morales Marco Antonio , Domínguez Fabiola , Juache‐Flores María Elizabeth , Martínez Roberto
Published: July 2017

Preclinical Research

The diterpene ent‐dihydrotumanoic acid (DTA) was among the compounds isolated from Gymnosperma glutinosum (Spreng) Less (Asteraceae). There are no reports regarding the pharmacological effects of DTA. Cytotoxicity against cancer cells (1–250 µM), and the antibacterial (50–1400 µM) activity of DTA were evaluated using the MTT assay, and the minimum inhibitory concentration test, respectively. The antidiarrheal (1–100 mg/kg p.o.) and anti‐inflammatory (2 mg/ear) effects of DTA were evaluated using castor oil and 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate, respectively. The antinociceptive and sedative effects of DTA (1–100 mg/kg p.o.) were evaluated using two models of chemically‐induced nociception, and the pentobarbital‐induced sleeping time test, respectively. The antinociceptive mechanism of DTA was evaluated using the acetic acid writhing test with inhibitors related to pain processing pathways. The effects of DTA (10–100 mg/kg p.o.) on locomotor activity were evaluated using the rotarod test. DTA lacked cytotoxic activity (IC50 > 100 µM) on cancer cells, possessed moderate antibacterial effects against B. subtillis (MIC= 175 µM), moderate antidiarrheal and anti‐inflammatory effects, and minimal vasorelaxant effects. In the formalin test, DTA showed antinociceptive effects in both phases. In the acetic acid test, DTA showed antinociceptive activity (ED50= 50.2 ± 5.6 mg/kg) with potency similar to that of naproxen (NPX; ED50=33.7 ± 4.5 mg/kg) an effect blocked by naloxone implicating an opioid mechanism. DTA also exerted antidiarrheal activity and showed no sedative effects or changes in locomotor activity in mice. Drug Dev Res 78 : 340‐348, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diverse roles for glycosaminoglycans in neural patterning
Authors: Saied‐Santiago Kristian , Bülow Hannes E.
Published: July 2017

The nervous system coordinates the functions of most multicellular organisms and their response to the surrounding environment. Its development involves concerted cellular interactions, including migration, axon guidance, and synapse formation. These processes depend on the molecular constituents and structure of the extracellular matrices (ECM). An essential component of ECMs are proteoglycans, i.e., proteins containing unbranched glycan chains known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). A defining characteristic of GAGs is their enormous molecular diversity, created by extensive modifications of the glycans during their biosynthesis. GAGs are widely expressed, and their loss can lead to catastrophic neuronal defects. Despite their importance, we are just beginning to understand the function and mechanisms of GAGs in neuronal development. In this review, we discuss recent evidence suggesting GAGs have specific roles in neuronal patterning and synaptogenesis. We examine the function played by the complex modifications present on GAG glycans and their roles in regulating different aspects of neuronal patterning. Moreover, the review considers the function of proteoglycan core proteins in these processes, stressing their likely role as co‐receptors of different signaling pathways in a redundant and context‐dependent manner. We conclude by discussing challenges and future directions toward a better understanding of these fascinating molecules during neuronal development. Developmental Dynamics 247:54–74, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suitability of Laurentian Great Lakes for invasive species based on global species distribution models and local habitat
Authors: Kramer Andrew M. , Annis Gust , Wittmann Marion E. , Chadderton William L. , Rutherford Edward S. , Lodge David M. , Mason Lacey , Beletsky Dmitry , Riseng Catherine , Drake John M.
Published: July 2017

Efficient management and prevention of species invasions requires accurate prediction of where species of concern can arrive and persist. Species distribution models provide one way to identify potentially suitable habitat by developing the relationship between climate variables and species occurrence data. However, these models when applied to freshwater invasions are complicated by two factors. The first is that the range expansions that typically occur as part of the invasion process violate standard species distribution model assumptions of data stationarity. Second, predicting potential range of freshwater aquatic species is complicated by the reliance on terrestrial climate measurements to develop occurrence relationships for species that occur in aquatic environments. To overcome these obstacles, we combined a recently developed algorithm for species distribution modeling—range bagging—with newly available aquatic habitat‐specific information from the North American Great Lakes region to predict suitable habitat for three potential invasive species: golden mussel, killer shrimp, and northern snakehead. Range bagging may more accurately predict relative suitability than other methods because it focuses on the limits of the species environmental tolerances rather than central tendency or “typical” cases. Overlaying the species distribution model output with aquatic habitat‐specific data then allowed for more specific predictions of areas with high suitability. Our results indicate there is suitable habitat for northern snakehead in the Great Lakes, particularly shallow coastal habitats in the lower four Great Lakes where literature suggests they will favor areas of wetland and submerged aquatic vegetation. These coastal areas also offer the highest suitability for golden mussel, but our models suggest they are marginal habitats. Globally, the Great Lakes provide the closest match to the currently invaded range of killer shrimp, but they appear to pose an intermediate risk to the region. Range bagging provided reliable predictions when assessed either by a standard test set or by tests for spatial transferability, with golden mussel being the most difficult to accurately predict. Our approach illustrates the strength of combining multiple sources of data, while reiterating the need for increased measurement of freshwater habitat at high spatial resolutions to improve the ability to predict potential invasive species.
Peptide mimetics of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and FcαRI block IgA‐induced human neutrophil activation and migration
Authors: Heineke Marieke H. , van der Steen Lydia P.E. , Korthouwer Rianne M. , Hage J. Joris , Langedijk Johannes P.M. , Benschop Joris J. , Bakema Jantine E. , Slootstra Jerry W. , van Egmond Marjolein
Published: July 2017

The cross‐linking of the IgA Fc receptor (FcαRI) by IgA induces release of the chemoattractant LTB4, thereby recruiting neutrophils in a positive feedback loop. IgA autoantibodies of patients with autoimmune blistering skin diseases therefore induce massive recruitment of neutrophils, resulting in severe tissue damage. To interfere with neutrophil mobilization and reduce disease morbidity, we developed a panel of specific peptides mimicking either IgA or FcαRI sequences. CLIPS technology was used to stabilize three‐dimensional structures and to increase peptides’ half‐life. IgA and FcαRI peptides reduced phagocytosis of IgA‐coated beads, as well as IgA‐induced ROS production and neutrophil migration in in vitro and ex vivo (human skin) experiments. Since topical application would be the preferential route of administration, Cetomacrogol cream containing an IgA CLIPS peptide was developed. In the presence of a skin permeation enhancer, peptides in this cream were shown to penetrate the skin, while not diffusing systemically. Finally, epitope mapping was used to discover sequences important for binding between IgA and FcαRI. In conclusion, a cream containing IgA or FcαRI peptide mimetics, which block IgA‐induced neutrophil activation and migration in the skin may have therapeutic potential for patients with IgA‐mediated blistering skin diseases.
Resveratrol formulated with a natural deep eutectic solvent inhibits active matrix metalloprotease‐9 in hormetic conditions
Authors: Shamseddin Aly , Crauste Céline , Durand Erwann , Villeneuve Pierre , Dubois Gregor , Durand Thierry , Vercauteren Joseph , Veas Francisco
Published: July 2017

Despite the promising anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects of resveratrol (RES) on human health, pre‐clinical and clinical studies are frequently disappointing, probably due to its low water‐solubility and poor bioavailability. Even though a hormetic mode of action was clearly established for RES, the high doses commonly used to mitigate these issues, lead to adverse effects. Common hallmarks of multiple pathologies results from pathological‐enhanced endothelial permeability due to both enhanced inflammation and matrix metalloprotease‐9 (aMMP‐9) activities. The main aim of this work was to optimize the RES capacity to inhibit aMMP‐9 by using a new class of solvents, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for a new RES formulation as compared with dimethyl‐sulfoxide (DMSO). To obtain the appropriate NADES, 18 compounds combinations were prepared to select those exhibiting the optimized capacity to dissolve RES. The RES‐NADES 1,2‐propanediol:choline‐chloride:water (PCW, 1:1:1 molar ratio) and compared with RES‐DMSO for their aMMP‐9‐inhibitory capacities. Low concentrations of RES‐NADES/PCW formulation exhibited both a biocompatible solubility and a strong increased aMMP‐9‐inhibitory activity, at least 10‐fold, higher than RES‐DMSO, reaching its hormetic mode of action. Following in vivo validations, some particular NADES could potentially be considered as the new generation of formulation for druggable compounds.

Practical applications: Formulation of resveratrol in Natural Deep Eutectic solvents (NADES) optimizes its capacity to inhibit active matrix metalloprotease‐9. The Resveratrol‐NADES 1,2‐propanediol:choline‐was the most efficient and low concentrations exhibited both a biocompatible solubility and an increased aMMP‐9‐inhibitory activity, at least 10‐fold, higher than RES‐DMSO. Consequently, the NADES/PCW formulation allowed resveratrol to reach its hormetic mode of action. Following in vivo validations, some particular NADES could potentially be considered as the new generation of formulation for druggable compounds.

The effect of resveratrol (RES) dissolved in either NADES/PCW or DMSO was assessed on the TNFa‐activated human monocytes (THP‐1). NADES/PCW was able to confer a significant increase of the MMP‐9 inhibitory activity of RES, at low doses (at least 10‐fold higher) than DMSO, Thus, these data on RES‐NADES/PCW formulation support the hormetic effect of resveratrol in preserving the endothelial monolayer integrity by decreasing the exacerbated vascular permeability induced by the overproduction of active MMP‐9, during inflammation resulting from infections, cancer, or other pathologies.
Sequential Enyne‐Metathesis/Diels–Alder Strategy: Rapid Access to Sugar–Oxasteroid–Quinone Hybrids
Authors: Sayyad Ashik A. , Kaliappan Krishna P.
Published: July 2017

A sequential enyne‐metathesis/Diels–Alder strategy is reported for the synthesis of a new class of sugar–oxasteroid–quinone hybrid molecules. 1,2:5,6‐Di‐O‐isopropylidine‐d‐glucose was chosen as a chiral‐pool starting material. Various sugar‐derived enynes were synthesised from the common starting material. Dienes derived from these enynes were treated with various quinone dienophiles under Diels–Alder reaction conditions to give a library of sugar–oxasteroid–quinone hybrids.
1,6‐Conjugate Additions of Carbon Nucleophiles to 2‐[(1E,3E)‐4‐Arylbuta‐1,3‐dien‐1‐yl]‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones
Authors: Albuquerque Hélio M. T. , Santos Clementina M. M. , Balanay Mannix P. , Cavaleiro José A. S. , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: July 2017

The 1,6‐conjugate addition of nitromethane to 2‐[(1E,3E)‐4‐arylbuta‐1,3‐dien‐1‐yl]‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones was accomplished and led mainly to the corresponding β‐(nitromethyl)chromones. (E)‐5′‐(Nitromethyl)‐3′‐styryl‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐ol and 3′‐aryl‐2′‐nitro‐5′‐(nitromethyl)spiro[chromane‐2,1′‐cyclohexan]‐4‐one derivatives were also isolated as minor products from tandem processes, which result from the addition of a second molecule of nitromethane. The nucleophile scope was investigated with malononitrile, acetylacetone, ethyl cyanoacetate, and diethyl malonate, which gave the expected 1,6‐addition products; in the last case, it was also possible to isolate a minor product formed through a 1,8‐/1,6‐addition sequence. Computational calculations provided a rationale for the experimental reactivity of carbon nucleophiles with 2‐[(1E,3E)‐4‐arylbuta‐1,3‐dien‐1‐yl]‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones. The further functionalization of some adducts allowed the preparation of new nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds, such as new styrylpyrrolidines and new pyrazole and bis(pyrazole) derivatives.
Cost‐efficient deployment of mmW small cells with hybrid backhauls
Authors: Cao Wei , Feng Gang , Qin Shuang , Liang Liang
Published: July 2017

Hybrid backhaul networks with millimeter wave (mmW) technologies are widely viewed as promising solutions to support next‐generation ultradense mobile networks. In this paper, we propose a cost‐efficient deployment framework of mmW small cells with hybrid backhaul, with the aim of providing useful insights on the optimal deployment of small cells for mmW mobile network planning. We investigate the trade‐off between the deployment cost and the number of user equipments that can be admitted while considering 2 kinds of base stations (BSs) in mmW networks: backhaul aggregate nodes (BANs) and wireless backhaul BSs (WBSs). We derive the deployment cost of mmW networks including BSs and wired backhaul links as a function of the number of BANs and WBSs and investigate the relationship between the number of BSs and the number of admitted user equipments. We formulate an optimization problem to maximize cost efficiency subject to the constraint of wireless backhaul link capacity and derive the optimal number of WBSs per BAN cluster as well as the optimal number of deployed BANs. Numerical results validate the effectiveness of our proposed BS deployment framework.
Cork ‐ a natural material for linalool controlled release
Authors: Sousa Sara , Silva Mário , Gomes Filipa Oliveira , Fernandes Domingues Valentina Maria , Delerue Matos Cristina
Published: July 2017

Controlled release of aromatic mixtures to the atmosphere is a requirement for scented systems for indoor applications. The product must smell nice, but also be able to last, slowly releasing the perfume over time. Several adsorption materials have been used, for this purpose. In this study, cork was investigated as a potential perfume adsorbent for application in scented drawer sachets and equivalent products. Cork was selected due to its adsorption properties and because it is a natural, renewable, sustainable material. Granulated cork is a significant by‐product in cork industries and it was chosen for adsorption in this work. Linalool, an enantiomeric monoterpene alcohol and one of the main components of several essential oils, was selected as the model compound for adsorption studies.

Activated carbon (AC) was used as the reference material. The sorption of linalool to granulated cork and AC was evaluated by HS‐SPME‐GC‐FID. The linalool isotherm on cork was shown to follow a Brunauer‐Deming‐Deming and Teller, Type IV model. The isotherm data on AC can be adjusted to Langmuir and Freundlich models. A maximum adsorption capacity of 3.9x103μg/g was achieved for AC. Desorption studies were performed. Linalool was still released from granulated cork after three equilibrium stages of desorption, whereas only two desorption values were obtained for AC from the equilibrium with highest linalool concentration. Thus, AC demonstrated good adsorption but not good desorption properties. Sorption and desorption studies of linalool from granulated cork, showed that granulated cork could be an excellent material allowing controlled release of the aroma.
Investigation of a Spinel‐forming Cu‐Mn Foam as an Oxygen Electrode Contact Material in a Solid Oxide Cell Single Repeating Unit
Authors: Zielke P. , Wulff A. C. , Sun X. , Jensen S. H. , Kiebach R. , Frandsen H. L. , Norby P. , Hagen A.
Published: July 2017

A critical issue in state‐of‐the‐art solid oxide cell stacks is the contacting of the oxygen electrode. The commonly used ceramic contact layers are applied in a green state and cannot be sintered properly, due to compliance limitations arising from other stack components like sealing glasses and steels. The consequence is a low layer and interface strength. A metallic copper manganese foam, which is oxidized under operation conditions into a conductive Cu1+xMn2–xO4 spinel, is presented in this work as a viable contact solution. The foam has been electrochemically tested in a single repeating unit setup for 350 hours of constant operation, followed by dynamic conditions with thermal cycles. After operation, a micro structural analysis using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction was carried out. It was confirmed that after oxidation/operation the manganese solely formed a CuMn‐spinel phase, mixed with a CuO phase. A separate Mn‐oxide phase was not found. The conductivity and contacting of the foam was sufficient for > 350 h of SOFC operation. With an initial serial resistance comparable to single cell tests using gold foil as contact material and moderate degradation rates, the CuMn foam presented itself as an interesting cathode contact solution.
Oceanic island basalts in ophiolitic mélanges of theCentralChinaOrogen: An overview
Authors: Yang Gaoxue , Li Yongjun , Tong Lili , Wang Zuopeng , Wu Le
Published: July 2017

We present an overview of the internal structure of the 10 ophiolitic mélanges in the Central China Orogen (CCO) with a focus on the geochemical character and tectonic evolution of the ophiolitic mélange‐related ocean island basalt (OIB) and mafic rock assemblages. The ophiolitic mélanges in CCO are generally complicated and usually consist of metamorphic peridotites (serpentinite), cumulates, gabbros, basaltic lavas (pillows), and abyssal radiolarian cherts. The ages of ophiolitic mélanges range from Mesoproterozoic to Carboniferous. The OIB‐type basalts and mafic rocks in CCO occur as tectonic blocks within the mélanges that are composed of limestones, radiolarian cherts, and turbidites, possessing formation characteristics of seamounts (oceanic islands/plateau). The mafic rocks in ophiolitic mélanges of CCO display uniform chondrite‐normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns with light REE enrichment and heavy REE depletion, no obvious Eu anomalies or negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies, and primitive mantle‐normalized trace element patterns with significant large‐ion lithophile element enrichment, similar to those of modern OIB and the Hawaiian alkaline basalts. The OIB‐type basalts and mafic rocks are considered as accreted seamount fragments in an accretionary complex of CCO and may represent plume‐related magmatism within the Proto‐Tethys Ocean and Paleo‐Tethys Ocean. Our study provides further insights into the processes of multiple subduction and long‐lasting accretionary histories with seamounts in the CCO.
Insula‐based networks in professional musicians: Evidence for increased functional connectivity during resting state fMRI
Authors: Zamorano Anna M. , Cifre Ignacio , Montoya Pedro , Riquelme Inmaculada , Kleber Boris
Published: July 2017

Despite considerable research on experience‐dependent neuroplasticity in professional musicians, detailed understanding of an involvement of the insula is only now beginning to emerge. We investigated the effects of musical training on intrinsic insula‐based connectivity in professional classical musicians relative to nonmusicians using resting‐state functional MRI. Following a tripartite scheme of insula subdivisions, coactivation profiles were analyzed for the posterior, ventral anterior, and dorsal anterior insula in both hemispheres. While whole‐brain connectivity across all participants confirmed previously reported patterns, between‐group comparisons revealed increased insular connectivity in musicians relative to nonmusicians. Coactivated regions encompassed constituents of large‐scale networks involved in salience detection (e.g., anterior and middle cingulate cortex), affective processing (e.g., orbitofrontal cortex and temporal pole), and higher order cognition (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the temporoparietal junction), whereas no differences were found for the reversed group contrast. Importantly, these connectivity patterns were stronger in musicians who experienced more years of musical practice, including also sensorimotor regions involved in music performance (M1 hand area, S1, A1, and SMA). We conclude that musical training triggers significant reorganization in insula‐based networks, potentially facilitating high‐level cognitive and affective functions associated with the fast integration of multisensory information in the context of music performance. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4834–4849, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurodevelopmental maturation as a function of irritable temperament
Authors: Karim Helmet T. , Perlman Susan B.
Published: July 2017

Few studies have investigated the neural systems involved in decreasing behavioral reactivity to emotional stimuli as children age. It has been suggested that this process may interact with temperament‐linked variations in neurodevelopment to better explain individual differences in the maturation of emotion regulation. In this investigation, children ages 4 to 12 (n = 30, mean age = 7.62 years, SD = 1.71 years) and adults (n = 21, mean age = 26.67 years) watched clips from popular children's films containing positive, negative, or neutral emotional content during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Compared to adults, children demonstrated greater activation in subcortical and visual regions (hippocampus, thalamus, visual cortex, fusiform) during negative clips and greater activation of subcortical and prefrontal regions during positive clips (hippocampus, thalamus, caudate, ACC, OFC, superior frontal cortex). In children only, we found an age by temperament interaction in frontal and subcortical regions indicating that activation increased as a function of age in the most irritable children, but decreased as a function of age in the least irritable children. Findings were not present in the temperament domain of fear. Findings replicate and extend the existing irritability literature, indicating that healthy children highest in irritability may develop comparatively greater activation of the lateral prefrontal cortex in order to support adaptive regulation during emotional challenges. These results are discussed within the context of the emerging literature on the utility of complex, multidimensional, and naturalistic stimuli, which present a complementary alternative to understanding ecologically valid and sustained neural responses to emotionally evocative stimuli.Hum Brain Mapp 38:5307–5321, 2017. ©2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid changes in peripheral lymphocyte concentrations during interferon‐free treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Meissner Eric G. , Kohli Anita , Higgins Jeanette , Lee Yu‐Jin , Prokunina Olga , Wu David , Orr Cody , Masur Henry , Kottilil Shyam
Published: July 2017

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with direct‐acting antivirals results in a rapid decline in viral load and markers of hepatic inflammation, including serum chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) concentration, which is followed in most cases by a sustained virologic response. Whether parallel changes of significance occur in the cellular composition of peripheral blood is relatively unknown. We hypothesized that longitudinal characterization of peripheral blood during treatment would provide insight into cellular migration and immune activation, which would have implications for understanding host immunity both before and after HCV treatment and may relate to HCV clearance. We analyzed longitudinal peripheral innate and adaptive immune cell populations by flow cytometry from 95 subjects enrolled in two direct‐acting antiviral clinical trials and examined chemokine receptor expression on T lymphocytes in 43 patients. Within 1‐2 weeks of initiating treatment, significant increases were observed in the concentration of peripheral cluster of differentiation 4–positive (CD4+) and CD8+ T lymphocytes but not monocyte or natural killer cells. In tandem with these changes, the percent of both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes with an activated phenotype (human leukocyte antigen [HLA] DR+ and CD38+) decreased, and T‐lymphocyte surface expression of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 3, the chemokine receptor for CXCL10, increased. Conclusion: Rapid changes in peripheral cellular populations occur during direct‐acting antiviral treatment of HCV infection, which could potentially relate to hepatic efflux of tissue lymphocytes due to altered inflammation and chemokine receptor signaling, providing critical insight into the relationship between host immunity and viral clearance during HCV infection. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:586–594)
Mean platelet volume predicts prognosis in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhou Shujuan , Ma Yongyong , Shi Yifen , Tang Liyuan , Zheng Zhouyi , Fang Fang , Feng Jianhua , Zhang Yu , Sun Lan , Chen Yi , Liang Bin , Jiang Songfu , Shen Zhijian , Yu Kang , Wang Siqian
Published: July 2017

To determine the prognostic value of baseline mean platelet volume (MPV) in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. We retrospectively analyzed 161 DLBCL patients who received R‐CHOP chemotherapy. The associations between MPV and clinicopathological factors were assessed. A low MPV (MPV ≤ 9.1 fl, cut‐off was calculated by receiver operating characteristics) was not associated with any other clinicopathological factors. Patients with MPV ≤ 9.1 fl experienced a shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) (2‐year PFS rate, 60.6% vs 84.0%, P = 0.003) and overall survival (OS) (2‐year OS rate, 70.4% vs 87.9%, P = 0.030), compared with those with MPV > 9.1 fl. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that MPV ≤ 9.1 fl was an independent prognostic factor of OS (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.588, P = 0.045) and PFS (HR = 0.456, P = 0.010). Therefore, we demonstrated that low baseline MPV is an independent prognostic marker of poor outcome in patients with DLBCL.
Solar Wastewater Treatment (SOWAT) and Reuse for Agricultural Irrigation
Authors: Igoud Sadek , Souahi Fatiha , Chitour Chems Eddine
Published: July 2017

Solar wastewater treatment (SOWAT) was the subject of experiment between April and September using low cost and mastery equipment: ‘hot‐box’ stills. Using a separate still, treated wastewater (i.e. distillate) production was recorded between 2.4 and 6 l m−2 day−1. Treatment efficiency was comparable to the activated sludge treatment process. Biological oxygen demand (BOD) recorded between 86 and 90% of abatement. Raw wastewater turbidity was reduced by 99%, from 181 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) to 1.6 NTU. The treatment also allowed wastewater disinfection. The inactivation of total coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci was estimated at about 99%.

SOWAT offers the advantage of grouping, in a separate piece of equipment, three steps of conventional wastewater treatment: (i) the pre‐treatment, (ii) the biological and (iii) disinfection treatments. Also, this sustainable treatment does not consume electricity and consequently does not emit greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Used on a medium and large scale, SOWAT would be promising for safe wastewater reuse in agriculture. This could secure food production of poor and low‐income countries, especially those that are very sunny. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of Flood Damage under Potential Climate Change Impacts in Central Vietnam
Authors: Van Dau Quan , Kuntiyawichai Kittiwet , Plermkamon Vichian
Published: July 2017

The quantification of economic losses due to floods becomes necessary in flood management. In this context, the study aims to assess insights into flood damage under potential impacts of climate change in central Vietnam. The HadGEM3–RA Regional Climate Model (RCM) under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 climate change scenarios was used in this study. A bias correction technique for adjusting RCM simulations was applied to correct the climate input data for systematic statistical deviations from observed data. In addition, a coupling of the HEC‐HMS and HEC‐RAS hydrodynamic models and the flood damage reduction analysis model (HEC‐FDA) was applied to assess the level of flood hazard and damage existing in central Vietnam. The findings showed that the weather in central Vietnam will be warmer in the future with the average temperature increasing from 0.2 to 0.8°C, and annual rainfall will increase from 3.5 to 6.8%. The water level and runoff will also increase from 0.1 to 0.3 m and 10–30%, respectively. Flood damage was estimated to be US$18.8–20.7 million from the 2020s to the 2080s. Finally, the findings obtained are useful for the decision‐making process in flood management and economic development in Vietnam. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved bacterial identification directly from urine samples with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Kitagawa Koichi , Shigemura Katsumi , Onuma Ken‐ichiro , Nishida Masako , Fujiwara Mayu , Kobayashi Saori , Yamasaki Mika , Nakamura Tatsuya , Yamamichi Fukashi , Shirakawa Toshiro , Tokimatsu Issei , Fujisawa Masato
Published: July 2017

Background

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) contributes to rapid identification of pathogens in the clinic but has not yet performed especially well for Gram‐positive cocci (GPC) causing complicated urinary tract infection (UTI). The goal of this study was to investigate the possible clinical use of MALDI‐TOF MS as a rapid method for bacterial identification directly from urine in complicated UTI.

Methods

MALDI‐TOF MS was applied to urine samples gathered from 142 suspected complicated UTI patients in 2015‐2017. We modified the standard procedure (Method 1) for sample preparation by adding an initial 10 minutes of ultrasonication followed by centrifugation at 500 g for 1 minutes to remove debris such as epithelial cells and leukocytes from the urine (Method 2).

Results

In 133 urine culture‐positive bacteria, the rate of corresponded with urine culture in GPC by MALDI‐TOF MS in urine with standard sample preparation (Method 1) was 16.7%, but the modified sample preparation (Method 2) significantly improved that rate to 52.2% (P=.045). Method 2 also improved the identification accuracy for Gram‐negative rods (GNR) from 77.1% to 94.2% (P=.022). The modified Method 2 significantly improved the average MALDI score from 1.408±0.153 to 2.166±0.045 (P=.000) for GPC and slightly improved the score from 2.107±0.061 to 2.164±0.037 for GNR.

Conclusion

The modified sample preparation for MALDI‐TOF MS can improve identification accuracy for complicated UTI causative bacteria. This simple modification offers a rapid and accurate routine diagnosis for UTI, and may possibly be a substitute for urine cultures.
Dental pulp stem cells and the management of neurological diseases: An update
Authors: Mortada Ibrahim , Mortada Rola , Al Bazzal Mohamad
Published: July 2017

Medical research in regenerative medicine has brought promising perspectives for the use of stem cells in clinical trials. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of multilineage differentiation and available in numerous sources in the human body. Dental pulp constitutes an attractive source of these cells since collecting mesenchymal stem cells from this site is a noninvasive practice that can be performed after a common surgical extraction of supernumerary or wisdom teeth. Thus, tissue sacrifice is very low and several cytotypes can be obtained owing to these cells' multipotency, in addition to the fact that they can be cryopreserved and stored for long periods. Mesenchymal stem cells have high proliferation rates, making them favorable for clinical application. These multipotent cells, present in biological waste, constitute an appropriate resource in the treatment of many neurological diseases.
Antibacterial activity of fusion from biosynthesized acidocin/silver nanoparticles and its application for eggshell decontamination
Authors: Abeer Mohammed A.B. , Al‐Saman Mahmoud A. , Tayel Ahmed A.
Published: July 2017

Bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are useful to control the persistent development of pathogenic microorganisms in food and medicine fields. The bacteriocin acidocin was extracted from Lactobacillus acidophilus M1 that was isolated from fermented milk, purified using ammonium sulphate fractionation, and gel filtration column chromatography using Sephadex matrix and applied as a potential antibacterial agent. The molecular weight of the purified acidocin was estimated using SDS–PAGE to be 6.6 kDa. The acidocin was compared with silver nanoparticles (SNPs), biosynthesized by Aspergillus brasiliensis (niger) ATCC 16404, against two bacterial strains Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Both acidocin and SNPs showed significance antibacterial effects using disc and well diffusion methods; the maximum antibacterial activity was proved against B. cereus from acidocin/SNPs composite using a ratio of 1/1 from each agent. The application of acidocin/SNPs composite as immersion solution, for disinfecting chicken eggshells, resulted in remarkable reduction in microbial load on the shells of 5.53 log10 CFU/eggshell. Results could provide an eco‐friendly approach for potential antimicrobial composites to be used in food preservation and other health protection researches.
Processes controlling the accelerated warming of the Arabian Sea
Authors: D'Mello Joshua Rosario , Prasanna Kumar S.
Published: July 2017

The Arabian Sea (AS) has undergone a regime shift after 1995, manifesting the disruption of its natural decadal cycle over‐riding a secular rise in its sea‐surface temperature (SST). Using a suite of in situ and remote sensing data, we show that the rate of post‐1995 accelerated warming is spatially different, due to regionally and seasonally differing oceanographic processes. Along parts of the western boundary, the accelerated warming was mediated by a reduction in the post‐1995 linear trend of wind speed during summer monsoon leading to reduced upwelling and also reduced evaporation trend. In the northeast AS, post‐1995 increase in specific humidity during late winter, lead to a decrease in the evaporative cooling and subsequent convective mixing resulting in the increased rate of warming. The continued warming seen in the northeast AS until spring inter‐monsoon was due to the increasing net heat flux trend into the ocean along with reducing trend in evaporation. The accelerated warming in the central AS was linked to the reduced wind speed trend.
Credit quality and guarantees: How to interpret the Central Credit Register for a better access to credit
Authors: Gai Lorenzo , Ielasi Federica
Published: July 2017

External guarantees on loans represent an important tool for mitigating the loss given default for a bank, but they are able to produce a negative effect on the firm’s probability of default, affecting the overall level of credit risk. The Central Credit Register plays a leading role in determining the rating assigned by banks to firms, typically small and medium enterprises. Firm‐level defaulted and in bonis positions, as well as guaranteed and unsecured loans, are compared using 63,377 reports from the Italian Central Credit Register for a period of 36 months, from 2012 to 2015. External guarantees are able to affect the credit quality of loans to small businesses.
Optimizing value creation and value capture with a digital multi‐sided business model
Authors: Gandia Romain , Parmentier Guy
Published: July 2017

In digital industries, a multi‐sided business model architecture allows optimization of value creation and value capture for the growth and survival of innovative SMEs. The optimization of value creation and value capture in a multi‐sided business model is possible by creating complementary sides, which each independently add a part of the value proposition but are interdependent with regard to value creation and value capture. A multi‐sided business model can be built from an architecture of user community (with interdependent user categories in one market) or from an architecture of technical platforms (with interdependent platforms of diffusion in multiple markets). The combination of open cooperation with users regarding artistic content and the SMEs’ internal technology control optimizes economic value capture.
Competitive strategy, dynamic capability, and value creation: Some empirical evidence from UK telecommunications firms
Authors: Rashidirad Mona , Salimian Hamid , Soltani Ebrahim , Fazeli Zahra
Published: July 2017

The overall interplay between competitive strategies and dynamic capabilities is an integral part of value creation in terms of novelty, lock‐in, complementarities, and efficiency. In response to insufficient systematic research on the impact of competitive strategies and dynamic capabilities on value creation, this study expands prior studies (Rashidirad et al., 2013) by proposing carefully testable research hypotheses and empirically explores the research phenomenon. This study analyzes the complex interrelationships between competitive strategies and dynamic capabilities and the resulting impact on value creation through adopting a multidimensional approach in which each construct is decomposed to its dimensions. This study prompts rethinking of the impact of dynamic capability and competitive strategy on value creation in firms by using a multidimensional perspective.
Adoption of open‐source software versus proprietary software: An exploratory study
Authors: Dhir Swati , Dhir Sanjay
Published: July 2017

Increases in cost, stability, more commercial support, and ease of software development facilitate people moving to proprietary solutions while for better security, free support, and ease of software development, people tend to move to open‐source solutions. Across all segments of ICT, users move toward open source as they get “free online support" for open‐source products. People prefer proprietary products as they wish to have “commercial support." Adoption of open‐source software is proliferating, because of the huge cost saving in software systems.
Pseudoamniotic Band Syndrome After Fetoscopic Laser Ablation of Placental Anastomoses for Twin‐Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Two Case Reports and Systematic Review
Authors: Lafitte Anne Sophie , Verspyck Eric , Jeanne Pasquier Corinne , Dolley Patricia , Dreyfus Michel , Benoist Guillaume
Published: July 2017

Pseudoamniotic band syndrome is a rare complication that occurs after invasive procedures for complicated monochorionic twins. We report 2 cases of intrauterine recipient fetal death after laser therapy for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome due to umbilical cord constriction by the amniotic band.
Intraobserver and Interobserver Variability in Ultrasound Measurements of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Lee Hyung Jin , Yoon Dae Young , Seo Young Lan , Kim Jin Ho , Baek Sora , Lim Kyoung Ja , Cho Young Kwon , Yun Eun Joo
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the intraobserver and interobserver variability in ultrasound (US) measurements of thyroid nodules.

Methods

We performed a prospective study of the US examinations of 73 patients with 122 thyroid nodules greater than 5 mm in size. Ultrasound measurements in 4 dimensions (anteroposterior, transverse, longitudinal, and maximum diameters) and measurement of the estimated volume (using the ellipsoid formula) of each thyroid nodule were performed twice by 2 independent radiologists (A and B, with 10 years and 6 months of experience, respectively). The intraobserver and interobserver variability in measurements of thyroid nodules was assessed by a Bland‐Altman analysis of agreement. The absolute values for intraobserver and interobserver variability were compared by a paired t test.

Results

The 95% intraobserver and interobserver limits of agreement for the anteroposterior, transverse, longitudinal, and maximum diameters and estimated volume of thyroid nodules were ±18.2%, ± 14.3%, and ±21.0%; ± 17.2%%, ± 17.3%, and 18.2%; ± 14.6%, ± 15.5%, and ±22.3%; ± 13.8%, ± 15.5%, and ±19.6%; and ±30.2%, ± 27.7%, and ±44.1%, respectively. The absolute values for intraobserver variability were lower than those for interobserver variability for all measurements.

Conclusions

There was considerable intraobserver and interobserver variability in US measurement of thyroid nodules, which must be taken into account during follow‐up US examinations of patients with thyroid nodules.
Understanding the Influence of Flow Velocity, Wall Motion Filter, Pulse Repetition Frequency, and Aliasing on Power Doppler Image Quantification
Authors: Martins Maricy R. , Martins Wellington P. , Soares Carlos A. M. , Miyague Andre H. , Kudla Marek J. , Pavan Theo Z.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Although power Doppler imaging has been used to quantify tissue and organ vascularity, many studies showed that limitations in defining adequate ultrasound machine settings and attenuation make such measurements complex to be achieved. However, most of these studies were conducted by using the output of proprietary software, such as Virtual Organ computer‐aided analysis (GE Healthcare, Kretz, Zipf, Austria); therefore, many conclusions may not be generalizable because of unknown settings and parameters used by the software. To overcome this limitation, our goal was to evaluate the impact of the flow velocity, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and wall motion filter (WMF) on power Doppler image quantification using beam‐formed ultrasonic radiofrequency data.

Methods

The setup consisted of a blood‐mimicking fluid flowing through a phantom. Radiofrequency signals were collected using PRFs ranging from 0.6 to 10 kHz for 6 different flow velocities (5–40 cm/s). Wall motion filter cutoff frequencies were varied between 50 and 250 Hz.

Results

The power Doppler magnitude was deeply influenced by the WMF cutoff frequency. The effect of using different WMF values varied with the PRF; therefore, the power Doppler signal intensity was dependent on the PRF. Finally, we verified that power Doppler quantification can be affected by the aliasing effect, especially when using a PRF lower than 1.3 kHz.

Conclusions

The WMF and PRF greatly influenced power Doppler quantification, mainly when flow velocities lower than 20 cm/s were used. Although the experiments were conducted in a nonclinical environment, the evaluated parameters are equivalent to those used in clinical practice, which makes them valuable for aiding the interpretation of related data in future research.