bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal body mass index: Relation with infant respiratory symptoms and infections
Authors: Rajappan Ashley , Pearce Anna , Inskip Hazel M. , Baird Janis , Crozier Sarah R. , Cooper Cyrus , Godfrey Keith M. , Roberts Graham , Lucas Jane S.A. , Pike Katharine C. ,   The Southampton Women's Survey Study Group
Published: August 2017

Background

Maternal obesity is increasingly prevalent in many westernized countries. Many studies report associations between maternal obesity and childhood wheeze or asthma but few have considered maternal obesity in relation to respiratory infections or symptoms other than wheeze during infancy. This study assesses the relationship between maternal BMI and reported wheeze, cough and respiratory infections during the first year of life.

Methods

In 2799 mother‐child pairs, we examined the relations between maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and pregnancy weight gain and reported offspring wheeze, prolonged cough, lower respiratory tract infection, croup, and ear infection before age 1 year, along with reported diarrhea or vomiting. Maternally reported paternal BMI was included in the models as a proxy for unmeasured confounding by shared familial factors.

Results

Higher maternal BMI was associated with increased risks of offspring wheeze, prolonged cough and lower respiratory tract infection (relative risks (95%CI) per 5 kg/m2 1.09 (1.05‐1.13), 1.09 (1.03‐1.14), and 1.13 (1.07‐1.20), respectively). These associations remained after adjusting for maternally reported paternal BMI. No associations were found with croup, ear infection, or diarrhea or vomiting. Pregnancy weight gain was not associated with any of the offspring symptoms or illnesses.

Discussion

Higher maternal BMI is associated with increased risk of wheeze, cough, and maternally reported lower respiratory tract infection in infancy. These associations were independent of maternally reported paternal BMI. These observations might be explained by intrauterine effects of maternal obesity upon respiratory or immune development.
iTRAQ‐Based Quantitative Proteomic Analyses of High Grade Esophageal Squamous Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Zhi Chunchun , Zhen Fuxi , Yuan Xiaoqin , Jiao Chunhua , Zhu Hong , Zhu Hui , Feng Yadong
Published: August 2017

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is the fourth most lethal cancer in China. Little is known about the proteome of high grade esophageal squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (HGN), which is a premalignant lesion of ESCC. A quantitative proteomic analysis using an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) approach is used to characterize the protein expression profiles in HGN. Among the 3156 identified proteins, a total of 236 proteins are discovered to be differentially expressed. Compared with paired normal esophageal epithelial tissues, 138 proteins are upregulated and 98 proteins are downregulated in HGN. Bioinformatics analyses are performed according to gene ontology, clusters of orthologous groups, and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses. Six differentially expressed proteins are chosen and validated by Western blotting. The results of the study increase our understanding of early tumorigenesis during ESCC, and provide insights into the proteome at the initial stages of the disease that can be used to identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and for therapeutic targets.
Conceptual considerations on exposure assessment goals for aquatic pesticide risks at EU level
Authors: Boesten Jos JTI
Published: August 2017

Assessment of the risk to aquatic organisms is an important aspect of pesticide registration. This assessment must be based on well‐defined exposure assessment goals (EAGs). However, these goals have not yet been defined for the EU authorization procedure. The definition of an aquatic EAG has seven elements, including: type of water body, spatial dimension of this body, spatial population of water bodies, multi‐year temporal population of concentrations for a single water body, and the space‐time percentile combination to be selected from the spatio‐temporal population of concentrations. The seven elements are split into 16 items, three which are within the risk‐management domain. The remaining 13 scientific items should preferably be based on consistency with landscape‐level approaches. Subdivision of the spatial population of water bodies on the occurrence of exposure routes should be avoided (although this is current practice). The multi‐year temporal population of concentrations should be based on all years in rotational crops (including years without applications). Risk managers should be offered a suite of coherent packages of EAGs and effect assessment goals from which they can select the package corresponding to the desired overall level of protection. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Baseline susceptibility of spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) to four key insecticide classes
Authors: Van Timmeren Steven , Mota‐Sanchez David , Wise John C , Isaacs Rufus
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

The invasive drosophilid pest, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is affecting berry production in most fruit‐producing regions of the world. Chemical control is the dominant management approach, creating concern for insecticide resistance in this pest. We compared the insecticide susceptibility of D. suzukii populations collected from conventional, organic or insecticide‐free blueberry sites.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of D. suzukii to malathion and spinetoram declined slightly across the 3 years of monitoring, whereas it was more consistent for methomyl and zeta‐cypermethrin. The sensitivity of D. suzukii to all four insecticides (LC50 and LC90 values) did not differ significantly among the blueberry fields using different management practices.

CONCLUSIONS

The baseline sensitivity of D. suzukii has been characterized, allowing future comparisons if field failures of chemical control are reported. The concentration achieving high control indicates that effective levels of control can still be achieved with field rates of these four insecticides. However, declining susceptibility of some populations of D. suzukii to some key insecticides highlights the need for resistance monitoring. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Etching Kinetics of (100) Single Crystal Diamond Surfaces in a Hydrogen Microwave Plasma, Studied with In Situ Low‐Coherence Interferometry
Authors: Yurov Vladimir , Bushuev Egor , Bolshakov Andrey , Ashkinazi Evgeny , Antonova Irina , Zavedeev Evgeny , Khomich Andrey , Voronov Valery , Ralchenko Victor
Published: August 2017

A low‐coherence interferometry (LCI) was used to measure in situ the etch rate (ER) of synthetic single crystal (SC) diamonds in H2 microwave plasma, at substrate temperatures in the broad range of 800–1370 °C. The method allows the collection of the kinetic data on a single sample without switching off the plasma. (100)‐orientated SC plates of CVD and IIa type HPHT diamond were systematically etched in pure hydrogen at pressure p = 130 Torr and microwave power density of ≈300 W cm−3. The activation energies Ea of 42 ± 5 and 32 ± 4 kCal mol−1 have been determined for the CVD and HPHT substrates. An enhanced etching rate of a subsurface defected layer with thickness of ∼1 μm or less, formed upon polishing of the samples, is revealed. Surface morphology, roughness, and the shape of etch pits produced by a selective etching of defects, were characterized with optical profilometry. CH and dimer C2 radicals were detected in the H2 plasma with optical emission spectroscopy, as a result of the diamond etching, and the emission intensity of these species was linked to the substrate etch rate.
In vitro Study of Five Herbs Used Against Microbial Infections in Burundi
Authors: Ngezahayo Jérémie , Ribeiro Sofia Oliveira , Fontaine Véronique , Hari Léonard , Stévigny Caroline , Duez Pierre
Published: August 2017

The emergence of antimicrobial resistant infectious diseases remains a major threat to worldwide public health, in developed and in developing countries. Therefore, new antimicrobial agents acting by new mechanisms of action are urgently needed. As plants used in traditional medicine may help to overcome these problems, Justicia subsessilis, Platostoma rotundifolium, Pavetta ternifolia, Stomatanthes africanus, and Virectaria major (plants highly cited to be used against microbial infections in traditional Burundian medicine) were studied to assess their traditional use efficacy. We conducted a preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts, as well as their direct and indirect (effect on antibiotic resistance) antibacterial activity on four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus sp. and Escherichia coli) by broth microdilution methods. All five medicinal plants investigated in this work were found to have direct antibacterial activity against all tested bacterial strains (minimum inhibitory concentration = 62.5–1000 μg/mL) that may support the use of these species in traditional Burundian medicine. Extracts (with no direct antibacterial activity), tested at 200 μg/mL, decreased the MIC values of β‐lactams and aminoglycoside antibiotics by a factor of 2 to 64‐fold. These interactions between plant extracts and antibiotics could open an avenue of research against antibiotic resistance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro Antitubercular Activity of 3‐Deoxysappanchalcone Isolated From the Heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan Linn.
Authors: Seo Hoonhee , Kim Sukyung , Mahmud Hafij Al , Islam Md Imtiazul , Nam Kung‐Woo , Lee Byung‐Eui , Lee Hanna , Cho Myoung‐Lae , Shin Heung‐Mook , Song Ho‐Yeon
Published: August 2017

Responsible for nearly 1.5 million deaths every year, the infectious disease tuberculosis remains one of the most serious challenges to global health. The emergence of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis and, more recently, extensively drug‐resistant tuberculosis poses a significant threat in our effort to control this epidemic. New drugs are urgently needed to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. To achieve this goal, we screened approximately 500 species of medicinal plant methanol extracts and their solvent partitioned fractions for potential inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth. Using microdilution screening, the ethyl acetate solvent partitioned fraction from the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan exhibited strong antitubercular activity. We isolated the active compound and identified it as 3‐deoxysappanchalcone. The extracted 3‐deoxysappanchalcone possessed activity against both drug‐susceptible and drug‐resistant strains of M. tuberculosis at MIC50s of 3.125–12.5 μg/mL in culture broth and MIC50s of 6.25–12.5 μg/mL inside macrophages and pneumocytes. 3‐Deoxysappanchalcone was also found to act in partial synergy with streptomycin/ethambutol against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. 3‐Deoxysappanchalcone had no cytotoxicity against the A549 cell line up to a concentration of 100 μg/mL (selectivity index > 8–32). Further studies are warranted to establish the in vivo effect and therapeutic potential of 3‐deoxysappanchalcone. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation of lithiated and sodiated carbohydrates always occur at anomeric carbon of the reducing end?
Authors: Tsai Shang‐Ting , Chen Jien‐Lian , Ni Chi‐Kung
Published: August 2017

Rationale

Collision‐induced dissociation (CID) tandem mass spectrometry is one of the major methods in the structural determination of carbohydrates. Previous experimental studies and theoretical investigation of lithiated and sodiated underivatized carbohydrates seem to indicate that dehydration reactions and cross‐ring dissociation of low‐energy CID mainly occur at the anomeric carbon of the reducing end. However, these studies only investigated a few carbohydrates.

Methods

ESI‐MS/MS spectra of [M + Li]+ and [M + Na]+ ions of several 18O1‐labeled monosaccharides and disaccharides at O1 of the reducing end were studied using a linear ion trap mass spectrometer.

Results

Dissociations from the losses of both labeled and unlabeled neutral fragments were observed. The branching ratios of dissociations from the losses of unlabeled neutrals for dehydration reactions are larger than that for cross‐ring dissociation; lithiated carbohydrates are larger than sodiated carbohydrates, and 1‐4 linkages of disaccharides are larger than the other linkages. For some lithiated carbohydrates, dehydration reactions from the losses of unlabeled neutrals have larger branching ratios than that from the losses of labeled neutrals. The fragments from the losses of unlabeled neutrals investigated using MS3 showed that the losses of unlabeled H2O mainly occur at the reducing monomer for sodiated carbohydrates, but the losses of unlabeled C2H4O2 for lithiated carbohydrates can occur at both reducing and nonreducing monomers. The ratio of B1 and Y1 ions to C1 and Z1 ions of disaccharides is related to the cis or trans configuration of the O1 and O2 atoms in the nonreducing monomer. The results are explained by the properties of transition states of dissociation channels.

Conclusions

Our data shows that dehydration reactions and cross ring dissociation do not always occur at the anomeric carbon atom of the reducing monomer.
A hydroecological model to assess the relative effects of groundwater abstraction and fine sediment pressures on riverine macro‐invertebrates
Authors: Bradley D.C. , Streetly M.J. , Cadman D. , Dunscombe M. , Farren E. , Banham A.
Published: August 2017

To ensure that the environment is adequately protected and abstractors are fairly regulated, hydroecological assessment tools are needed that give local interpretation, indicate where ecological communities might not be resilient to current or future abstraction pressures, and take account of the effect of other stressors. These tools should ideally be transferrable across different river catchments. This study presents a hydroecological model indicating that macro‐invertebrates were not resilient to long‐term, steady‐state levels of groundwater abstraction when flows at Q75 were reduced by more than 50% in unpolluted streams in the West Midlands of England. The proportion of silt and clay covering the substratum and distance from source were also significant predictors of ecological condition, but did not interact with the abstraction effect. Combinations of different biotic indices and supplementary field observations of catchment land use gave additional evidence of the impacts of excessive inputs of fine sediment overriding the effects of abstraction at some locations. This study has shown that regional hydroecological models can be used with existing environmental flow indicators and other local environmental information as a weight of evidence to identify where abstraction and excessive inputs of fine sediment need to be mitigated separately or together to achieve the full ecological benefits. Such regional hydroecological models can increase the certainty of regulatory decisions made at the local scale for licencing abstraction at current use and predicted future levels.
Meta‐analytical synthesis of regression coefficients under different categorization scheme of continuous covariates
Authors: Yoneoka Daisuke , Henmi Masayuki
Published: August 2017

Recently, the number of clinical prediction models sharing the same regression task has increased in the medical literature. However, evidence synthesis methodologies that use the results of these regression models have not been sufficiently studied, particularly in meta‐analysis settings where only regression coefficients are available. One of the difficulties lies in the differences between the categorization schemes of continuous covariates across different studies. In general, categorization methods using cutoff values are study specific across available models, even if they focus on the same covariates of interest. Differences in the categorization of covariates could lead to serious bias in the estimated regression coefficients and thus in subsequent syntheses. To tackle this issue, we developed synthesis methods for linear regression models with different categorization schemes of covariates. A 2‐step approach to aggregate the regression coefficient estimates is proposed. The first step is to estimate the joint distribution of covariates by introducing a latent sampling distribution, which uses one set of individual participant data to estimate the marginal distribution of covariates with categorization. The second step is to use a nonlinear mixed‐effects model with correction terms for the bias due to categorization to estimate the overall regression coefficients. Especially in terms of precision, numerical simulations show that our approach outperforms conventional methods, which only use studies with common covariates or ignore the differences between categorization schemes. The method developed in this study is also applied to a series of WHO epidemiologic studies on white blood cell counts.
Photophysical, Electrochemical Studies of Novel Pyrazol‐4‐yl‐2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones and Their Anticancer Activity
Authors: Kamble Atulkumar A. , Kamble Ravindra R. , Chougala Lakkanna S. , Kadadevarmath Jagadish S. , Maidur Shivaraj R. , Patil Parutagouda S. , Kumbar Mahadev N. , Marganakop Sheetal B.
Published: August 2017

A series of novel 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones 7 a‐g were designed, synthesized and were characterized by IR, 1H & 13C NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The optical and electrochemical properties have been studied using UV‐Vis absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, life time and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. Quantum yield and effect of solvents for the compounds 7 a‐g were investigated. Density Functional Theory (DFT) computations have been carried out for all the synthesized compounds and the computed values found to be approximately in close agreement with the experimental results. Further, the compounds 7 a, 7 d, 7 f and 7 g were evaluated for their anticancer activity at National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA and have shown moderate to good anticancer activities.
Copper‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cross‐Coupling of P(O)‐OH Compounds with Aryl Boronic Acids
Authors: Xiong Biquan , Cheng Qing , Hu Chenghong , Zhang Pangliang , Liu Yu , Tang Kewen
Published: August 2017

A novel copper‐catalyzed oxidative cross‐coupling reaction of P(O)‐OH compounds with aryl boronic acids is illustrated. It is a simple way to generate a broad spectrum of functionalized O‐aryl phosphinates, phosphonates, and phosphates from basic starting materials with moderate to excellent yields. Furthermore, a plausible mechanism has been proposed for the reaction.
Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis and First Principle Computational Studies of NiSb2O4 and Its Electrochemical Properties with Ni3(Fe(CN)6)2(H2O) for Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Shanmugavani Amirthalingam , Lalitha Murugan , Yuvaraj Subramanian , Vasylechko Leonid , Meyrick Danielle , Senthilkumar Lakshmipathi , Selvan Ramakrishnan Kalai
Published: August 2017

To realize the ideal electrode material for supercapacitors, the scientific community has been prompted to investigate a variety of materials. This study deals with the hydrothermal synthesis of NiSb2O4 for the first time for application to hybrid supercapacitors. First‐principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to study the electronic structure of synthesized NiSb2O4. The single phase tetragonal structure NiSb2O4 is revealed from X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Rod‐like micron‐sized structures are revealed through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Structural parameters and unit cell dimensions are deduced from Rietveld refinement analysis. The comparative effects of various K+ electrolytes (1 M KOH, 1 M KCl, 1 M KNO3 and 0.5 K2SO4) on the NiSb2O4 negative electrode material are studied. Cyclic voltammogram (CV) showed greatest specific capacitance of 758 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1 in 1 M KOH. Galvanostatic charge‐discharge analysis (GCD) exhibited capacitance of 382 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. The asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled with synthesized Ni3(Fe(CN)6)2(H2O) as positive electrode and the device exhibits a specific capacitance of 344 F g−1 at 1 mV s−1 in 1 M KOH in the wider potential window of 1.6 V, suggesting its potential application as an energy storage device.
MCM‐41‐Supported Linear Alkylamine‐Catalyzed In Situ Generation of Unstable Trifluoroacetaldehyde and Successive syn‐Selective Direct Aldol Reaction with Cyclic Ketones
Authors: Funabiki Kazumasa , Nagaya Hideyuki , Gonda Hiroshi , Sakaida Yuta , Kubota Yasuhiro , Matsui Masaki , Kubota Yoshihiro
Published: August 2017

Fixation of linear alkylamine on the ordered mesoporous silica (MCM‐41) is effective on not only in situ generation of gaseous and unstable trifluoroacetaldehyde from its hemiacetal but also successive syn‐selective direct aldol reaction with cyclohexanone giving the corresponding syn‐aldol product. As results, the aldol product produced from cyclohexanone was obtained in good to excellent yield without the formation of a complex mixture, compared to our previous results with a mixture of catalysts such as organic amine/amorphous silica or organic amine/acetic acid. The obtained syn‐selectivity is opposite to the L‐proline derivatives‐catalyzed anti‐selective direct aldol reaction. Not only various aldehydes but also 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, such as 2,4‐pentandione and ethyl 3‐oxobutanoate, are also participated in the MCM‐41‐supported N‐methylpropylamine direct aldol reaction of CF3CHO hemiacetal, respectively.
Nanotubular Hard Carbon Derived from Renewable Natural Seed Gel for High Performance Sodium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Sharma Neha , Gawli Yogesh , Ahmad Absar , Muhammed Musthafa , Ogale Satishchandra
Published: August 2017

Electrical energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors are perhaps the most researched topic today in view of its critical implications for the successful implementations of various renewable energy harvesting initiatives. Amongst the various battery systems being currently examined, the Li‐battery continues to be a main player, but the Na‐ion battery has been attracting significant attention lately due to the concerns about the limited reserves and high cost of Li. Hard carbon is recognized to be a good anode material for Na‐battery. In this work we present a novel approach to synthesize such hard carbon from a natural gel derived from the commonly used Basil seeds (Osimum Basilicum) which swell 30 times their weight by absorbing water. The hard carbon obtained by pyrolysis of the freeze‐dried mucilage possesses sheet‐like and tubular morphology with decorated surface defects attributed to the presence of oxygen functionalities. This hard carbon shows a good reversible capacity of 195 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 with an impressive ∼91 % retention of initial capacity after 300 cycles and sustains high current densities with not much change in capacity value.
Proteolysis‐Resistant Self‐Assembled ω‐Amino Acid Dipeptide‐Based Biocompatible Hydrogels as Drug Delivery Vehicle
Authors: Tiwari Priyanka , Verma Ritu , Basu Anindya , Christman Ryann M. , Tiwari Amit K. , Waikar Digambar , Dutt Konar Anita
Published: August 2017

In this report we demonstrate the excellent hydrogelating ability of two Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) protected dipeptides, Fmoc‐Xaa‐Phe‐OH (Xaa, Gaba, Hydrogelator I; Xaa, Ava, Hydrogelator II; Gaba=γ ‐aminobutyric acid; Ava= δ‐Amino Valeric acid) with ω‐amino acids exhibiting conformational flexibility. Since Proteolysis is the disadvantage for peptide‐based therapeutic agents, our design includes dipeptides known to show resistance towards proteolysis. The gelation property of the hydrogels were characterized by various analysis. It was concluded that the hydrogels were non cytotoxic in four completely different cell lines, which indicates its biocompatibility. These biomaterials were used to stabilize nanoparticles (HNPs) using the concept of self‐assembly, utilizing weak interactions rather than extreme conditions as seen in other polymers. These hydrogelators have shown good entrapment efficiency and release kinetics of the model drug curcumin from the hydrogel matrix. Our investigation reveals that hydrogelator II has an enhanced release profile due to the presence of methylene groups in the peptide backbone. This hypothesis is also supported by our computational studies.Thus our research holds future promise for using these biomaterials as vehicles for drug delivery.
Gold Nanoparticles and Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Gold Nanoparticle Composite Materials as Covalent Drug Delivery Systems for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Jafarizad Abbas , Aghanejad Ayuob , Sevim Melike , Metin Önder , Barar Jaleh , Omidi Yadollah , Ekinci Duygu
Published: August 2017

AuNPs and AuNPs/RGO composites were engineered as drug delivery nanoplatforms to efficiently deliver the anti‐cancer drug to MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. The anti‐cancer drug, mitoxantrone (MTX), was tethered to the gold nanoparticles via a 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) spacer and an acid‐cleavable amid bond (SMTX‐AuNPs). Then, the surface of the RGO nanosheets were decorated with SMTX‐AuNPs (SMTX‐AuNPs/RGO). For comparison purposes, MPA functionalized nanoparticles (MPA‐AuNPs) and their nanocomposites (MPA‐AuNPs/RGO) were also prepared using the same procedure. The formation of the nanomaterials was verified by spectroscopic and morphological techniques. The drug delivery activity of materials on MCF‐7 cells was investigated in vitro using different methods. Our results demonstrate that SMTX‐AuNPs have better activity on cancer cells than free MTX and SMTX‐AuNPs/RGO. Further, contradicting previous studies, our findings suggest that the use of graphene‐based materials for the covalent drug delivery systems need to be revisited.
Greener Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Nickel Nanocomposite: Rapid and Sustainable Catalyst for the Reduction of Nitroaromatics
Authors: Karthik Murugan , Suresh Palaniswamy
Published: August 2017

An efficient one‐pot method for the preparation of reduced graphene oxide‐nickel nanocomposite (RGO−Ni) has been developed using L‐ascorbic acid as a greener reducing agent, which simultaneously reduces both graphene oxide and NiII. The nanocomposite was characterized using various analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Powder X‐Ray Diffraction analysis(PXRD), Raman, Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High‐Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and surface area measurements. ICP‐OES confirms the presence of 19.7% nickel loading and TEM shows the average size of the particles to be 10 nm. Subsequently, RGO−Ni nanocomposite was used as a sustainable catalyst for the reduction of nitroaromatics to the corresponding amines using NaBH4 in an aqueous methanol medium. A series of aromatic and aliphatic nitro compounds are chemoselectively reduced to amines over other reducible functionalities. RGO−Ni nanocomposite is highly stable, and can be recovered by magnetic separation and recycled for at least five consecutive cycles. The present catalytic system has achieved the dual requirements for reactivity and selectivity in a nitro reduction in short reaction time with minimum nickel load in greener media.
A New Synthetic Approach to C2‐Symmetric Octacyclic Cage Diol via Claisen Rearrangement and Ring‐Closing Metathesis as Key Steps
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Cheekatla Subba Rao
Published: August 2017

A simple synthetic strategy to C2‐symmetric bisannulated octacyclic novel cage diol 20 is reported in eight linear steps starting with a readily available 1,4‐hydroquinone 22. Here, an atom economic processes such as Claisen rearrangement, Diels‐Alder reaction, intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) were used as key steps. The synthetic approach demonstrated here opensup new opportunities to assembled highly functionalized complex cage molecules that are difficult to realize by conventional routes. The structure of the RCM product 19 was firmly established on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.
Industrial experiences from evolving measurement systems into self‐healing systems for improved availability
Authors: Staron Miroslaw , Meding Wilhelm , Tichy Matthias , Bjurhede Jonas , Giese Holger , Söder Ola
Published: August 2017

Automated measurement programs are an efficient way of collecting, processing, and visualizing measures in large software development companies. The number of measurements in these programs is usually large, which is caused by a diversity of the needs of the stakeholders. In this paper, we present the application of the self‐healing concepts to assure the availability of measurements to the stakeholders without the need for effort‐intensive and costly manual interventions of the operators. We study the measurement infrastructure at one of the development units of a large infrastructure provider. In this paper, we present how the Monitor, Analyze, Plane, and Execute with Knowledge model was instantiated in a simplistic manner to reduce the need for manual intervention in the operation of the measurement systems. Based on the experiences from the 2 cases studied in this paper, we show how an evolution toward self‐healing measurement systems is done both with a dedicated failure taxonomy and with an effective straightforward handling of the most common errors in the execution. The mechanisms studied and presented in this paper show that self‐healing provides significant improvements to the operation of the measurement program and reduces the need for daily oversight by an operator for the measurement systems.
Polymer Based Hybrid Nanocomposites; A Progress Toward Enhancing Interfacial Interaction and Tailoring Advanced Applications
Authors: Ha Chang‐Sik
Published: August 2017

Organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposites, in particular polymer based hybrid nanocomposites, constitute emerging advanced materials since they combine unique properties from the inorganic and organic (i. e. polymeric) components. We investigated three different hybrid nanocomposites depending on dimensions of the dispersed phase in the nanometer range,; polymer‐layered silicate (PLS) nanocomposites where polymers are mixed with layered silicates, polymer/graphene oxide hybrid nanocomposites, and polymer hybrid nanocomposites with reinforcing polymers with isodimensional phases of inorganic silicas using sol‐gel reactions. This Accounts reports the chronological progress of our landmark results on the polymer based hybrid nanocomposites of the three characteristic types that have been prepared in my laboratory for more than two decades, with their impacts, importance and advanced application of the related research fields for readers.
Human well‐being and climate change mitigation
Authors: Lamb William F. , Steinberger Julia K.
Published: August 2017

Climate change mitigation research is fundamentally motivated by the preservation of human lives and the environmental conditions which enable them. However, the field has to date rather superficial in its appreciation of theoretical claims in well‐being thought, with deep implications for the framing of mitigation priorities, policies, and research. Major strands of well‐being thought are hedonic well‐being—typically referred to as happiness or subjective well‐being—and eudaimonic well‐being, which includes theories of human needs, capabilities, and multidimensional poverty. Aspects of each can be found in political and procedural accounts such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Situating these concepts within the challenges of addressing climate change, the choice of approach is highly consequential for: (1) understanding inter‐ and intra‐generational equity; (2) defining appropriate mitigation strategies; and (3) conceptualizing the socio‐technical provisioning systems that convert biophysical resources into well‐being outcomes. Eudaimonic approaches emphasize the importance of consumption thresholds, beyond which dimensions of well‐being become satiated. Related strands of well‐being and mitigation research suggest constraining consumption to within minimum and maximum consumption levels, inviting normative discussions on the social benefits, climate impacts, and political challenges associated with a given form of provisioning. The question of how current socio‐technical provisioning systems can be shifted towards low‐carbon, well‐being enhancing forms constitutes a new frontier in mitigation research, involving not just technological change and economic incentives, but wide‐ranging social, institutional, and cultural shifts. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e485. doi: 10.1002/wcc.485

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Sustainability and Human Well‐Being
Physics‐based all‐atom modeling of RNA energetics and structure
Authors: Smith Louis G. , Zhao Jianbo , Mathews David H. , Turner Douglas H.
Published: August 2017

The database of RNA sequences is exploding, but knowledge of energetics, structures, and dynamics lags behind. All‐atom computational methods, such as molecular dynamics, hold promise for closing this gap. New algorithms and faster computers have accelerated progress in improving the reliability and accuracy of predictions. Currently, the methods can facilitate refinement of experimentally determined nuclear magnetic resonance and x‐ray structures, but are ‘unreliable’ for predictions based only on sequence. Much remains to be discovered, however, about the many molecular interactions driving RNA folding and the best way to approximate them quantitatively. The large number of parameters required means that a wide variety of experimental results will be required to benchmark force fields and different approaches. As computational methods become more reliable and accessible, they will be used by an increasing number of biologists, much as x‐ray crystallography has expanded. Thus, many fundamental physical principles underlying the computational methods are described. This review presents a summary of the current state of molecular dynamics as applied to RNA. It is designed to be helpful to students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty who are considering or starting computational studies of RNA. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1422. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1422

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA
Microbes and RNA – Not Something to Sneeze At
Authors: Wilusz Jeffrey
Published: August 2017

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Lower Extremity Bypass Using Bovine Carotid Artery Graft (Artegraft): An Analysis of 124 Cases with Long‐Term Results
Authors: Lindsey Philip , Echeverria Angela , Cheung Mathew , Kfoury Elias , Bechara Carlos F. , Lin Peter H.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Although biological grafts have been utilized as a vascular conduit in leg bypass for many years, reports of a bovine carotid artery graft (BCAG) in lower extremity revascularization have been scarce. This study analyzed the outcome of lower leg bypass using BCAG.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of all patients undergoing lower extremity bypass using BCAG from 2002 to 2017 was performed. Clinical outcomes including graft patency and limb salvage were evaluated.

Results

A total of 124 BCAG (Artegraft, North Brunswick, NJ) were implanted in 120 patients for lower extremity revascularization. Surgical indications included disabling claudication in 12%, rest pain in 36%, tissue loss in 48%, and infected prosthetic graft replacement in 3%. Autologous saphenous vein was either inadequate or absent in 72% of patients. BCAG was used in 46 patients (37%) who had a prior failed ipsilateral leg bypass. Distal anastomosis was performed in the above‐knee popliteal artery, below‐knee popliteal artery, and tibial artery in 30 cases (25%), 32 cases (26%), and 48 cases (39%), respectively. Distal anastomotic patch was created in all tibial artery to allow BCAG‐tibial reconstruction. The yearly primary patency rates in 5 years were 86.5, 76.4, 72.2, 68.3, and 67.5%, respectively. The corresponding yearly secondary patency rates were 88.5, 84.7, 82.4, 78.5, and 75.6%, respectively. The limb salvage rate at one year was 83.6% and at five years was 86.2% for patients with critical limb ischemia. Multivariate analysis showed poor runoff score (P = 0.03, 95% CI, 1.3–5.3; OR, 1.6) was independently associated with graft occlusion.

Conclusion

BCAG is an excellent vascular conduit and provides good long‐term results in lower extremity bypass.
Disparities in Breast Cancer: Private Patients Have Better Outcomes Than Public Patients
Authors: Coetzee W. C. , Apffelstaedt J. P. , Zeeman T. , Du Plessis M.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Different outcomes in breast cancer have been reported for low and high socio‐economic groups. We present data quantifying disparities between South African public and private patients.

Methods

Records of 240 consecutive patients treated in 2008 in a public versus 97 patients in a private health facility were reviewed for demographic and oncologic data.

Results

The average of patients was 56.2 versus 51.9 years (p= 0.032). Stage at presentation was 0 in 0.83 versus 25.8%, I in 4.5 versus 15.5%, II in 41.3 versus 37.1%, III in 37.1 versus 18.6% and IV in 16.3 versus 3.1% public versus private patients. Seventy‐three percent of patients were symptomatic versus 57.7%. Of patients with stage 0–III disease, 17.9 versus 20% had simple tumour excision and 7.5 versus 14%, oncoplastic tumour excision. The mastectomy rate was similar (52 vs. 60%), but immediate reconstruction was performed in 10 versus 63%. Public patients were less likely to have radiotherapy. The pathology was similar, 27.2 versus 20, 54 versus 52, 87 versus 61% of patients with stage I, II and III disease, respectively, had chemotherapy. Hormonal therapy for premenopausal patients in private was a LHRH agonist in 9.3%, ovarian ablation/BSO in 11.7% of public patients; biologicals were given in 7.2 versus 0% of patients. Overall survival for public versus private was 66 versus 80% (p< 0.001) months. Better per stage survival of private patients 100 versus 100, 72.7 versus 93.3, 84.8 versus 88.9, 57.3 versus 77.8 and 33 versus 33% for stages 0, I, II, III and IV, did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

The greatest impact on outcome was stage at presentation, but more aggressive therapy for each stage resulted in a trend to better outcome for private patients.
If at first you don’t succeed … adoption of iPad marking for high-stakes assessments
Authors: Judd Terry , Ryan Anna , Flynn Eleanor , McColl Geoff
Published: August 2017

Large-scale interview and simulation-based assessments such as objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) and multiple mini interviews (MMIs) are logistically complex to administer, generate large volumes of assessment data, and are strong candidates for the adoption of computer-based marking systems. Adoption of new technologies can be challenging, and technical failures, which are relatively commonplace, can delay and/or create resistance to ongoing implementation.
This paper reports on the adoption process of an electronic marking system for OSCEs and MMIs following an unsuccessful initial trial. It describes how, after the initial setback, a staged implementation, progressing from small to larger-scale assessments, single to multiple assessment types, and lower to higher stakes assessments, was used to successfully adopt and embed iPad-based marking within our medical school.
Critical factors in the success of this approach included thorough appraisal and selection of technologies, rigorous assurance of system reliability and security, constant review and refinement, and careful attention to implementation and end-user training. Engagement of stakeholders is also crucial, especially in the case of previous failures or setbacks.
The Pattern of Sexual Interest of Female-to-Male Transsexual Persons With Gender Identity Disorder Does Not Resemble That of Biological Men: An Eye-Tracking Study
Authors: Tsujimura Akira , Kiuchi Hiroshi , Soda Tetsuji , Takezawa Kentaro , Fukuhara Shinichiro , Takao Tetsuya , Sekiguchi Yuki , Iwasa Atsushi , Nonomura Norio , Miyagawa Yasushi
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Very little has been elucidated about sexual interest in female-to-male (FtM) transsexual persons.

Aims

To investigate the sexual interest of FtM transsexual persons vs that of men using an eye-tracking system.

Methods

The study included 15 men and 13 FtM transsexual subjects who viewed three sexual videos (clip 1: sexy clothed young woman kissing the region of the male genitals covered by underwear; clip 2: naked actor and actress kissing and touching each other; and clip 3: heterosexual intercourse between a naked actor and actress) in which several regions were designated for eye-gaze analysis in each frame. The designation of each region was not visible to the participants.

Main Outcome Measures

Visual attention was measured across each designated region according to gaze duration.

Results

For clip 1, there was a statistically significant sex difference in the viewing pattern between men and FtM transsexual subjects. Longest gaze time was for the eyes of the actress in men, whereas it was for non-human regions in FtM transsexual subjects. For clip 2, there also was a statistically significant sex difference. Longest gaze time was for the face of the actress in men, whereas it was for non-human regions in FtM transsexual subjects, and there was a significant difference between regions with longest gaze time. The most apparent difference was in the gaze time for the body of the actor: the percentage of time spent gazing at the body of the actor was 8.35% in FtM transsexual subjects, whereas it was only 0.03% in men. For clip 3, there were no statistically significant differences in viewing patterns between men and FtM transsexual subjects, although longest gaze time was for the face of the actress in men, whereas it was for non-human regions in FtM transsexual subjects.

Conclusion

We suggest that the characteristics of sexual interest of FtM transsexual persons are not the same as those of biological men.

Tsujimura A, Kiuchi H, Soda T, et al. The Pattern of Sexual Interest of Female-to-Male Transsexual Persons With Gender Identity Disorder Does Not Resemble That of Biological Men: An Eye-Tracking Study. Sex Med 2017;5:e169–e174.
Traduction française de l’échelle Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Pediatric Scale
Authors: Gagnon Cynthia , Massie Rami , Tremblay Marjolaine , Darcy Sylvie , Martel Mélissa , Burns Joshua
Published: August 2017

Cet article présente le processus de traduction en français du Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS), le seul outil de mesure validé évaluant la sévérité de la maladie chez les enfants atteints de CMT. Le processus de traduction utilisé s’inspire des lignes directrices de la Food and Drug Administration (FDA). La version préliminaire francophone du CMTPedS a été testée auprès de 14 enfants atteints. Les résultats de l’application démontrent que la passation a été bien tolérée par les enfants et s’est avérée conviviale pour les cliniciens. La disponibilité de cet outil en français semble prometteuse pour le suivi des enfants atteints et la réalisation d’essais clinique.
Analysis of bovine cysticercosis in the state of Goiás, Brazil and economical losses for beef farms
Authors: DE AQUINO FERNANDA MARTINS , SOARES VANDO EDÉSIO , ROSSI GABRIEL AUGUSTO MARQUES , DANIN LUIZ ANTÔNIO CARDOSO , NICARETTA JOÃO EDUARDO , BASTOS THIAGO DE SOUZA AZEREDO , CRUVINEL LEONARDO BUENO , FELIPPELLI GUSTAVO , CRUZ BRENO CAYEIRO , MACIEL WILLIAN GIQUELIM , GOMES LUCAS VINICIUS COSTA , LOPES WELBER DANIEL ZANETTI
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and spatial distribution of bovine cysticercosis in the state of Goiás, Brazil; to verify its association with epidemiological variables, and to establish the economical losses for beef farms. A set of 23 255 979 bovines from 246 municipalities were slaughtered from 2007 through 2014. The prevalence of bovine cysticercosis was 0·53% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0·5295–0·5354]. The Central mesoregion showed a higher risk [odds ratio (OR) = 4·44; 95% CI 4·2936–4·5895] for detecting infected animals with cysticerci compared with those raised at North and Northeast mesoregion (OR = 1·02 and OR = 1·02). The microregion of Goiânia had a higher risk for bovine cysticercosis occurrence (OR = 11·05, 95% CI 10·6933–11·4099) compared with the microregion of São Miguel do Araguaia (OR = 1). None of the epidemiological variables evaluated in this study was significantly associated (P > 0·05) with bovine cysticercosis prevalence.

In conclusion, the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in the state of Goiás, Brazil, was 0·53% and some mesoregions and microregions presented a higher risk for its occurrence. The economical losses due to its occurrence during the period ranged from US$9 260 728·57 to 11 313 816·67. These results highlighted the needs of adopting prophylactic measures and the development of political strategies in specific regions in order to control this zoonose and reduce the economical losses for beef production chain and the costs for public health.
ON THE MINIMAL NUMBER OF SMALL ELEMENTS GENERATING FINITE PRIME FIELDS
Authors: MUNSCH MARC
Published: August 2017

In this note, we give an upper bound for the number of elements from the interval$[1,p^{1/4\sqrt{e}+\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}}]$necessary to generate the finite field$\mathbb{F}_{p}^{\ast }$with$p$an odd prime. The general result depends on the distribution of the divisors of$p-1$and can be used to deduce results which hold for almost all primes.
FAKHR AL-DĪN AL-RĀZĪ ON PLACE
Authors: Adamson Peter
Published: August 2017

The twelfth century philosopher-theologian Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī is well known for his critique of Avicennan metaphysics. In this paper, I examine his critique of Avicenna's physics, and in particular his rejection of the Avicennan and Aristotelian theory of place as the inner boundary of a containing body. Instead, Fakhr al-Dīn defends a definition of place as self-subsisting extension, an idea explicitly rejected by Aristotle and Avicenna after him. Especially in his late work, theMaṭālib, Fakhr al-Dīn explores a number of important philosophical issues with reference to this theory of place, including the principle that two indiscernible things (in this case two overlapping extensions) must be identical and the idea that motion and rest are always relative.
Brouwer's fixed-point theorem in real-cohesive homotopy type theory
Authors: SHULMAN MICHAEL
Published: August 2017

We combine homotopy type theory with axiomatic cohesion, expressing the latter internally with a version of ‘adjoint logic’ in which the discretization and codiscretization modalities are characterized using a judgemental formalism of ‘crisp variables.’ This yields type theories that we call ‘spatial’ and ‘cohesive,’ in which the types can be viewed as having independent topological and homotopical structure. These type theories can then be used to study formally the process by which topology gives rise to homotopy theory (the ‘fundamental ∞-groupoid’ or ‘shape’), disentangling the ‘identifications’ of homotopy type theory from the ‘continuous paths’ of topology. In a further refinement called ‘real-cohesion,’ the shape is determined by continuous maps from the real numbers, as in classical algebraic topology. This enables us to reproduce formally some of the classical applications of homotopy theory to topology. As an example, we prove Brouwer's fixed-point theorem.