bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in occupation between ancestry subgroups of Asian birthplace groups in Australia
Authors: De Alwis Sheruni , Parr Nick
Published: April 2018

Asia‐born migrants form a majority of Australia's immigrants. Most of the larger Asian birthplace groups are ethnically heterogeneous. However, the literature on the occupations of migrants in Australia has tended to overlook the diversity within individual migrant groups. Using 2011 census data, this study details for the first time the significant variation in the occupational distributions between ancestry subgroups of the 10 largest Asian birthplace groups in Australia. A majority of the birthplace and ancestry groups have higher overall occupational status scores than the Australia‐born. The European and Australian ancestry subgroups are more likely to be managers, while the Chinese and Indian ancestry groups are more likely to be in particular professional occupations and to have higher overall occupational status than other ancestry groups from the same birthplace. In other ancestry subgroups such as Punjabi and Sikh ancestry India‐born, high proportions of migrants are in low‐skilled occupations, indicating wastage of skills.
Evaluation of an ischemic model in ischemia prone and general Mongolian gerbils by neurological symptom, injury, and sex difference
Authors: Du Xiao‐yan , Li Chang‐long , Guo Meng , Wang Ying , Guo Hong‐gang , Dai Fang‐wei , Sa Xiao‐ying , Chen Zhen‐wen
Published: April 2018

Background

In the previous study, we established an ischemia‐prone gerbil population (IG), which was selectively bred to increase the incidence of unilateral carotid arterial occlusion (UCO)‐induced ischemia in Mongolian gerbils. However, if the characteristics of ischemia model in IG are the same as those in general gerbils (GG), and if the neurological symptoms are associated with the neurological insults in IG is still unclear.

Methods

In the present study, we evaluated the UCO model in IG by analyzing neurological symptoms, neurological injury in the hippocampal CA1 region and compared with GG.

Results

The data showed that the ratios of neurological symptom scores ≥ 2 in the IG and GG groups were 65.0% vs 30.0%, respectively, and were significantly different (P < .01).The neuronal damage following a UCO ischemic insult in the IG group was more severe compared to the GG group. There was a high correlation between the neurological insults’ scale and the neurological symptom score in the IG and GG groups (r = .979 and .943 in the IG and GG groups, respectively). In animals with mild neurological symptom scores (2 and 3), the neuronal insults were significantly different between female and male gerbils in both IG and GG.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that IG population would likely be more advantageous to establish an ischemic model.
To develop a novel animal model of myocardial infarction: A research imperative
Authors: Tang Yao‐ping , Liu Ying , Fan Yong‐jie , Zhao Yang‐yang , Feng Jiao‐qun , Liu Yuan
Published: April 2018

Although great progress has been made in therapeutic interventions for coronary artery disease (CAD), it is still the deadliest disease in the world. Currently animals that are similar to human beings in their cardiovascular pathophysiology are being used to explore the pathogenesis and therapy of CAD. There have been a series of developments in creating CAD animal models using mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, and pigs, but unfortunately there is still no acceptable model for human CAD. The ideal CAD animal model should satisfy several conditions as follows. First of all, it should have a pathophysiological process for CAD that is similar to humans. Second, it should be useable for assessing drug efficacy. The last and most important condition is that the model can be used to duplicate clinical therapeutic skills. The limitations of current methods for making animal models have meant that these models not only do not duplicate the actual pathogenesis, but also cannot be used to simulate clinical therapy, and do not support scientific evaluation of drug efficacy. Therefore, the development of a fit‐for‐purpose animal model for CAD is imperative for future research. Such a development will lead to rapid progress and greater efficiency in CAD research. This paper summarizes the present situation in the field of CAD animal models, and puts forwards ideas for developing a novel animal model of myocardial infarction.
Butein protects the nonalcoholic fatty liver through mitochondrial reactive oxygen species attenuation in rats
Authors: Alshammari Ghedeir M. , Balakrishnan Aristatile , Chinnasamy Thirunavukkarasu
Published: April 2018

One of the worldwide metabolic health dilemma is nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Researchers are searching effective drug to manage NAFLD patients. One of the best way to manage the metabolic imperfection is through natural principal isolated from different sources. Butein, a natural compound known to have numerous pharmacological application. In the current study we assessed the therapeutic effect of butein administration on liver function tests, oxidative stress, antioxidants, lipid abnormalities, serum inflammatory cytokines, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels, in rats with methionine‐choline deficient (MCD) diet induced NAFLD. Male Wistar rats were treated with MCD diet with/without butein (200 mg/kg body wt. orally) for 6 weeks. The protective effect of butein, were evident from decreased transaminase activities, restoration of albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, and oxidants in serum (P < 0.01), further it improved liver antioxidant status (P < 0.01). Butein significantly lowered lipid profile parameters (P < 0.01), suppressed inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.01), and improved liver histology. Further to understand the possible mechanism behind the hepatoprotective and lipid lowering effect of butein, the activities of heme oxygenase (HO1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. We found that butein supplementation significantly decreased the activity of HO1 (P < 0.001), and increased the activity of MPO (P < 0.001). Furthermore butein attenuated mitochondrial ROS produced in NAFLD condition. Present study shows that butein supplementation restore liver function by altering liver oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, vital defensive enzyme activities, and mitochondrial ROS. In summary, butein has remarkable potential to develop effective hepato‐protective drug. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(3):289–298, 2018
Self‐cured Alkyd Resin Using Non‐Drying Avocado Seed Oil as a Material of Regenerative Resource
Authors: Uzoh C. F. , Onukwuli O. D.
Published: April 2018

Self‐cured alkyd resin was synthesized from avocado seed oil (ASO) via a two way alcoholysis‐polycondensation method. The raw ASO was evaluated for its physical and chemical properties and further epoxidized, hydroxylated, and dehydrated to obtain a desaturated ASO. The fatty acids present in the raw ASO were evaluated with GC–MS while structural composition of the raw ASO, desaturated ASO and ASO based alkyd resin were evaluated with FTIR analytical technique. A surrogate kinetic model was used to approximate the acid functional group conversion in the alkyd reactor. FTIR and GC–MS results confirmed that the oil was predominantly saturated. The oil content of avocado seed is found to be 55% wt which justifies its availability as an industrial crop. The FTIR result further confirmed esterification reaction of the oil with acid anhydrides. The results of iodine values show that the unsaturation level of the oil increased significantly. The alkyd resin C produced met the requirements of standard drying test (ASTM 1640‐D) in presence of nano‐ZnO pigment at 32°C; exhibiting excellent adhesion, abrasion and chemical properties. The kinetic study further discloses that conversion (82%), viscosity (269 cP) and molecular weight average (4434 g/mol) were within the desired value in the state variable space.
Identification of four plasma microRNAs as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis of male lung squamous cell carcinoma patients in China
Authors: Shan Xia , Zhang Huo , Zhang Lan , Zhou Xin , Wang Tongshan , Zhang JinYing , Shu Yongqian , Zhu Wei , Wen Wei , Liu Ping
Published: April 2018

Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in the plasma of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) might serve as biomarkers for LSCC diagnosis. The expression of miRNAs was performed using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) on the basis of Exiqon panels in the initial screening phase including three male LSCC pool samples and one normal control (NC) pool sample (per 10 samples were pooled as one pool sample). After the training (32 LSCC vs. 31 NCs), the testing (55 LSCC vs. 55 NCs), and the external validation (15 LSCC vs. 15 NCs) stages via qRT‐PCR, a four‐miRNA signature (miR‐181a‐5p, miR‐21‐5p, miR‐106a‐5p, and miR‐93‐5p) was identified for LSCC detection. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of the four‐miRNA panel for the training, the testing, and the external validation phases were 0.795, 0.827, and 0.914, respectively. Then, the four miRNAs were explored in LSCC tissue samples (23 LSCC vs. 23 NCs), and their expression was significantly up‐regulated. However, none of the four miRNAs found significantly up‐regulated in plasma exosomes expect miR‐93‐5p with borderline significance (16 LSCC vs. 16 NCs). In summary, our study established a four‐miRNA peripheral plasma signature, which contributed to diagnosing male LSCC patients in China to a certain degree.
Smoking, drinking, and depression: comorbidity in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy
Authors: McCarter Kristen , Baker Amanda L. , Britton Benjamin , Wolfenden Luke , Wratten Chris , Bauer Judith , Halpin Sean A. , Carter Gregory , Beck Alison K. , Leigh Lucy , Oldmeadow Christopher
Published: April 2018

We aimed to determine the prevalence and co‐occurrence of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and depressive symptoms among a sample of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy. A total of 307 HNC patients participated in a multi‐site stepped‐wedge randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of a dietitian‐delivered health behavior intervention in patients with HNC undergoing radiotherapy. During week one of radiotherapy patients completed measures of smoking, alcohol consumption, and level of depression. Approximately one‐fifth (21%) of patients had two or more co‐occurring problems: current smoking, hazardous alcohol use, and/or likely presence of a major depressive episode (MDE). Approximately one‐third (34%) of the sample were current smokers, one‐third (31%) were drinking hazardously and almost one‐fifth (19%) had likely cases of depression. Comorbidity of smoking, hazardous alcohol use, and MDE is high in HNC patients, and interventions need to address this cluster of cancer risk factors.
Programmed death‐ligand 1 expression in gastric cancer: correlation with mismatch repair deficiency and HER2‐negative status
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Qiongyan , Ni Shujuan , Tan Cong , Cai Xu , Huang Dan , Sheng Weiqi
Published: April 2018

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies. Immunotherapy is a promising targeted treatment. The immune regulatory programmed death‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) axis has been used as a checkpoint target for immunotherapy. Currently, considerable discrepancies exist concerning the expression status of PD‐L1 and its prognostic value in GC. We aimed to evaluate the expression rates of PD‐L1 in GC, and further assess its relationship with mismatch repair (MMR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. We retrospectively collected 550 consecutive cases of GC in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from 2010 to 2012. PD‐L1, MMR protein, and HER2 status were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Fluorescence in situ hybridization was further used in HER2 IHC 2+ cases. Cases with at least 1% membranous and/or cytoplasmic PD‐L1 staining in either tumor cells (TCs) or tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) were considered as PD‐L1 positive. The correlation between clinicopathological parameters, HER2, MMR, and PD‐L1 expression status was determined using chi‐squared tests. About 37.3% cases (205/550) showed PD‐L1 expression in TCs and/or TIICs. 17.3% cases (95/550) showed PD‐L1 expression in TCs, 34.5% (190/550) cases showed PD‐L1 expression in TIICs. There were 45 deficient MMR (dMMR) cases (8.2%), which showed higher rates of PD‐L1 expression compared with MMR‐proficient carcinomas (60.0% vs. 35.2%, P = 0.001). HER2 was positive in 66 (12.0%) cases. The expression of PD‐L1 occurred more frequently in HER2‐negative group than HER2‐positive cohorts (39.0% vs. 24.2%, P = 0.020). The survival analysis revealed that PD‐L1 was not associated with prognosis. This study evaluated the association between the PD‐L1 expression and a specific subgroup (dMMR and HER2‐negative) in a large Asian cohort of GC. GC patients with dMMR and HER2‐negative status exhibited higher PD‐L1 expression rates. Our finding indicated that MMR and HER‐2 status might be potential biomarkers for anti‐PD‐L1 therapy.
Die bunte Welt der Porphyrine
Authors: Weiß Dieter , Täuscher Eric , Brandl Herbert
Published: April 2018

Porphyrine und einige ihrer Metallkomplexsalze (z. B. Chlorophylle, Hämo‐ und Myoglobin) spielen als Naturfarbstoffe eine bedeutende Rolle für das irdische Leben. Die chemische Struktur des Häms (prosthetische Gruppe des roten Blut‐ und Muskelfarbstoffs), seine Biosynthese und seine Abbauprodukte die Gallenfarbstoffe Biliverdin und Bilirubin werden beschrieben. In der Natur findet sich Biliverdin als Farbpigment in grünen bis blauen Eierschalen bestimmter Vögel, weiterhin in den grünen Gräten von Fischen wie Hornhecht‐ und Aalmutter‐Arten. Bilirubin in zu hoher (pathologischer) Konzentration im Blut, verursacht die typischen Symptome der Gelbsucht, die speziell bei Neugeborenen problematisch verlaufen kann. Die heutige Bedeutung der Porphyrinchemie liegt in innovativen medizinischen und technischen Anwendungen. Die faszinierenden Experimente in dieser Publikation mögen Interessenten dazu inspirieren, sich für die Porphyrinchemie zu begeistern und eigene Beobachtungen und Experimente zu machen.
Sulfur (VI) Fluoride Exchange Polymerization for Large Conjugate Chromophores and Functional Main‐Chain Polysulfates with Nonvolatile Memory Performance
Authors: Fan Huiru , Ji Yujin , Xu Qingfeng , Zhou Feng , Wu Bin , Wang Lihua , Li Youyong , Lu Jianmei
Published: April 2018

Sulfur (VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) reactions can be applied not only in organic click synthesis, but also in the preparation of functional main‐chain polymers. In this work, four functional main‐chain polysulfates (PNT‐PS, NPNT‐PS, PHF‐PS, and TPE‐PS) are synthesized in high yield using the SuFEx reaction at room temperature. The polysulfates exhibit satisfactory thermal stability and solution processability. They are used as the active layer for memory devices (ITO/PNT‐PS/Al, ITO/NPNT‐PS/Al, ITO/PHF‐PS/Al, and ITO/TPE‐PS/Al). I–V measurements show that ITO/PNT‐PS/Al and ITO/NPNT‐PS/Al exhibit stable flash‐memory (write‐read‐erase) behavior, while ITO/PHF‐PS/Al and ITO/TPE‐PS/Al exhibit WORM (write once read many) behavior. Our studies provide a feasible and efficient synthetic methodology for the preparation of new memory materials.
S‐Nitrosylation of Prostacyclin Synthase Instigates Nitrate Cross‐Tolerance In Vivo
Authors: Zhou Sheng‐Nan , Lu Jun‐Xiu , Wang Xue‐Qing , Shan Mei‐Rong , Miao Zhang , Pan Guo‐Pin , Jian Xu , Li Peng , Ping Song , Pang Xin‐Yan , Bai Yong‐Ping , Liu Chao , Wang Shuang‐Xi
Published: April 2018

Development of nitrate tolerance is a major drawback to nitrate therapy. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is a powerful vasodilator produced from prostaglandin (PGH2) by prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) in endothelial cells. This study aimed to determine the role of PGIS S‐nitrosylation in nitrate tolerance induced by nitroglycerin (GTN). In endothelial cells, GTN increased PGIS S‐nitrosylation and disturbed PGH2 metabolism, which were normalized by mutants of PGIS cysteine 231/441 to alanine (C231/441A). Clearance of nitric oxide by carboxy‐PTIO or inhibition of S‐nitrosylation by N‐acetyl‐cysteine decreased GTN‐induced PGIS S‐nitrosylation. Enforced expression of mutated PGIS with C231/441A markedly abolished GTN‐induced PGIS S‐nitrosylation and nitrate cross‐tolerance in Apoe‐/‐ mice. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase 1 by aspirin, supplementation of PGI2 by beraprost, and inhibition of PGIS S‐nitrosylation by N‐acetyl‐cysteine improved GTN‐induced nitrate cross‐tolerance in rats. In patients, increased PGIS S‐nitrosylation was associated with nitrate tolerance. In conclusion, GTN induces nitrate cross‐tolerance through PGIS S‐nitrosylation at cysteine 231/441.
Applying ecological site concepts and state‐and‐transition models to a grazed riparian rangeland
Authors: Ratcliff Felix , Bartolome James , Macaulay Luke , Spiegal Sheri , White Michael D.
Published: April 2018

Ecological sites and state‐and‐transition models are useful tools for generating and testing hypotheses about drivers of vegetation composition in rangeland systems. These models have been widely implemented in upland rangelands, but comparatively, little attention has been given to developing ecological site concepts for rangeland riparian areas, and additional environmental criteria may be necessary to classify riparian ecological sites. Between 2013 and 2016, fifteen study reaches on five creeks were studied at Tejon Ranch in southern California. Data were collected to describe the relationship between riparian vegetation composition, environmental variables, and livestock management; and to explore the utility of ecological sites and state‐and‐transition models for describing riparian vegetation communities and for creating hypotheses about drivers of vegetation change. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify the environmental and vegetation data (15 stream reaches × 4 years) into two ecological sites and eight community phases that comprised three vegetation states. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to determine the influence of abiotic site variables, annual precipitation, and cattle activity on vegetation clusters. Channel slope explained the greatest amount of variation in vegetation clusters; however, soil texture, geology, watershed size, and elevation were also selected as important predictors of vegetation composition. The classification tree built with this limited set of abiotic predictor variables explained 90% of the observed vegetation clusters. Cattle grazing and annual precipitation were not linked to qualitative differences in vegetation. Abiotic variables explained almost all of the observed riparian vegetation dynamics—and the divisions in the CART analysis corresponded roughly to the ecological sites—suggesting that ecological sites are well‐suited for understanding and predicting change in this highly variable system. These findings support continued development of riparian ecological site concepts and state‐and‐transition models to aid decision making for conservation and management of rangeland riparian areas.
Layer‐by‐layer Proton Donor and Acceptor Membrane for an Efficient Proton Transfer System in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Meemuk C. , Chirachanchai S.
Published: April 2018

The high performance proton transfer in polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) is known to be achieved through cooperating of proton donors and acceptors. In order to obtain the effective and efficient proton transfer, the present work proposes a membrane with proton donors and proton acceptors in layer‐by‐layer (LbL) structure. By applying sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) as the substrate membrane and soaking alternatively with the proton donor polymer, i.e. poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and the proton acceptor heterocycles, i.e. benzimidazoles (BI), the LbL SPEEK/BI/PAA membranes can be achieved. The systematic variation based on the branching benzimidazole groups suggest that the LbL SPEEK/BI/PAA membrane obtained shows an increase in proton conductivity compared to the neat SPEEK, especially in the case of the membrane with trifunctional benzimidazole (B4) is as high as 1–2.5 orders of magnitude over the temperature range of 30–170 °C. The present work points out the simple surface modification of the proton conductive membrane by layer‐by‐layer approach as a practical and simple way to enhance the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane.
Oxidatively Modified Protein‐Disulfide Isomerase–Associated 3 Promotes Dyskerin Pseudouridine Synthase 1–Mediated Malignancy and Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Ko Eunkyong , Kim Jong‐Seo , Ju Soomi , Seo Hyun‐Wook , Chang Yeonji , Kang Jung‐Ah , Park Sung‐Gyoo , Jung Guhung
Published: April 2018

Dyskerin pseudouridine synthase 1 (DKC1) is a conserved gene encoding the RNA‐binding protein dyskerin, which is an essential component of the telomerase holoenzyme. DKC1 up‐regulation is frequently observed in many different human cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the regulatory mechanism of DKC1 in HCC progression. We found that protein‐disulfide isomerase‐associated 3 (PDIA3) interacted with the DKC1 regulatory DNA in HCC cells but not in HCC cells with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, using liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric analysis after isolating the DKC1 regulatory region binding proteins. PDIA3 repressed DKC1 expression in HCC cells by recognizing the G‐quadruplex DNA at the DKC1 location. However, oxidative modification of PDIA3 induced by ROS redistributed this protein into the cytosolic regions, which stimulated DKC1 expression. We also identified Met338 in PDIA3 as the oxidatively modified residue and validated the effect of oxidative modification using an ectopic expression system, a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated 9 knock‐in system, and a xenograft mouse model. We observed that oxidatively modified PDIA3 promoted DKC1‐mediated malignancy and survival of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. HCC tissues showed a positive association with ROS, cytoplasmic PDIA3, and nuclear DKC1 levels. HCC patients with high PDIA3 protein and DKC1 mRNA levels also displayed reduced recurrence‐free survival rates. Cumulatively, the results showed that cytoplasmic PDIA3 activity could be essential in raising DKC1 expression in HCC progression and predicting poor prognoses in HCC patients. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the elevated ROS levels in HCC modulate cytoplasmic PDIA3 levels, resulting in HCC cell survival through DKC1 up‐regulation.
Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy After Transplantation: Neither the Transient Nor Innocent Bystander
Authors: Izzy Manhal , Oh Jae , Watt Kymberly D.
Published: April 2018

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in end‐stage liver disease is currently characterized by blunted contractile systolic response to stress with or without diastolic dysfunction in the absence of known heart disease. Since the establishment of the diagnostic criteria of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in 2005, there have been multiple studies regarding its pathophysiology and pretransplant clinical course. The data regarding the post‐transplant course of this entity are sparse. This review addresses the course and prognosis of the elements of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy after liver transplantation (LT). To this end, there is limited compelling evidence demonstrating the reversibility of this entity post‐LT. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may, in fact, increase the risk of post‐transplant complications. This review reveals a need to refine the diagnostic criteria of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in view of the remarkable progress in the sphere of echocardiographic evaluation of systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The post‐transplant course and outcomes related to cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may be better evaluated in the setting of updated diagnostic criteria.
Consumer Credit and Over‐indebtedness in China
Authors: Yin Huifen
Published: April 2018

Over the past three decades, China has experienced a significant increase in consumer credit. There are many causes for this growth and expansion in credit availability, such as deregulation of consumer credit markets. The expansion of consumer credit leads to the climbing of consumers' over‐indebtedness. Traditional remedies provided to consumers are limited to minor restrictions on attachment of the debtor's property. No statute has been passed in China to rearrange consumer insolvency. Moral hazard and debtor fraud are the two particularly salient concerns that hinder the adoption of consumer insolvency legislation in China. This paper makes use of publicly available data collected on government websites and bank websites to empirically describe the development of consumer credit and consumers' indebtedness in China and also theoretically examines the treatment of over‐indebtedness and the obstacles encountered in the adoption of consumer insolvency legislation. Based on these investigations, the paper suggests that although there are some obstacles, it is necessary and feasible to construct consumer insolvency system in China. Copyright © 2018 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Achieving state‐of‐the‐art ICT connectivity in developing countries: The Azerbaijan model of Technology Leapfrogging
Authors: Ng Evelyn , Tan Barney
Published: April 2018

Technology Leapfrogging can allow developing countries to achieve an advanced state of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) connectivity rapidly and efficiently. And yet, despite its apparent value and benefits, there is currently a lack of research on how the process is enacted. In an attempt to fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a case study of Azerbaijan's national ICT infrastructure development journey. Azerbaijan is one of the top developing countries across the globe in terms of ICT connectivity, and with an in‐depth exploration of how it planned for ICT development, and leveraged new and existing ICT capabilities toward the implementation of high‐impact projects in the areas of infrastructure development, e‐government, information management and security, business and entrepreneurship, and research and education, a process model of Technology Leapfrogging is derived and presented in this article. More specifically, our process model suggests that ICT development in Azerbaijan unfolded as a “stage‐skipping” variant of Technology Leapfrogging that consists of 4 stages: (1) strategizing, (2) anchoring, (3) enacting, and (4) reinforcing. Traversing the 4 stages enabled Azerbaijan to achieve the state of the art in ICT connectivity quickly and cost‐effectively, which served to generate a number of economic and social outcomes for the country in spite of its limited resources.
In vivo study of rat cortical hemodynamics using a stereotaxic‐apparatus‐compatible photoacoustic microscope
Authors: Guo Heng , Chen Qian , Qi Weizhi , Chen Xingxing , Xi Lei
Published: April 2018

Brain imaging is an important technique in cognitive neuroscience. In this article, we designed a stereotaxic‐apparatus‐compatible photoacoustic microscope for the studies of rat cortical hemodynamics. Compared with existing optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy (ORPAM) systems, the probe owns feature of fast, light and miniature. In this microscope, we integrated a miniaturized ultrasound transducer with a center frequency of 10 MHz to detect photoacoustic signals and a 2‐dimensional (2D) microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanner to achieve raster scanning of the optical focus. Based on phantom evaluation, this imaging probe has a high lateral resolution of 3.8 μm and an effective imaging domain of 2 × 2 mm2. Different from conventional ORPAMs, combining with standard stereotaxic apparatus enables broad studies of rodent brains without any motion artifact. To show its capability, we successfully captured red blood cell flow in the capillary, monitored the vascular changes during bleeding and blood infusion and visualized cortical hemodynamics induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion.
Application of mesenchymal stem cells to enhance non‐union bone fracture healing
Authors: Mousaei Ghasroldasht Mohammad , Matin Maryam M. , Kazemi Mehrjerdi Hossein , Naderi‐Meshkin Hojjat , Moradi Ali , Rajabioun Masoud , Alipour Faeze , Ghasemi Samaneh , Zare Mohammad , Mirahmadi Mahdi , Bidkhori Hamid Reza , Bahrami Ahmad Reza
Published: April 2018

ECM components include a number of osteoinductive and osteoconductive factors, which are involved in bone fracture healing. In this study, a combination of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad‐MSCs), cancellous bone graft (CBG), and chitosan hydrogel (CHI) was applied to the non‐union bone fracture and healing effects were evaluated for the first time. After creation of animal models with non‐union fracture in rats, they were randomly classified into seven groups. Radiography at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery, indicated the positive effects of Ad‐MSCs + CBG + CHI and Ad‐MSCs + CBG in treatment of bone fractures as early as 2 weeks after the surgery. These data were confirmed with both biomechanical and histological studies. Gene expression analyses ofVegfandBmp2showed a positive effect of Ad‐MSCs on vascularization and osteogenic differentiation in all groups receiving Ad‐MSCs, as shown by real‐time PCR. Immunofluorescence analysis and RT‐PCR results indicated existence of human Ad‐MSCs in the fractured region 8 weeks post‐surgery. In conclusion, we suggest that application of Ad‐MSCs, CBG, and CHI, could be a suitable combination for osteoinduction and osteoconduction to improve non‐union bone fracture healing. Further investigations are required to determine the exact mechanisms involved in this process before moving to clinical studies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 301–311, 2019.
Enhancement of Different Biomedical Activities of Newly Synthesized Quinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Zeid Ibrahim F. , Kassem Emad M. , Mohamed Neama A. , Salman Ahmed A. , Shalaby Al Shimaa G.
Published: April 2018

A series of newly synthesized compounds of quinazolinone by various substituents was screened for its pharmacological activities. These included their action as antibacterial agents against pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and as antifungal agents against Aspergillus niger and pathogenic yeast (Candida albicans). The presently investigated compounds were synthesized in higher yields, and the structure features were elucidated on the basis of IR, 1H‐NMR, and mass and elemental analysis data. These compounds were also evaluated as antioxidant agent. The results revealed that six compounds (2a, 11b, 11a, 2b, 13a, and 3c) exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogenic strains. In addition, it was found that compound 6a exhibited a radical scavenging activity higher than other studied compounds.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity of a New Class of Amido linked Azolyl Thiophenes
Authors: Thatha Sreenivasulu , Ummadi Nagarjuna , Venkatapuram Padmavathi , Adivireddy Padmaja
Published: April 2018

A new class of amido linked azolyl thiophenes was prepared from the synthetic intermediates azolyl amines and 5‐chlorothiophene‐2‐carbonyl chloride adopting conventional and ultrasonication methodologies. It was observed that the reaction took place in shorter reaction times with higher yields under ultrasonication. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral parameters and also tested for antioxidant activity. Among all the tested compounds, methoxy substituted oxazolyl thiophene carboxamide (8c) displayed promising antioxidant activity. Besides, the electron donating groups on the phenyl ring enhanced the antioxidant activity when compared with the electron withdrawing groups.
Intrasheath Instability of the Peroneal Tendons: Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Draghi Ferdinando , Bortolotto Chandra , Draghi Anna Guja , Gitto Salvatore
Published: April 2018

Peroneal intrasheath instability is a painful snapping condition of the lateral ankle. It consists of a transient retromalleolar subluxation of the peroneal tendons without disruption of the superior peroneal retinaculum or evidence of a previous definite trauma. In type A intrasheath instability, the peroneus longus and brevis tendons are intact, and there is an intertendinous intrasheath switch. In type B intrasheath instability, the peroneus brevis tendon has a longitudinal split tear through which the peroneus longus subluxates. Both types can be missed on a physical examination because there is no displacement of the peroneal tendons over the lateral malleolus. Dynamic ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating retromalleolar subluxation of the peroneal tendons. This review article aims to provide an overview of the anatomic basis for peroneal intrasheath instability and provide physicians with guidelines for its ultrasound assessment.
Could Adenosine Recognize its Receptors with a Stoichiometry Other than 1 : 1?
Authors: Deganutti Giuseppe , Salmaso Veronica , Moro Stefano
Published: April 2018

One of the most largely accepted concepts in the G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) field is that the ligand, either agonist or antagonist, recognizes its receptor with a stoichiometry of 1 : 1. Recent experimental evidence, reporting ternary complexes formed by GPCR:orthosteric: allosteric ligands, has complicated the ligand‐receptor 1 : 1 binding scenario. Molecular modeling simulations have been used to retrieve insights on the whole ligand‐receptor recognition process, beyond information on the final bound state provided by experimental techniques. The simulation of adenosine binding pathways towards the A2A adenosine receptor highlighted the presence of alternative binding sites (meta‐binding sites) beside the canonical orthosteric one, mainly in proximity to the extracellular vestibule. In light of all these considerations, we investigated the possibility that a second molecule of adenosine engages its receptor when this is already in the holo form, generating a ternary complex with a stoichiometry of 2 : 1. Unexpectedly, supervised molecular dynamics (SuMD) simulations showed that the A2A adenosine receptor could bind the second molecule of adenosine in one of the possible meta‐binding sites as well as into its orthosteric site. The formation of this ternary complex, which favored the formation of the intracellular “ionic lock” between R102 (3.50) and E228 (6.30), could putatively be framed in the context of a negative allosteric regulation.
Alkalinization and graft copolymerization of pineapple leaf fiber cellulose and evaluation of physic‐chemical properties
Authors: Kakati Nilakshi , Assanvo Edja F. , Kalita Dipul
Published: April 2018

Modification in physico‐chemical properties of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) using NaOH treatment and graft copolymerization technique was investigated in the present study. The free radical graft copolymerization was carried out in presence of redox initiators of ferrous ammonium sulfate (FAS) and potassium persulfate (KPS), using monomers methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) in water medium. The structural analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the successful incorporation of acrylate monomers onto cellulose backbone. The optimum graft percentage (64.3%) was determined at molar concentration ratio of initiators (KPS:FAS) (1:0.5) and acrylate monomers (MMA:BA) (2:1). The poly(acrylates‐g‐PALF) exhibits good thermal stability than ungrafted and treated fiber. Presence of BA increases the grafting percentage up to 60.80% and exhibited inverse behavior on the mechanical properties as well as in crystallinity. It has been observed that specific stress of grafted fibers is lower to that of ungrafted fibers. In this study, the degradation of fibers under UV exposure and in soil environment was investigated and changes in surface morphology and mechanical strength of fibers were studied along with the comparison between fibers before and after degradation. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1395–1403, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantitative appraisal of the Amyloid Imaging Taskforce appropriate use criteria for amyloid‐PET
Authors: Altomare Daniele , Ferrari Clarissa , Festari Cristina , Guerra Ugo Paolo , Muscio Cristina , Padovani Alessandro , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Boccardi Marina ,   for the Incremental Diagnostic Value of Amyloid PET With [F]‐Florbetapir (INDIA‐FBP) Working Group
Published: April 2018

Introduction

We test the hypothesis that amyloid–positron emission tomography prescriptions, considered appropriate based on the Amyloid Imaging Taskforce (AIT) criteria, lead to greater clinical utility than AIT‐inappropriate prescriptions.

Methods

We compared the clinical utility between patients who underwent amyloid–positron emission tomography appropriately or inappropriately and among the subgroups of patients defined by the AIT criteria. Finally, we performed logistic regressions to identify variables associated with clinical utility.

Results

We identified 171 AIT‐appropriate and 67 AIT‐inappropriate patients. AIT‐appropriate and AIT‐inappropriate cases did not differ in any outcomes of clinical utility (P > .05). Subgroup analysis denoted both expected and unexpected results. The logistic regressions outlined the primary role of clinical picture and clinical or neuropsychological profile in identifying patients benefitting from amyloid–positron emission tomography.

Discussion

Contrary to our hypothesis, also AIT‐inappropriate prescriptions were associated with clinical utility. Clinical or neuropsychological variables, not taken into account by the AIT criteria, may help further refine criteria for appropriateness.
Evidence of demyelination in mild cognitive impairment and dementia using a direct and specific magnetic resonance imaging measure of myelin content
Authors: Bouhrara Mustapha , Reiter David A. , Bergeron Christopher M. , Zukley Linda M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Resnick Susan M. , Spencer Richard G.
Published: April 2018

Introduction

We investigated brain demyelination in aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia using a direct magnetic resonance imaging marker of myelin.

Methods

Brains of young and old controls, and old subjects with MCI, Alzheimer's disease, or vascular dementia were scanned using our recently developed myelin water fraction (MWF) mapping technique, which provides greatly improved accuracy over previous comparable methods. Maps of MWF, a direct and specific myelin measure, and relaxation times and magnetization transfer ratio, indirect and nonspecific measures, were constructed.

Results

MCI subjects showed decreased MWF compared with old controls. Demyelination was greater in Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. As expected, decreased MWF was accompanied by decreased magnetization transfer ratio and increased relaxation times. The young subjects showed greater myelin content than the old subjects.

Discussion

We believe this to be the first demonstration of myelin loss in MCI, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia using a method that provides a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging–based measure of myelin. Our findings add to the emerging evidence that myelination may represent an important biomarker for the pathology of MCI and dementia. This study supports the investigation of the role of myelination in MCI and dementia through use of this quantitative magnetic resonance imaging approach in clinical studies of disease progression, and relationship of functional status to myelination status. Furthermore, mapping MWF may permit myelin to serve as a therapeutic target in clinical trials.
Design and performance of final optics assembly in SG-II Upgrade laser facility
Authors: Jiao Zhaoyang , Shao Ping , Zhao Dongfeng , Wu Rong , Ji Lailin , Wang Li , Xia Lan , Liu Dong , Zhou Yang , Ju Lingjie , Cai Zhijian , Ye Qiang , Qiao Zhanfeng , Hua Neng , Li Qiang , Pan Wei , Ren Lei , Sun Mingying , Zhu Jianqiang , Lin Zunqi
Published: April 2018

In high power laser facility for inertial confinement fusion research, final optics assembly (FOA) plays a critical role in the frequency conversion, beam focusing, color separation, beam sampling and debris shielding. The design and performance of FOA in SG-II Upgrade laser facility are mainly introduced here. Due to the limited space and short focal length, a coaxial aspheric wedged focus lens is designed and applied in the FOA configuration. Then the ghost image analysis, the focus characteristic analysis, the B integral control design and the optomechanical design are carried out in the FOA design phase. In order to ensure the FOA performance, two key technologies are developed including measurement and adjustment technique of the wedged focus lens and the stray light management technique based on ground glass. Experimental results show that the design specifications including laser fluence, frequency conversion efficiency and perforation efficiency of the focus spot have been achieved, which meet the requirements of physical experiments well.
Is Universal Grammar ready for retirement? A short review of a longstanding misinterpretation
Authors: MENDÍVIL-GIRÓ JOSÉ-LUIS
Published: April 2018

In this paper I consider recent studies that deny the existence of Universal Grammar (UG), and I show how the concept of UG that is attacked in these works is quite different from Chomsky’s, and thus that such criticisms are not valid. My principal focus is on the notions of ‘linguistic specificity’ and of ‘innateness’, and I conclude that, since the controversy about UG is based on misinterpretations, it is rendered sterile and thus does unnecessary harm to linguistic science. I also address the underlying reasons for these misunderstandings and suggest that, once they have been clarified, there is much scope for complementary approaches that embrace different research traditions within current theoretical linguistics.
Greek Tragedy, Agonistic Space, and Contemporary Performance
Authors: Harrop Stephe
Published: April 2018

In this article Stephe Harrop combines theatre history and performance analysis with contemporary agonistic theory to re-conceptualize Greek tragedy's contested spaces as key to the political potentials of the form. She focuses on Athenian tragedy's competitive and conflictual negotiation of performance space, understood in relation to the cultural trope of the agon. Drawing on David Wiles's structuralist analysis of Greek drama, which envisages tragedy's spatial confrontations as a theatrical correlative of democratic politics, performed tragedy is here re-framed as a site of embodied contest and struggle – as agonistic spatial practice. This historical model is then applied to a recent case study, Aeschylus’ The Suppliant Women as co-produced by Actors Touring Company and the Lyceum, Edinburgh, in 2016–17, proposing that the frictious effects, encounters, and confrontations generated by this production (re-staged and re-articulated across multiple venues and contexts) exemplify some of the potentials of agonistic spatial practice in contemporary re-performance of Greek tragedy. It is contended that re-imagining tragic theatre, both ancient and modern, as (in Chantal Mouffe's terms) ‘agonistic public space’ represents an important new approach to interpreting and creatively re-imagining, interactions between Athenian tragedy and democratic politics. Stephe Harrop is a Lecturer in Drama at Liverpool Hope University, where her research focuses primarily on performances and texts adapted from, or responding to, ancient tragedy and epic. She is co-author of Greek Tragedy and the Contemporary Actor (Palgrave Macmillan, forthcoming).
Assessment of Behavioral Health Concerns in the Community Affected by the Flint Water Crisis — Michigan (USA) 2016
Authors: Fortenberry Gamola Z. , Reynolds Patricia , Burrer Sherry L. , Johnson-Lawrence Vicki , Wang Alice , Schnall Amy , Pullins Price , Kieszak Stephanie , Bayleyegn Tesfaye , Wolkin Amy
Published: April 2018

Objectives

The Flint Community Resilience Group (Flint, Michigan USA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta, Georgia USA) assessed behavioral health concerns among community members to determine the impact of lead contamination of the Flint, Michigan water supply.

Methods

A Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) was conducted from May 17 through May 19, 2016 using a multi-stage cluster sampling design to select households and individuals to interview.

Results

One-half of households felt overlooked by decision makers. The majority of households self-reported that at least one member experienced more behavioral health concerns than usual. The prevalence of negative quality of life indicators and financial concerns in Flint was higher than previously reported in the Michigan 2012 and 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey.

Conclusions

The following can be considered to guide recovery efforts in Flint: identifying additional resources for behavioral health interventions and conducting follow-up behavioral health assessments to evaluate changes in behavioral health concerns over time; considering the impact of household economic factors when implementing behavioral health interventions; and ensuring community involvement and engagement in recovery efforts to ease community stress and anxiety.

FortenberryGZ, ReynoldsP, BurrerSL, Johnson-LawrenceV, WangA, SchnallA, PullinsP, KieszakS, BayleyegnT, WolkinA. Assessment of behavioral health concerns in the community affected by the Flint water crisis — Michigan (USA) 2016. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(3):256–265.