bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do (Ab)Users of Psychedelics Have Tendencies to Abuse High Authority? An Internet Snapshot Study
Authors: Al-Imam Ahmed , AbdulMajeed Ban A.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND: Hallucinogenic substances, also known as psychedelics and entheogens, represent a subset of novel psychoactive substances. The epidemiology of (ab)use and electronic commerce of Psychedelics has been well-mapped in the developed world. However, countries from the developing world are yet to be explored. Principles of psychology including thematic psychoanalysis were not implemented before in connection with psychedelics.MATERIALS & METHODS: This study is based on an internet snapshot technique; it will explore and analyse the comments of psychedelics’ (ab)users in relation to the possibility of abuse of some granted power (authority); several demographic parameters of (ab)users will be explored. The snapshot will implement thematic analysis and psychoanalysis of comments found on drug fora and social communication media.RESULTS: The highest contribution of psychedelic users existed in the developed world, while the developing countries including the Middle East contributed the least. More than half (57%) of Psychedelic (ab)users tend to misuse power, which may indicate an existing psychopathology.CONCLUSION: Psychedelic users tend to mishandle the use of authority. The prevalence of psychedelic (ab)users in the Middle East is considered to be minimal. Additional analyses are required and in different populations of students, academics, medical professionals, psychiatric patients, prisoners, terrorists, and military organisations.
Knowledge and (Ab)Use in Connection with Novel Psychoactive Substances: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Iraqi Medical Students
Authors: Al-Imam Ahmed , Al-Mukhtar Farah , Shafiq Aisha , Irfan Manolia , Saleh Mustafa M
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND: The extent of (ab)use of the Novel Psychoactive substances has been thoroughly mapped in the developed world, particularly in the US, Canada, UK, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. However, there are still untapped geographic locations particularly in the developing world including the Middle East.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is observational in nature and cross-sectional in design; it is based on a survey that will aim is to estimate the level of knowledge and the extent of (ab)use of psychoactive substances, traditional and novel, in a population of undergraduate medical students from Iraq. There will be an implementation of inferential statistical analyses for the purpose of hypothesis testing. Ethical approvals were granted from the College of Medicine at the University of Baghdad and the University of Hertfordshire.RESULTS: There was some degree of knowledge in connection with psychoactive substances among a population of medical students. However, the extent of (ab)use is still minimal when compared to that of the developed countries. In general, the knowledge and the extent of NPS (ab)use did not vary substantially as the students progressed through the medical college.CONCLUSION: The use of observational analytic tools for assessing the diffusion of the phenomenon of psychoactive and novel psychoactive substances is indispensable. The extent of knowledge and (ab)use of NPS in the Middle East may still be considered minute or insignificant. Further analyses are required in the Middle East; different populations are to be targeted including; students, academics, researchers, medical and paramedical staff, psychiatric patients, prisoners, military and para-military organisations, and even terrorists.
Een investeringstoets voor vitale vennootschappen
Authors: Breukink E.
Published: September 2017

Een investeringstoets voor vitale vennootschappen

Deze bijdrage gaat over het onlangs verschenen WODC-rapport ‘Vitale vennootschappen in veilige handen’. Thans staat centraal de aanbeveling aan de wetgever om een publiekrechtelijk, sectorspecifiek instrumentarium te ontwikkelen waarmee ongewenst aandeelhouderschap in vitale vennootschappen kan worden tegengegaan.
Betaling via de notariële kwaliteitsrekening bij aandelentransacties. Gevolgen van een beslag onder de notaris gelegd door een schuldeiser van de koper
Authors: van Drunen M.M.G.B.
Published: September 2017

Betaling via de notariële kwaliteitsrekening bij aandelentransacties. Gevolgen van een beslag onder de notaris gelegd door een schuldeiser van de koper

De auteur onderzoekt de gevolgen van een beslag onder de notaris dat een schuldeiser van de koper legt op de dag waarop het passeren van de leveringsakte is gepland. Centraal staat de vraag of het beslag aan het passeren van de leveringsakte in de weg staat.
Young peoples’ own stories about dropping out in Norway: An indirect qualitative approach
Authors: Bunting Mette , Moshuus Geir
Published: September 2017

Mye forskning om skoleavbrudd i videregående opplæring ser på risikofaktorer, som sosio-økonomisk bakgrunn, grunnskolepoeng og kjønn, og kan derfor sies å fokusere på individuelle og strukturelle faktorer. Artikkelen argumenterer for heller å se på skoleavbrudd som et samspill eller møte mellom individet og systemet, det individuelle og strukturelle. Forskningen baseres på data fra en longitudinell kvalitativ studie i sitt fjerde år. Informantene er ungdom i NAV-systemet som har sluttet på videregående skole, men som fortsatt har skolerett. Gjennom den indirekte metoden, en intervjumetode basert på etnografiske intervjuer, søkes det å legge til rette for at ungdommene kan fortelle sine historier med egne ord og på sin måte. Disse fortellingene belyser avbruddsprosessene, og beskriver opplevelser forut for avbruddet. Funnene viser at selv om ungdommene sier dette skjer på grunn av enkelthendelser, belyser fortellingene deres at dette er komplekse prosesser som ligger til grunn, gjerne år tilbake. Artikkelen konkluderer med at sosialt medierte prosesser også utenfor skole, må vektlegges for å kunne forstå skoleavbrudd.Nøkkelord: frafall, kvalitativ longitudinell studie, livshistorier, etnografisk intervju, ungdom, videregående skoleAbstractResearch on dropout from upper secondary school usually focuses on risk factors such as socioeconomic background, previous academic results and gender—that is, on individual and structural factors. The present article argues for a shift of focus, looking at dropping out as an interaction between the person and the system—between the individual and the structural. This research draws on interview data from a longitudinal qualitative study (now in its fourth year) of young people both in and out of school. The informants were young dropouts currently in the welfare system. Using the indirect method (developed from ethnographic interviews), the interviewer sought to establish an environment in which these young people could use their own words when sharing their stories. Those stories provide an insight into the processes and experiences prior to the event of dropping out. The findings show that although young people describe dropping out as a singular event, their stories indicate complex preceding processes, often from some years before. The article concludes that socially mediated interactions between the individual and the structural, both inside school and out of school, must be considered when seeking to understand why young people drop out.Keywords: dropout, qualitative longitudinal study, life stories, ethnographic interview, youth, upper secondary school
Constraining Balmer Alpha Fine Structure Excitation Measured in Geocoronal Hydrogen Observations
Authors: Gardner D. D. , Mierkiewicz E. J. , Roesler F. L. , Nossal S. M. , Haffner L. M.
Published: September 2017

Cascade contributions to geocoronal Balmer α airglow line profiles are directly proportional to the Balmer β/α line ratio and can therefore be determined with near simultaneous Balmer β observations. Due to scattering differences for solar Lyman β and Lyman γ (responsible for the terrestrial Balmer α and Balmer β fluorescence, respectively), there is an expected trend for the cascade emission to become a smaller fraction of the Balmer α intensity at larger shadow altitudes. Near‐coincident Balmer α and Balmer β data sets, obtained from the Wisconsin H alpha Mapper Fabry‐Perot, are used to determine the cascade contribution to the Balmer α line profile and to show, for the first time, the Balmer β/α line ratio, as a function of shadow altitude. We show that this result is in agreement with direct cascade determinations from Balmer α line profile fits obtained independently by high‐resolution Fabry‐Perot at Pine Bluff, WI. We also demonstrate with radiative transport forward modeling that a solar cycle influence on cascade is expected, and that the Balmer β/α line ratio poses a tight constraint on retrieved aeronomical parameters (such as hydrogen's evaporative escape rate and exobase density).
Elves Accompanying Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes
Authors: Liu Ningyu , Dwyer Joseph R. , Cummer Steven A.
Published: September 2017

This paper reports a modeling study of the optical phenomenon in the lower ionosphere known as elves that may accompany terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs). Recent research has indicated that the in‐cloud (IC) discharge processes, termed energetic in‐cloud pulses (EIPs), associated with some TGFs can produce a current moment waveform with a peak of hundreds of kA km and a duration of 10 μs. Simulations using the source current moment waveform associated with a Fermi TGF indicate that the radiated electric field at ionospheric altitudes reaches a few times the threshold electric field to excite the optical emissions. A bright elve is therefore induced, with the intensity reaching tens of Megarayleigh, comparable to the brightest elves caused by cloud‐to‐ground lightning. Because of the strong electromagnetic field radiated, significant blue emissions from the second positive band system of N2 and the first negative band system of N
are excited, besides the dominant red emissions from the first positive band system of N2. The elves caused by EIPs with durations of ∼10 μs are elve doublets. For EIPs of longer durations, for example, 30–40 μs, elve multiplets greater than two can be produced. We conclude that elves can be produced by an IC lightning process previously unconnected to elves and that at least some TGFs should have accompanying optical signatures in the lower ionosphere. In addition, TGFs of short durations are more likely to have accompanying elves, because their source currents vary more rapidly.
The Effect of Water Column Resonance on the Spectra of Secondary Microseism P Waves
Authors: Meschede Matthias , Stutzmann Éléonore , Farra Véronique , Schimmel Martin , Ardhuin Fabrice
Published: September 2017

We compile and analyze a data set of secondary microseismic P wave spectra that were observed by North American seismic arrays. Two distinct frequency bands, 0.13–0.15 Hz and 0.19–0.21 Hz, with enhanced P wave energy characterize the data set. Cluster analysis allows to classify the spectra and to associate typical spectral shapes with geographical regions: Low‐frequency‐dominated spectra (0.13–0.15 Hz) are mostly detected in shallower regions of the North Atlantic and the South Pacific, as well as along the Central and South American Pacific coast. High‐frequency‐dominated spectra (0.19–0.21 Hz) are mostly detected in deeper regions of the northwestern Pacific and the South Pacific. For a selected subset of high‐quality sources, we compute synthetic spectra from an ocean wave hindcast. These synthetic spectra are able to reproduce amplitude and shape of the observed spectra, but only if P wave resonance in the water column at the source site is included in the model. Our data sets therefore indicate that the spectral peaks at 0.13–0.15 Hz and 0.19–0.21 Hz correspond to the first and second harmonics of P wave resonance in the water column that occur in shallower ocean depths (<3,000 m) and in the deep ocean (∼5,000 m), respectively. This article demonstrates the important effect of water column resonance on the amplitude and frequency of P waves that are generated by secondary microseisms and that the amplitude of high‐quality sources can be predicted from ocean wave hindcasts within a factor of 0.4–6.
Plasmodesmata: Protein Transport Signals and Receptors
Authors: Kragler Friedrich
Published: September 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Components of thePDTransport Pathway

IdentifyingPDTransport Signal(s)

Conclusions and Future Prospects

Acknowledgements
Genomic Imprinting in Plants: A Predominantly Maternal Affair
Authors: Grossniklaus Ueli
Published: September 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Plant Reproduction

The Nature of Genomic Imprinting

Imprinted Genes inZea MaysandArabidopsis Thaliana

Molecular Mechanisms of Genomic Imprinting

Role of Imprinting in Plant Development and Evolution

Acknowledgments
Focusing or Narrowing: Trade‐Offs in the Development of Adult Basic Education, 1991–2015
Authors: Belzer Alisa
Published: September 2017

This chapter reviews the implications of policy as it has affected adult basic education over the last 25 years and problematizes the increasing institutionalization and stability that it has brought to the field.
Decreasing Defect‐State Density of Al2O3/GaxIn1−xAs Device Interfaces with InOx Structures
Authors: Mäkelä Jaakko , Tuominen Marjukka , Dahl Johnny , Granroth Sari , Yasir Muhammad , Lehtiö Juha‐Pekka , Uusitalo Rami‐Roope , Kuzmin Mikhail , Punkkinen Marko , Laukkanen Pekka , Kokko Kalevi , Félix Roberto , Lastusaari Mika , Polojärvi Ville , Lyytikäinen Jari , Tukiainen Antti , Guina Mircea
Published: September 2017

Control of defect densities at insulator/GaxIn1−xAs interfaces is essential for optimal operation of various devices like transistors and infrared detectors to suppress, for example, nonradiative recombination, Fermi‐level pinning, and leakage currents. It is reported that a thin InOx interface layer is useful to limit the formation of these defects by showing effect of InOx on quantum efficiency of Ga0.45In0.55As detector and on photoluminescence of GaAs. A study of the Al2O3/GaAs interface via hard X‐ray synchrotron photoelectron spectroscopy reveals chemical structure changes at the interface induced by this beneficial InOx incorporation: the InOx sheet acts as an O diffusion barrier that prevents oxidation of GaAs and concomitant As bond rupture.
Regioselective Epoxidations by Cytochrome P450 3A4 Using a Theobromine Chemical Auxiliary to Predictably Produce N‐Protected β‐ or γ‐Amino Epoxides
Authors: Polic Vanja , Cheong Kin Jack , Hammerer Fabien , Auclair Karine
Published: September 2017

N‐Protected β‐ and γ‐amino epoxides are useful chiral synthons. We report here that the enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4 can catalyze the formation of such compounds in a regio‐ and stereoselective manner, even in the presence of multiple double bonds or aromatic substituents. To this end, the theobromine chemical auxiliary is used not only to control the selectivity of the enzyme, but also as a masked amine, and to facilitate product recovery. Theobromine predictably directed epoxidation at the double bond of the fourth carbon from the theobromine group. Unlike with most catalysts, the selectivity did not depend on electronic or steric factors but rather on the position of the olefin relative to the theobromine group.

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Tracing the traces: The critical role of metadata within networked communications
Authors: Mayernik Matthew S. , Acker Amelia
Published: September 2017

The information sciences have traditionally been at the center of metadata‐focused research. The US National Security Agency (NSA) intelligence documents revealed by Edward Snowden in June of 2013 brought the term “metadata” into the public consciousness. Surprisingly little discussion in the information sciences has since occurred on the nature and importance of metadata within networked communication systems. The collection of digital metadata impacts the ways that people experience social and technical communication. Without such metadata, networked communication cannot exist. The NSA leaks, and numerous recent hacks of corporate and government communications, point to metadata as objects of new scholarly inquiry. If we are to engage in meaningful discussions about our digital traces, or make informed decisions about new policies and technologies, it is essential to develop theoretical and empirical frameworks that account for digital metadata. This opinion paper presents 5 key sociotechnical characteristics of metadata within digital networks that would benefit from stronger engagement by the information sciences.
Exploring the social influence of multichannel access in an online health community
Authors: Luo Peng , Chen Kun , Wu Chong , Li Yongli
Published: September 2017

Social influence has a great impact on human behavior, which has been widely investigated in various research fields. Even so, it has rarely been investigated in the online health community. In this paper, we focus on the multichannel access in online health communities, defining social influence as the average degree of multichannel access to a physician's colleagues. Based on the multinomial logistic regression model, we examined the direct effects of social influence and patients' rating to multichannel access. In addition, we explored the moderating effect of social influence on the relationship between patients' rating and multichannel access in online health communities. The results of the experiment and robustness testing support the propositions that social influence and patients' rating significantly and positively affect multichannel access in an online health community. The moderating effect of social influence is negative and significantly influences the accessible channels provided by the focal physician. This research contributes to the literature concerning online health communities, social influence, and multichannel access; it also has practical implications.
Predictivity of Nonclinical Male Reproductive Findings for Human Effects
Authors: Scialli Anthony R. , Clark Richard V. , Chapin Robert E.
Published: September 2017

Background

Testing of pharmaceutical products for reproductive toxicity in male laboratory animals is required for registration.

Methods

We evaluated whether the results of studies showing male reproductive toxicity in experimental animals was predictive of reproductive effects in men participating in clinical trials. We surveyed companies for information on pharmaceutical candidates that had shown male reproductive toxicity in nonclinical studies for which there was information on male reproductive effects in clinical trials.

Results

Among 12 pharmaceutical candidates submitted by five companies, only one compound that had shown male reproductive toxicity in experimental animals also demonstrated reproductive toxicity in men.

Conclusion

In this sample of compounds, nonclinical studies appeared to over‐predict reproductive toxicity in men. We identified possible reasons for the apparent lack of predictivity of the experimental animal studies. Birth Defects Research 110:17–26, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epidemiology and Prognosis of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Population‐Based Cohort Study in Utah
Authors: Shanmugam Hari , Brunelli Luca , Botto Lorenzo D. , Krikov Sergey , Feldkamp Marcia L.
Published: September 2017

Background

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a relatively frequent and severe malformation. Population‐based data on clinical presentation and associated mortality are scarce. We examined a state‐wide cohort of infants with a clinically validated diagnosis of CDH to assess their clinical profile, sociodemographic patterns, and infant mortality.

Methods

We identified CDH cases from Utah's statewide population‐based surveillance program among the cohort of all pregnancy outcomes (live births, stillbirths, and pregnancy terminations) delivered from 1999 to 2011. Clinical geneticists reviewed all cases and classified them based on etiology (known, unknown), and whether they were isolated, multiple (additional unrelated major malformations or unique minor malformation), or syndromic (genetic, chromosomal).

Results

CDH occurred in 1 in 3156 births (227/718,990, or 3.17 per 10,000), with no time trend during the 13 years (p = 0.85). CDH was much more common in males (male to female ratio, 1.72:1; p < 0.01). Clinically, 64% of the cases were isolated, 23% were multiples, and 13% were syndromic. Most cases were live born (90%), with fewer stillbirths (7%) and pregnancy terminations (3%). Overall infant mortality was 32.5%, and varied considerably by underlying etiology (isolated 21%; multiple 44%; syndromic 82%). Prognosis was related to specific clinical findings within each etiologic group (e.g., prematurity, low Apgar score, and intrathoracic liver).

Conclusion

This information on specific clinical and etiologic factors associated with prognosis can help clinicians and parents in the complex discussions about care planning and management that often occur in a crisis situation, following the diagnosis of CDH, whether prior or after delivery. Birth Defects Research 109:1451–1459, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon) Seed Extract Consumption during Lactation Improved Vasodilation and Attenuated the Development of Hypertension in Female Offspring of Fructose‐Fed Pregnant Rats
Authors: Uson‐Lopez Rachael A. , Kataoka Saori , Mukai Yuuka , Sato Shin , Kurasaki Masaaki
Published: September 2017

Background

Fructose intake has been correlated with increased prevalence of metabolic disorders including hypertension. In pregnant rats, fructose intake has been reported to have adverse effects on the health of its offspring. This study investigated the effects of gestational maternal fructose consumption and if supplementation with melinjo seed extracts to the maternal diet during lactation could benefit the offspring in later life.

Methods

Pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups: untreated (CC), fructose‐treated (FC), and fructose and melinjo‐treated (FM). FC and FM groups received 100 g/L of D(‐)‐fructose solution by means of the drinking water during gestation while CC received normal drinking water. During lactation, CC and FC groups were given standard commercial laboratory diet, while the FM group was given commercial laboratory diet with 0.1% melinjo seed extracts. After weaning, the offspring were given normal drinking water and standard commercial diet until week 17. The blood pressure of the offspring was monitored until the 16th week. During week 17, the offspring were killed, and the kidneys were collected and analyzed.

Results

The level of renal phosphorylated AMP‐activated protein kinase (pAMPK) in FM of 17‐week female offspring was significantly higher compared with FC and CC groups. Maternal fructose intake down‐regulated the renal endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthetase expression in FC and maternal melinjo seed extract consumption maintained renal endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthetase expression in FM of 17‐week female offspring. In addition, maternal melinjo seed extract intake during lactation lowered the systolic blood pressure in FM of 17‐week female offspring.

Conclusion

Female offspring were more vulnerable to the effects of placental fructose and melinjo seed extracts, suggesting sex‐specific sensitivities. In summary, our data show that melinjo seed extract consumption during lactation improved vasodilation and attenuated the development of hypertension in the 17‐week female offspring of fructose‐fed pregnant rats. Birth Defects Research 110:27–34, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Nucleophilic Lithium Trimethylsiloxide on Chemical and Electrochemical Aspects of Electrophilic Carbonate‐based Solvents for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Jang Seol Heui , Yim Taeeun
Published: September 2017

Although inorganic functional additives have received much attention in lithium‐ion batteries, the underlying chemical reactivity of inorganic additives is not well understood. In this study, we perform a systematical analysis to verify the chemical reactivity between carbonate‐based solvents and a lithium trimethylsiloxide (LiOTMS) that has a high nucleophilic characteristic in molecular structures. The ex situ NMR and GC‐MS analyses for electrolyte mixtures indicate that the electrophilic carbonate‐based solvents are easily decomposed by chemical reactions initiated by nucleophilic substitution or addition of LiOTMS and the estimated reaction pathway is clarified based on spectroscopic evidence. In addition, it is confirmed that chemically decomposed adducts are further decomposed on electrode surface by the electrochemical reaction in the charging process, leading to serious fading of the cell. These results indicate that the nucleophilicity of the inorganic additive is a significant criterion in determining its availability in the cell.
A Potentiostatic/Galvanostatic Study and Theoretical Description of Polypyrrole Film Electrodes: A Model of the Intracellular Matrix of Ectothermic Muscle Cells
Authors: Beaumont Samuel , Otero Toribio F.
Published: September 2017

Polypyrrole film electrodes are composed of macromolecular electrochemical machines, ions and water. They are considered here as a model of the intracellular matrix of ectothermic muscle cells. The oxidation/reduction responses to the working temperature in aqueous solutions were investigated herein by potential and current steps. Under potentiostatic conditions, rising temperatures stimulate deeper conformational movements of the polymeric chains leading to the exchange of more ions increasing the consumed charge, with the effect that the reaction charge responds and senses the working temperature. Under galvanostatic conditions and higher environmental thermal energies the material potential evolves at lower values during reactions consuming lower electrical energies. At any reaction time, both the consumed reaction energy and the material potential sense the working thermal conditions. Reactions involving molecular machines sense and respond to the working temperature. Similarities with energetic consumptions and sensing responses from muscles in cold‐blooded animals are discussed. A theoretical description is proposed.
Size‐Dependent Reactivity of Nano‐Sized Neutral Manganese Oxide Clusters toward Ethylene
Authors: Chen Jiao‐Jiao , Zhang Ting , Zhang Mei‐Qi , Liu Qing‐Yu , Li Xiao‐Na , He Sheng‐Gui
Published: September 2017

Neutral manganese oxide clusters with the general composition Mn2 NO3 N+x (N=2–22; x=−1, 0, 1) with dimensions up to a nanosize were prepared by laser ablation and reacted with C2H4 in a fast flow reactor. The size‐dependent reactivity of C2H4 adsorption on these clusters was experimentally identified and the adsorption reactivity decreases generally with an increase of the cluster size. Density functional theory calculations were performed to study the geometrical and electronic structures of the Mn2 NO3 N (N=1–6) clusters. The calculated results indicated that the coordination number and the charge distribution of the metal centers are responsible for the experimentally observed size‐dependent reactivity. The highly charged Mn atoms with low coordination are preferential to adsorb C2H4. In contrast, the neutral manganese oxide clusters are completely inert toward the saturated hydrocarbon molecule C2H6. This work provides new perspectives to design related materials in the separation of hydrocarbon molecules.
A Systematic Approach towards Synthesis and Design of Pervaporation‐Assisted Separation Processes
Authors: Scharzec Bettina , Waltermann Thomas , Skiborowski Mirko
Published: September 2017

While membrane processes like pervaporation are considered as key technology towards more sustainable separation processes, they are rarely considered in conceptual design. In order to enable an identification of promising applications, the current article proposes a systematic approach that covers the synthesis of pervaporation‐assisted process variants and promotes the use of optimization‐based methods for process analysis. It seeks to minimize and guide necessary experiments and includes competitive reference processes as well as further means for process intensification in the evaluation.
Water Dynamics and Proton‐Transport Mechanisms of Nafion 117/Phosphotungstic Acid Composite Membrane: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Akbari Saeed , Mosavian Mohammad Taghi Hamed , Ahmadpour Ali , Moosavi Fatemeh
Published: September 2017

The use of a Nafion/phosphotungstic acid composite membrane and the impact of varying concentration of heteropoly acid (HPA) on the well‐known effective mechanisms of proton transport were investigated by using classical and quantum hopping molecular dynamics simulation. Our simulations demonstrated that the HPA particles have a favorable influence on the Grotthuss mechanism in proton transportation at low hydration levels. From radial distribution function examinations, it was found that HPA particles were solvated with water and also exhibited stronger affinity toward hydronium ions. It can be concluded that addition of hydrophilic particles such as HPA improved proton conductivity. To assess this effectiveness, lifetime and half‐life of the hydrogen bond (H‐bond) network in the formed water clusters were investigated at different HPA concentrations. The analysis of H‐bond network stability revealed that the lifetime of H‐bonds between water molecules and protons decreased with increasing HPA concentration. Moreover, we found that the H‐bond network between water molecules was more stable, and the mismatch between simulated bulk water and those formed water clusters in the considered systems decreased upon HPA addition. Indeed, for HPA doped membrane, the activation energy of proton transfer process from a hydronium ion to a water molecule was lower than for the undoped system. The water diffusion coefficient decreased and that of the hydronium ion enhanced with an increase in HPA doping level.
Serum‐free human MSC medium supports consistency in human but not in equine adipose‐derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell culture
Authors: Schubert Susanna , Brehm Walter , Hillmann Aline , Burk Janina
Published: September 2017

For clinical applications of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), serum‐free culture is preferable to standardize cell products and prevent contamination with pathogens. In contrast to human MSCs, knowledge on serum‐free culture of large animal MSCs is limited, despite its relevance for preclinical studies and development of veterinary cellular therapeutics. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of a commercially available serum‐free human MSC medium for culturing equine adipose‐derived MSCs in comparison with human adipose MSCs. Enzyme‐free isolation by explant technique and expansion of equine and human cells in the serum‐free medium were feasible. However, serum‐free culture altered the morphology and complicated handling of equine MSCs, with cell aggregation and spontaneous detachment of multilayers, compared to culture in standard medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum. Furthermore, proliferation and the surface immunophenotype of equine cells were more variable compared to the controls and appeared to depend on the lot of the serum‐free medium. Particularly the expression of CD90 was different between experimental groups (P < 0.05), with lower percentages of CD90+ cells found in equine MSC samples cultured in serum‐free medium (5.21–83.40%) compared to standard medium (86.20–99.50%). Additionally, small subpopulations expressing MSC exclusion markers such as CD14 (0.28–11.60%), CD34 (0.00–9.87%), CD45 (0.35–10.50%), or MHCII (0.00–3.67%) were found in equine samples after serum‐free culture. In contrast, human samples displayed a more consistent morphology and a consistent CD29+ (98.60–99.90%), CD73+ (94.60–98.40%), CD90+ (99.60–99.90%), and CD105+ (97.40–99.80%) immunophenotype after culture in serum‐free medium. The obtained data demonstrate that the serum‐free medium was suitable for human MSC culture but did not lead to entirely satisfactory results in equine MSCs. This underlines that requirements regarding serum‐free culture conditions are species‐specific, indicating a need for serum‐free media to be optimized for MSCs from relevant animal species. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Utilizing gradient simulations for quantifying community‐level resistance and resilience
Authors: Lamothe Karl A. , Jackson Donald A. , Somers Keith M.
Published: September 2017

Resilience is a complex, multidimensional property of ecosystems that describes how ecosystems respond to disturbance and likely results from the interactions of species and their environments across temporal and spatial scales. Due to the complexity in how ecosystems function and respond to disturbance, measuring resilience is a challenge. Gradient analysis provides a familiar, yet somewhat neglected framework for understanding and characterizing resilience. With simulations parameterized on existing biomonitoring data, we used distance‐based measures in ordination space to characterize community‐level resilience, here defined as a function of resistance and recovery. Our simulations and analyses involved five steps: (1) We generated regional species pools by simulating species distributions across environmental gradients; (2) we sampled from these regional species pools to emulate temporal changes in reference (i.e., minimally disturbed) and impacted communities responding to disturbance; (3) we performed ordinations on observations from both impacted and reference communities to summarize multivariate data; (4) we calculated distance‐based measures for individual community trajectories in the ordinations to quantify their relative resistance and resilience; and (5) we compared these distance‐based metrics between reference and impacted communities. We conclude with an empirical example demonstrating the lack of resistance of the Harp Lake (Ontario, Canada) zooplankton community to invasion relative to the changes observed among minimally disturbed reference communities. Overall, distance measures on ordinations provide a simple and effective visual framework to quantify the relative resistance and resilience of communities to disturbance, and our simulation approach provides a novel technique to develop and evaluate quantitative metrics related to ecosystem or community‐level processes.
Bone morphogenetic protein‐7 inhibits endothelial‐mesenchymal transition in pulmonary artery endothelial cell under hypoxia
Authors: Zhang Hongyue , Liu Ying , Yan Lixin , Du Wei , Zhang Xiaodan , Zhang Min , Chen He , Zhang Yafeng , Zhou Jianqiu , Sun Hanliang , Zhu Daling
Published: September 2017

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is characterized by structural changes in pulmonary arteries. Increased numbers of cells expressing α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) is a nearly universal finding in the remodeled artery. It has been confirmed endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) may be a source of those α‐SMA–expressing cells. In addition, the EndoMT is reversible. Here, we show that under hypoxia, the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP‐7) was decreased both in vivo and in vitro. We also found that under normoxia, BMP‐7 deficiency induced spontaneous EndoMT and cell migration. The hypoxia‐induced EndoMT and cell migration were markedly attenuated after pretreatment with rh‐BMP‐7. Moreover, m‐TOR phosphorylation was involved in EndoMT and BMP‐7 suppressed hypoxia‐induced m‐TORC1 phosphorylation in pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Our results demonstrate that BMP‐7 attenuates the hypoxia‐induced EndoMT and cell migration by suppressing the m‐TORC1 signaling pathway. Our study revealed a novel mechanism underlying the hypoxia‐induced EndoMT in pulmonary artery endothelial cells and suggested a new therapeutic strategy targeting EndoMT for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
An animal model of deep brain stimulation for treating tinnitus: A proof of concept study
Authors: Ahsan Syed F. , Luo Hao , Zhang Jinsheng , Kim Eric , Xu Yong
Published: September 2017

Objective

This proof‐of‐concept study aimed to demonstrate therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on noise‐induced tinnitus.

Study Design

Experimental animal study.

Methods

After Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval, nine adult rats were implanted in the caudate nucleus with custom‐made electrode array. The rats were exposed to noise to induce tinnitus. Auditory brainstem response was performed to evaluate hearing threshold changes. Noise‐induced tinnitus and its suppression by DBS were evaluated using the gap‐detection acoustic startle reflex behavioral paradigm and electrophysiological evaluation of modulatory effects on neural correlates of tinnitus. Various stimulation parameters were used to determine the most effective ones in affecting behavioral changes, along with corresponding neural activity in the caudate nucleus. The correlation between the caudate nucleus and auditory cortex also was determined. Analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction was performed to examine DBS‐induced effects on behavioral evidence of tinnitus.

Results

Bursting activity, a neural marker of tinnitus, was noted to decrease compared to baseline in tinnitus (+) animals. After stimulation, spontaneous and bursting activity increased in the tinnitus (+) animals but decreased in the tinnitus (−) animals. Behavioral data suggested suppression of tinnitus after DBS. These effects lasted up to 5 days. To our knowledge, this is the first development of an animal model to test deep brain stimulation of the caudate region for the treatment of tinnitus.

Conclusions

Deep brain stimulation of the caudate nucleus can modulate tinnitus in a rat model of tinnitus.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:1213–1222, 2018
Reliability of urinary cytology and cystoscopy for the screening and diagnosis of bladder cancer in patients with neurogenic bladder: A systematic review
Authors: Alimi Quentin , Hascoet Juliette , Manunta Andrea , Kammerer‐Jacquet Solène‐Florence , Verhoest Grégory , Brochard Charlène , Freton Lucas , Kerdraon Jacques , Senal Nelly , Siproudhis Laurent , Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , Brucker Benjamin , Gamé Xavier , Peyronnet Benoit
Published: September 2017

Aims

To assess the reliability of urinary cytology and cystoscopy to screen and diagnose bladder cancer in patients with NB.

Patients and Methods

A systematic literature search of the Medline and Embase databases was performed in April 2017. Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. A narrative synthesis was made.

Results

Out of 220 records assessed, 15 were included in this systematic review. All studies were prospective or retrospective series with no control group. Cystoscopy allowed the detection of asymptomatic bladder cancer in 0‐10 patients, with a screening sensitivity (available in only one study) of 0%, a screening specificity ranging from 65% to 90%, and a yield in detecting asymptomatic bladder cancer of 0% in all series where it could be calculated. Urinary cytology allowed the detection of bladder cancer in asymptomatic patients in 0‐12 patients, with a screening sensitivity of 71%, a screening specificity ranging from 92% to 97% and a yield ranging from 0% to 1.25%. Sensitivity of cystoscopy for diagnosis of bladder cancer ranged from 27% to 81% and specificity was 54% in the only study where it could be calculated. Sensitivity of urinary cytology for diagnosis of bladder cancer was 0‐72% and specificity was 100%.

Conclusion

There is currently insufficient data to support formal recommendations of using both tools in the screening of bladder cancer in patients with neurogenic bladder. Urinary cytology outperformed cystoscopy for screening and might be the best tool currently available.
Salvage rates and prognostic factors after relapse in children and adolescents with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Bergamaschi Luca , Bisogno Gianni , Manzitti Carla , D'Angelo Paolo , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Scagnellato Angela , Cappelletti Mirko , Chiaravalli Stefano , Dall'Igna Patrizia , Alaggio Rita , Ruggiero Antonio , Di Martino Martina , Affinita Maria Carmen , Pierobon Marta , Garaventa Alberto , Casanova Michela , Ferrari Andrea
Published: September 2017

Background

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is one of the most common nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas encountered in pediatric age, and it is generally characterized by poor outcome, particularly for relapsing patients.

Materials and methods

This study considered 73 patients <21 years of age with relapsing MPNST observed among 120 patients enrolled in Italian pediatric protocols from 1979 to 2004. With the aim of possibly establishing a risk‐adapted stratification, patients’ outcome was examined using univariate and multivariate analysis based on clinical features at onset, first‐line treatments, clinical findings at the time of first relapse, and second‐line treatments.

Results

The time to relapse ranged from 1 to 204 months after first diagnosis (median 7 months). The first relapse event was mainly local. At the time of our analysis, nine patients were alive in remission. The median overall survival after first relapse was 11 months, and the survival rates were 39.2% at 1 year and 15.8% at 5 years. The factors revealing the greatest impact on prognosis were as follows: initial tumor invasiveness, time of relapse, and achievement of a secondary complete remission (which was related to the feasibility of radical surgery).

Conclusions

Our study confirmed the unsatisfactory prognosis for pediatric patients with relapsing MPNST and pointed to a risk‐adapted stratification model for the purposes of deciding second‐line treatments. For the time being, an aggressive surgical approach seems to be the only effective salvage treatment and should be recommended. New therapeutic approaches are under evaluation with a view to improving current outcomes.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for a case of refractory opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome
Authors: Greensher Jocelyn E. , Louie James , Fish Jonathan D.
Published: September 2017

Opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome (OMAS) can be refractory to standard therapies and devastating. Alternative treatments are imperative. A 14‐month‐old male diagnosed with neuroblastoma and paraneoplastic OMAS achieved complete cancer remission with chemotherapy. The OMAS, however, persisted over the subsequent 4 years despite numerous immune‐modulatory and immunosuppressive therapies. The patient ultimately achieved complete remission following therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) combined with rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin. After three asymptomatic years, he relapsed. Upon reintroducing TPE and rituximab plus oral prednisolone, the patient rapidly achieved a second complete remission. This case offers proof‐of‐principle for the potential efficacy of TPE for neuroblastoma‐associated OMAS.
US Top 50 Report
Authors: Bowers Diane
Published: September 2017

This report is excerpted from the AMA Gold Top 50 Report, produced by Diane Bowers in partnership with the Insights Association and the American Marketing Association. The AMA Gold Top 50 Report was published in the June 2017 issue of “Marketing News”.
Impact of cannula size on recurrent twin–twin transfusion syndrome and twin anemia–polycythemia sequence after fetoscopic laser surgery
Authors: Donepudi R. , Akkermans J. , Mann L. , Klumper F. J. , Middeldorp J. M. , Lopriore E. , Moise Jr K. J. , Bebbington M. , Johnson A. , Oepkes D. , Papanna R.
Published: September 2017

Objective

The optimal outcome after fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) depends on the successful ablation of all placental anastomoses. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for recurrent TTTS (rTTTS) or twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (TAPS) after FLS, focusing on the impact of cannula diameter.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of data collected prospectively at two centers from 666 consecutive patients undergoing FLS for TTTS. The main outcomes were rTTTS and TAPS following FLS. Variables assessed included gestational age at intervention, stage of disease, recipient maximum vertical pocket, anterior placenta, number of anastomoses ablated, cannula diameter/operative scopes and use of the Solomon technique. Cannula diameter and corresponding scopes used were as follows: 8 Fr and 1.3 mm/0°; 9 Fr and 2.7 mm/0°; 10 Fr and 3 mm/0°; or 12 Fr and 3.3–3.7 mm/30–70°. Cannula diameter was used as a surrogate for scopes during analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with rTTTS or TAPS after FLS; ‘center’ was considered an independent variable to account for variations in practice. In a nested cohort of pregnancies in which both fetuses survived, placental dye injection was performed in 315 placentae. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate variables associated with the presence of residual anastomoses.

Results

rTTTS or TAPS occurred in 61 (9%) cases following FLS (rTTTS in eight (1%) and TAPS in 53 (8%)). Factors associated significantly with the risk of rTTTS/TAPS on multivariate analysis were cannula diameter (when an 8‐Fr, 9‐Fr, 10‐Fr or 12‐Fr cannula was used, there was rTTTS/TAPS in 24%, 13%, 2% or 0.8% of cases, respectively (P < 0.001)) and use of the Solomon technique (rTTTS/TAPS occurred in 4.2% of those in which it was used vs 18.1% in those in which it was not (P < 0.001)). Only use of the Solomon technique was associated significantly with no residual anastomoses found after delivery.

Conclusions

Following FLS for TTTS, a lower incidence of rTTTS/TAPS was seen when the Solomon technique was used, as well as when a 10‐Fr or 12‐Fr cannula was used. A lower complication rate may be due to the use of a scope with better optics during placental mapping. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Study of Mechanical Properties of Vindhayan Shaly Rocks at Elevated temperature
Authors: Jha Manish Kumar , Verma A. K. , Gautam Pradeep Kumar , Negi Anil
Published: September 2017

Shale is an important rock due to its suitability for different engineering and scientific applications. Elevated temperature may cause major deformation or damage in shale rock and it may be of irreversible in nature. Such damage have adverse effect on the physicomechnical properties of shale rock. The uniaxial compressive strength and tensile strength of two shales (upper Vindhyan basin, India) have been estimated at elevated temperature using point load strength index method. The rock samples have been analyzed at various temperatures starting from room temperature to 900 °C. The effect of elevated temperature on the physicomechanical properties and their influence on the uniaxial compressive strength has been studied in detail. Damage induced, in both shale have been estimated using compressional wave velocity. The analysis of the experimental result shows that the uniaxial compressive strength decreases from 63.45 to 18.45 MPa and 60.94 to 22.22 MPa, for Jhiri and Ganurgarh shale respectively. Tensile strength of shales have been also estimated. The value of tensile strength decreases from 3.65 to 1.05 MPa and 3.46 to 1.26 MPa respectively for Jhiri and Ganurgarh shale. Multivariate regression analysis has been carried out to obtain the correlation between physicomechanical properties and uniaxial compressive strength of Jhiri and Ganurgarh shale.