bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying signatures of positive selection in pigmentation genes in two South Asian populations
Authors: Jonnalagadda Manjari , Bharti Neeraj , Patil Yatish , Ozarkar Shantanu , K Sunitha Manjari , Joshi Rajendra , Norton Heather
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Skin pigmentation is a polygenic trait showing wide phenotypic variations among global populations. While numerous pigmentation genes have been identified to be under positive selection among European and East populations, genes contributing to phenotypic variation in skin pigmentation within and among South Asian populations are still poorly understood. The present study uses data from the Phase 3 of the 1000 genomes project focusing on two South Asian populations—GIH (Gujarati Indian from Houston, Texas) and ITU (Indian Telugu from UK), so as to decode the genetic architecture involved in adaptation to ultraviolet radiation in South Asian populations.

METHODS

Statistical tests included were (1) tests to identify deviations of the Site Frequency Spectrum (SFS) from neutral expectations (Tajima's D, Fay and Wu's H and Fu and Li's D* and F*), (2) tests focused on the identification of high‐frequency haplotypes with extended linkage disequilibrium (iHS and Rsb), and (3) tests based on genetic differentiation between populations (LSBL).

RESULTS

Twenty‐two pigmentation genes fall in the top 1% for at least one statistic in the GIH population, 5 of which (LYST, OCA2, SLC24A5, SLC45A2, and TYR) have been previously associated with normal variation in skin, hair, or eye color. In comparison, 17 genes fall in the top 1% for at least one statistic in the ITU population. Twelve loci which are identified as outliers in the ITU scan were also identified in the GIH population.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that selection may have affected these loci broadly across the region.
Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) deficiency without epilepsy mimicking primary microcephaly
Authors: Poli Antoine , Vial Yoann , Haye Damien , Passemard Sandrine , Schiff Manuel , Nasser Hala , Delanoe Catherine , Cuadro Emma , Kom Rémi , Elanga Narcisse , Favre Anne , Drunat Séverine , Verloes Alain
Published: April 2017

Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) deficiency (OMIM 256520) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of serine synthesis, with mostly severe congenital microcephaly, caused by mutations in the PHGDH gene. Fourteen patients reported to date show severe, early onset, drug resistant epilepsy. In a cohort of patients referred for primary microcephaly, compound heterozygosity for two unreported variants in PHGDG was identified by exome sequencing in a pair of sibs who died aged 4.5 months and 4.5 years. They had severe neurological involvement with congenital microcephaly, disorganized EEG, and progressive spasticity, but never had seizures. Exome usage in clinical practice is likely to lead to an expansion of the clinical spectrum of known disorders.
Variable developmental delays and characteristic facial features—A novel 7p22.3p22.2 microdeletion syndrome?
Authors: Yu Andrea C. , Zambrano Regina M. , Cristian Ingrid , Price Sue , Bernhard Birgitta , Zucker Marc , Venkateswaran Sunita , McGowan‐Jordan Jean , Armour Christine M.
Published: April 2017

Isolated 7p22.3p22.2 deletions are rarely described with only two reports in the literature. Most other reported cases either involve a much larger region of the 7p arm or have an additional copy number variation. Here, we report five patients with overlapping microdeletions at 7p22.3p22.2. The patients presented with variable developmental delays, exhibiting relative weaknesses in expressive language skills and relative strengths in gross, and fine motor skills. The most consistent facial features seen in these patients included a broad nasal root, a prominent forehead a prominent glabella and arched eyebrows. Additional variable features amongst the patients included microcephaly, metopic ridging or craniosynostosis, cleft palate, cardiac defects, and mild hypotonia. Although the patients’ deletions varied in size, there was a 0.47 Mb region of overlap which contained 7 OMIM genes: EIP3B, CHST12, LFNG, BRAT1, TTYH3, AMZ1, and GNA12. We propose that monosomy of this region represents a novel microdeletion syndrome. We recommend that individuals with 7p22.3p22.2 deletions should receive a developmental assessment and a thorough cardiac exam, with consideration of an echocardiogram, as part of their initial evaluation.
Lissencephaly: Expanded imaging and clinical classification
Authors: Di Donato Nataliya , Chiari Sara , Mirzaa Ghayda M. , Aldinger Kimberly , Parrini Elena , Olds Carissa , Barkovich A. James , Guerrini Renzo , Dobyns William B.
Published: April 2017

Lissencephaly (“smooth brain,” LIS) is a malformation of cortical development associated with deficient neuronal migration and abnormal formation of cerebral convolutions or gyri. The LIS spectrum includes agyria, pachygyria, and subcortical band heterotopia. Our first classification of LIS and subcortical band heterotopia (SBH) was developed to distinguish between the first two genetic causes of LIS—LIS1 (PAFAH1B1) and DCX. However, progress in molecular genetics has led to identification of 19 LIS‐associated genes, leaving the existing classification system insufficient to distinguish the increasingly diverse patterns of LIS. To address this challenge, we reviewed clinical, imaging and molecular data on 188 patients with LIS‐SBH ascertained during the last 5 years, and reviewed selected archival data on another ∼1,400 patients. Using these data plus published reports, we constructed a new imaging based classification system with 21 recognizable patterns that reliably predict the most likely causative genes. These patterns do not correlate consistently with the clinical outcome, leading us to also develop a new scale useful for predicting clinical severity and outcome. Taken together, our work provides new tools that should prove useful for clinical management and genetic counselling of patients with LIS‐SBH (imaging and severity based classifications), and guidance for prioritizing and interpreting genetic testing results (imaging based‐ classification).
Chemische und biologische Aspekte von “Nutritional Immunity” – Perspektiven für neue Antiinfektiva mit Fokus auf bakterielle Eisenaufnahmesysteme
Authors: Bilitewski Ursula , Blodgett Joshua A. V. , Duhme‐Klair Anne‐Kathrin , Dallavalle Sabrina , Laschat Sabine , Routledge Anne , Schobert Rainer
Published: April 2017

Eine der Verteidigungsstrategien eines Wirtes gegen bakterielle Infektionen ist der Entzug essentieller Metallionen, insbesondere von Eisenionen, durch Komplexierung. Dies wird als Nährstoffimmunität (“nutritional immunity”) bezeichnet. Bakterien haben jedoch Strategien zur Anpassung an den Eisenmangel entwickelt. Sie “stehlen” zum Beispiel Eisen vom Wirt oder von anderen Bakterien durch spezifische Chelatoren mit einer hohen Affinität für Eisen. Die komplexen Wechselwirkungen zwischen Wirt und Pathogen zur Homöostase von Metallionen bieten zahlreiche Angriffspunkte für die Entwicklung neuer antibakterieller Wirkstoffe. Dieser Aufsatz ist auf Prozesse mit Eisenbeteiligung fokussiert. Es werden die neuesten Entwicklungen und mögliche Perspektiven für die Entwicklung von Antibiotikaresistenzen diskutiert.
Mechanical properties of biaxially strained poly(l‐lactide) tubes: Strain rate and temperature dependence
Authors: Løvdal Alexandra Liv Vest , Andreasen Jens W. , Mikkelsen Lars P. , Agersted Karsten , Almdal Kristoffer
Published: April 2017

Poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) is a bioabsorbable polymer with high stiffness and strength compared to the other commercially available bioabsorbable polymers. The properties of PLLA can be improved by straining, causing deformation‐mediated molecular orientation. PLLA tubes were biaxially strained above their Tg for improvement of their strength, in a two‐step process (sequential straining). Mechanical properties and crystal morphology were investigated as a function of processing strain rate and temperature. DSC revealed that a low processing strain rate allows molecular chain relaxation in the direction of strain and the crystallization is suppressed. Faster strain rates on the other hand suppress chain relaxation, and results in crystalline tubes. The mechanical properties are influenced by both processing strain rate and temperature. Low strain rates allow chain relaxation resulting in the lowest strength and stiffness, whereas a larger stiffness and strength is achieved by increasing strain rate and temperature. Isotropic mechanical properties are only observed at high processing strain rates. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45192.
Divergent Total Syntheses of (−)‐Huperzine Q, (+)‐Lycopladine B, (+)‐Lycopladine C, and (−)‐4‐epi‐Lycopladine D
Authors: Hong Benke , Hu Dachao , Wu Jinbao , Zhang Jing , Li Houhua , Pan Yingming , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: April 2017

We report herein our synthetic efforts towards the divergent syntheses of (−)‐huperzine Q (1), (+)‐lycopladine B (2), (+)‐lycopladine C (3), and (−)‐lycopladine D (4). The 10‐step total synthesis of (−)‐huperzine Q (1) and the first total syntheses of (+)‐lycopladines B (2) and C (3) were accomplished through a series of cascade reactions. Our approach involved a Michael addition/aldol/intramolecular C‐alkylation sequence to forge the 6/9 spirocycle ring, and this was followed by an ethylene‐accelerated carbonyl–olefin metathesis to construct the common 6/5/9 ring system. Finally, late‐stage enamine bromofunctionalization enabled us to access (−)‐huperzine Q (1), (+)‐lycopladine B (2), and (+)‐lycopladine C (3), and a tandem C4‐epimerization/retro‐Claisen condensation furnished (−)‐4‐epi‐lycopladine D (63).
Analysis of the Magnetic Entropy in Oxygen Reduction Reactions Catalysed by Manganite Perovskites
Authors: Gracia Jose , Munarriz Julen , Polo Victor , Sharpe Ryan , Jiao Yunzhe , Niemantsverdriet J. W. (Hans) , Lim Tingbin
Published: April 2017

Manganese oxides with a half‐metallic ground state are particularly active for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) perovskite is the archetypal example for compositions with a Curie temperature (TC) above room temperature and with a high intrinsic activity for the partial reduction of triplet‐state O2. The ferromagnetic (FM) character of the superexchange interactions in LSMO facilitates both charge and spin transport below 370 K. Other than the enhanced electronic conductivity, the reduced spin entropy seems to be relevant in oxygen catalysis because the magnetic ordering extends to the surface. The sign of the exchange interactions determines the adsorption of the triplet oxygen molecule with its spin antiparallel to the FM catalysts. Based on the transition‐state theory, we report that on LSMO, the hindrance resulting from the magnetic entropy for the initial reduction of O2 by two antiparallel electrons to diamagnetic intermediates (such H2O2) is minimum. On the other hand, the additional reduction of H2O2 to H2O, diamagnetic steps, prefers paramagnetic catalysts with higher magnetic entropy such as La0.4Sr0.6MnO3 to avoid spin accumulation.
Preyssler Heteropolyacids in the Self‐Etherification of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 5,5′‐[Oxybis(methylene)]bis‐2‐furfural Under Mild Reaction Conditions
Authors: Páez Alexander , Rojas Hugo A. , Portilla Omar , Sathicq Gabriel , Afonso Carlos A. M. , Romanelli Gustavo P. , Martínez José J.
Published: April 2017

The synthesis of 5,5′‐[oxybis(methylene)]bis‐2‐furfural (OBMF) from 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) was studied using bulk and alumina‐supported Preyssler heteropolyacids (HPAs). The formation of OBMF was related to the amount of Brønsted acid sites, and the lowest yield of OBMF was obtained with supported HPAs. However, the Lewis acidity of the HPA supported on Al2O3 favored the formation of 2,5‐dimethylfurane. The effects of solvent, catalyst loading, temperature, and reaction time on the selectivity to OBMF from 5‐HMF were studied to optimize OBMF production using bulk Preyssler HPAs; a yield of 84 % to OBMF was obtained at 5 h and 343 K. These results demonstrate that bulk Preyssler HPA is a good candidate for OBMF synthesis under mild reaction conditions.
High‐Temperature Crystal Structure and Chemical Bonding in Thermoelectric Germanium Selenide (GeSe)
Authors: Sist Mattia , Gatti Carlo , Nørby Peter , Cenedese Simone , Kasai Hidetaka , Kato Kenichi , Iversen Bo B.
Published: April 2017

The discovery of the ultra‐high thermoelectric figure of merit of 2.6 in SnSe has drawn attention to other lead‐free IV‐VI orthorhombic semiconductors. GeSe has been predicted to possess thermoelectric performances comparable to SnSe. Here, a complete structural study is reported of GeSe with temperature by means of high‐resolution synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction. In the orthorhombic phase, the evolution of the bond distances with temperature is shown to deviate significantly with respect to SnSe. Analysis of the chemical bonding within the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules shows that GeSe is ionic with van der Waals interlayer interactions. The signature of the N shell lone pair of Ge is also evident from both the electron density Laplacian and the ELF topologies.
An alert to Latin America: Current human papillomavirus vaccination trends highlight key barriers to successful implementation
Authors: Nogueira‐Rodrigues Angelica , Bukowski Alexandra , Paulino Eduardo , St. Louis Jessica , Barrichello Adriana , Sternberg Cinthya , Gifoni Markus A. C. , Luciani Silvana , Goss Paul E.
Published: April 2017

Human papillomavirus vaccine programs run the risk of repeating the problems associated with Papanicolaou testing programs in low‐income and middle‐income countries: an efficient, life‐saving tool that unfortunately is underused for cancer prevention. There is a great need for vigilance in the ongoing implementation of the human papillomavirus vaccine in Latin America.
Breast cancer stage variation and survival in association with insurance status and sociodemographic factors in US women 18 to 64 years old
Authors: Hsu Christine D. , Wang Xiaoyan , Habif David V. , Ma Cynthia X. , Johnson Kimberly J.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Few population‐based studies have examined the association between health insurance status and breast cancer stage at diagnosis and survival. The degree to which sociodemographic characteristics explain this association is also unclear. This study examined associations between insurance status and sociodemographic characteristics and stage at diagnosis and survival.

METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 registries database, we identified 52,048 women aged 18 to 64 years who were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and 2008. Associations between insurance status and sociodemographic variables and stage at diagnosis and survival were examined with logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs), and associated confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The odds of a later stage breast cancer diagnosis were increased in women with Medicaid (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 2.19‐2.55) and no insurance (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 2.29‐3.04) versus private insurance, in women who had reported black race (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09‐1.28) versus white race, in women who were unmarried (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.18‐1.33) versus married at diagnosis, and in women who were 18 to 39 years old (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.18‐1.41) versus 40 to 64 years old at diagnosis. The hazard of breast cancer death was increased in association with Medicaid (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.30‐1.51) and no insurance (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.41‐1.84) versus private insurance, with reported black race (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.29‐1.50) versus reported white race, and with being unmarried (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12‐1.27) versus being married.

CONCLUSIONS

Insurance status at diagnosis and sociodemographic factors are associated with breast cancer mortality. Factors underlying these associations warrant further study. Cancer 2017;123:3125–31. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Thyroid cancer incidence among Asian immigrants to Ontario, Canada: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Shah Baiju R. , Griffiths Rebecca , Hall Stephen F.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

The highest rates of thyroid cancer are observed in Pacific Island nations as well as Australia and Asian countries bordering the Pacific. The objective of this study was to determine the risk for thyroid cancer among immigrants to Canada from Southeast and East Asia compared with immigrants from other regions and nonimmigrants.

METHODS

This was a population‐based, longitudinal cohort study using health care administrative data to examine all residents of Ontario without pre‐existing thyroid cancer. Individuals were followed from January 1997 or 5 years after they became eligible for health care coverage in Ontario, whichever came later. Patients were followed until March 2015 for incident‐differentiated thyroid cancer, and then for recurrence.

RESULTS

The study followed 14,659,733 individuals for a median of 17 years. Thyroid cancer incidence was 43.8 cases per 100,000 person‐years among Southeast Asian immigrants, 28.6 cases per 100,000 person‐years among East Asian immigrants, 21.5 cases per 100,000 person‐years among other immigrants, and 14.5 cases per 100,000 person‐years among nonimmigrants. Incidence was highest among immigrants from the Philippines (52.7 cases per 100,000 person‐years), South Korea (33.5 cases per 100,000 person‐years), and China (30.0 cases per 100,000 person‐years). Adjusted hazard ratios for thyroid cancer compared with nonimmigrants were 2.66 (95% confidence interval, 2.48‐2.84) for Southeast Asian immigrants, 1.87 (95% confidence interval, 1.75‐2.00) for East Asian immigrants, and 1.51 (95% confidence interval, 1.45‐1.57) for other immigrants. Immigrants were more likely to have papillary histology and stage I cancer. East Asian immigrants, but not Southeast Asian immigrants, had a lower risk of recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.73 [95% confidence interval, 0.57‐0.94] and 1.01 [95% confidence interval, 0.81‐1.26], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Immigrants from Southeast and East Asia had markedly higher thyroid cancer incidence than nonimmigrants. At particularly elevated risk were immigrants from the Philippines, South Korea, and China. Cancer 2017;123:3320‐5. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Electrospun CuO Nanofibers: Stable Nanostructures for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Einert Marcus , Weller Tobias , Leichtweiß Thomas , Smarsly Bernd M. , Marschall Roland
Published: April 2017

A novel synthetic approach for the electrospinning of CuO nanofibers was applied to produce fibrous CuO photocathodes, calcined at different temperatures, in order to evaluate the impact of crystallinity and defect sites on solar‐driven photoelectrochemistry. By careful optimization of the preparation conditions, stable electrospinning was achieved, allowing the fabrication of large quantities of highly crystalline, uniform CuO nanofibers. The as‐spun fibers were calcined at 300 °C, 400 °C, 550 °C, and 800 °C in air, and their crystallographic and structural evolution was systematically characterized. The correlation of the physicochemical properties with the photoelectrochemical performance of CuO nanofiber photocathodes reveals a structure–property relationship: The higher the annealing temperature, the more developed are the crystalline domains of the nanofibers, which in turn result in better conductivity and less defect sites serving as trap states for the photo‐excited charge carriers. Thus, the CuO nanofiber photocathodes annealed at 800 °C showed the highest photoresponse and stability of the photocathodes reported herein, with no loss of photocurrent after prolonged operation in an aqueous electrolyte. Further improvement of the CuO photocathodes was realized by increasing the film thickness leading to photocurrents up to −0.16 mA at 0.4 V vs. RHE, however the stability of the thick photocathode remains a critical issue.
Developing Green Performance Through Supply Chain Agility in Manufacturing Industry: A Case Study Approach
Authors: Mirghafoori Seyed Habibollah , Andalib Davood , Keshavarz Parisa
Published: April 2017

Global environmental issues have changed over time. For a company to survive, it is necessary to attract enough customers to generate profitability and because of high uncertainty in the environment, it requires a more rapid response to the needs of customers. Changing competitive conditions and increasing levels of environmental complexity have caused companies to consider agility conception. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the positive effects of supply chain agility on green performance in the Yazd ceramic tile manufacturing industry. To achieve this goal, after studying the literature review of each variable, a conceptual model with seven hypotheses was proposed. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore these relationships. Thus, according to the findings of this study, supply chain agility positively influences green performance by mediating organizational strategy, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Additionally, development of this relationship involves improvement in applying new technology (agility), setting goals (strategy), solving consumer problems (customer satisfaction), profitability (financial performance), and environmental policies (green performance). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Interconnected 3 D Network of Graphene‐Oxide Nanosheets Decorated with Carbon Dots for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Xiao , Li Ming , Dong Hanwu , Liu Yingliang , Hu Hang , Cai Yijin , Liang Yeru , Xiao Yong , Zheng Mingtao
Published: April 2017

Interconnected 3 D nanosheet networks of reduced graphene oxide decorated with carbon dots (rGO/CDs) are successfully fabricated through a simple one‐pot hydrothermal process. The as‐prepared rGO/CDs present appropriate 3 D interconnectivity and abundant stable oxygen‐containing functional groups, to which we can attribute the excellent electrochemical performance such as high specific capacitance, good rate capability, and great cycling stability. Employed as binder‐free electrodes for supercapacitors, the resulting rGO/CDs exhibit excellent long‐term cycling stability (ca. 92 % capacitance retention after 20 000 charge/discharge cycles at current density of 10 A g−1) as well as a maximum specific capacitance of about 308 F g−1 at current density of 0.5 A g−1, which is much higher than that of rGO (200 F g−1) and CDs (2.2 F g−1). This work provides a promising strategy to fabricate graphene‐based nanomaterials with greatly boosted electrochemical performances by decoration of with CDs.
Identification of target genes downstream of semaphorin6A/PlexinA2 signaling in zebrafish
Authors: Emerson Sarah E. , St. Clair Riley M. , Waldron Ashley L. , Bruno Sierra R. , Duong Anna , Driscoll Heather E. , Ballif Bryan A. , McFarlane Sarah , Ebert Alicia M.
Published: April 2017

Background: Semaphorin (Sema)/Plexin (Plxn) signaling is important for many aspects of neuronal development, however, the transcriptional regulation imposed by this signaling pathway is unknown. Previously, we identified an essential role for Sema6A/PlxnA2 signaling in regulating proliferation and cohesion of retinal precursor cells (RPCs) during early eye development. This study used RNA isolated from control, Sema6A‐deficient and PlxnA2‐deficient zebrafish embryos in a microarray analysis to identify genes that were differentially expressed when this signaling pathway was disrupted. Results: We uncovered a set of 58 transcripts, and all but 1 were up‐regulated in both sema6A and plxnA2 morphants. We validated gene expression changes in subset of candidates that are suggested to be involved in proliferation, migration or neuronal positioning. We further functionally evaluated one gene, rasl11b, as contributing to disrupted proliferation in sema6A and plxna2 morphants. Our results suggest rasl11b negatively regulates proliferation of RPCs in the developing zebrafish eye. Conclusions: Microarray analysis has generated a resource of target genes downstream of Sema6A/PlxnA2 signaling, which can be further investigated to elucidate the downstream effects of this well‐studied neuronal and vascular guidance signaling pathway. Developmental Dynamics 246:539–549, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of transcranial direct current stimulation on reduction of postsurgical opioid consumption and pain in total knee arthroplasty: Double randomized clinical trial
Authors: Khedr E.M. , Sharkawy E.S.A. , Attia A.M.A. , Ibrahim Osman N.M. , Sayed Z.M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Postoperative pain control is an important factor in determining recovery in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of 4 sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over primary motor cortex (M1) in patients undergoing unilateral TKA.

Materials

Fifty patients undergoing TKA were included in the study. They were divided randomly into two groups (25 patients for each, using closed envelopes): real tDCS (2 mA, 20 min, with anodal stimulation applied over M1 postoperative for 4 consecutive days) and sham tDCS. Opioid consumption was titrated by an anaesthesiologist during the study period and was used as primary outcome. As a secondary outcome, patients were evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale (LANSS) at baseline, then the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th days after operation.

Results

There was no significant difference between real and sham tDCS in any rating scales at baseline. The opioid consumption and LANSS scores decreased more in patients who received real tDCS over the course of the treatment than sham tDCS. Real tDCS was associated with 59% reduction in the titrated analgesia. There was no significant difference between groups (time × groups interaction) in the VAS.

Conclusion

Since the VAS was constant, repeated sessions of anodal tDCS over M1 with an extra‐cephalic cathodal electrode can achieve the same degree of analgesia with less opioid consumption over the postoperative days after TKA. Thus, tDCS is a promising tool in the field of postoperative analgesia.

Significance

The data of the present study suggest that four sessions of transcranial direct current brain stimulation over motor cortex could reduce morphine consumption and pain perception during the postoperative period in total knee arthroplasty.
Multicultural experiences reduce prejudice through personality shifts in Openness to Experience
Authors: Sparkman David J. , Eidelman Scott , Blanchar John C.
Published: April 2017

Across two studies we test the prediction that multicultural experiences reduce intercultural prejudice by increasing Openness to Experience. In Study 1, frequency of self‐reported multicultural experiences was associated with greater openness and less ethnic prejudice, and openness explained the relationship between multicultural experiences and ethnic prejudice. In Study 2, we experimentally manipulated a multicultural experience. Compared to those in a control condition, participants exposed to the cultural members and elements of foreign cultures reported being higher in Openness to Experience and expressed less prejudice toward these cultural groups. There was also some evidence that multicultural exposure, through openness, caused secondary transfer effects in prejudice reduction. Our findings suggest that exposure to multicultural environments can improve intercultural attitudes by personality shifts in Openness to Experience.
The role of high-throughput screening in ecotoxicology and engineered nanomaterials
Authors: Barrick Andrew , Châtel Amélie , Bruneau Mélanie , Mouneyrac Catherine
Published: April 2017

The field of environmental toxicology developed as a result of growing concerns about anthropogenic influences on the environment and how to ameliorate ecological impact. Many governmental bodies are beginning to emphasize prevention rather than mitigation when addressing novel products, leading to more of a focus on identifying potential toxicity prior to release. With the exponential advances in their development and sale, novel metamaterials and biotechnology are set to dramatically outpace the capabilities of current testing strategies. To address the need for a fast, cost-effective means of testing chemicals, high-throughput screening (HTS) is currently being used in toxicology and being adapted to ecotoxicology in projects such as ToxCast and Tox21. Despite the growth of research using HTS platforms, its role in ecotoxicology is still uncertain, particularly in how it should be applied in regulation. The aim of the present review is to discuss common test strategies used in designing HTS platforms, the current potential applications for ecotoxicological research, its role in regulatory policies, and its ability to address growing concerns such as engineered nanomaterials. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1704–1714. © 2017 SETAC
Earthworm dispersal assay for rapidly evaluating soil quality
Authors: Kim Shin Woong , Kim Dokyung , Moon Jongmin , Chae Yooeun , Kwak Jin Il , Park Younsu , Jeong Seung-Woo , An Youn-Joo
Published: April 2017

Earthworms enhance soil functioning and are therefore key species in the soil. Their presence is generally a positive sign for a terrestrial ecosystem, because these species serve as important biomarkers in soil quality evaluations. We describe a novel bioassay, the “dispersal assay,” that is a simple and rapid technique for field-based soil quality evaluations. It is based on the premise that earthworms prefer optimal soils if given the choice. Thus, assay tubes containing a reference soil were inserted in target sites, and earthworms were placed into these tubes. According to their soil preference, the earthworms dispersed into the surrounding soil, remained in the initial soil within the tubes, avoided both by crawling up the tube, or died. Furthermore, sensitivity responses to metal concentrations, electrical conductivity, and soil pH were observed in field tests. Although the dispersal assay did not completely match traditional toxicity endpoints such as earthworm survival, we found that it can serve as an in situ screening test for assessing soil quality. Overall, our dispersal assay was relatively rapid (within 24 h), had low levels of variation, and showed high correlations between earthworm behavior and soil physicochemical properties. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2766–2772. © 2017 SETAC
Identifying relevant and irrelevant variables in sparse factor models
Authors: Kaufmann Sylvia , Schumacher Christian
Published: April 2017

This paper considers factor estimation from heterogeneous data, where some of the variables—the relevant ones—are informative for estimating the factors, and others—the irrelevant ones—are not. We estimate the factor model within a Bayesian framework, specifying a sparse prior distribution for the factor loadings. Based on identified posterior factor loading estimates, we provide alternative methods to identify relevant and irrelevant variables. Simulations show that both types of variables are identified quite accurately. Empirical estimates for a large multi‐country GDP dataset and a disaggregated inflation dataset for the USA show that a considerable share of variables is irrelevant for factor estimation.
A quality control method for surface hourly temperature observations via gene‐expression programming
Authors: Xiong Xiong , Ye Xiaoling , Zhang Yingchao
Published: April 2017

This article aims to find the best‐fit regression function for the quality control (QC) for the surface hourly temperature. A new QC method based on gene‐expression programming (GEP) was employed to identify potential outliers in the surface hourly temperature observations. Compared to the spatial regression test (SRT) method and inverse distance weighting (IDW) method, the results indicate that both GEP and SRT outperform IDW in all the cases. The GEP method and the SRT method display equivalent effects in most of the cases. But GEP was found to be superior to the other methods when the weather station density was low. For all cases, the GEP method could yield a smaller estimated error than the other methods, respectively. The results of the comparison led to the recommendation that the GEP method is an effective QC method in identifying the seeded errors for the surface hourly temperature.
Regulation of benthic oxygen fluxes in permeable sediments of the coastal ocean
Authors: Ahmerkamp Soeren , Winter Christian , Krämer Knut , Beer Dirk de , Janssen Felix , Friedrich Jana , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Holtappels Moritz
Published: April 2017

Large areas of the oceanic shelf are composed of sandy sediments through which reactive solutes are transported via porewater advection fueling active microbial communities. The advective oxygen transport in permeable sands of the North Sea was investigated under in situ conditions using a new benthic observatory to assess the dynamic interaction of hydrodynamics, sediment morphodynamics, and oxygen penetration depth. During 16 deployments, concurrent measurement of current velocity, sediment topography, and porewater oxygen concentration were carried out. In all cases the oxyclines were found at depths of 1–6 cm, correlating with the topography of stationary and migrating bedforms (ripples). Different conditions in terms of bottom water currents and bedform migration led to fluctuating oxygen penetration depths and, hence, highly variable redox conditions in up to 2.5 cm thick layers beneath the surface. Volumetric oxygen consumption rates of surface sediments were measured on board in flow‐through reactors. Bedform migration was found to reduce consumption rates by up to
, presumably caused by the washout of organic carbon that is otherwise trapped in the pore space of the sediment. Based on the observations we found oxygen penetration depths to be largely controlled by oxygen consumption rates, grain size, and current velocity. These controlling variables are summarized by an adapted Damköhler number which allows for prediction of oxygen penetretion depths based on a simple scaling law. By integrating the oxygen consumption rates over the oxygen penetration depth, oxygen fluxes of 8–34 mmol m−2 d−1 were estimated.
Corrosion behavior of austenitic steel AISI 316L in liquid tin in the temperature range between 280 and 700 °C
Authors: Heinzel A. , Weisenburger A. , Müller G.
Published: April 2017

Corrosion behavior of austenitic steel AISI 316L was tested in liquid tin at temperatures between 280 and 700 °C under a reducing atmosphere during different exposure times. Liquid metal attack was observed at all temperatures. Ni and Cr were dissolved and Sn reacted at the surface forming stannides with Fe. Up to 450 °C their chemical composition was FeSn2, above this temperature at the border to the steel it changed to FeSn. But, FeSn2 was still detectable up to 595 °C. At 700 °C only stannides with a chemical composition of FeSn were found. The specimens with an exposure time of more than 72 hr were totally dissolved above 676 °C. Tests at 450 °C with different exposure times revealed that the corrosion rate is almost independent on time in the tested region up to 218 hr and increases with temperature. For longer exposure times the corrosion rate (μm/hr) can be described with: y = 5.7E−7(T‐232)2.76. Pre‐oxidation prolongs the incubation time until dissolution starts, but did not prevent dissolution finally.
Particle reinforced open porous anodizing layers on AA5005
Authors: Schneider M. , Kremmer K. , Weidmann S. K. , Fürbeth W.
Published: April 2017

The present work deals with the target aimed design of anodic oxide films on AA5005 by modified phosphoric acid anodizing and reinforcement by subsequent impregnation with nanosized silicon dioxide by chemical nanotechnology. The authors show the influence of the anodizing time on the oxide layer thickness, the pore diameter and the morphology. It is revealed that silicon dioxide nanoparticles are successful when incorporated into the open structure pores of the layer. The anodizing and the incorporation process were carried out wet on wet. Complementary electrochemical measurements show the potential of the modified oxide layer in view of corrosion protection despite their deliberated open porosity.
CFD simulation of bubbling fluidized bed: Effects of bed column geometry on hydrodynamics of gas–solid mixing
Authors: Afrooz I. Eslami , Sinnathambi C. Mohan , Chuang D. Ling , Karuppanan S.
Published: April 2017

In this study, multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed to simulate and study the hydrodynamics behavior of gas‐solid mixing in a new bed column design of bubbling fluidized bed called swirl bed. The new fluidized bed is a swirl tube reactor design based on swirl tube technology. The results are compared with the conventional straight tube rector which is the scaled down version of the existing pilot plant gasifier. It is found that the usage of the swirl tube reactor design results in better lateral solid mixing inside the bed. Furthermore an increase in residence time of the particles is also observed due to the swirl motion of the particles.
On the prediction of uniformity of air flow out from manifold distribution
Authors: Farajpourlar M.
Published: April 2017

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate a closed‐end multiple outlet pipe to examine the effect of different exit port geometry and size of perforation on performance of manifold distribution. To obtain an optimum design, the amount of fluid discharging from any opening in a pipe is greatly concern in engineering applications because uniform flow distribution has significant influence on the performance of manifold distribution. In this investigation, the vertical manifold system was used to study the hydrodynamics of air flow and simulate with computational fluid dynamics (CFD).        Firstly, three different exit port geometry (circular, rectangular and square) are chosen to investigate the effect of exit port on mass flow rate uniformity effusing from distribution manifold. The best performance, which most closely approximating uniform outflow was achieved by the rectangle exit ports. Secondly, three different perforation size (3, 4 and 5 mm) of circular exit port were selected to reach to the finding of uniformity. Results show the 5 mm diameter orifices exit port achieve the uniform outflow of all. The ratio of the total opening area for all cases to the cross‐sectional area of the cylindrical pipe is identical for these two cases. Thirdly, the effect of perforation diameter with variable pipe ratio for equal number of orifices was investigated. The analysis for investigating the changes in the discharge angle of the stream between the orifices of multi‐perforated pipes perform for all cases. Standard k–ϵ turbulence model was considered for the numerical simulation, the finding results of numerical simulation were evaluated by the laboratory experiments.
The effect of temperature on the formation behavior of reaction layer in Sn‐3.0Ag‐0.5Cu solder joint with the addition of porous Copper interlayer
Authors: Hani J. Nashrah , Fadzil J. Mohd , Farazila Y. , Tadashi A. , Yukio M. , Hamdi A. S. Mohd
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates the growth and formation of intermetallic compound when a porous copper interlayer is added into the soldering of 96.5Sn‐3.0Ag‐0.5Cu (in wt%) solder alloy and copper substrate. Porous copper interlayers with two different porosities, P15 (15 pores per inch, ppi) and P25 (25 ppi), were selected as interlayers to be placed in between 96.5Sn‐3.0Ag‐0.5Cu (in wt%) solder alloy/copper substrate. Three soldering temperatures of 267 °C, 287 °C and 307 °C with soldering time of 300 s were applied. It was found that during the soldering process, the intermetallic layer of copper compound with tin (6:5) with discontinuous scallop‐shaped morphology was formed at the interface of the 96.5Sn‐3.0Ag‐0.5Cu (in wt%) solder alloy and copper substrate, while a uniform and continuous intermetallic compound was observed at the interface of 96.5Sn‐3.0Ag‐0.5Cu (in wt%) solder alloy and porous copper. The activation energies of intermetallic compound growth at copper substrate/96.5Sn‐3.0Ag‐0.5Cu (in wt%) solder alloy interface for the samples without porous copper and with porous copper (P15 and P25) were calculated to be 52.90 kJ/mol, 54.53 kJ/mol and 51.67 kJ/mol, respectively. The activation energies of intermetallic compound growth at porous copper/96.5Sn‐3.0Ag‐0.5Cu (in wt%) solder alloy interface for P15 and P25 were 51.73 kJ/mol and 20.62 kJ/mol, respectively. Results of the tensile tests have shown that the highest joint strength for P15 was 54 MPa, whereas for P25 the highest joint strength was 52 MPa, both obtained at a soldering temperature of 307 °C.
Intramuscular fat infiltration evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging predicts the extensibility of the supraspinatus muscle
Authors: Giambini Hugo , Hatta Taku , Gorny Krzysztof R. , Widholm Per , Karlsson Anette , Leinhard Olof D. , Adkins Mark C. , Zhao Chunfeng , An Kai‐Nan
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Rotator cuff (RC) tears result in muscle atrophy and fat infiltration within the RC muscles. An estimation of muscle quality and deformation, or extensibility, is useful in selecting the most appropriate surgical procedure. We determined if noninvasive quantitative assessment of intramuscular fat using MRI could be used to predict extensibility of the supraspinatus muscle. Methods: Seventeen cadaveric shoulders were imaged to assess intramuscular fat infiltration. Extensibility and histological evaluations were then performed. Results: Quantitative fat infiltration positively correlated with histological findings and presented a positive correlation with muscle extensibility (r = 0.69; P = 0.002). Extensibility was not significantly different between shoulders graded with a higher fat content versus those with low fat when implementing qualitative methods. Discussion: A noninvasive prediction of whole‐muscle extensibility may directly guide pre‐operative planning to determine if the torn edge could efficiently cover the original footprint while aiding in postoperative evaluation of RC repair. Muscle Nerve 57: 129–135, 2018
Sensitivity of Dental Phenotypic Data for the Identification of Biological Relatives
Authors: Stojanowski C. M. , Hubbard A. R.
Published: April 2017

Using modern samples of known kin, this paper evaluates two fundamental aspects of kinship analysis in archaeological contexts: (1) choice of data (dental metrics or morphology) and (2) analytical approach (multivariate, distance‐based approach or a ‘rare trait’ analysis). Stone dental casts were analysed from 155 female individuals from four sampling locations in Kenya. Of these 155 individuals, only three pairs were close kin: mother–daughter, sister–sister, and first‐cousin–first‐cousin dyads. After variable winnowing, inter‐individual distances or similarities were calculated using 11 odontometric variables and 25 dental morphological variables. Resulting distance matrices were ordinated in two dimensions using multidimensional scaling. Odontometric data performed relatively well at identifying known relative pairs, but the results were heavily affected by choice of similarity measure (e.g. Euclidean distances vs. Gower coefficients) and pre‐analysis data treatments (e.g. raw data vs. principal components). Dental morphological data performed comparably with odontometric data but were slightly less effective. Rare traits were identified and compared among relative pairs for concordance, with mixed results. Rare morphological features were randomly distributed throughout the population and were not exclusively found in close kin. In combination, results indicated the sister–sister dyad was most consistently identified; however, in no analysis were relatives more phenotypically similar than all random pairs of unrelated individuals. A multivariate, distance‐based approach was more effective than rare traits at identifying relative pairs, but even under ideal circumstances, there is not enough variation present in the dentition to faithfully identify close relatives in the absence of contextual archaeological data. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypertriglyceridemia during asparaginase treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia correlates with antithrombin activity in adolescents
Authors: Persson Lisa , Harila‐Saari Arja , Hed Myrberg Ida , Heyman Mats , Nilsson Anna , Ranta Susanna
Published: April 2017

Background

Asparaginase (ASP) is a cornerstone in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is also known for its ability to cause side effects, such as allergy and pancreatitis, as well as lipid and coagulation disturbances. The most important laboratory abnormalities are hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) and low antithrombin (AT). HTG is usually considered to be transient and benign in children with ALL, whereas low AT activity predisposes to thrombosis. Studies on the incidence and significance of HTG in children with ALL are scarce, and their findings have not always been congruent. We investigated the incidence and significance of ASP‐related HTG, defined as triglyceride values more than five times the upper normal limit, in children with ALL.

Procedure

We analyzed the laboratory and clinical data of children diagnosed with ALL at the Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, from July 2008 to December 2014. Triglyceride and AT values were measured before each injection of pegylated ASP.

Results

The study group comprised of 92 patients, aged 1–17.9 years at diagnosis (median 4.8 years), almost half (42/92, 46%) of whom had HTG. A significant negative correlation between triglyceride and AT values was observed in those aged over 10 years (P = 0.0002). No significant correlation was found between HTG and thrombosis, osteonecrosis, or pancreatitis.

Conclusions

Although common, ASP‐associated HTG was not associated with other ASP‐related toxicities. HTG correlated with decreased AT activity in older children, which may explain previous association between HTG and thrombosis. Larger studies are of interest with regard to establishing guidelines for HGT management.
Increasing adhesive bonding of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic matrix by laser surface treatment
Authors: Genna Silvio , Leone Claudio , Ucciardello Nadia , Giuliani Michelangelo
Published: April 2017

In this study, laser surface treatment of CFRP made of PPS thermoplastic matrix by means of Q‐switched Yb:YAG fiber laser is investigated with the aim to improve CFRP adhesive bonding. Two set of experimental tests were developed. In the first, laser treatments were executed fixing the average power (Pa) and changing: the pulse power, the scanning speed, the hatch distance, and the scanning strategy. These tests were performed to individuate the laser‐material interaction mechanisms and the process window. The treated surfaces were investigated using optical microscopy. It was found that the treatment is able to remove the outer layer of the matrix up to the exposure of underlying reinforcement. However, depending to the released energy, incomplete cleaning or excessive damage may occur. Then, the operating window was experimentally determined. In the second experimental tests, single lap shear tests were performed on samples treated under the most promising process conditions, to verify the laser treatment effectiveness. It was found that the laser treatment, compared to the untreated samples, is able to increase the apparent shear strength up to three times. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:685–692, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers