bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐performance composite imprinted sensor based on the surface enhanced Raman scattering for selective detection of 2,6‐dichlorophenol in water
Authors: Li Hongji , Wang Zirun , Wang Xiaonan , Jiang Jiaqi , Zheng Jiahong , Yan Yongsheng , Li Chunxiang
Published: November 2017

In this study, a novel detection method based on the technique of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was presented. Firstly, the homogeneous Ag particles were prepared and CdTe quantum dots were modified on the surface of Ag particles to synthesize the Ag/CdTe heterostructures as the SERS substrate. Then 2,6‐DCP was chosen as the template molecule and combined the technique of atom transfer radical polymerization to prepare Ag/CdTe/molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs). Through characterization analysis, it was proved that the Ag/CdTe/MIPs exhibited splendid SERS properties and selectivity. Under the optimal condition, it was presented good linear relationship (R2 = 0.96) between the Raman signal (at 1596 cm−1) and the concentration of the templates, and the detection limit was determined as 10−9 mol L−1. It was envisaged that the sensitivity of SERS coupled with the selective properties of MIPs could induce a promising chemosensor for practical applications.
Quantitative determination of acidic hydrolysis products of Chemical Weapons Convention related chemicals from aqueous and soil samples using ion‐pair solid‐phase extraction and in situ butylation
Authors: Pal Anagoni Suresh , Kauser Asma , Maity Gopal , Upadhyayula Vijayasarathi V. R.
Published: November 2017

Chemical warfare agents such as organophosphorus nerve agents, mustard agents, and psychotomimetic agent like 3‐quinuclidinylbenzilate degrade in the environment and form acidic degradation products, the analysis of which is difficult under normal analytical conditions. In the present work, a simultaneous extraction and derivatization method in which the analytes are butylated followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometric identification of the analytes from aqueous and soil samples was carried out. The extraction was carried out using ion‐pair solid‐phase extraction with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry in the electron ionization mode. Various parameters such as optimum concentration of the ion‐pair reagent, pH of the sample, extraction solvent, and type of ion‐pair reagent were optimized. The method was validated for various parameters such as linearity, accuracy, precision, and limit of detection and quantification. The method was observed to be linear from 1 to 1000 ng/mL range in selected ion monitoring mode. The extraction recoveries were in the range of 85–110% from the matrixes with the limit of quantification for alkyl phosphonic acids at 1 ng/mL, thiodiglycolic acid at 20 ng/mL, and benzilic acid at 50 ng/mL with intra‐ and interday precisions below 15%. The developed method was applied for the samples prepared in the scenario of challenging inspection.
Size and Ultrasound Features Affecting Results of Ultrasound‐Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Dong YiJie , Mao MinJing , Zhan WeiWei , Zhou JianQiao , Zhou Wei , Yao JieJie , Hu YunYun , Wang Yan , Ye TingJun
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Our goal was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound (US)‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules according to size and US features.

Methods

A retrospective correlation was made with 1745 whole thyroidectomy and hemithyroidectomy specimens with preoperative US‐guided FNA results. All cases were divided into 5 groups according to nodule size (≤5, 5.1–10, 10.1–15, 15.1–20, and >20 mm). For target nodules, static images and cine clips of conventional US and color Doppler were obtained. Ultrasound images were reviewed and evaluated by two radiologists with at least 5 years US working experience without knowing the results of pathology, and then agreement was achieved.

Results

The Bethesda category I rate was higher in nodules larger than 15 mm (P < .05). The diagnostic accuracy was best in nodules of 5 to 10 mm in diameter. The sensitivity, accuracy, PPV, and LR for negative US‐guided FNA results were better in nodules with a size range of 5 to 15 mm. The specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and LR for positive results and the Youden index rose with increasing nodule size. Seventeen false‐positive and 60 false‐negative results were found in this study. The false‐negative rate rose with increasing nodule size. However, the false‐positive rate was highest in the group containing the smallest nodules. Nodules with circumscribed margins and those that were nonsolid and nonhypoechoic and had no microcalcifications correlated with Bethesda I FNA results. Nodules with circumscribed margins and those that were nonsolid, heterogeneous, and nonhypoechoic and had increased vascularity correlated with false‐negative FNA results. Borders correlated with Bethesda I false‐negative and false‐positive FNA results.

Conclusions

Tiny nodules (≤5 mm) with obscure borders tended to yield false‐positive FNA results. Large nodules (>20 mm) with several US features tended to yield false‐negative FNA results.
Systematic Sonography for Detection of Occult Wounds in Trauma
Authors: Rupp Jordan , Cooper Warren , Ferre Robinson
Published: November 2017

Treating victims of penetrating trauma is challenging, especially in a mass‐casualty or resource‐limited setting. The traditional focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination is a well‐established clinical tool in the initial evaluation of trauma victims. This article describes a novel technique of systematic sonography of the abdomen to look for occult wounds, which is used in conjunction with the focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination to evaluate occult intraperitoneal injury and improve patient treatment and use of resources. The technique is highlighted in a case of a child injured in a conflict zone in northern Iraq.
Carotid Flow Time Test Performance for the Detection of Dehydration in Children With Diarrhea
Authors: Mackenzie David C. , Nasrin Sabiha , Atika Bita , Modi Payal , Alam Nur H. , Levine Adam C.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Unstructured clinical assessments of dehydration in children are inaccurate. Point‐of‐care ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that can help evaluate the volume status; the corrected carotid artery flow time has been shown to predict volume depletion in adults. We sought to determine the ability of the corrected carotid artery flow time to identify dehydration in a population of children presenting with acute diarrhea in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methods

Children presenting with acute diarrhea were recruited and rehydrated according to hospital protocols. The corrected carotid artery flow time was measured at the time of presentation. The percentage of weight change with rehydration was used to categorize each child's dehydration as severe (>9%), some (3%–9%), or none (<3%). A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to test the performance of the corrected carotid artery flow time for detecting severe dehydration. Linear regression was used to model the relationship between the corrected carotid artery flow time and percentage of dehydration.

Results

A total of 350 children (0–60 months) were enrolled. The mean corrected carotid artery flow time was 326 milliseconds (interquartile range, 295–351 milliseconds). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the detection of severe dehydration was 0.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.42, 0.61). Linear regression modeling showed a weak association between the flow time and dehydration.

Conclusions

The corrected carotid artery flow time was a poor predictor of severe dehydration in this population of children with diarrhea.
Periodic Functionalization of Graphene‐Layered Alumina Nanofibers with Aromatic Thermosetting Copolyester via Epitaxial Step‐Growth Polymerization
Authors: Bakir Mete , Meyer Jacob L. , Hussainova Irina , Sutrisno Andre , Economy James , Jasiuk Iwona
Published: November 2017

In situ epitaxial step‐growth polymerization driven interfacial functionalization of aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) with multilayered graphene wrapped alumina nanofiber surface is reported. During a thermal condensation polymerization, ATSP dip‐coated fiber strands develop a nanohybrid shish–kebab structure with periodically assembled and off‐surface grown micrometer‐scale lamella ATSP domains. A mechanism combining the Plateau–Rayleigh instability, the Marangoni effect, and the epitaxial growth phenomena is proposed to elucidate controlling parameters in the process. X‐ray diffraction measurements clearly demonstrate the formation of a mesomorphic lamella phase not present within either the neat ATSP or pristine fiber samples. Results of solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance and thermogravimetric analysis reveal the development of an interfacial coupling between the graphene‐coated ceramic nanofibers and the ATSP matrix.
Exerting Additive‐Assisted Morphological Control during Hydrothermal Polymerization
Authors: Taublaender M. Josef , Reiter Manuel , Unterlass Miriam M.
Published: November 2017

Hydrothermal polymerization (HTP) is a benign and inherently green synthetic approach to synthesize highly crystalline polyimides (PIs) in nothing but high‐temperature water (HTW). In a typical HTP experiment, highly crystalline PI microparticles of sheet‐like as well as flower‐like morphology are obtained. Within this contribution, the effect of four additives (PEG400, PEG8000, P123, CTAB) on the crystallinity and morphology of the PI poly(p‐phenylene pyromellitimide) is investigated. From the experiments performed, it becomes evident that the type as well as the concentration of additive heavily influences morphology. However, even the highest tested concentration of additive (67 g L−1 of PEG8000) does not lead to a change in average crystallinity, as determined from powder X‐ray diffraction. Hence, this approach provides a straightforward method to intentionally tune PI particle morphology without losing the outstanding materials properties generated by the high crystallinity obtained via HTP. Additionally, a hypothesis regarding the poly(ethylene glycol)‐induced morphology alteration is presented.
A tutorial in small molecule identification via electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry: The practical art of structural elucidation
Authors: De Vijlder Thomas , Valkenborg Dirk , Lemière Filip , Romijn Edwin P. , Laukens Kris , Cuyckens Filip
Published: November 2017

The identification of unknown molecules has been one of the cornerstone applications of mass spectrometry for decades. This tutorial reviews the basics of the interpretation of electrospray ionization‐based MS and MS/MS spectra in order to identify small‐molecule analytes (typically below 2000 Da). Most of what is discussed in this tutorial also applies to other atmospheric pressure ionization methods like atmospheric pressure chemical/photoionization. We focus primarily on the fundamental steps of MS‐based structural elucidation of individual unknown compounds, rather than describing strategies for large‐scale identification in complex samples. We critically discuss topics like the detection of protonated and deprotonated ions ([M + H]+ and [M − H]−) as well as other adduct ions, the determination of the molecular formula, and provide some basic rules on the interpretation of product ion spectra. Our tutorial focuses primarily on the fundamental steps of MS‐based structural elucidation of individual unknown compounds (eg, contaminants in chemical production, pharmacological alteration of drugs), rather than describing strategies for large‐scale identification in complex samples. This tutorial also discusses strategies to obtain useful orthogonal information (UV/Vis, H/D exchange, chemical derivatization, etc) and offers an overview of the different informatics tools and approaches that can be used for structural elucidation of small molecules. It is primarily intended for beginning mass spectrometrists and researchers from other mass spectrometry sub‐disciplines that want to get acquainted with structural elucidation are interested in some practical tips and tricks.
Virtual phantom magnetic resonance imaging (ViP MRI) on a clinical MRI platform
Authors: Saint‐Jalmes Hervé , Bordelois Alejandro , Gambarota Giulio
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to implement Virtual Phantom Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ViP MRI), a technique that allows for generating reference signals in MR images using radiofrequency (RF) signals, on a clinical MR system and to test newly designed virtual phantoms.

Methods

MRI experiments were conducted on a 1.5 T MRI scanner. Electromagnetic modelling of the ViP system was done using the principle of reciprocity. The ViP RF signals were generated using a compact waveform generator (dimensions of 26 cm × 18 cm × 16 cm), connected to a homebuilt 25 mm‐diameter RF coil. The ViP RF signals were transmitted to the MRI scanner bore, simultaneously with the acquisition of the signal from the object of interest. Different types of MRI data acquisition (2D and 3D gradient‐echo) as well as different phantoms, including the Shepp–Logan phantom, were tested. Furthermore, a uniquely designed virtual phantom — in the shape of a grid — was generated; this newly proposed phantom allows for the investigations of the vendor distortion correction field.

Results

High quality MR images of virtual phantoms were obtained. An excellent agreement was found between the experimental data and the inverse cube law, which was the expected functional dependence obtained from the electromagnetic modelling of the ViP system. Short‐term time stability measurements yielded a coefficient of variation in the signal intensity over time equal to 0.23% and 0.13% for virtual and physical phantom, respectively. MR images of the virtual grid‐shaped phantom were reconstructed with the vendor distortion correction; this allowed for a direct visualization of the vendor distortion correction field. Furthermore, as expected from the electromagnetic modelling of the ViP system, a very compact coil (diameter ~ cm) and very small currents (intensity ~ mA) were sufficient to generate a signal comparable to that of physical phantoms in MRI experiments.

Conclusions

The ViP MRI technique was successfully implemented on a clinical MR system. One of the major advantages of ViP MRI over previous approaches is that the generation and transmission of RF signals can be achieved with a self‐contained apparatus. As such, the ViP MRI technique is transposable to different platforms (preclinical and clinical) of different vendors. It is also shown here that ViP MRI could be used to generate signals whose characteristics cannot be reproduced by physical objects. This could be exploited to assess MRI system properties, such as the vendor distortion correction field.
Hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Shih Hung‐Jen , Huang Chun‐Jen , Lin Jui‐An , Kao Ming‐Chang , Fan Yen‐Chun , Tsai Pei‐Shan
Published: November 2017

Background

A high fat diet is associated with risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, whether hyperlipidemia is associated with BPH remains unclear. This population‐based cohort study elucidated whether hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of BPH.

Methods

We used a new‐exposure design and analyzed data retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2013. The cohort of men with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia and the age‐ and index‐date‐matched (1:3) nonhyperlipidemia cohort were tracked for incidence of BPH during a 1‐ to 14‐year follow‐up. Diagnosis of BPH using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, and the occurrence of BPH diagnosis plus the use of alpha‐blockers or 5‐alpha reductase inhibitors or receipt of transurethral resection of the prostate were the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. The confounders in this study were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, liver cirrhosis, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, metformin, aspirin, and number of urologist visits. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for the propensity score.

Results

A total of 35 860 subjects (aged 40‐99 years)—including the hyperlipidemia cohort (n = 8,965) and nonhyperlipidemia cohort (n = 26 895)—were identified. Our data revealed that the hyperlipidemia cohort had significantly higher incidences of developing BPH (24.6% vs 12.3%, P < 0.001) and treated BPH (13% vs 5.7%, P < 0.001) compared with the nonhyperlipidemia cohort. The risk of developing BPH in the hyperlipidemia cohort was significantly higher than that in the nonhyperlipidemia cohort (HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.63‐1.83, P < 0.001) after adjustment for the propensity score.

Conclusions

Hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of clinical BPH.
The severe hailstorm in southwest Germany on 28 July 2013: characteristics, impacts and meteorological conditions
Authors: Kunz Michael , Blahak Ulrich , Handwerker Jan , Schmidberger Manuel , Punge Heinz Jürgen , Mohr Susanna , Fluck Elody , Bedka Kris M.
Published: November 2017

At the end of July 2013, a series of severe thunderstorms associated with heavy rainfall, severe wind gusts and large hail affected parts of Germany. On 28 July 2013, two supercells formed almost simultaneously in southern Germany, from which only the more southerly cell produced hailstones up to 10 cm in diameter on a hailswath approximately 120 km long and 15–20 km wide. For the insurance industry, this event, with losses of more than EUR 1 billion, was one of the most expensive natural disasters that has ever occurred in Germany.

This article investigates the creation, temporal evolution and effects of the most severe supercell that day by considering and merging radar and satellite data, eyewitness reports, insurance loss data and numerical model studies. Observations of hail at ground level fit very well with a cold‐ring‐shaped structure in the cloud‐top brightness temperature observed by a geostationary satellite imager. Various simulations conducted with the convection‐permitting COnsortium for Small‐scale MOdeling (COSMO) revealed that the track of the hailstorm could be reproduced only when convection was triggered artificially by two warm bubbles that produced single cells that were precursors of the supercell. The model results suggested that the supercell developed near a pre‐existing single cell through low‐level flow convergence in an environment with moderate CAPE but substantial wind shear and storm‐relative helicity, both of which persisted for several hours in the area in which the supercell moved.
Large‐scale flows under location uncertainty: a consistent stochastic framework
Authors: Chapron B. , Dérian P. , Mémin E. , Resseguier V.
Published: November 2017

Using a classical example, the Lorenz‐63 model, an original stochastic framework is applied to represent large‐scale geophysical flow dynamics. Rigorously derived from a reformulated material derivative, the proposed framework encompasses several meaningful mechanisms to model geophysical flows. The slightly compressible set‐up, as treated in the Boussinesq approximation, yields a stochastic transport equation for the density and other related thermodynamical variables. Coupled to the momentum equation through a forcing term, the resulting stochastic Lorenz‐63 model is derived consistently. Based on such a reformulated model, the pertinence of this large‐scale stochastic approach is demonstrated over classical eddy‐viscosity based large‐scale representations.
Boosting the numbers of STEM majors? The role of high schools with a STEM program
Authors: Bottia Martha Cecilia , Stearns Elizabeth , Mickelson Roslyn Arlin , Moller Stephanie
Published: November 2017

This article investigates whether attending a high school that offers a specialized science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics program (high school with a STEM program) boosts the number of students majoring in STEM when they are in college. We use a longitudinal sample of students in North Carolina, whom we follow from middle school through college graduation, to estimate the effect of attending a high school with a STEM program on students’ interest in STEM, odds of declaring, and chances of persisting in their intention to major in STEM. Although our multilevel models indicate that attending a high school with a STEM program has a positive association with students’ STEM‐related outcomes, once we control for sample self‐selection through propensity score matching, we do not find evidence that attending high schools with a math and science–focused program significantly influences trajectories of STEM educational advantage for public school students in North Carolina. Our study concludes that perhaps even more important for college STEM success than what happensin high schoolis what STEM‐related academic, familial, and formal/informal learning experiences the student hadprior to entering high school.
The investigation on the effect of surface radiation oxidation of bamboo fiber‐filled PMMA composite
Authors: Chang Qiuxiang , Zhao Haojie , He Runqin
Published: November 2017

The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of surface thermal oxidation of bamboo/poly(methyl methacrylate) composite by irradiation. Thermal oxidative effects on the surface energy of bamboo fiber were measured by radiation as a function of exposure time and temperature. Oxidized bamboo/poly(methyl methacrylate), after exposure to air at temperatures of 100°C and 110°C, had a range of maximum surface energies from 38 to 41 mJ/m2. Comparisons between Fourier transform infrared carbonyl peak growth and the surface energy showed that both methods detect oxidation, though the increase in surface energy was detected before the carbonyl peak growth was noticeable. The work of adhesion predicted by the surface free energies obtained in this work between a coated calcium carbonate and bamboo fiber changes by 10% due to the oxidation of the polymer at 110°C. The structural results were discussed in the oxidation chemistry of the macromolecule.
The interfacial adhesion of wood fiber–reinforced UHMWPE composite filled with acid‐treated clay
Authors: He Runqin , Chang Qiuxiang , Huang Xinjun , Li Jian
Published: November 2017

Wood fiber–reinforced ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (wood fiber/UHMWPE) composites have been filled with acid‐treated clay to enhance the adhesion. According to the modification, the interlaminar shear strength of composites has been greatly improved. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy are used to examine the microscopic properties of resultant composites. The enhanced interlaminar shear strength is attributed to the clay interlock, which improves the wetting between wood fibers and resins.
Phyllocarid crustaceans from the Late Devonian of the Kowala quarry (Holy Cross Mountains, central Poland)
Authors: Broda Krzysztof , Collette Joseph , Budil Petr
Published: November 2017

Phyllocarida (Crustacea, Malacostraca) are among the most diversified and widespread Late Devonian arthropods. Although previous studies mention phyllocarid fossils from Late Devonian (Frasnian and Famennian) deposits of the Holy Cross Mountains of south‐central Poland, phyllocarids from the Kowala quarry have not been systematically described. Two new species are described from Kowala strata: Echinocaris bisulcata sp. nov. characterized by oval carapace valves with a short hinge line, cone‐like tubercules on the carapace anterior lobe, two pronounced lateral sulci (ventral and median) and two pairs of short spines on every abdominal segment; and Montecaris marynowskii sp. nov. characterized by two pairs of robust abdominal spines, a telson that is shorter than furcal rami, distal parts of which are parallel to the telson, and a body length approximately four times longer than the telson length. Additionally, an isolated furca identified as Dithyrocaris sp. is described herein. Damage observed in the holotype specimen of Montecaris marynowski sp. nov. is consistent with a healed injury, possibly caused by predatory fish. Notes concerning the global occurrences of montecaridids, echinocaridids and the genus Dithyrocaris in the Late Devonian are also provided.
LES‐VOF Simulation and POD Analysis of the Gas‐Jet Wiping Process in Continuous Galvanizing Lines
Authors: Eßl Werner , Pfeiler Claudia , Reiss Georg , Ecker Werner , Riener Christian K. , Angeli Gerhard
Published: November 2017

Gas‐Jet wiping is a widely applied technology in continuous galvanizing mills, which enables the adjustment of the specific coating mass by an impinging turbulent gas‐jet. The unsteady impingement conditions, however, are reported to cause surface non‐uniformities such as waves. In this study, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is used to analyze an industrial gas‐jet wiping process. POD allows to objectively extract the most dominant flow structures (modes) and their dynamics from the impinging jet. The acquisition of the necessary temporally and spatially highly resolved flow data is done by a LES‐VOF simulation model. The POD analysis shows that jet flapping and axial fluctuations of the jet core are the most dominant spatial modes in the studied case. The frequency range of the modes as well as the frequency range of the height fluctuations of the impinged film are compared in a spectral analysis. Additionally, it is shown that slight changes, for example, the absence of the thin liquid film on the impinged surface, alters the frequency range of the dominant POD modes, whereas the modes themselves remain mostly unchanged.
Preparation and Characterization of Corn Starch/Clay Nanocomposite Films: Effect of Clay Content and Surface Modification
Authors: Khodaeimehr Rouhollah , Peighambardoust Seyed Jamaleddin , Peighambardoust Seyed Hadi
Published: November 2017

Sodium montmorillonite (Na+‐MMT) and Cloisite 30B (C30B) were modified with silver and copper metal ions using cation exchange process in solution. The modified clays were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The modified clays were then used to prepare corn starch (CS)/clay nanocomposite films via solution casting method. The effect of clay content and surface modification on the microstructure, antibacterial activity (against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus), tensile properties, water vapor permeability and UV irradiation absorption, and transmittance of the CS‐based nanocomposite films were systematically studied. XRD patterns showed the formation of an intercalated structure of clays in the nanocomposite films, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evidenced the presence of tactoids in the films. Nanocomposites films containing modified clays revealed improved antibacterial properties compared to those of control. When a combination of silver‐ and copper‐modified clays was used in the preparation of films, antibacterial activity, and lower water vapor permeability were enhanced. The nanocomposites exhibited higher UV–Vis absorption compared with that of pure starch with the highest absorption for films containing silver‐modified clay. The use of clay nanoparticles significantly increased tensile modulus and ultimate strength of the films at the expense of a decrease in strain at break. Nanocomposites films containing silver‐modified clays showed the highest stiffness and strength.
Anti‐obesity and anti‐inflammatory effects of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐γ induced by bofutsushosan powder versus extract
Authors: Kobayashi Kyoko , Saito Kaoru , Yumita Masae , Obara Satoshi , Yasuta Kohshu , Sasaki Kenroh
Published: November 2017

Aim

Bofutsushosan (BT) has been used to treat systemic inflammatory diseases, including obesity, according to an original Chinese prescription book written in 1172. The ‘‐san’ suffix of ‘Bofutsushosan’ means that BT is prescribed as a pulverized crude drug. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ is known to play a pivotal role in adipocyte differentiation and to downregulate the transcription of adipocytokine genes leading to an inflammatory response. Given that the ‘san’ formulation is important for the anti‐inflammation effect, we compared the anti‐obesity and anti‐inflammatory effects of PPARγ induced by BT powder with those by BT extract.

Methods

The PPARγ agonistic activity of the separate crude BT drug components was measured on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For in vivo studies, male mice of the C57BL/6 strain were fed a high‐fat diet containing 6.4% BT extract or BT powder for 65 days.

Results

Water extract prepared from the BT components Saposhnikoviae Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Ephedra Herba, and Scutellariae Radix had strong PPARγ ligand activity on ELISA. BT powder produced a significant reduction in visceral fat weight in addition to increases in PPARγ mRNA expression and peroxidase activity in visceral fat. BT powder and BT extract considerably decreased fatty acid binding protein‐4 (FABP4), although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Peroxidase catalyzes lipid peroxides. Oxidative stress and inflammation induce FABP4 expression. BT powder was a more effective anti‐inflammatory agent than BT extract. Furthermore, FABP4 triggers the ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of PPARγ. This suggests that decrease in PPARγ by FABP4 might be restored by treatment with BT powder.
Bounds on OPE coefficients from interference effects in the conformal collider
Authors: Córdova Clay , Maldacena Juan , Turiaci Gustavo J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We apply the average null energy condition to obtain upper bounds on the three-point function coefficients of stress tensors and a scalar operator,

$$ \left\langle TT\mathcal{O}\right\rangle $$

T
T
O

, in general CFTs. We also constrain the gravitational anomaly of U(1) currents in four-dimensional CFTs, which are encoded in three-point functions of the form 〈T T J 〉. In theories with a large N AdS dual we translate these bounds into constraints on the coefficient of a higher derivative bulk term of the form ∫ϕ W
2. We speculate that these bounds also apply in de-Sitter. In this case our results constrain inflationary observables, such as the amplitude for chiral gravity waves that originate from higher derivative terms in the Lagrangian of the form ϕ W W
∗.
Derivation of functional equations for Feynman integrals from algebraic relations
Authors: Tarasov O. V.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

New methods for obtaining functional equations for Feynman integrals are presented. The application of these methods to finding functional equations for various one- and two-loop integrals is described in detail. It is shown that with the aid of the functional equations Feynman integrals in general kinematics can be expressed in terms of simpler integrals.
A Multi‐institutional Comparison of Adrenal Venous Sampling in Patients with Primary Aldosteronism: Caution Advised if Successful Bilateral Adrenal Vein Sampling is Not Achieved
Authors: Wang Tracy S. , Kline Greg , Yen Tina W. , Yin Ziyan , Liu Ying , Rilling William , So Benny , Findling James W. , Evans Douglas B. , Pasieka Janice L.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

In patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is recommended to differentiate between unilateral (UNI) or bilateral (BIL) adrenal disease. A recent study suggested that lateralization could be predicted, based on the ratio of aldosterone/cortisol levels (A/C) between the left adrenal vein (LAV) and inferior vena cava (IVC), with a 100% positive predictive value (PPV). This study aimed to validate those findings utilizing a larger, multi‐institutional cohort.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients with PA who underwent AVS from 2 tertiary‐care institutions. Laterality was predicted by an A/C ratio of >3:1 between the dominant and non‐dominant adrenal. AVS results were compared to LAV/IVC ratios utilizing the published criteria (Lt ≥ 5.5; Rt ≤ 0.5).

Results

Of 222 patients, 124 (57%) had UNI and 98 (43%) had BIL disease based on AVS. AVS and LAV/IVC findings were concordant for laterality in 141 (64%) patients (69 UNI, 72 BIL). Using only the LAV/IVC ratio, 54 (24%) patients with UNI disease on AVS who underwent successful surgery would have been assumed to have BAH unless AVS was repeated, and 24 (11%) patients with BIL disease on AVS may have been incorrectly offered surgery (PPV 70%). Based on median LAV/IVC ratios (left 5.26; right 0.31; BIL 2.84), no LAV/IVC ratio accurately predicted laterality.

Discussion

This multi‐institutional study of patients with both UNI and BIL PA failed to validate the previously reported PPV of LAV/IVC ratio for lateralization. Caution should be used in interpreting incomplete AVS data to differentiate between UNI versus BIL disease and strong consideration given to repeat AVS prior to adrenalectomy.
The differential influence of absent and harsh fathers on juvenile delinquency
Authors: Simmons Cortney , Steinberg Laurence , Frick Paul J. , Cauffman Elizabeth
Published: November 2017

Researchers have identified father absence as a contributor to juvenile delinquency. Consequently, politicians and community leaders are making efforts to re‐engage fathers. However, it is possible that the presence of fathers is not, in itself, a substantial protective factor and, in some cases, can even be more detrimental than father absence. Employing a diverse sample of male juvenile offenders in the U.S. (ages 13–17), the present study examined the differential effects of absent fathers and harsh fathers on delinquency. Results indicated that youth in the harsh‐father group engaged in more offending behaviors and used more substances than youth in the absent‐father group. This difference remained even after controlling for the mother‐child relationship. Implications of these findings for future research and delinquency prevention programs are discussed.
State Capacity and Economic Development
Authors: Dincecco Mark
Published: November 2017

State capacity - the government's ability to accomplish its intended policy goals - plays an important role in market-oriented economic development today. Yet state capacity improvements are often difficult to achieve. This Element analyzes the historical origins of state capacity. It evaluates long-run state development in Western Europe - the birthplace of both the modern state and modern economic growth - with a focus on three key inflection points: the rise of the city-state, the nation-state, and the welfare state. This Element develops a conceptual framework regarding the basic political conditions that enable the state to take effective policy actions. This framework highlights the government's challenge to exert proper authority over both its citizenry and itself. It concludes by analyzing the European state development process relative to other world regions. This analysis characterizes the basic historical features that helped make Western Europe different. By taking a long-run approach, it provides a new perspective on the deep-rooted relationship between state capacity and economic development.
Robotic-Assisted and Image-Guided MRI-Compatible Stereoelectroencephalography
Authors: Hall Jeffery A. , Khoo Hui Ming
Published: November 2017

Background: Stereoelectroencephalography has been in regular use at the Montreal Neurological Institute since 1972. The technique has been in constant evolution to incorporate advances in materials, imaging, and robotics technology. MRI-compatible electrodes were introduced in 2007 and robotics in 2011. Here we report on the technique, safety, and advantages of our current method of stereoelectroencephalography implantation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent stereoelectroencephalography by the senior author. Technical, clinical, and radiological complications, and postimplantation outcomes were analyzed. Only patients implanted with MRI-compatible electrodes were included to review MRI abnormalities with electrodes in situ. Results: A total of 53 patients were implanted with 550 electrodes (average=10.4 per patient), for an average duration of 14.6 days. There was no mortality, infection, or new neurologic deficit. Two patients had a superficial screw plunge without clinical consequence. Four patients demonstrated asymptomatic MRI abnormalities (7.54% per patient, or 0.72% per electrode). MRI with electrodes in situ was used for neuronavigation in all 29 who underwent resection and yielded a histopathological diagnosis of focal cortical dysplasia in 15 MRI-negative patients. Conclusions: The technique of stereoelectroencephalography described here was associated with no clinical morbidity although not without technical complications or radiologic (MRI) abnormalities. We should therefore remain vigilant in refining the technique and minimizing the number of electrodes required to answer a well-developed hypothesis regarding the epileptogenic zone. The use of MRI-compatible electrodes allowed neuronavigation using the images with the electrodes in situ, which was useful to tailor the eventual definitive resection and in localizing MRI-negative lesions.
Botulinum Toxin Type A for Pain in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Bruno Veronica , Freitas Maria Eliza , Mancini Deborah , Lui Jane P. , Miyasaki Janis , Fox Susan H.
Published: November 2017

Background and ObjectivePain is a frequent symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and the therapeutic alternatives are scarce. The goal of this trial was to measure the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in the treatment of limb pain in advanced PD.MethodsA randomized double-blind crossover versus placebo study of BTXA for limb pain in advanced Parkinson’s disease was conducted. Subjects received individualized BTXA/placebo dosing per pain distribution in limbs. The primary outcome was a measure of change in global pain on a numeric rating scale (NRS) at 4 and 12 weeks postinjection and on a visual analogue scale 12 weeks after treatment. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of responders, physician-rated clinical global impressions, MDS–UPDRS and PDQ–39 scores, and adverse events.ResultsA total of 12 subjects completed the trial. Treatment with BTXA (average dose=241.66 U) produced a significant reduction in NRS score 4 weeks after the injections (–1.75 points, range from –3 to 7,p=0.033). However, there was no significant difference compared to placebo (p=0.70). Participants with dystonic pain showed a greater reduction in NRS score after 4 weeks when treated with BTXA (2.66 points vs. 0.75 for placebo). There were no significant differences for any of the secondary outcomes or significant adverse events.ConclusionsTargeted BTXA injections were safe in patients with limb pain and advanced PD; however, the present study failed to show a significant effect when compared to placebo. Further studies may be focused on evaluating the effect of BTXA particularly in dystonic pain.
SKYHAWK, SKYSHIELD, AND THE SOVIETS: REVISITING CANADA'S COLD WAR
Authors: MCKERCHER ASA , SAYLE TIMOTHY ANDREWS
Published: November 2017

For the past two decades, Canadian international historians have largely missed the Cold War, or at least a significant portion of it. Certainly, there has been no shortage of studies of Canadian foreign policy featuring the bipolar struggle, and yet historians have largely confined their attention to Canada's admittedly crucial relationship with the United States, while Canadian–Soviet relations have been ignored. Indeed, in the historiography of Canada's Cold War international relations, the communist powers are largely missing. Hoping to challenge this limited focus, we frame our article around two Canada–US air defence exercises held in 1959 and 1960. While historians have viewed these exercises within the context of Canada's relationship with the United States, we highlight the wider Cold War framework in which Canadian policy was formed. After all, these exercises occurred during the mini-détente of the late 1950s and the collapse of the Paris summit in May 1960. As we demonstrate, the failure to take full account of the Cold War is a shortcoming of much of the writing on Canadian international relations, and so we offer an example of the need to take seriously Canada's foreign policy toward the communist bloc.
Human parasitology worldwide research
Authors: Garrido-Cardenas Jose Antonio , Mesa-Valle Concepción , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: November 2017

In this article, the trends in human parasitology have been studied through the analysis of the number of publications in this area. The parameters studied were: number of articles, language, countries and institutions with the highest number of publications, and keywords with greater presence in the articles of human parasitology. The results of the analysis confirm the growing interest in this area, observing an exponential growth in the number of publications in the last decades. We also verified that the main country in terms of scientific production is the USA, although among the most important institutions, we find non-US centres such as the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. For observing the relative importance of the journals that publish articles in this specific topic, an index has been created based on theh-index of the journal with publications related to human parasitology and divided by every 100 items. This rank is led fist by ‘Journal of Medical Entomology’ closely followed by ‘Parasitology’. The analysis of the keywords allows to draw conclusions about the great importance of malaria in the current world research. A change in analytical methodology is also observed, and molecular techniques are now being imposed. These techniques, in the near future, have to influence in an improvement in the treatments and prevention of the diseases caused by parasites. Finally, it can be seen that diseases traditionally studied as helminthiasis and amebiasis are currently as well studied as others such as toxoplasmosis or leishmaniasis.
Estimated incidence and number of outpatient visits for seasonal influenza in 2015–2016 in Beijing, China
Authors: WU S. , VAN ASTEN L. , WANG L. , MCDONALD S. A. , PAN Y. , DUAN W. , ZHANG L. , SUN Y. , ZHANG Y. , ZHANG X. , PILOT E. , KRAFFT T. , VAN DER HOEK W. , VAN DER SANDE M. A. B. , YANG P. , WANG Q.
Published: November 2017

Information on morbidity burden of seasonal influenza in China is limited. A multiplier model was used to estimate the incidence and number of outpatient visits for seasonal influenza by age group for the 2015–2016 season in Beijing, the capital of China, based on reported numbers of influenza-like illness consultations and proportions of positive cases from influenza surveillance systems in Beijing, general consultation rates and other parameters from previous studies, surveys and surveillance systems. An estimated total of 1 190 200 (95% confidence interval (CI) 830 400–1 549 900) cases of influenza virus infections occurred in Beijing, 2015–2016 season, with an attack rate of 5·5% (95% CI 3·9–7·2%). These infections resulted in an estimated 468 280 (95% CI 70 700–606 800) outpatient visits, with an attack rate of 2·2% (95% CI 0·3–2·8%). The attack rate of influenza virus infections was highest among children aged 0–4 years (31·9% (95% CI 21·9–41·9%)), followed by children aged 5–14 years (18·7% (95% CI 12·9–24·5%)). Our study demonstrated a substantial influenza-related morbidity in Beijing, China, especially among the preschool- and school-aged children. This suggests that development or modification of seasonal influenza targeted vaccination strategies need to recognize that incidence is highest in children.
Language difficulties and internalizing problems: Bidirectional associations from 18 months to 8 years among boys and girls
Authors: Helland Siri Saugestad , Røysamb Espen , Wang Mari Vaage , Gustavson Kristin
Published: November 2017

Studies have shown that early language difficulties are associated with later internalizing problems. Less is known about the nature of the association: the bidirectional relationship over time, the role of different types of language difficulties, and gender differences. The present study examined bidirectional longitudinal associations between parent-rated language difficulties and internalizing problems in a four-wave cross-lagged model from 18 months to 8 years. Data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study were used (N = 114,000). Gender-specific dichotomized language variables were created, and associations were investigated uniquely for boys and girls. Logistic regression analyses showed that all cross-lagged associations from 18 months to 5 years were significant for girls (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.48–1.94). For boys, only internalizing problems at 3 years predicted change in language difficulties (OR = 2.33). From 5 to 8 years, the cross-lagged associations between semantic language difficulties and internalizing problems were significant and strong for girls (ORs = 1.92–2.97) and nonsignificant for boys. The results suggest that the associations between language difficulties and internalizing problems are bidirectional from an early age, and that girls are especially vulnerable for developing co-occurring language difficulties and internalizing problems during the years of transition to school.
Shi Receives 2017 Basu Early Career Award in Sun–Earth Systems Science
Authors:   AGU
Published: November 2017

Quanqi Shi will receive the 2017 Sunanda and Santimay Basu Early Career Award in Sun–Earth Systems Science. He will present a talk and will be formally presented with the award at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. This award recognizes “outstanding contributions to research in Sun–Earth systems science that further the understanding of both plasma physical processes and their applications for the benefit of society.”
Alternative polyadenylation of ZEB1 promotes its translation during genotoxic stress in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Passacantilli Ilaria , Panzeri Valentina , Bielli Pamela , Farini Donatella , Pilozzi Emanuela , Fave Gianfranco Delle , Capurso Gabriele , Sette Claudio
Published: November 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by extremely poor prognosis. The standard chemotherapeutic drug, gemcitabine, does not offer significant improvements for PDAC management due to the rapid acquisition of drug resistance by patients. Recent evidence indicates that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PDAC cells is strictly associated to early metastasization and resistance to chemotherapy. However, it is not exactly clear how EMT is related to drug resistance or how chemotherapy influences EMT. Herein, we found that ZEB1 is the only EMT-related transcription factor that clearly segregates mesenchymal and epithelial PDAC cell lines. Gemcitabine treatment caused upregulation of ZEB1 protein through post-transcriptional mechanisms in mesenchymal PDAC cells within a context of global inhibition of protein synthesis. The increase in ZEB1 protein correlates with alternative polyadenylation of the transcript, leading to shortening of the 3' untranslated region (UTR) and deletion of binding sites for repressive microRNAs. Polysome profiling indicated that shorter ZEB1 transcripts are specifically retained on the polysomes of PDAC cells during genotoxic stress, while most mRNAs, including longer ZEB1 transcripts, are depleted. Thus, our findings uncover a novel layer of ZEB1 regulation through 3'-end shortening of its transcript and selective association with polysomes under genotoxic stress, strongly suggesting that PDAC cells rely on upregulation of ZEB1 protein expression to withstand hostile environments.