bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strongly Surface‐Bonded MoO2@Carbon Nanocomposites by Nitrogen‐Doping with Outstanding Capability for Fast and Stable Li Storage
Authors: Yun Yuanxing , Shi Zixiong , Shao Jie , Qu Qunting , Gao Youjun , Chen Zheng , Chen Yu , Zheng Honghe
Published: August 2018

Strongly surface‐bonded MoO2@carbon nanocomposites are obtained through in‐situ nitrogen‐doping of MoO2@carbon and evaluated as the anode material of Li‐ion batteries. Nitrogen, derived from polydopamine, is in‐situ doped into both MoO2 core and the carbon shell. Strong Mo−N bonding is validated from X‐ray photoelectron spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The in‐situ nitrogen‐doping process can generate a strong interfacial interaction between MoO2 and carbon, facilitating the transport of electron and Li+ across the interfaces of heterophases. The nitrogen‐doping feature of MoO2 can improve the electrochemical reactivity and kinetics for Li‐storage.
Light weight and fine‐grained access mechanism for secure access to outsourced data*
Authors: Jahan Mosarrat , Seneviratne Suranga , Roy Partha Sarathi , Sakurai Kouichi , Seneviratne Aruna , Jha Sanjay
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we explore the problem of providing selective read/write access to the outsourced data for clients using mobile devices in an environment that supports users from multiple domains and where attributes are generated by multiple authorities. We consider Ciphertext‐Policy Attribute‐based Encryption (CP‐ABE) scheme as it can provide access control on encrypted outsourced data. One limitation of CP‐ABE is that the users can modify the access policy specified by the data owner if write operations are introduced in the scheme. We propose a protocol for providing different levels of access to outsourced data that permits the authorized users to perform write operation without altering the access policy specified by the data owner. Our scheme provides fine‐grained read/write access to the users, accompanied with a light weight signature scheme and computationally inexpensive user revocation mechanism suitable for resource‐constrained mobile devices. We provide a theoretical analysis of the security of the proposed protocol and the experimental results measured from a real‐world testbed.
Simultaneous sensing, readout, and classification on an intensity‐ranking image sensor
Authors: Ahlberg Jörgen , Åström Anders , Forchheimer Robert
Published: August 2018

We combine the near‐sensor image processing concept with address‐event representation leading to an intensity‐ranking image sensor (IRIS) and show the benefits of using this type of sensor for image classification. The functionality of IRIS is to output pixel coordinates (X and Y values) continuously as each pixel has collected a certain number of photons. Thus, the pixel outputs will be automatically intensity ranked. By keeping track of the timing of these events, it is possible to record the full dynamic range of the image. However, in many cases, this is not necessary—the intensity ranking in itself gives the needed information for the task at hand. This paper describes techniques for classification and proposes a particular variant (groves) that fits the IRIS architecture well as it can work on the intensity rankings only. Simulation results using the CIFAR‐10 dataset compare the results of the proposed method with the more conventional ferns technique. It is concluded that the simultaneous sensing and classification obtainable with the IRIS sensor yields both fast (shorter than full exposure time) and processing‐efficient classification.
Multiplexed fluorescence microscopy reveals heterogeneity among stromal cells in mouse bone marrow sections
Authors: Holzwarth Karolin , Köhler Ralf , Philipsen Lars , Tokoyoda Koji , Ladyhina Valeriia , Wählby Carolina , Niesner Raluca A. , Hauser Anja E.
Published: August 2018

The bone marrow (BM) consists of multiple, structured micro‐environmental entities—the so called niches, which contain hematopoietic cells as well as stromal cells. These niches fulfill a variety of functions, such as control of the hematopoietic stem cell pool, differentiation of hematopoietic cells, and maintenance of immunological memory. However, due to the molecular and cellular complexity and a lack of suitable histological multiplexing methods, the composition of the various BM niches is still elusive. In this study, we apply multiepitope‐ligand‐cartography (MELC) on bone sections from mice. We combine multiplexed immunofluorescence histology data with various object‐based segmentation approaches in order to define irregularly shaped, net‐like structures of stromal cells. We confirm MELC as a robust histological method and validate our automated segmentation algorithms using flow cytometry and manual evaluation. By means of MELC multiplexing, we reveal heterogeneous expression of leptin receptor (LpR), BP‐1, and VCAM‐1 in the stromal network. Moreover, we demonstrate by quantification a preferential contact of B cell subsets as well as of plasma cells to processes of CXCL12‐expressing stromal cells, compared with stromal somata. In summary, our approach is suitable for spatial analysis of complex tissue structures.
Background fluorescence and spreading error are major contributors of variability in high‐dimensional flow cytometry data visualization by t‐distributed stochastic neighboring embedding
Authors: Mazza Emilia Maria Cristina , Brummelman Jolanda , Alvisi Giorgia , Roberto Alessandra , De Paoli Federica , Zanon Veronica , Colombo Federico , Roederer Mario , Lugli Enrico
Published: August 2018

Multidimensional single‐cell analysis requires approaches to visualize complex data in intuitive 2D graphs. In this regard, t‐distributed stochastic neighboring embedding (tSNE) is the most popular algorithm for single‐cell RNA sequencing and cytometry by time‐of‐flight (CyTOF), but its application to polychromatic flow cytometry, including the recently developed 30‐parameter platform, is still under investigation. We identified differential distribution of background values between samples, generated by either background calculation or spreading error (SE), as a major source of variability in polychromatic flow cytometry data representation by tSNE, ultimately resulting in the identification of erroneous heterogeneity among cell populations. Biexponential transformation of raw data and limiting SE during panel development dramatically improved data visualization. These aspects must be taken into consideration when using computational approaches as discovery tools in large sets of samples from independent experiments or immunomonitoring in clinical trials.
Effective Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Dental Cells
Authors: Kim Eun‐Jung , Yoon Kyung‐Sik , Arakaki Makiko , Otsu Keishi , Fukumoto Satoshi , Harada Hidemitsu , Green David William , Lee Jong‐Min , Jung Han‐Sung
Published: August 2018

Background: A biotooth is defined as a complete living tooth, made in laboratory cultures from a spontaneous interplay between epithelial and mesenchymal cell‐based frontal systems. A good solution to these problems is to use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, no one has yet formulated culture conditions that effectively differentiate iPSCs into dental epithelial and dental mesenchymal cells phenotypes analogous to those present in tooth development. Results: Here, we tried to induce differentiation methods for dental epithelial cells (DEC) and dental mesenchymal cells from iPSCs. For the DEC differentiation, the conditional media of SF2 DEC was adjusted to embryoid body. Moreover, we now report on a new cultivation protocol, supported by transwell membrane cell culture that make it possible to differentiate iPSCs into dental epithelial and mesenchymal cells with abilities to initiate the first stages in de novo tooth formation. Conclusions: Implementation of technical modifications to the protocol that maximize the number and rate of iPSC differentiation, into mesenchymal and epithelial cell layers, will be the next step toward growing an anatomically accurate biomimetic tooth organ. Developmental Dynamics 248:129–139, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sex‐specific prey partitioning in breeding piscivorous birds examined via a novel, noninvasive approach
Authors: Thalinger Bettina , Oehm Johannes , Zeisler Christiane , Vorhauser Julia , Traugott Michael
Published: August 2018

Piscivorous birds frequently display sex‐specific differences in their hunting and feeding behavior, which lead to diverging impacts on prey populations. Cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), for example, were previously studied to examine dietary differences between the sexes and males were found to consume larger fish in coastal areas during autumn and winter. However, information on prey partitioning during breeding and generally on sex‐specific foraging in inland waters is missing. Here, we assess sex‐specific prey choice of Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) during two subsequent breeding seasons in the Central European Alpine foreland, an area characterized by numerous stagnant and flowing waters in close proximity to each other. We developed a unique, noninvasive approach and applied it to regurgitated pellets: molecular cormorant sexing combined with molecular fish identification and fish‐length regression analysis performed on prey hard parts. Altogether, 364 pellets delivered information on both, bird sex, and consumed prey. The sexes differed significantly in their overall prey composition, even thoughPerca fluviatilis,Rutilus rutilus, andCoregonusspp. represented the main food source for both. Albeit prey composition did not indicate the use of different water bodies by the sexes, male diet was characterized by higher prey diversity within a pellet and the consumption of larger fish. The current findings show that female and male cormorants to some extent target the available prey spectrum at different levels. Finally, the comprehensive and noninvasive approach has great potential for application in studies of other piscivorous bird species.
Species richness and phylogenetic diversity of seed plants across vegetation zones of Mount Kenya, East Africa
Authors: Zhou Yadong , Chen Sichong , Hu Guangwan , Mwachala Geoffrey , Yan Xue , Wang Qingfeng
Published: August 2018

Mount Kenya is of ecological importance in tropical east Africa due to the dramatic gradient in vegetation types that can be observed from low to high elevation zones. However, species richness and phylogenetic diversity of this mountain have not been well studied. Here, we surveyed distribution patterns for a total of 1,335 seed plants of this mountain and calculated species richness and phylogenetic diversity across seven vegetation zones. We also measured phylogenetic structure using the net relatedness index (NRI) and the nearest species index (NTI). Our results show that lower montane wet forest has the highest level of species richness, density, and phylogenetic diversity of woody plants, while lower montane dry forest has the highest level of species richness, density, and phylogenetic diversity in herbaceous plants. In total plants, NRI and NTI of four forest zones were smaller than three alpine zones. In woody plants, lower montane wet forest and upper montane forest have overdispersed phylogenetic structures. In herbaceous plants, NRI of Afro‐alpine zone and nival zone are smaller than those of bamboo zone, upper montane forest, and heath zone. We suggest that compared to open dry forest, humid forest has fewer herbaceous plants because of the closed canopy of woody plants. Woody plants may have climate‐dominated niches, whereas herbaceous plants may have edaphic and microhabitat‐dominated niches. We also proposed lower and upper montane forests with high species richness or overdispersed phylogenetic structures as the priority areas in conservation of Mount Kenya and other high mountains in the Eastern Afro‐montane biodiversity hotspot regions.
Ordered Mesoporous Carbon/Poly (2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate/Ag Nanoparticle Composite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode; an Amplified Sensor for Simultaneous Determination of Acetaminophen and Domperidone
Authors: Khoshsafar Hamid , Rofouei Mohammad Kazem , Bagheri Hasan , Kalbasi Roozbeh Javad
Published: August 2018

In this study, we describe a modification of a glassy carbon electrode with an ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC)/poly (2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)/Ag nanoparticle composite (GCE/AgNPs‐PHEMA‐CMK‐1) done for the first time and the application of a proposed sensor for the simultaneous determination of acetaminophen (AC) and domperidone (DO). The transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), UV‐vis spectroscopy, and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) methods were used for the analysis of the synthesized nanocomposite. The GCE/AgNPs‐PHEMA‐CMK‐1 showed good catalytic activity for the electro‐oxidation of acetaminophen and domperidone in the buffer solution. The pH investigation showed that acetaminophen and domperidone electro‐oxidation is relative to the pH value of the solution. The maximum oxidation process occurred at pH=7.0 and pH=8.0 for acetaminophen and domperidone, respectively, on the surface of the GCE/AgNPs‐PHEMA‐CMK‐1. The GCE/AgNPs‐PHEMA‐CMK‐1 showed a linear range between 0.015–7.5 μM and 0.03–10.8 μM for acetaminophen and domperidone, respectively. The GCE/AgNPs‐PHEMA‐CMK‐1 showed detection limits of 0.005 and 0.01 μM for acetaminophen and domperidone, respectively, by the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. Finally, the GCE/AgNPs‐PHEMA‐CMK‐1 was suggested as a highly powerful tool for the analysis of acetaminophen and domperidone in real samples.
Construction of an Amperometric Cholesterol Biosensor Based on DTP(aryl)aniline Conducting Polymer Bound Cholesterol Oxidase
Authors: Cevik Emre , Cerit Alaaddin , Gazel Nilay , Yildiz Huseyin Bekir
Published: August 2018

In this study, an amperometric cholesterol biosensor was constructed based on cholesterol oxidase immobilized on a conducting 4‐(4H‐dithienol[3,2‐b : 2′,3′‐d]pyrrole‐4)aniline polymer, (DTP(aryl)aniline). Glassy carbon electrodes were covered with P(DTP(aryl)aniline) which is used for the wiring of enzyme to the electrode surface by using electro‐polymerization. The electron transfer was successfully made by the bio‐catalytic activity and possession of the unique morphology of the polymer allowed efficient immobilization of the cholesterol oxidase enzyme. Analytical performances; linear range, detection limit, limit of quantification and the Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km) of biosensor electrodes were obtained 2.0 μM–23.7 μM, 0.27 μM, 0.82 μM, 17,81 μM respectively. Biosensor optimization parameters: optimum pH, optimum temperature, stability test and response time were evaluated. The real sample and recovery studies were also performed in order to show applicability of the biosensing electrodes.
Square‐wave Amplitude Effect in Cathodic and Anodic Stripping Square‐wave Voltammetry
Authors: Guziejewski Dariusz
Published: August 2018

In this paper a theoretical study of stripping processes at planar electrodes under conditions of square‐wave voltammetry is presented. A mechanistic examination for cathodic stripping electrode mechanisms, a simple anodic striping mechanism, and anodic stripping mechanisms coupled with adsorption equilibrium of the analyte are discussed using varying square‐wave amplitudes. The methodologies described here use two typical features: the peak potential separation of square‐wave components and the amplitude‐based quasireversible maximum. Both methods can be applied at a constant frequency, i. e., constant scan rate. The received data are combined with the critical parameters of electrode reaction kinetics. Thus, the established methodologies allow for a simple kinetic characterization. The received diagnostic criteria are verified with experiments at a glassy carbon electrode for lead ions.
The Interaction between Electricigens and Carbon Nanotube Forest and Electricity Generation Performance in MFC
Authors: Zhao Na , Ma Zhaokun , Song Huaihe , Xie Yangen , Wang Dingling
Published: August 2018

Carbon nanotube forest (CNTFs) is grown vertically on the surface of highly conductive mesophase pitch carbon fibers (Pitch‐CFs) in the chemical vapor deposition method. Then the CNTFs‐modified CFs (CNTFs‐Pitch‐CF) as an anode material is assembled into the single chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Interaction between electricigens and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is investigated. The toxicity of the CNTs can make electricigens expend energy or electrons to produce exopolysaccharid (EPS) as much as possible. Accordingly, this leads to low voltage and the long start up time for the CNTFs‐Pitch‐CF anode in the early period. When the activity of electricigens with the EPS reaches a stable state over time, the output voltage rises rapidly and the maximum power density of the CNTFs‐Pitch‐CF‐equiped MFC is increased to 1112 mW/m2, which is approximately 1.55‐fold higher than Pitch‐CF‐equiped MFC. And the CNTFs‐Pitch‐CF‐equiped MFC can keep high electricity generation performance of MFCs for a long time, which is 75 % larger than the Pitch‐CF‐equiped MFC. This method of the CNTFs modifying the CFs provides a new idea for increasing the electricity generation performance of the MFCs.
Boiled, sprouted, and raw cowpea‐incorporated diets modulate high‐fat diet‐induced hypercholesterolemia in rats
Authors: Liyanage Ruvini , Perera Oshini , Lakmini Gusthingna W. A. S. , Weththasinghe Pabodha , Visvanathan Rizliya , Jayathilake Chathuni , Jayawardana Barana C. , Vidanarachchi Janak , Sivakanesan Ramiah
Published: August 2018

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of processed (boiled and sprouted) cowpea‐incorporated experimental diets on serum cholesterol and serum antioxidant capacity in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed Wistar rats. Seven weeks old male Wistar rats were fed 20% fat as a control (CD), for comparison with 20% fat‐enriched diets containing 20% whole raw cowpea diets (Bombay Raw Diet; BRD and MI35 Raw Diet; MRD), boiled cowpea diets (Bombay Boiled Diet; BBD and MI35 Boiled Diet; MBD) and sprouted cowpea diet (Bombay Sprouted Diet; BSD) for 6 weeks. The increase in serum total cholesterol as a result of high‐fat diet was significantly countered by boiled and raw cowpea‐incorporated diet‐fed rats. Increased serum non‐HDL‐C level caused by HFD was significantly (p < 0.05) countered by raw, boiled, and sprouted cowpeas, while HDL–C was increased by raw MI and boiled Bombay incorporated diets. Boiling has improved the hypocholesterolemic ability of Bombay cowpea and BBD has significantly (p < 0.05) modulated serum HDL‐C level and liver weight in rats. These findings were supported significantly high soluble fiber content in processed cowpea powder than that in raw cowpea powder. The decrease in serum antioxidant activity as a result of HFD was significantly countered by BRD. Processing has reduced the antioxidant activity in cowpeas and serum antioxidant activity in rats. Cecal lactobacilli population was significantly high in all cowpea diet‐fed groups compared to control. Modulated serum cholesterol level in cowpea diet‐fed rats was accompanied by dietary fiber composition, antioxidant activity in cowpeas and fecal weight, cecal weight and cecal lactobacilli population in rats compared to control. Both processed and raw cowpea‐incorporated diets have modulated HFD‐induced hypercholesterolemia by modulating serum antioxidative capacity, cholesterol metabolism, and cecal fermentation.
Development of value‐added nutritious crackers with high antidiabetic properties from blends of Acha (Digitaria exilis) and blanched Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan)
Authors: Olagunju Aderonke Ibidunni , Omoba Olufunmilayo Sade , Enujiugha Victor Ndigwe , Aluko Rotimi Emmanuel
Published: August 2018

Pigeon pea was treated by blanching and used to supplement acha flour for the development of functional cracker biscuits. The flour ratios for acha and pigeon pea were 100:0 (ACC), 80:20 (APC1), and 70:30 (APC2), respectively. The developed cracker biscuits were evaluated for chemical acid compositions, antioxidant, as well as antidiabetic properties. Protein contents of the formulated crackers increased with increase in supplementation with pigeon pea flour. The antinutrient content of the formulated snack was low hence may not adversely affect nutrient bioavailability. Glutamic and aspartic acids were the predominant amino acids while methionine and lysine significantly increased as a result of supplementation with pigeon pea flour. The biscuit exhibited good antioxidant properties indicated by its strong ability to scavenge hydroxyl, superoxide, DPPH radicals, and reduced Fe3+ to Fe2+. The formulated snack especially APC2 possessed low glycemic index (47.95%) and significantly inhibited the key digestive enzymes (α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase). All parameters evaluated indicated that APC2 could serve as a functional snack in the management of hyperglycemia (diabetes) and prevention of associated degenerative diseases.
Use of flow cytometry and total viable count to determine the effects of orange juice composition on the physiology of Escherichia coli
Authors: Anvarian Amir H. P. , Smith Madeleine P. , Overton Tim W.
Published: August 2018

Orange juice (OJ) contains numerous compounds some of which are known to play key roles in growth and survival of bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the effects of natural or processing‐induced variations in OJ composition on the physiology of Escherichia coli. OJ and model OJ (MOJ) samples containing various sugars, organic acids, amino acids, or ascorbic acid were inoculated with E. coli K‐12 MG1655 in different growth phases. The culturability, viability, and physiology of the cells were investigated during storage using plate counting and flow cytometry. Generally, stationary‐phase cells displayed the greatest survival in both MOJ and OJ. Increase in incubation temperature from 4 to 22.5ºC caused a significant decrease in both healthy and culturable cell populations. Supplementation of MOJ with ascorbic acid and amino acids increased both the viability and culturability of the cells. Similar trends were observed in amino acid‐supplemented OJ, albeit at a slower rate. In contrast, variations in sugar or organic acid composition had negligible effects on the physiological status of the cells. In summary, natural variation in ascorbic acid or amino acid concentrations could potentially have an adverse effect on the microbiological safety of orange juice.
Are Parents Really Obligated to Learn as Much as Possible about Their Children's Genomes?
Authors: Johnston Josephine , Juengst Eric
Published: August 2018

As new parents quickly learn, parenting always involves choosing your battles. Ideally, parents have the freedom to make those moral choices without the prejudice of an unreasonable or premature inflicted ought. Resolving the predictive uncertainties of genomic information is the professional responsibility of the biomedical community, just as clarifying the impact of global warming or assessing the risks of rising multidrug resistance is the responsibility of similar specialists. Until sequencing can give parents clear and meaningful information that they can use to protect their children without also burdening parents with uncertain findings about which little if anything can be done, it makes no sense to impute an obligation for them to seek it out. To do so not only increases the mental and emotional burden on parents but also distorts the scope of parental responsibility in ways that undermine parents’ capacity to play their immediate role as the nurturers of a new life.
What Genomic Sequencing Can Offer Universal Newborn Screening Programs
Authors: Powell Cynthia M.
Published: August 2018

Massively parallel sequencing, also known as next‐generation sequencing, has the potential to significantly improve newborn screening programs in the United States and around the world. Compared to genetic tests whose use is well established, sequencing allows for the analysis of large amounts of DNA, providing more comprehensive and rapid results at a lower cost. It is already being used in limited ways by some public health newborn screening laboratories in the United States and other countries—and it is under study for broader and more widespread use, including as a core part of newborn screening programs. Sequencing technology has the potential to significantly improve these essential public health programs. For many of the conditions that newborns are already screened for, sequencing can return more specific and more sensitive results. The technology could also enable newborn screening programs to expand the list of rare pediatric conditions that they look for, thereby identifying more infants who can benefit from immediate care.
My Diagnostic Odyssey—A Call to Expand Access to Genomic Testing for the Next Generation
Authors: Michelson Jeremy
Published: August 2018

I attended the NSIGHT Ethics and Policy Advisory Board's meeting on sequencing newborns as a research associate in a joint apprenticeship between the University of California, San Francisco, Institute for Human Genetics and the university's Program in Bioethics. But I also came to the meeting with a deeply personal perspective: I had spent nearly my entire childhood in search of a diagnosis and therefore was eager to hear the board's discussion on how to ethically include genomic sequencing early in life. Genomic sequencing in the newborn period could have helped me avoid my diagnostic odyssey by revealing the cause of my condition shortly after birth.
Interaction of triorganotin(IV) moiety with quinolone antibacterial drug ciprofloxacin: Synthesis, spectroscopic investigation, electronic structure calculation, and biological evaluation
Authors: Joshi Rachana , Yadav Swatantra K. , Mishra Hirdyesh , Pandey Nidhi , Tilak Ragini , Pokharia Sandeep
Published: August 2018

New triorganotin(IV) derivatives of ciprofloxacin (HL) with general formula R3Sn(L) (where R = Me (1)/Cy (2) and L is the monoanion of ciprofloxacin) have been synthesized and structurally characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, Raman, multinuclear (1H‐, 13C‐ and 119Sn‐) NMR, ESI‐MS, UV‐Visible, and emission spectroscopy. A distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry around tin has been tentatively proposed for these triorganotin(IV) derivatives in which the ligand may act as monoanionic bidentate coordinating through the Ocarboxylate and Opyridone. The proposed structure has been validated by density functional theory (DFT)‐based electronic structure calculations at B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p)/Def2‐SVP(Sn) level of theory. The atomic charges have been calculated at the selected atoms, and the reactive sites have been assigned on the surface of the molecules through molecular electrostatic potential map. The frontier molecular orbitals and selected conceptual‐DFT‐based global reactivity descriptors have been calculated to obtain an insight into the structure and reactivity behavior of the complexes. A comparative analysis of the experimental vibrational frequencies and simulated harmonic frequencies indicates good correlation between them. The complexes were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against two Gram‐positive and five Gram‐negative bacterial strains. The results revealed that both the complexes exhibited promising antibacterial activity against the chosen strains (MIC: 0.062‐0.125 μg/mL).
Sustained‐release ruxolitinib: Findings from a phase 1 study in healthy subjects and a phase 2 study in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Verstovsek Srdan , Yeleswaram Swamy , Hou Kevin , Chen Xuejun , Erickson‐Viitanen Sue
Published: August 2018

Ruxolitinib is the first Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor approved for the treatment of myelofibrosis, where its efficacy is often associated with cytopenia. It is possible that the severity of cytopenia is in part driven by Cmax. A once‐daily sustained‐release (SR) formulation of ruxolitinib was therefore developed to decrease the Cmax/Cmin ratio relative to twice‐daily immediate‐release (IR) ruxolitinib. An SR formulation was identified based on pharmacokinetic evaluation in a phase 1 study in healthy adults (N = 9). This was followed by an open‐label phase 2 study in patients with myelofibrosis (N = 41). Ruxolitinib SR treatment was well tolerated with blood cell counts relatively unchanged through week 16. In terms of efficacy, 7 patients (17.1%) had clinical improvement and 33 (80.5%) had stable disease. While this study has raised the possibility of an increased therapeutic index for ruxolitinib via an SR formulation, further studies are required to validate the hypothesis.
Ethical Validation: Reframing Research Ethics in Engineering Education Research To Improve Research Quality
Authors: Sochacka Nicola W. , Walther Joachim , Pawley Alice L.
Published: August 2018

Background

Prior to undertaking studies involving human subjects, engineering education researchers are required to consider the ethical implications of their work by obtaining approval from an ethical review board.

Purpose/Hypothesis

Recent research suggests that some unintended consequences of this procedure are that it externalizes and inflexibly formalizes ethical considerations, and limits researchers’ readiness to systematically identify and consider ethical questions that arise while conducting research.

Design/Method

We used a collaborative inquiry approach to examine such ethically important moments that emerged in two of our interpretive research projects. We drew on Walther, Sochacka, and Kellam's framework for interpretive research quality as the departure point for our shared sense‐making process.

Results

Our explorations revealed two insights that connect research ethics to research quality in novel ways. First, we found that the quality of our work improved when we critically explored the intersections between our motivations and intentions for investigating particular research topics and broader cultural agendas and assumptions. Second, we found that when we actively sought to do justice to the participants, co‐investigators, and readers of our research, we were afforded with opportunities to increase the quality of our work, in sometimes quite unexpected ways.

Conclusions

We synthesized the findings from our collaborative inquiry into a process‐oriented model for ethical validation, which we propose as a sixth construct to our prior five‐construct framework for interpretive research quality.
Dietary exclusion of fructose and lactose after positive breath tests improved rapid‐transit constipation in children
Authors: Waingankar Kasturi , Lai Christoper , Punwani Vishal , Wong Jeremy , Hutson John M , Southwell Bridget R
Published: August 2018

Aims

Exclusion of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) from the diet is effective in alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults. Rapid‐transit constipation (RTC) is a recently discovered subset of chronic constipation and has been linked to food intolerance. The aim of this study was to audit the effect of specific FODMAP elimination diets in children with RTC.

Methods

This was an audit of children presenting to a tertiary children's hospital surgeon with refractory chronic constipation who had rapid transit in the proximal colon on nuclear imaging; had hydrogen/methane breath tests for fructose, lactose, and/or sorbitol intolerance; and were advised to exclude positive sugar under clinical supervision. Patients filled in a questionnaire rating severity of constipation, abdominal pain, and pain on defecation with a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0 = none, 10 = high) and stool consistency for 6 months before and after dietary exclusion.

Results

In responses from 29 children (5–15 years, 21 males), 70% eliminated fructose, and 40% eliminated lactose. There was a significant reduction in the severity of constipation (VAS mean ± SEM, pre 5.8 ± 0.5 vs post 3.3 ± 0.6, P < 0.0001), abdominal pain (5.1 ± 0.6 vs 2.8 ± 0.5, P = 0.0004), pain on defecation (5.8 ± 0.6 vs 2.6 ± 0.5, P < 0.0001), and increase in stool wetness (Bristol Stool Scale pre 3.3 ± 0.3 vs post 3.9 ± 0.2, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Children with RTC showed significant improvements in constipation and pain after excluding the sugar indicated by positive breath tests, suggesting that specific sugar‐exclusion diets may have a role in the management of RTC in children.
The early ontogeny of carapace armoring in hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), with comparisons to its close relatives (Loggerhead, Caretta caretta; Kemp's ridley, Lepidochelys kempii)
Authors: Salmon Michael , Coppenrath Christina , Higgins Benjamin
Published: August 2018

In this study, we compare and contrast armoring strategies during early ontogeny among three related species of marine turtles: the hawksbill, a species that diverged about 29 mya from the loggerhead and Kemp's ridley, which diverged from one another about 16 mya. Our purpose was to determine whether there was a correlation between divergence time and the evolution of unique morphological armoring specializations among these species. To find out, we completed a more detailed analysis of shell morphology for all of the species that revealed the following patterns. First, each species has evolved a somewhat different armoring strategy, suggesting that shell morphological evolution is surprisingly flexible. Second, hawksbills possess armoring features that are unique among all marine turtle species, suggesting a correlation between divergence through time and divergence in morphology. However, hawksbills also frequent coral reefs and selection pressures promoting their survival in those habitats may also have shaped their unique morphology. In contrast, loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles share similar armoring features that differ primarily in when during ontogeny they appear and in their degree of expression. Third, the armoring adaptations shown generally by juvenile marine turtles resemble those found among marine fishes of comparable size, probably because both small turtles and fishes are exposed to similar predators that promote evolutionarily similar adaptations.
Estimation of precipitation and air temperature over western Canada using a regional climate model
Authors: Kuo Chun‐Chao , Gan Thian Yew
Published: August 2018

The Mackenzie River basin (MRB), which covers a geographic region from central Alberta of Canada to the coast of Arctic Ocean, has an area of approximately 1.8 × 106 km2. In this study, the regional climate of MRB, in particular the precipitation and air temperature from the late spring to the fall (May–October), was simulated using a regional climate model Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF). In the open water season of May–October, Mackenzie River provides a critical corridor for Canada's Arctic transportation network. With nine sets of physical parameterizations of WRF selected, we simulated the climate of MRB over representative dry, normal, and wet years to identify the best setting prior to performing the 27‐year simulation for 1979–2005. The major physical parameterizations considered were shortwave (Dudhia, CAM, and RRTMG) and longwave radiation scheme (RRTM, CAM, and RRTMG), microphysics scheme (WRF Double‐Moment 6‐class, WRF Single‐Moment 5‐class, Stony Brook University, and Morrison double‐moment), and cumulus parameterization (Kain–Fritsch, Betts–Miller–Janjic, Tiedtke, and New Simplified Arakawa–Schubert). The simulation for MRB by each set of parameterizations of WRF is assessed using root‐mean‐square error (RMSE), absolute error percentage, and bias maps. After a detailed fine tuning process, and from verifying the 1979–2005 long‐term simulations of WRF, WRF generally simulated realistic air temperature and precipitable water over MRB, but precipitation is over‐simulated, especially at Canadian Rockies.
Analysis of slight precipitation in China during the past decades and its relationship with advanced very high radiometric resolution normalized difference vegetation index
Authors: Li Xinyue , Balkanski Yves , Wu Zhengfang , Gasser Thomas , Ciais Philippe , Zhou Feng , Li Laurent , Tao Shu , Peng Shushi , Piao Shilong , Wang Rong , Wang Tao , Li Bengang
Published: August 2018

Precipitation is one of the most important factors determining the occurrence of extreme hydro‐meteorological events and water resource availability. Precipitation in different grades has diverse ecological effects, and slight precipitation (SP, defined as 0.1–1.0 mm/day) is the minimal level among them. In this study, we investigated SP trends from 1961 to 2013, as well as the relationship between SP and advanced very high radiometric resolution (AVHRR) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in China during growing season from 1981 to 2006. The distributions and trends of SP were analysed by calculating the daily precipitation data. The average annual slight precipitation amount (SPA) and the number of slight precipitation days (SPD), derived from 839 monitoring stations in China, show a decreasing trend over the last five decades, which is in agreement with total precipitation (TP) but in different rates. When the trend was analysed seasonally, SP in most stations decreases significantly in September–October–November (SON) and June–July–August (JJA), and the largest decrease is found in SON. About 49.5 and 68.7% of monitoring stations show a decreasing trend in SON, in both SPA and SPD, whereas the trend is less popular in March–April–May (MAM, SPA: 19.7%, SPD: 41.4%) and December–January–February (JJF, SPA: 25.6%, SPD: 43.1%). Moreover, our analysis indicates that the decrease of SP is mainly due to the decrease of SPD as the median amount of daily SP was unchanged over the past five decades (close to 0.3 mm/day). Based on 26‐year (1981–2006) semi‐monthly AVHRR NDVI data and the records of SP data, the relationship between AVHRR NDVI and SP was also investigated. In regions with lower (<600 mm) TP, the correlation coefficients between NDVI and SP tend to be higher. These results highlight that SP has different effects than TP on vegetation growth. We also analysed time lag effects and concluded that the sensitivity of NDVI to SP for grass vegetation (the correlation coefficient is 0.327) is more noticeable than for trees (0.211) or shrubs (−0.058). The relationship between SP and NDVI also provides us new insights on the dependence of vegetation growth on meteorological factors.
Synthesis of florisil materials modified with aliphatic or aromatic groups and the application for pipette‐tip solid‐phase extraction of rutin in orange peel
Authors: Sun Liping , Ma Yuxin , Wang Hongying , Zhu Tao
Published: August 2018

After being coupled, florisil was modified with four kinds of aliphatic or aromatic groups and were applied to the determination of rutin in orange peel sample by a pipette‐tip solid‐phase extraction method. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and specific surface area by Brunauer Emmett Teller N2 adsorption desorption analysis. Florisil and five modified materials were tested by static adsorption, and the result showed that the material with 4‐bromoanisole had the best adsorption amount for rutin. Under optimum conditions: 4 mg of the adsorbent, 1 mL of MeOH as washing solvent, and 1 mL of MeOH/acetic acid (85:15, v/v) as elution solvent were used in the pipette‐tip solid‐phase extraction procedure. The calibration graphs of rutin in MeOH were linear over 1–200 μg/mL, and the limits of detection and quantification were 0.13 and 0.42 μg/mL. The method recoveries of rutin were in the range of 83.66–98.40% with associated intra‐ and interday relative standard deviations in the range of 1.31–3.50% and 1.04–2.03%, respectively. The material with 4‐bromoaniline showed satisfactory results (recovery: 98.40%). It was potential for the rapid purification of rutin in orange peel sample combined with pipette‐tip solid‐phase extraction.
Effects of test procedures and lithology on estimating the mode I fracture toughness of rocks using empirical relations
Authors: Bao H. , Wu F.Q. , Niu J.R.
Published: August 2018

Empirical estimation is a common method for getting mode I fracture toughness KIC of rock. By collecting data from tests in this study and literature, 204 sets of KIC and tensile strength σt test data are obtained for new empirical KIC‐σt relations regression. The empirical relations make the estimation of KIC values from σt conveniently, but test procedures and lithology will influence its reasonability and reliability. Results indicate that the empirical KIC‐σt relations obtained from the four different suggested KIC test methods are all in good but obviously different linear relationship. The analyses show that cracked chevron notch Brazilian disc specimen (CCNBD) test‐based empirical relation is more accurate for estimating KIC than the other three test‐based empirical relations. As to different lithology, isotropic rocks such as sandstone and carbonatite may be more appropriate for the application of empirical estimation method. However, for coarse grained or anisotropic rocks such as granite and marble, estimation method should be applied carefully because of possibly weak KIC‐σt relations.
Genomic landscape and mutational impacts of recurrently mutated genes in cancers
Authors: Liu Baolin , Hu Fei‐Fei , Zhang Qiong , Hu Hui , Ye Zheng , Tang Qin , Guo An‐Yuan
Published: August 2018

Background

Cancer genes tend to be highly mutated under positive selection. Better understanding the recurrently mutated genes (RMGs) in cancer is critical for explicating the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and providing vital clues for therapy. Although some studies have investigated functional impacts of RMGs in specific cancer types, a comprehensive analysis of RMGs and their mutational impacts across cancers is still needed.

Methods

We obtained data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and calculated mutation rate of each gene in 31 cancer types. Functional analysis was performed to identify the important signaling pathways and enriched protein types of RMGs. In order to evaluate functional impacts of RMGs, differential expression, survival, and pairwise mutation patterns analyses were performed.

Results

Totally, we identified 897 RMGs and 624 of them were specifically mutant in only a single cancer type. Functional analysis demonstrated that these RMGs were enriched in hydrolases, cytoskeletal protein, and pathways like MAPK, cell cycle, PI3K‐Akt, ECM receptor interaction, and energy metabolism. The differentially expressed genes potentially affected by the same common RMG showed a relatively low overlap across different cancer types. For the 19 Mucin (MUC) family genes, nine of them were RMGs and four of them (MUC17, MUC5B, MUC4, and MUC16) were common RMGs shared in 8 to 17 cancer types. The results showed that recurrent mutations in MUC genes were significantly associated with better survival prognosis. Only a small part of RMGs was differentially expressed due to their own mutations and most of them were downregulated. In addition, pairwise mutation pattern analysis revealed the high frequency of co‐occurred mutations among RMGs in STAD.

Conclusion

Through the functional analysis of RMGs, we found that six signaling pathways were disrupted in most cancer types and that energy metabolism was abnormal in tumors. The results also revealed a strong correlation between recurrently mutated genes from MUC family and human survival. In addition, gene expression and survival prognosis were associated with different mutation types of RMGs.
Modified back‐projection method in acoustic resolution‐based photoacoustic endoscopy for improved lateral resolution
Authors: Wang Bo , Wei Ningning , Peng Kuan , Xiao Jiaying
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Acoustic resolution photoacoustic endoscopy (ARPAE) is an emerging tool for gastrointestinal tract and esophagus imaging. However, high resolution over large depth of field in ARPAE is still a challenge to be addressed due to the usage of fixed‐focus transducers.

Methods

To solve this problem, a modified back‐projection reconstruction algorithm is proposed in this work, which was demonstrated in two dimensions (2D). By employing data from multiple transducer positions and at the meantime considering the geometry of the transducer detection surface, this method offers a significantly improved lateral resolution throughout the imaging depth. The proposed method was evaluated with extensive numerical simulations and phantom experiments.

Results

Numerical simulations showed that the depth of focus (DOF) is greatly improved with our proposed method. Results also indicated that the improvement of the lateral resolution is more notable when the transducer has larger numerical aperture (NA) and higher central frequency, and the transducer focus is placed further from the rotation center. Experimental data further indicate there is a 30% to 40% improvement in the lateral resolution of targets in the out‐of‐focus region with our proposed new method.

Conclusion

This work can readily be employed in most current ARPAE systems to improve the obtained image quality, and may promote the advancement of ARPAE toward clinical applications.
Weak Gravity Conjecture From Low Energy Observers' Perspective
Authors: Furuuchi Kazuyuki
Published: August 2018

The Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) was proposed to constrain Effective Field Theories (EFTs) with Abelian gauge symmetry coupled to gravity. In this article, I study the WGC from low energy observers' perspective, and revisit the issue of to what extent the WGC actually constrains EFTs. For this purpose, for a given EFT, I introduce associated idealized low energy observers who only have access to the energy scale below the UV cut‐off scale of the EFT. In the framework of EFT, there is a clear difference between the particles lighter than the UV cut‐off scale and the particles which are heavier than the UV cut‐off scale, as the lighter particles can be created below the UV cut‐off scale while the heavier particles are not. This difference implies that the knowledge of the low energy observers on the stable heavy particles can be limited, as the availability of the stable heavy particles is determined by the environment prepared by some UV theory unknown to the low energy observers. The limitation of the knowledge of the low energy observers regarding the stable heavy particles whose mass is above the UV cut‐off scale of the EFT leads to the limitation of the WGC for constraining EFTs. To illustrate these points in an example, I analyze a model proposed by Saraswat[1] which respects the WGC at high energy, but which may appear to violate the WGC for the low energy observers. Implications of the analysis to the bottom‐up model buildings using EFTs are discussed.