bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monosomy X rescue explains discordant NIPT results and leads to uniparental isodisomy
Authors: Rudd M. Katharine , Schleede Justin B. , Williams Sabrina R. , Lee Kristy , Laffin Jennifer , Pasion Romela , Papenhausen Peter R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNoninvasive prenatal testing accurately detects trisomy for chromosomes 13, 21, and 18, but has a significantly lower positive predictive value for monosomy X. Discordant monosomy X results are often assumed to be due to maternal mosaicism, usually without maternal follow‐up. We describe a case of monosomy X‐positive noninvasive prenatal testing that was discordant with the 46,XX results from amniocentesis and postnatal testing. This monosomy X pregnancy doubled the single X chromosome, leading to 45,X/46,XX mosaicism in the placenta and uniparental isodisomy X in the amniotic fluid. Thus, at least some discordant monosomy X results are due to true mosaicism in the pregnancy, which has important implications for clinical outcome and patient counseling.
Different behaviors of metallocene and Ziegler–Natta catalysts in ethylene/1,5‐hexadiene copolymerization
Authors: Rahmatiyan Sanaz , Bahri‐Laleh Naeimeh , Hanifpour Ahad , Nekoomanesh‐Haghighi Mehdi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe behaviors of three different catalyst systems, TiCl4/MgCl2, Cp2ZrCl2 and Cp2HfCl2, were investigated in ethylene/1,5‐hexadiene copolymerization. In the Fourier transform infrared spectra of the copolymers, cyclization and branching were detected for 1,5‐hexadiene insertion in the metallocene and Ziegler–Natta systems, respectively. DSC and viscometry analyses results revealed that copolymers with lower Tm and crystallinity and higher molecular weight were obtained with metallocene catalysts. The sequence length distribution of the copolymers was investigated by using the successive self‐nucleation and annealing thermal fractionation technique. The continuous melting endotherms obtained from successive self‐nucleation and annealing analysis were employed to get information about short‐chain branching, the branching dispersity index, comonomer content and lamella thickness in the synthesized copolymers. The results established that metallocene catalysts were much more effective than Ziegler–Natta catalysts in the incorporation of 1,5‐hexadiene in the polyethylene structure. Metallocene‐based copolymers had higher short‐chain branching and comonomer content, narrower branching dispersity index and thinner lamellae. Finally, the tendency of the employed catalysts in the 1,5‐hexadiene incorporation and cyclization reaction was explored via molecular simulation. The energy results demonstrated that, in comparison to Ziegler–Natta, metallocene catalysts have a much higher tendency to 1,5‐hexadiene incorporation and cyclization. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Epigenomic plasticity of Arabidopsis msh1 mutants under prolonged cold stress
Authors: Kenchanmane Raju Sunil Kumar , Shao Mon‐Ray , Wamboldt Yashitola , Mackenzie Sally 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDynamic transcriptional and epigenetic changes enable rapid adaptive benefit to environmental fluctuations. However, the underlying mechanisms and the extent to which this occurs are not well known. MutS Homolog 1 (MSH1) mutants cause heritable developmental phenotypes accompanied by modulation of defense, phytohormone, stress‐response, and circadian rhythm genes, as well as heritable changes in DNA methylation patterns. Consistent with gene expression changes, msh1 mutants display enhanced tolerance for abiotic stress including drought and salt stress, while showing increased susceptibility to freezing temperatures. Despite changes in defense and biotic stress‐response genes, msh1 mutants showed increasing susceptibility to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Our results suggest that chronic cold and low light stress (10°C, 150 μmol m−2 s−1) influences non‐CG methylation to a greater degree in msh1 mutants compared to wild‐type Col‐0. Furthermore, CHG changes are more closely pericentromeric, whereas CHH changes are generally more dispersed. This increased variation in non‐CG methylation pattern does not significantly affect the msh1‐derived enhanced growth behavior after mutants are crossed with isogenic wild type, reiterating the importance of CG methylation changes in msh1‐derived enhanced vigor. These results indicate that msh1methylome is hyper‐responsive to environmental stress in a manner distinct from the wild‐type response, but CG methylation changes are potentially responsible for growth vigor changes in the crossed progeny.
High prevalence of moral distress reported by oncologists and oncology nurses in end‐of‐life decision making
Authors: Mehlis Katja , Bierwirth Elena , Laryionava Katsiaryna , Mumm Friederike H.A. , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Heußner Pia , Winkler Eva C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveDecisions to limit life‐prolonging treatment (DLT) are often accompanied by psychological and ethical difficulties. The aim of the study is to investigate prevalence and intensity of moral distress (MD) as well as potential causes experienced by oncology physicians and nurses in DLT situations.MethodsThis prospective study at a German university hospital included n = 100 advanced cancer inpatients with DLT. We surveyed their respective physicians and nurses to assess MD in DLT using an adapted distress thermometer and an open‐ended question to specify reasons of MD. We also collected data on the decision‐making process from the perspective of the clinicians.ResultsPhysicians report MD in 67% (n = 51) and nurses in 74% (n = 67) of the cases. The MD level in nurses (mean 2.3; SD 2.3) is significantly higher (P = .005) than in physicians (mean 1.5; SD 1.4). Uncertainties concerning ethical aspects in DLT in a patient case are associated with MD in both physicians (P = .024) and nurses (P = .004). Involvement of nurses in DLT is the strongest predictor (P = .000) for MD as indicated by physicians. Nurses experience MD especially, if the patient has a low quality of life (P = .001).ConclusionsMoral distress is experienced by both oncologists and nurses in DLT. Nurses report higher MD intensity compared with physicians although the ultimate responsibility for DLT lies with the physicians. Support for the challenging decisions may be provided through the implementation of an ethical guideline and enhanced interprofessional communication.
The Crystal Structure of Guanidinium Sulphate Hemiperoxosolvate
Authors: Churakov Andrei V. , Medvedev Alexander G. , Navasardyan Mger A. , Grishanov Dmitry A. , Prikhodchenko Petr V. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe structure of novel guanidinium‐containing peroxosolvate 2(CH6N3)+SO42− ⋅ H2O2 is presented. The 3D packing motif is stabilized by four hydrogen bonds formed by hydrogen peroxide molecules.
Lyapunov‐based design for a class of variable‐gain 2nd‐sliding controllers with the desired convergence rate
Authors: Cruz‐Zavala Emmanuel , Moreno Jaime A. , Fridman Leonid 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe aim of this paper is to propose a novel family of variable‐gain second‐order sliding mode controllers capable of dealing with uncertainties and disturbances that grow with the state. The proposed family provides exact compensation of perturbations having a known upper bound and generalizes some sliding controllers reported in the literature. A novelty of this work is that the designer is able to choose the desired convergence rate: semiglobal/global finite‐time or fixed‐time. The analysis and control design is completely based on a strict Lyapunov function, leading to an effective procedure to tune the gains.
Event‐triggered control for a saturated nonlinear system with prescribed performance and finite‐time convergence
Authors: Zheng Zewei , Lau Gih‐Keong , Xie Lihua 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThis paper presents an event‐triggered controller for a class of saturated uncertain nonlinear systems. We develop a performance constrained finite‐time controller to guarantee that the tracking error converges at a prescribed convergence rate and does not exceed the given maximum overshoot. A smooth function is designed to replace the absolute and signum operators in existing finite‐time controllers that lead to nondifferentiable virtual controls. Then, a novel backstepping design consisting of an adaptive law and an auxiliary system governed by a smooth switching function is developed to compensate for the uncertainty, the triggering event threshold, and the saturation constraint. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that under the proposed controller, all closed‐loop signals are bounded and the Zeno behavior is avoided. Furthermore, the tracking error will converge toward a residual set in finite time, and the prescribed transient and steady tracking performance bounds are never violated. Results from a comparative simulation study illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
Evaluation of fish habitat suitability using a coupled ecohydraulic model: Habitat model selection and prediction
Authors: Zhang Peng , Cai Lu , Yang Zhi , Chen Xiaojuan , Qiao Ye , Chang Jianbo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe selection of an approach to evaluate habitat suitability for a specific fish or life stage has been a matter of concern in habitat quality modelling studies. This study has taken Jinshaia sinensis, a commercially valuable fish endemic to the Jinsha River, China, as the target fish species. One‐ and two‐dimensional hydrodynamic models were coupled and combined with fish habitat models for a middle reach of the Jinsha River. The resulting ecohydraulic model was used to predict the changes in hydrodynamics and spawning habitat suitability that resulted from the operation of an under‐construction reservoir downstream of the study area. The preference function (product, arithmetic mean, geometric mean, and minimum value) and fuzzy logic habitat evaluation methods were compared to predict the spawning habitat suitability of the fish. The model was validated using the numbers of spawning eggs, and the results show that both the arithmetic mean and fuzzy logic method can be used to predict spawning habitat suitability. The model predictions show that the hydrodynamics of the study area would be altered if the impoundment water level exceeded 969 m. During the spawning season, the spawning habitat suitability would increase from April to early June and has little change from early June to July under the impact of the reservoir impoundment. The optimal river discharge rate for fish spawning is ~3,500 m3/s, and this would not change after the reservoir begins operation. This research can benefit other regions that will be affected by planned dams by predicting the impacts of reservoir operation on fish habitat quality, and the results will help decision makers protect the health of rivers and the overall ecosystem.
Binuclear Fused 5‐membered Palladacycle and Palladium Complex of Amido‐Functionalized N‐heterocyclic Carbene Precatalysts for the One‐Pot Tandem Hiyama Alkynylation/Cyclization Reactions
Authors: Singh Chandan , Prakasham A. P. , Gangwar Manoj Kumar , Ghosh Prasenjit 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA binuclear fused 5‐membered palladacycle (2) and a palladium complex of amido‐functionalized N‐heterocyclic carbene (6) successfully performed the Csp2−Csp type Hiyama coupling followed by cyclization giving the biologically important benzofuran compounds in a convenient time economic method involving one‐pot tandem reaction between 2‐iodophenol and triethoxysilylalkynes. The aromatic triethoxysilylalkyne substrates exhibited higher yields than the aliphatic triethoxysilylalkyne substrates for both of the palladium complexes 2 (ca. 19−48%) and 6 (ca. 11−34%). The binuclear fused 5‐membered palladacycle (2) was readily synthesized by the nucleophilic addition of 2‐amino‐pyridine on the cis‐{(2,4,6‐(CH3)3C6H2)NC}2PdCl2 in good yield (ca. 74%) and the palladium complex of amido‐functionalized N‐heterocyclic carbene (6) was synthesized by transmetallation route from the silver complex (5) with (COD)PdCl2 in CH3CN under reflux condition in ca. 38% of yield.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties of ZnS‐WO3 Nanosheet Hybrid under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Palanisamy Govindasamy , Bhuvaneswari Kandasamy , Bharathi Ganapathi , Nataraj Devaraj , Pazhanivel Thangavelu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRecyclable photocatalysts for treating the organically polluted water, occupies significant research space globally, in order to address the water security problems. Here, we report a novel, efficient and recyclable ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) ‐ WO3 nanosheet hybrid photocatalysts prepared with different mass ratios (20 & 40 wt. %) of ZnS NPs on WO3 nanosheets. The formation of hybrid photocatalysts was investigated by various analytical techniques. The photocatalytic performances of all the as prepared catalysts were evaluated by the photodegradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye under UV‐Vis light irradiation. Amongst, 20 wt. % ZnS ‐ WO3 nanosheet hybrid showed higher photocatalytic degradation activity than the other samples. The increased absorption of light in the visible region and simultaneous suppression of carrier recombination effected the enhancement in the photocatalytic degradation efficiency. A possible reaction mechanism for improvement of photocatalytic activity of ZnS ‐ WO3 nanosheet hybrid has been proposed.
Corporate venture capital as a real option in the markets for technology
Authors: Ceccagnoli Marco , Higgins Matthew J. , Kang Hyunsung D. 
Published: August 2018

Research Summary: We apply real options (RO) theory to understand the role of corporate venture capital (CVC) investments and its relationship with internal R&D capabilities in supporting the acquisition of external technologies. We formulate hypotheses about key drivers of the option value of CVC and the decision to exercise the RO using a dyadic dataset of global pharmaceutical firms and their biotech partners. Our findings suggest that the option value of CVC is higher for investors with weaker scientific capabilities; engaging the markets for technology in distant technological fields; and, when their innovation pipeline is tilted toward the late‐stage development process. Finally, the licensing of high‐value technologies is the most likely form of option exercise when technological uncertainty is reduced post‐CVC.
Managerial Summary: Despite the fact that one of the main goals of corporate venture capital (CVC) investments in high‐tech industries is to gain a window on future technologies, the relationship between CVC and other strategies used to acquire external technologies, such as licensing, has not been adequately explored. To address this gap, we formulate hypotheses about key drivers of the decision to make CVC investments as a wait‐and‐see strategy in the markets for technology (MFT) using a longitudinal dataset of global pharmaceutical firms and their biotech partners. We find that investors' scientific capabilities, technological domains, and research pipelines impact investors' decisions to make CVC investments prior to other MFT transactions. In our research setting, investors typically acquire high‐value technologies via licensing when technological uncertainty is reduced post‐CVC.
The challenges of alignment for the Next Generation Science Standards
Authors: Fulmer Gavin W. , Tanas Jamie , Weiss Kathleen A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAlignment to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is essential in efforts to interpret the standards and to compare curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment efforts with respect to the standards. However, relatively little work has explored the alignment implications of NGSS. This article is a conceptual analysis that gives an overview of alignment definitions and methods, and then explores how alignment has been explicitly or implicitly described in extant work on interpretation of NGSS. The purpose is to highlight challenges that remain to be addressed for ensuring alignment for curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy under NGSS. Four challenges for alignment and interpretation research on NGSS are discussed: (1) What are the appropriate referents and comparands for judging alignment under NGSS? (2) How is alignment for integrated standards to be defined and judged? (3) What is the appropriate idea of focus in NGSS? (4) What role do learning progressions, and alignment with respect to them, play for interpreting NGSS?
Microplastics in Aquatic Systems – Monitoring Methods and Biological Consequences
Authors: Hamm Thea , Lorenz Claudia , Piehl Sarah 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMicroplastic research started at the turn of the millennium and is of growing interest, as microplastics have the potential to affect a whole range of organisms, from the base of the food web to top predators, including humans. To date, most studies are initial assessments of microplastic abundances for a certain area, thereby generally distinguishing three different sampling matrices: water, sediment and biota samples. Those descriptive studies are important to get a first impression of the extent of the problem, but for a proper risk assessment of ecosystems and their inhabitants, analytical studies of microplastic fluxes, sources, sinks, and transportation pathways are of utmost importance. Moreover, to gain insight into the effects microplastics might have on biota, it is crucial to identify realistic environmental concentrations of microplastics. Thus, profound knowledge about the effects of microplastics on biota is still scarce. Effects can vary regarding habitat, functional group of the organism, and polymer type for example, making it difficult to find quick answers to the many open questions. In addition, microplastic research is accompanied by many methodological challenges that need to be overcome first to assess the impact of microplastics on aquatic systems. Thereby, a development of standardized operational protocols (SOPs) is a pre-requisite for comparability among studies. Since SOPs are still lacking and new methods are developed or optimized very frequently, the aim of this chapter is to point out the most crucial challenges in microplastic research and to gather the most recent promising methods used to quantify environmental concentrations of microplastics and effect studies.
For a World Without Boundaries: Connectivity Between Marine Tropical Ecosystems in Times of Change
Authors: Earp Hannah S. , Prinz Natalie , Cziesielski Maha J. , Andskog Mona 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTropical mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. Their evolution in dynamic, and ever-changing environments means they have developed a capacity to withstand and recover (i.e., are resilient) from disturbances caused by anthropogenic activities and climatic perturbations. Their resilience can be attributed, in part, to a range of cross-ecosystem interactions whereby one ecosystem creates favorable conditions for the maintenance of its neighbors. However, in recent decades, expanding human populations have augmented anthropogenic activities and driven changes in global climate, resulting in increased frequencies and intensities of disturbances to these ecosystems. Many contemporary environments are failing to regenerate following these disturbances and consequently, large-scale degradation and losses of ecosystems on the tropical seascape are being observed. This chapter reviews the wealth of available literature focused on the tropical marine seascape to investigate the degree of connectivity between its ecosystems and how cross-ecosystem interactions may be impacted by ever-increasing anthropogenic activities and human-induced climate change. Furthermore, it investigates how disruption and/or loss of these cross-ecosystem interactions may impact the success of neighboring ecosystems and consequently, the highly-valued ecosystem services to which these ecosystems give rise. The findings from this review highlight the degree of connectivity between mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs, and emphasizes the need for a holistic, seascape-wide research approach to successfully protect and preserve these critically important ecosystems and their associated services for future generations.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α mediated pain hypersensitivity through Ret receptor in resiniferatoxin neuropathy
Authors: Lu Shui‐Chin , Chang Ying‐Shuang , Kan Hung‐Wei , Hsieh Yu‐Lin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNeurogenic inflammation is an onset characteristic of small fiber neuropathy (SFN), which is attributed to neuropathic manifestations. Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) is a cytokine that mainly mediates neurogenic inflammation through the ligand receptor TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), and targeting TNFα/TNFR1 signaling is a direction toward treating inflammatory diseases and injury‐induced neuropathy. However, the relationships between TNFα/TNFR1 signaling and Ret signaling, which mediates pain hypersensitivity, remains elusive. This study used resiniferatoxin (RTX), an ultrapotent analog of capsaicin, to generate a mouse model of SFN, leading to marked hindpaw edema (p = 0.013) and parallel the release of TNFα (p = 0.014), which was associated with the upregulation of Ret(+) neurons (p = 0.0043) and partial depletion of TNFR1 caused by colocalization with TRPV1 depleted by RTX. Pharmacological intervention of TNFα with etanercept (Enbrel®, Wyeth), a clinical application of TNFα blockers, relieved neurogenic inflammation and caused a reduction in hindpaw thickness (p = 0.03) and TNFα releases (p = 0.01), which were determined to be associated with the normalization of mechanical allodynia (p = 0.22). The extraction of either TNFR1(+) or Ret(+) neurons from total of TNFR1(+):Ret(+) neurons indicated that TNFR1(−)/Ret(+) neurons correlated with the mechanical threshold in an antiparallel fashion (r = −0.84, p < 0.0001) but had no relationship with thermal latencies. This study confirmed that TNFα rather than TNFα mediated neuropathic manifestation through the Ret receptor, specifically mechanical allodynia in RTX neuropathy.
A pilot feasibility study exploring the effects of a moderate time-restricted feeding intervention on energy intake, adiposity and metabolic physiology in free-living human subjects
Authors: Antoni Rona , Robertson Tracey M. , Robertson M. Denise , Johnston Jonathan D. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis pilot study explored the feasibility of a moderate time-restricted feeding (TRF) intervention and its effects on adiposity and metabolism. For 10 weeks, a free-living TRF group delayed breakfast and advanced dinner by 1·5 h each. Changes in dietary intake, adiposity and fasting biochemistry (glucose, insulin, lipids) were compared with controls who maintained habitual feeding patterns. Thirteen participants (29 (sem2) kg/m2) completed the study. The average daily feeding interval was successfully reduced in the TRF group (743 (sem32) to 517 (sem22) min/d;P < 0·001;n7), although questionnaire responses indicated that social eating/drinking opportunities were negatively impacted. TRF participants reduced total daily energy intake (P = 0·019) despitead libitumfood access, with accompanying reductions in adiposity (P = 0·047). There were significant between-group differences in fasting glucose (P = 0·008), albeit driven primarily by an increase among controls. Larger studies can now be designed/powered, based on these novel preliminary qualitative and quantitative data, to ascertain and maximise the long-term sustainability of TRF.