bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of plasmonic U‐bent plastic optical fiber probes for surface enhanced Raman scattering based biosensing
Authors: Danny Christina Grace , Subrahmanyam A. , Sai V.V.R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEvanescent wave‐based excitation of noble metal nanostructures on fiber core surface allows simultaneous excitation over a larger area in comparison with free space coupling, and hence highly suitable for development of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based sensor applications. This study describes the development of plasmonically active U‐bent plastic optical fiber (POF) probes for SERS‐based sensing. The SERS activity of gold nanostructures on the fiber probe surface obtained by means of electroless deposition, sputtering, and chemisorption of nanoparticles are thoroughly characterized using a confocal microscopic setup. Influence of excitation wavelength and laser excitation power on SERS activity and stability of the plasmonic U‐bent probes is evaluated. Gold‐sputtered POF probes and gold nanoparticle immobilized POF probes show higher enhancement factor in the order to ~108. A biosensor application of these POF‐based SERS sensors is demonstrated by realizing a sandwich immunoassay with 4‐MBA as Raman label.
Measurable cardinals and good ‐wellorderings
Authors: Lücke Philipp , Schlicht Philipp 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe study the influence of the existence of large cardinals on the existence of wellorderings of power sets of infinite cardinals κ with the property that the collection of all initial segments of the wellordering is definable by a Σ1‐formula with parameter κ. A short argument shows that the existence of a measurable cardinal δ implies that such wellorderings do not exist at δ‐inaccessible cardinals of cofinality not equal to δ and their successors. In contrast, our main result shows that these wellorderings exist at all other uncountable cardinals in the minimal model containing a measurable cardinal. In addition, we show that measurability is the smallest large cardinal property that imposes restrictions on the existence of such wellorderings at uncountable cardinals. Finally, we generalise the above result to the minimal model containing two measurable cardinals.
“Nothing Can Hide Itself from Thy Heat”: Understanding Polymers via Unconventional Applications of Thermal Analysis
Authors: Vyazovkin Sergey 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis article surveys some exciting possibilities and results offered by less common, yet essential applications of differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The applications are concerned with the most commonly studied processes of the glass transition, crystallization, melting, polymerization, and degradation. Issues related to the glass transition include the non‐Arrhenius temperature dependence and fragility, kinetic complexity of physical aging, evaluation of cooperatively rearranging regions, and rigid amorphous fraction. Discussion of crystallization covers separation of heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation, crystallization controlled by physical aging, and the use of isoconversional methods for determining the Hoffman–Lauritzen parameters. For melting, the role of reorganization and nucleation control is emphasized. For the thermal degradation and polymerization, advanced kinetic treatments as a way of obtaining mechanistic insights are discussed, and the possibility of studying both processes during continuous cooling is stressed. The possibility of using TGA for monitoring polycondensation is also highlighted.
Parental perceptions of prenatal whole exome sequencing (PPPWES) study
Authors: Wou Karen , Weitz Talia , McCormack Clare , Wynn Julia , Spiegel Erica , Giordano Jessica , Wapner Ronald J. , Chung Wendy K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the study is to investigate the experiences of couples who underwent prenatal whole‐exome sequencing (WES) for fetal anomalies and the amount/type of information couples want from prenatal WES.MethodParticipants in the Fetal Sequencing Study who had genetic testing for fetal anomalies were invited for a semistructured interview about their experience with prenatal WES. A constructivist grounded theory approach with an inductive coding style was used for coding and analysis.ResultsWe interviewed 29 participants from 17 pregnancies. Two pregnancies had positive prenatal WES results, and 4 were terminated prior to receipt of WES results. The main themes were anxiety and stress around the time of diagnosis, education and consent for WES, coping and support while waiting for results, and receiving genetic testing results. In response to hypothetical scenarios probing the desire for uncertain results, 86% would like to be told about results for which the provider had some degree of uncertainty, and the percent desiring results decreased as the certainty of the results decreased.ConclusionParticipants' experience with exome sequence was similar to other prenatal genetic diagnostic tests, except for the longer wait time for results. When probed with hypothetical scenarios, participants desired more results than were provided in the study, including uncertain results that might diagnose the fetal condition. This highlights the need for specialized prenatal genetic counseling to have nuanced discussions of multiple dimensions of uncertainty with implementation of prenatal WES.
iTRAQ‐Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Chemically Induced Aquilaria sinensis Provides Insights into Agarwood Formation Mechanism
Authors: Ye Wei , Zhang Weimin , Liu Taomei , Zhu Muzhi , Li Saini , Li Haohua , Huang Zilei , Gao Xiaoxia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAgarwood is a precious traditional Chinese medicine with a variety of pharmacological effects. Although efforts have been made in elucidating the mechanism of agarwood formation, little progress is obtained till now. Therefore, the molecular mechanism of agarwood formation needs to be further explored using different biological approaches. In this study, the quantitative proteomic analysis using iTRAQ technology combined with transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses on chemically induced Aquilaria sinensis is performed to elucidate the agarwood formation mechanism by formic acid stimulus. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD007586; 1884 proteins are detected, 504 differential proteins that show at least twofold differences in their expression levels are selected based on GO annotations, KEGG, STRING analysis, and quantitative RT‐PCR analysis. The results indicate that sesquiterpene synthase, germin‐like protein, pathogenesis‐related protein, 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, lipoyl synthase, and superoxide dismutase play important roles in the agarwood formation, suggesting that the proteins related to the plant defensive response, the removal of peroxide, the disease‐resistance, the biosythesis of glycan, fatty acids, and sesquiterpene are crucial for agarwood formation.
Design of Gold Nanoparticles in Dendritic Cell‐Based Vaccines
Authors: Dings Ruud P. M. , Cannon Martin , Vang Kieng Bao 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe design of effective cancer vaccines must be able to activate dendritic cells (DCs) of the innate immune system in order to induce immunity to pathogens and cancer. DCs patrol the body and once they encounter antigens, they orchestrate a complex mechanism of events and signals that can alert the adaptive immune system to action. However, DC‐based vaccines remain a challenge in part because the source and quality of antigens, the DC targeting molecule, type of adjuvant, and delivery vehicle must be optimized to induce a robust immune response. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have now entered clinical trials as carriers due to their ease of functionalization with antigens, adjuvants, and targeting molecules. This progress report discusses how AuNPs can influence DC activation and maturation, as well as their potential impact on T helper (Th) differentiation. Ultimately, successful AuNP‐based DC vaccines are able to induce phagocytosis, activation/maturation, migration, T cell costimulation, and cytokine secretion, which is named AuNP‐induced DC tuning (AuNP‐DC tuning). Although at its infancy, understanding the processes of AuNP‐DC tuning will give a better understanding of how best to engineer AuNPs and will redefine the next generation of DC‐based vaccines.
A Critical Overview on the Effect of Microwave Irradiation in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Díaz‐Ortiz Á. , Prieto P. , de la Hoz A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDespite the great success of Microwave Assisted Organic Synthesis (MAOS) there is still a lack of knowledge about the interaction of the electromagnetic radiation with matter. In consequence, it has been very difficult to rationalize the effect of microwave irradiation in chemistry, to determine the existence of microwave effects (thermal and non‐thermal) and to develop predictive models on the characteristics required for a reaction to be improved under microwaves. This has been a handicap to develop new chemistry under microwave irradiation and the origin of many controversies. This personal account collects some new findings in this field and our work on the use of computational chemistry to develop predictive models and to determine parameters related to thermal and non‐thermal effects, with clear advantages over experimental methods where separation of these effect is almost impossible.
Designing educational systems to support enactment of the Next Generation Science Standards
Authors: Anderson Charles W. , de los Santos Elizabeth X. , Bodbyl Sarah , Covitt Beth A. , Edwards Kirsten D. , Hancock James Brian , Lin Qinyun , Morrison Thomas Christie , Penuel William R. , Welch Mary Margaret 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis article reports on a design‐based implementation research (DBIR) project that addresses the question: How can classrooms be supported at scale to achieve the three‐dimensional learning goals of the Next Generation Science Standards? Inherent in this question are three key design challenges: (i) three‐dimensional learning—the multidimensional changes in curriculum, assessment, and instruction required for three‐dimensional learning; (ii) scale—the necessity of change at multiple scales in educational systems; and (iii) diversity—achieving rigor in our expectations with responsiveness to the enduring diversity of our students, classrooms, and schools. We discuss findings from the Carbon TIME project, which focuses on teaching carbon cycling and energy transformations at multiple scales. Findings focus on design and knowledge building in three interconnected contexts. (i) Assessment—understanding and assessing students’ three‐dimensional learning. Learning progression frameworks provide insight into students’ reasoning and the basis for efficient and reliable classroom and large‐scale assessments that have used automated scoring of constructed responses for over 80,000 tests. (ii) Classrooms—classroom discourse and learning communities. Six Carbon TIME units are based on an instructional model that scaffolds students’ engagement with phenomena as questioners, investigators, and explainers. The units support substantial learning and reduce the achievement gap between high‐pretest and low‐pretest students, but with substantial differences among teachers. (iii) Professional communities—a professional development course of study and research‐practice partnerships address issues of organizational resources, conflicting norms and obligations, and building practical knowledge in schools and districts. Project results show continuing advantages for schools with more organizational resources. Overall, results provide evidence that it is possible to measure and achieve three‐dimensional learning at scale. However, this accomplishment requires substantial investments in the material, human, and social resources of educational communities of practice.
Translational regulation in response to stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Crawford Robert A. , Pavitt Graham D. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae must dynamically alter the composition of its proteome in order to respond to diverse stresses. The reprogramming of gene expression during stress typically involves initial global repression of protein synthesis, accompanied by the activation of stress‐responsive mRNAs through both translational and transcriptional responses. The ability of specific mRNAs to counter the global translational repression is therefore crucial to the overall response to stress. Here we summarize the major repressive mechanisms and discuss mechanisms of translational activation in response to different stresses in S. cerevisiae. Taken together, a wide range of studies indicate that multiple elements act in concert to bring about appropriate translational responses. These include regulatory elements within mRNAs, altered mRNA interactions with RNA‐binding proteins and the specialization of ribosomes that each contribute towards regulating protein expression to suit the changing environmental conditions.
An ICME Framework for Design of Stainless Steel for Sintering
Authors: Molla Tesfaye T. , Liu J. Z. , Schaffer G. B. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRecent progress in the development of integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) models offers new capabilities to deal with the challenge of designing multi-component alloys. In this study, a new type of computational method for efficient design of sintered stainless steel alloys, optimized for manufacturability (sintering) as well for performance, is presented. Development of the design method follows the materials systems approach that integrates processing, structure, and property relations during metal injection molding (MIM). It includes a multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize alloy composition with the aim of improving the sintering as well as performance-related properties. To achieve this, the GA is coupled with computational thermodynamics and predictive analytical models. Thermodynamic simulations, based on the calculation of phase diagram CALPHAD method, are used to establish constraints through phase stability at equilibrium and calculate the diffusivity that determines the sintering behavior of the alloy. In addition, an advanced predictive model is used to determine solution strengthening. To demonstrate the capability of our method, a design exercise for austenitic stainless steel is presented. New alloys which are optimized for improved sinterability, yield strength, corrosion resistance, and cost are compared to 316L, a commercially available austenitic steel that is widely produced by MIM.
Ginkgolide B ameliorates NLRP3 inflammasome activation after hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury in the neonatal male rat
Authors: Chen Aiming , Xu Yin , Yuan Jun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionPerinatal hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) insult is an important cause of brain injury in neonates. The development of novel treatment strategies for neonates with HI brain injury is urgently needed. Ginkgolide B (GB) is a main component of Ginkgo biloba extracts with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. However, it is unknown whether GB could play a protective role in hypoxic stress in immature animals.MethodsUsing neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) brain injury model of rat pups, neurological score, infarct size, and brain edema were evaluated after HI injury. The activation of microglia and the production of IL‐1β and IL‐18 were detected by immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively. A priming signal (NF‐κB P65) and an activation signal (Caspase‐1) of NLRP3 inflammasome activation were detected by western blot analyses.ResultsGB administrated 30 min prior to ischemia induction can improve neurological disorder, reduce infarct volume and alleviate cerebral edema. Compared with the HI groups, GB inhibited the activation of microglia and decreased the production of IL‐1β and IL‐18 in neocortex. Furthermore, GB reduced NLRP3 expression mainly in microglia, and significantly inhibited the expression of Caspase‐1 and the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB P65, preventing NLRP3 inflammasome activation.ConclusionsGB ameliorates hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury in the neonatal male rat via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Long-term monitoring of the endemicRana latastei: suggestions for after-LIFE management
Authors: Canova Luca , Balestrieri Alessandro 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe monitored egg clutch numbers of a population of the endemic Italian agile frogRana latasteiin a Site of Community Interest in northern Italy (SCI IT 209000) during 1997–2017 with the aim of assessing the long-term variation in its abundance. We walked along the banks of canals and small ponds (n = 22) 1–3 times per week between early February and mid-April each year to detect egg clutches. The relationships between the start of the breeding season, yearly egg mass counts, rate of yearly change in the number of recorded egg masses and 15 climatic and environmental variables were assessed by multiple regression. The first deposition of eggs occurred progressively later in the year throughout the study period and mean air temperature during the breeding season decreased over this period. Agile frogs showed high deposition site-fidelity. Despite large variations in the number of egg clutches detected from year to year, the population size remained stable in the long term. Peaks in the number of egg clutches occurred 2 years after the dredging of canals, carried out every 4–6 years to improve water availability, starting in 2004 as part of a LIFE Nature Project. This was the only predictor of the number of egg clutches deposited, suggesting that periodical management is needed to support the agile frog population. Our results reinforce the need for multi-year monitoring to determine both the long-term success of habitat restoration projects and the status of residual populations.
Symptoms of persistent complex bereavement disorder, depression, and PTSD in a conjugally bereaved sample: a network analysis
Authors: Malgaroli Matteo , Maccallum Fiona , Bonanno George A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundComplicated and persistent grief reactions afflict approximately 10% of bereaved individuals and are associated with severe disruptions of functioning. These maladaptive patterns were defined in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD), but its criteria remain debated. The condition has been studied using network analysis, showing potential for an improved understanding of PCBD. However, previous studies were limited to self-report and primarily originated from a single archival dataset. To overcome these limitations, we collected structured clinical interview data from a community sample of newly conjugally bereaved individuals (N= 305).MethodsGaussian graphical models (GGM) were estimated from PCBD symptoms diagnosed at 3, 14, and 25 months after the loss. A directed acyclic graph (DAG) was generated from initial PCBD symptoms, and comorbidity networks with DSM-5 symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were analyzed 1 year post-loss.ResultsIn the GGM, symptoms from the social/identity PCBD symptoms cluster (i.e. role confusion, meaninglessness, and loneliness) tended to be central in the network at all assessments. In the DAG, yearning activated a cascade of PCBD symptoms, suggesting how symptoms lead into psychopathological configurations. In the comorbidity networks, PCBD and depressive symptoms formed separate communities, while PTSD symptoms divided in heterogeneous clusters.ConclusionsThe network approach offered insights regarding the core symptoms of PCBD and the role of persistent yearnings. Findings are discussed regarding both clinical and theoretical implications that will serve as a step toward a more integrated understanding of PCBD.
Pulmonary artery to left atrial fistula: haemodynamic changes traced from fetus to infancy until its interventional closure
Authors: Sivakumar Kothandam , Sean Del-Rossi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCommunications between the pulmonary artery and left atrium cause cyanosis. The images document serial haemodynamic changes in such a fistula from fetal life to the postnatal period with a successful transcatheter intervention.
Physician experiences with sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitors, a new class of medications in type 2 diabetes, and adverse effects
Authors: Patakfalvi Laura , Brazeau Anne-Sophie , Dasgupta Kaberi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimThe primary aim of our study is to identify physicians who have witnessed a complication attributed to sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitors. The secondary aim is to determine the type, severity, and setting of the event (inpatient versus outpatient).BackgroundDiabetes is an increasing public health burden with 9.9% of Canadians expected to be diagnosed with it in 2020. A prominent change with respect to treatment options since the publication of the revised Diabetes Canada guidelines in May 2016 concerned the SGLT2 inhibitors. Their favorable clinical profile has increased interest among clinicians, but there is still reason for caution. Because these drugs are new, the balance of benefits versus risks is not well understood.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of all in-practice physicians (excluding pediatricians). Data were collected through an online survey.FindingsOur survey identified 154 physicians who have identified one or more adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to SGLT2 inhibitor use. A total of 173 ADRs were identified. In total, 20.6% of family physician respondents had witnessed one or more ADRs. The most common complication is mycotic infection (82 cases) with 47% identified as a low level of severity and occurring mostly in the outpatient setting. The second most common complication is diabetic ketoacidosis (43 cases) with 67% identified as a high level of severity and occurring mostly in the inpatient setting. Other identified complications include hyperkalemia (6 cases), renal insufficiency (15 cases), and even amputation (2 cases). Our survey is the first to document real-world complications from SGLT2 inhibitors. In the outpatient setting, mycotic infections are most common and most often benign. In the inpatient setting, diabetic ketoacidosis is the most common and is severe. This is an important take-home message for family physicians to tailor their practice and vigilance according to the practice setting.
Logic programming as a service
Authors: CALEGARI ROBERTA , DENTI ENRICO , MARIANI STEFANO , OMICINI ANDREA 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNew generations of distributed systems are opening novel perspectives for logic programming (LP): On the one hand, service-oriented architectures represent nowadays the standard approach for distributed systems engineering; on the other hand, pervasive systems mandate for situated intelligence. In this paper, we introduce the notion ofLogic Programming as a Service(LPaaS) as a means to address the needs of pervasive intelligent systems through logic engines exploited as a distributed service. First, we define the abstract architectural model by re-interpreting classical LP notions in the new context; then we elaborate on the nature of LP interpreted as a service by describing the basic LPaaS interface. Finally, we show how LPaaS works in practice by discussing its implementation in terms of distributed tuProlog engines, accounting for basic issues such as interoperability and configurability.