bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast energy and electron transfers in structurally well addressable BODIPY-porphyrin-fullerene polyads
Authors: Gao Di , Aly Shawkat M. , Karsenti Paul-Ludovic , Brisard Gessie , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: December 2016

Cyclic voltammograms showing the redox properties and Fs-TAS showing the radical signature of polyad 2.
Cyclopentadithiophene organic core in small molecule organic solar cells: morphological control of carrier recombination
Authors: Domínguez Rocío , Montcada Núria F. , de la Cruz Pilar , Palomares Emilio , Langa Fernando
Published: December 2016

Two new planar and symmetrical A–D–A (electron acceptor–electron donor–electron acceptor) small molecules based on a commercial cyclopentadithiophene derivative have been synthesized for solution processed small molecule organic solar cells.
Slow magnetic relaxation based on the anisotropic Ising-type magnetic coupling between the MoIII and MnII centers
Authors: Wang Kai , Xia Bin , Wang Qing-Lun , Ma Yue , Liao Dai-Zheng , Tang Jinkui
Published: December 2016

Three 1D coordination polymers based on [MoIII(CN)7]4− and [Mn(dpop)]2+ have been synthesized. Complex 1 and 3 both display slow magnetic relaxation behavior, whereas complex 2 is a paramagnet.
Synthesis and characterization of novel Li-stuffed garnet-like Li5+2xLa3Ta2−xGdxO12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.55): structure–property relationships
Authors: Abdel Basset Dalia M. , Mulmi Suresh , El-Bana Mohammed S. , Fouad Suzan S. , Thangadurai Venkataraman
Published: December 2016

In this article, we report the preparation and characterization of novel Li-stuffed garnets Li5+2xLa3Ta2−xGdxO12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.55) for all-solid-state Li ion batteries.
Identifying the local structural units in La0.5Ba0.5MnO2.5 and BaY0.25Fe0.75O2.5 through the neutron pair distribution function
Authors: King Graham , Thompson Corey M. , Luo Kun , Greedan John E. , Hayward Michael A.
Published: December 2016

The local building blocks of La0.5Ba0.5MnO2.5 and BaY0.25Fe0.75O2.5 reveal the link between cation and anion vacancy short range ordering.
Composition-dependent charge transfer and phase separation in the V1−xRexO2solid solution
Authors: Mikhailova D. , Kuratieva N. N. , Utsumi Y. , Tsirlin A. A. , Abakumov A. M. , Schmidt M. , Oswald S. , Fuess H. , Ehrenberg H.
Published: December 2016

The V1−xRexO2solid solution with 0.03 <x≤ 0.15 undergoes below 1000 K a phase separation to two isostructural phases with mixed-valence states Re4+/Re6+, while only a single phase exists forx≤ 0.03 andx≥ 0.30 with Re6+and Re4+, respectively.
Metabolic profiling of a myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome discovery cohort reveals disturbances in fatty acid and lipid metabolism
Authors: Germain Arnaud , Ruppert David , Levine Susan M. , Hanson Maureen R.
Published: December 2016

This work exposes disturbances in major metabolic pathways while providing a prospective path both for diagnosis and underlying ME/CFS/SEID mechanisms.
Facile synthesis of thiazole-functionalized magnetic microspheres for highly specific separation of heme proteins
Authors: Wang Binghai , Wang Juanqiang , Shao Qian , Xi Xingjun , Chu Qiao , Dong Genlai , Wei Yun
Published: December 2016

Thiazole-functionalized magnetic microspheres which exhibited high selectivity to capture hemoglobin with a binding capacity of 2.02 g g−1 were successfully synthesized.
Delayed release of a fragrance from novel ionic liquids
Authors: Ferrero Vallana Federico M. , Holland Lynette A. M. , Seddon Kenneth R. , Todini Oreste
Published: December 2016

We present a new technology based on delayed release of perfume raw materials from new-to-the-world binary ionic liquid mixtures.
Fabrication of Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag magnetic–plasmonic nanospindles as highly efficient SERS active substrates for label-free detection of pesticides
Authors: He Qinye , Zhao Aiwu , Li Lei , Sun Henghui , Wang Dapeng , Guo Hongyan , Sun Mei , Chen Ping
Published: December 2016

Magnetic–plasmonic nanospindles serve as SERS substrates with controllable aggregation due to steady enrichment of mass molecules nearby abundant hot spots.
Convenient synthesis of 6-alkyl phenanthridines and 1-alkyl isoquinolines via silver-catalyzed oxidative radical decarboxylation
Authors: Yao Qian , Zhou Xin , Zhang Xiuli , Wang Cong , Wang Peng , Li Ming
Published: December 2016

6-Alkyl phenanthridines and 1-alkyl isoquinolines have been readily obtained by silver-catalyzed decarboxylation of aliphatic carboxylic acids.
Chemical modification improves the stability of the DNA aptamer GBI-10 and its affinity towards tenascin-C
Authors: Li Kunfeng , Deng Jiali , Jin Hongwei , Yang Xiantao , Fan Xinmeng , Li Liyu , Zhao Yi , Guan Zhu , Wu Yun , Zhang Lihe , Yang Zhenjun
Published: December 2016

The aptamer GBI-10 has been modified with d-/l-isoNA or 2′-dI, and its tumor targeting ability in vivo is obviously improved by 4AL/26TL/32TL substitutions.
In vivo photoacoustic tumor tomography using a quinoline-annulated porphyrin as NIR molecular contrast agent
Authors: Luciano Michael , Erfanzadeh Mohsen , Zhou Feifei , Zhu Hua , Bornhütter Tobias , Röder Beate , Zhu Quing , Brückner Christian
Published: December 2016

The water-soluble quinoline-annulated porphyrin, when irradiated within the optical window of tissue, shows in a mouse model high efficacy as a NIR photoacoustic tomography contrast agent.
Effect of solvent on radical cyclisation pathways: SRN1 vs. aryl–aryl bond forming mechanisms
Authors: Emery Katie J. , Murphy John A. , Tuttle Tell
Published: December 2016

Controlling product distribution in radical chemistry through solvent selection.
N-Heterocyclic carbene–palladium(ii)–1-methylimidazole complex catalyzed direct C–H bond arylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with aryl chlorides
Authors: Liu Qing-Xian , He Bang-Yue , Qian Peng-Cheng , Shao Li-Xiong
Published: December 2016

NHC–Pd(ii) complex catalyzed C–H bond arylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with aryl chlorides was reported.
Microwave assisted fabrication of a nanostructured reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Fe2O3 composite as a promising next generation energy storage material
Authors: Saraf Mohit , Natarajan Kaushik , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: December 2016

A supercapacitor electrode material, rGO–Fe2O3 composite, prepared by a facile microwave assisted in situ technique, delivers a high specific capacitance of 577.5 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1 with a long cycle life and high rate performance.
Packing-induced solid-state fluorescence and thermochromic behavior of peptidic luminophores
Authors: Pramanik Apurba , Haldar Debasish
Published: December 2016

In spite of its coumarin chromophore, supramolecular packing has an effect on the solid state fluorescent propensities of the peptidic luminophores.
Multistimuli-responsive organogels based on hydrazide and azobenzene derivatives
Authors: Gu Xiaojun , Bai Binglian , Wang Haitao , Li Min
Published: December 2016

The length and parity of the central flexible spacer play crucial roles in the organogels based on liquid crystal dimer containing hydrazide and azobenzene units. And the organogel exhibited multiple stimuli-responsive behaviors including temperature, light, pH and anion.
Structure effects of amphiphilic and non-amphiphilic quaternary ammonium salts on photodegradation of Alizarin Red-S catalyzed by titanium dioxide
Authors: Anastasio Paola , Del Giacco Tiziana , Germani Raimondo , Spreti Nicoletta , Tiecco Matteo
Published: December 2016

The role of surfactants such as single- and double-tailed tetraalkylammonium bromide and various non-amphiphilic tetraalkylammonium salts was investigated on the TiO2photocatalyzed degradation of Alizarin Red-S under UV light irradiation.
A novel synthetic approach to poly(hydrosiloxane)s via hydrolytic oxidation of primary organosilanes with a AuNPs-stabilized Pickering interfacial catalyst
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Jangir Bhawana , Sharma Asmita
Published: December 2016

A simple and versatile approach based on AuNPs-stabilized Pickering catalyst in water–chloroform biphasic medium has been developed for the synthesis of poly(alkyl/arylhydrosiloxane)s.
Novel π-conjugated iron oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for high performance electrochemical supercapacitors
Authors: Bhattacharya Gourav , Kandasamy Ganeshlenin , Soin Navneet , Upadhyay Ravi Kant , Deshmukh Sujit , Maity Dipak , McLaughlin James , Roy Susanta Sinha
Published: December 2016

Nanocomposite of π-conjugated 2-aminoterephthalic acid (ATA) coated iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) provides an enhanced capacitive performance with higher specific capacitance and long term cyclic stability.
Oxidation effects on the SERS response of silver nanoprism arrays
Authors: Michieli Niccolò , Pilot Roberto , Russo Valentina , Scian Carlo , Todescato Francesco , Signorini Raffaella , Agnoli Stefano , Cesca Tiziana , Bozio Renato , Mattei Giovanni
Published: December 2016

Oxidation effects on SERS response of Ag nanoprism arrays are interpreted by FEM simulations of the local-field distribution around the nanoprisms.
Large-sized sandpaper coated with solution-processed aluminum for a triboelectric nanogenerator with reliable durability
Authors: Kim Daewon , Lee Hye Moon , Choi Yang-Kyu
Published: December 2016

Ambient mechanical energy, which is abundant around us, is a promising energy harvesting source. A solution-processed aluminum coating method to create an electrode, consisting of sandpaper, is demonstrated for a triboelectric nanogenerator.
Eu(iii)-functionalized ZnO@MOF heterostructures: integration of pre-concentration and efficient charge transfer for the fabrication of a ppb-level sensing platform for volatile aldehyde gases in vehicles
Authors: Xu Xiao-Yu , Yan Bing
Published: December 2016

Eu(iii)-functionalized ZnO@MOF heterostructures have been fabricated and performed as an improved ppb-level sensing platform for volatile aldehyde gases in vehicles by pre-concentration and efficient charge transfer.
DUSPs as critical regulators of cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Tilley Douglas G. , Sabri Abdelkarim
Published: December 2016

This commentary highlights the research presented by Li et al. [15]. In this issue of Clinical Science, which demonstrates that dual specific phosphatase 12 (DUSP12), through JNK1/2 inhibition, alleviates cardiac hypertrophy in response to pressure overload, making it a potential therapeutic target.
Noise‐aware dictionary‐learning‐based sparse representation framework for detection and removal of single and combined noises from ECG signal
Authors: Satija Udit , Ramkumar Barathram , Sabarimalai Manikandan M.
Published: December 2016

Automatic electrocardiogram (ECG) signal enhancement has become a crucial pre‐processing step in most ECG signal analysis applications. In this Letter, the authors propose an automated noise‐aware dictionary learning‐based generalised ECG signal enhancement framework which can automatically learn the dictionaries based on the ECG noise type for effective representation of ECG signal and noises, and can reduce the computational load of sparse representation‐based ECG enhancement system. The proposed framework consists of noise detection and identification, noise‐aware dictionary learning, sparse signal decomposition and reconstruction. The noise detection and identification is performed based on the moving average filter, first‐order difference, and temporal features such as number of turning points, maximum absolute amplitude, zerocrossings, and autocorrelation features. The representation dictionary is learned based on the type of noise identified in the previous stage. The proposed framework is evaluated using noise‐free and noisy ECG signals. Results demonstrate that the proposed method can significantly reduce computational load as compared with conventional dictionary learning‐based ECG denoising approaches. Further, comparative results show that the method outperforms existing methods in automatically removing noises such as baseline wanders, power‐line interference, muscle artefacts and their combinations without distorting the morphological content of local waves of ECG signal.
Probabilistic evaluation and planning of power transmission system reliability
Authors: Makvand Saeid Biglary , Venkatesh Bala , Cheng Daniel , Yu Peng
Published: December 2016

Modern power systems are designed prudently and then operated according to the permitted equipment limits set out in standards, policies, and procedures. To meet the growing demand, utilities apply transmission expansion tools for planning and updating their transmission assets. However, due to their unpredictable nature, transmission contingencies cannot be easily integrated during the planning stage. Although computationally cumbersome, probabilistic planning is an approach that could enable an objective comparison of the economic risk associated with a contingency event versus the cost of upgrades. In the context of the development of a generic assessment tool for such a process that could be employed by utilities, this study presents a systematic approach for transmission system expansion planning that includes consideration of an N  − 1 contingency. The proposed method provides an estimate of the potential economic losses that could occur due to contingencies related to transmission, which are quantified as the cost of expected energy not supplied. The study then introduces a proposed formulation that computes an optimal plan for transmission system reinforcement that will eliminate the economic losses associated with N  − 1 contingencies. The results reveal that in specific cases, upgrading the system has economic merit as well as offering the benefits to be derived from a robust transmission system.
Condition monitoring of 11 kV overhead power distribution line insulators using combined wavelet and LBP‐HF features
Authors: Surya Prasad Potnuru , Prabhakara Rao Bhima
Published: December 2016

With the increasing awareness on the reliable distribution of power with good quality, the research in power distribution automation surveillance system has gained prominence. The performance of distribution system is affected significantly by the damaged insulators in numerous ways. With enormous growth in the power distribution network, the traditional methods of examining the lines by manual patrolling and pole climbing to check that in close proximity are not feasible. The blooming field of on‐line condition monitoring of electrical equipment aims at predicting the possible failures before they actually occur. The improvement of a proficient, alternative method to assess the condition of insulators in a power distribution system using image processing and machine learning techniques is found to be a satisfactory method. This study presents a system to automatically monitor the insulator of overhead power distribution lines using extraction of features from wavelet transform as well as local binary pattern histogram Fourier (LBP‐HF) of the insulators and then subsequent condition analysis done by using support vector machine (SVM). The efficacy of the proposed techniques is validated by the results contained in this study and is found to be suitable for real‐time overhead power distribution system monitoring automation.
Switched differential system approach to voltage transient analysis in power delivery systems with switching capacitors
Authors: Llamas‐Terres Armando , Mayo‐Maldonado Jonathan C. , Micheloud‐Vernackt Osvaldo M.
Published: December 2016

The authors present new results regarding the analysis of voltage transients induced by switching capacitors in power delivery systems. Their approach is based on a systematic technique that facilitates the computation of initial conditions when the switch occurs. This set‐up permits an efficient parametric exploration that is suitable for accomplishing safe voltage peaks according to customer specifications. The authors discuss upper and lower bounds corresponding, respectively to (i) the worst‐case scenario in a lossless system, and (ii) the damped case with a shunt load and equivalent series resistances. Experimental measurements corroborate the underlying principles and results presented in this study.
Online hierarchical and distributed method for voltage control in distribution smart grids
Authors: Fallahzadeh‐Abarghouei Hossein , Nayeripour Majid , Hasanvand Saeed , Waffenschmidt Eberhard
Published: December 2016

This study proposes a coordinated and distributed smart grid based method for optimal set points of distributed generators (DGs) as well as on‐load tap changer (OLTC) transformer in the unbalanced power distribution grid. In this approach, energy efficiency is improved and voltage profile is kept in an acceptable range under different operating conditions of renewable energy resources and loads. In the first level of proposed hierarchical method, DGs are independently trying to keep voltage profile in an acceptable range in an optimal way. If the first level is not succeeding, at the second level, OLTC cooperates with the first level to eliminate the voltage violation in the system. The rules for updating control setting are derived based on distributed gradient algorithm. The proposed distributed solution presents analogous steady state results in comparison with centralised optimisation solution. Since the processing data is reduced, short‐timed response to change operating conditions could be achieved. Simulation results on three distribution test systems with different sizes demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed control solution.
Identification and visualisation of circular flows in a superior cluster‐graph display for operational control
Authors: Hoffmann Robert , Krost Gerhard
Published: December 2016

Large interconnected power grids like the European transmission system tend to increase their power interchange as a result of the liberalisation of the electricity market as well as the increasing integration of intermittent power resources such as wind farms and photovoltaic. As a consequence of this, undesired circular power flows (loop flows) may occur, which means circulating active power between the control‐areas of several transmission system operators (TSOs). A superior survey of the occurrence of such phenomena in the context of operational control seems to be very useful, because uncontrolled power exchange reduces the transfer capabilities of power corridors and may cause unnecessary and avoidable line congestions or even overloads. This study demonstrates how the depth‐first search algorithm from graph theory can be adopted together with a superior cluster display of control areas in order to identify and visualise such kind of flows and to facilitate common situation awareness for operational control in control centres of TSOs in large interconnected systems.
Harmonic compensation and resonance damping for SAPF with selective closed‐loop regulation of terminal voltage
Authors: Chen Xinwen , Dai Ke , Xu Chen , Peng Li , Zhang Yuxiao
Published: December 2016

Shunt active power filter (SAPF) is conventionally designed to compensate harmonic currents from non‐linear load. However, due to parallel resonance between line impedance and capacitive load, the distortion of the voltage at point of common coupling (PCC) and grid current may not be mitigated completely by traditional manner of SAPF. This paper investigates harmonic compensation and resonance damping combined control for SAPF with selective closed‐loop regulation of PCC voltage. Through developing equivalent circuit model, physical principle of SAPF with the proposed scheme is analysed as well as resonance frequency shifting phenomenon. To compensate specified harmonic currents, compensation reference is extracted flexibly by means of improved recursive discrete Fourier transform algorithm with phase‐angle compensation. Meanwhile, selective virtual conductance with proportional–integral (PI) regulation of PCC voltage is proposed to damp parallel resonance. Then, a zero steady‐state error controller composed of ordinary PI and advanced repetitive controller in parallel under synchronous rotation frame is adopted to improve current tracking performance of SAPF. Experimental results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
High step‐up DC–DC converter with switched‐capacitor and its zero‐voltage switching realisation
Authors: He Liangzong , Zheng Zhipeng
Published: December 2016

As generally acknowledged, the high step‐up DC–DC converter is widely used in the sustainable energy system as the front‐end stage of the DC–AC converter. Therefore, a novel high step‐up DC–DC converter is proposed in this study. The proposed converter with network of switched‐inductor and switched‐capacitor can achieve high voltage gain under low duty cycle. Meanwhile, the active switches and diodes suffer from low voltage stress. More importantly, an auxiliary resonant circuit with lower losses and cost is employed to realise zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) turned‐on and ZVS turned‐off for the active switches, resulting in high conversion efficiency. Firstly, the operation principle and steady‐state performance are discussed in detail. Then, prototype with power rating of 200 W is built to verify the performance of the proposed converter. The maximum efficiency of the prototype can be up to 96%, and the experimental results agree with the theoretical analysis and the simulation results well.
Dynamical effects of composite output capacitors on current‐mode controlled buck converter with constant current load
Authors: Leng Mingrui , Zhou Guohua , Liu Xiaotian , Xu Shungang
Published: December 2016

The discrete mapping model of current‐mode controlled buck converter with constant current load, taking account of composite output capacitors (parallel connection of two different types of capacitor branches, i.e. electrolytic capacitors and ceramic capacitors), is established. Based on the model, dynamical effects of varying output capacitance and equivalent series resistance (ESR) are investigated by bifurcation behaviours. The period of low‐frequency oscillation among coexisting fast‐slow scale instability is derived by exploring the loci of eigenvalues, while the operating regions are estimated. Time‐domain simulation and experimental waveforms are provided for verification of the theoretical analysis, indicating the existences of subharmonic oscillation and coexisting fast‐slow scale instability in the converter with variation of output capacitance and ESR. Research results reveal that the low‐frequency oscillation can be eventually eliminated due to a relatively large (or small) ESR and the capacitance in the same branch presents to identical tendency of dynamical effects on the converter. Moreover, the interaction effects between two parallel capacitor branches are demonstrated. It illustrates that the low‐frequency oscillation can be removed with smaller (or larger) ESR or capacitance in one branch of the composite output capacitors while larger (or smaller) ESR or capacitance in the other branch.
Adaptive neuron detection‐based control of single‐phase SPV grid integrated system with active filtering
Authors: Singh Yashi , Hussain Ikhlaq , Mishra Sukumar , Singh Bhim
Published: December 2016

This study deals with an adaptive neuron detection‐based control technique for single‐phase, single‐stage solar photovoltaic (SPV) array grid integrated system using a voltage‐source converter (VSC). The VSC also provides power quality features such as harmonics mitigation, power factor correction and perturb and observation‐based maximum power point tracking for an SPV grid‐interfaced system. With this approach, the VSC has the active power flow from the SPV array to the grid and it also performs the non‐linear load current harmonic compensation by keeping the grid current almost sinusoidal. On the other hand, in the night mode, if the SPV power is not available, the VSC works as an active power filter for the harmonics elimination and reactive power compensation. This increases the effective utilisation of the VSC. The adaptive neuron detection technique has lesser noise and oscillation in extraction of fundamental component in comparison of conventional adaptive control algorithm. It has also satisfied an IEEE‐519 standard of harmonics by improving the quality of power of SPV grid integrated system. The proposed system is modelled and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink and the response of the system under non‐linear loads and varying environmental conditions are evaluated experimentally on a prototype developed in the laboratory.
Photon-assisted tunneling in an asymmetrically coupled triple quantum dot
Authors: Wang Bao-Chuan , Cao Gang , Chen Bao-Bao , Yu Guo-Dong , Li Hai-Ou , Xiao Ming , Guo Guo-Ping
Published: December 2016

The gate-defined quantum dot is regarded as one of the basic structures required for scalable semiconductor quantum processors. Here, we demonstrate a structure that contains three quantum dots scaled in series. The electron number of each dot and the tunnel coupling between them can be tuned conveniently using splitting gates. We tune the quantum dot array asymmetrically such that the tunnel coupling between the right dot and the central dot is much larger than that between the left dot and the central dot. When driven by microwaves, the sidebands of the photon-assisted tunneling process appear not only in the left-to-central dot transition region but also in the left-to-right dot transition region. These sidebands are both attributed to the left-to-central transition for asymmetric coupling. Our result shows that there is a region of a triple quantum dot structure that remains indistinct when studied with a normal two-dimensional charge stability diagram; this will be helpful in future studies of the scalability of quantum dot systems.
Systematic development of small molecules to inhibit specific microscopic steps of Aβ42 aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Habchi Johnny , Chia Sean , Limbocker Ryan , Mannini Benedetta , Ahn Minkoo , Perni Michele , Hansson Oskar , Arosio Paolo , Kumita Janet R. , Challa Pavan Kumar , Cohen Samuel I. A. , Linse Sara , Dobson Christopher M. , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: December 2016

Significance

The absence of fully reproducible protein aggregation assays has contributed to the systematic failures in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) of compounds targeting the aggregation process of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). To address this problem, we report the identification of a library of compounds against Aβ aggregation using a drug discovery strategy based on highly quantitative aggregation rate measurements. We then demonstrate, both in
Caenorhabditis elegans
and human cerebrospinal fluid, that this approach can systematically provide a rich variety of related small molecules to take forward into a drug discovery process. We therefore report an approach that should substantially help overcome the very high level of attrition associated with drug discovery programs for AD.
Inhibition of radiation-induced glioblastoma invasion by genetic and pharmacological targeting of MDA-9/Syntenin
Authors: Kegelman Timothy P. , Wu Bainan , Das Swadesh K. , Talukdar Sarmistha , Beckta Jason M. , Hu Bin , Emdad Luni , Valerie Kristoffer , Sarkar Devanand , Furnari Frank B. , Cavenee Webster K. , Wei Jun , Purves Angela , De Surya K. , Pellecchia Maurizio , Fisher Paul B.
Published: December 2016

Significance

In the setting of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), invasion of cells into normal brain and the unlikeliness of complete surgical removal contributes to GBM lethality and recurrence. “Gold standard” GBM treatment includes adjuvant radiotherapy. Unfortunately, cells surviving radiation demonstrate increased invasion and therapeutic resistance. Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 9 (MDA-9/Syntenin) expression is elevated in patient-derived tumors and GBM cell lines, which correlates with decreased survival and poor response to radiation. Genetic suppression of MDA-9/Syntenin sensitizes GBM to radiation by inhibiting radiation-induced invasion gains and signaling changes. Additionally, intraperitoneal administration of a small-molecule MDA-9/Syntenin inhibitor, PDZ1i, developed using innovative fragment-based drug design and NMR approaches, improved survival of brain tumor-bearing mice. Survival was enhanced further when used with radiation, supporting MDA-9/Syntenin as a therapeutic target for this deadly disease.
St. (Padre) Pio Home for the Relief of Suffering in the USA: Responding to the Call
Authors: Palazzolo Jere D.
Published: December 2016

This exposition is not intended to be a scientific or theological treatise, but rather a testimony to a personal call by Padre Pio, a commitment in faith, to duplicate St. Pio's model of healthcare delivery as a “Beacon of Light” in our increasingly secular country, an example of truly faithful Catholic health care fully faithful to the Magisterial authority of the Church, and a model for other Catholic hospitals to emulate in their ministries.
Role of micro-reserves in conservation of endemic, rare and endangered plants of the Valencian region (Eastern Spain)
Authors: Laguna Emilio , Fos Simón , Jiménez Juan , Volis Sergei
Published: December 2016

Since 1998 the Valencian Community (Spain) has pioneered the establishment of plant micro-reserves (PMR), which has resulted in a network currently comprising 299 sites. The PMR are compatible with large protected areas including natural parks (NP, 22 areas). In fact, 73 PMR are included within the NP network (internal subnet of PMR) and 226 PMR are outside NP (external subnet). Here we analyze how the PMR network complements that of NP in capturing rare (RS, twp categories), endemic (ES, three categories) and endangered (TS, four categories) plants. The external subnet increases the number of plant species with territorial protection by 10.8% in RS, 15.8% in ES and 21.0% in TS categories. Additionally, when comparing number of species in the external and internal PMR subnets not shared with the alternative subnet type, the former has higher absolute and relative values for the nine categories analyzed. We propose that the internal network should be increased only to capture populations of the species that are not included in the external subnet.
Global strategy for plant conservation: inadequate in situ conservation of threatened flora in Spain
Authors: Muñoz-Rodríguez Pablo , Draper Munt David , Moreno Saiz Juan Carlos
Published: December 2016

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) seeks to assess the conservation status of the world vascular plants by 2020, and to guarantee that at least 75% threatened taxa are conserved in situ. A comprehensive evaluation of IUCN categories for 7269 Spanish vascular plants (GSPC Target 2), using distribution data and environmental niche models, is presented. A gap analysis to assess the percentage of threatened plants effectively conserved in situ (considering national parks, plant micro-reserves and recovery or conservation plans) was also conducted (Target 7). The result is that only 44.4% threatened species are subject to an adequate in situ protection. An appropriate management of additional natural protected areas towards the conservation of threatened plants would make Spain meet this threshold, but severe deficiencies should be corrected. The methodology presented here is proposed as a tool to assess the degree of achievement of GSPC targets. This procedure can be quickly implemented and allows an easy evaluation of the progress, as well as the pending tasks in a given period of time.
Effects of climate change on threatened Spanish medicinal and aromatic species: predicting future trends and defining conservation guidelines
Authors: Draper Munt David , Muñoz-Rodríguez Pablo , Marques Isabel , Moreno Saiz Juan Carlos
Published: December 2016

Climate change will impact several ecosystems, and the resilience of the weakest links of the ecological networks may be decisive in maintaining the ecological structure. The assessment of tendencies in the distribution and resilience of endangered medicinal species against global change can be an excellent tool to predict and minimize future negative effects, even more so if we consider that these species may be useful to us. Spain is one of the richest countries in plant diversity along the Mediterranean basin, and many representatives of the Spanish flora are medicinal plants. Under scenarios of climate change, the distribution ranges of many of these species are likely to alter. In this paper we used ecological niche modeling to predict future changes in the distribution of 41 medicinal plants included in the 2013 assessment of threatened species in Spain. We generated climate-based niche models for each medicinal species and projected them for each decade from 2010 until 2080. Our results identified and prioritized the most vulnerable species and areas to future predicted changes. These results should be useful for conservation planning and especially for prioritizing areas for protection.
Climate Change Communication in New Zealand
Authors: Salmon Rhian , Priestley Rebecca , Fontana Michele , Milfont Taciano L.
Published: December 2016

Climate change communication in Aotearoa New Zealand occurs through multiple channels, including public communication by experts; formal and informal science-policy dialogues; and publication of popular books, documentaries, and media reports. There is, in addition, a wide array of climate change communication activities that are less well documented, such as those that utilize the education system, social media, art, community events and festivals, and co-production processes related to adaptation and mitigation choices.

Although research into the communication of climate change is in its infancy in the country, data on public attitudes toward climate change over the past decade indicate that most New Zealanders believe climate change is occurring, is anthropogenic, and is a serious concern. This is mirrored by research into media coverage on climate change, which shows that mainstream news reports are largely consistent with the scientific consensus and reports issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and do not give much coverage to skeptical or catastrophic viewpoints.
Quaternary Climate Variation in Southern Africa
Authors: Thomas David S. G.
Published: December 2016

Quaternary paleoclimate reconstructions in tropical-subtropical southern Africa (taken here as approximately south of latitude 17oS) require both knowledge of the key relevant elements of the atmospheric and climate systems over the subcontinent and a realistic assessment of the possibilities and limitations of the proxy data sources in the region. Direct insolation forcing and southern hemisphere ocean temperature changes are widely considered as key drivers of temporal and spatial changes in the relative influence of different components of the circulation system (tropical Indian ocean monsoon, tropical Atlantic moisture, and temperate westerlies) that in turn drive precipitation distributions, amounts, and seasonality. Major debates in recent decades have focused on the timing and extent of aridity/humidity shifts, and the relative contribution of temperate and tropical sources of precipitation during the last ca. 100 ka, notably at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and during the Holocene climate optimum.

Many of the debates and uncertainties that have emerged are also a function of proxy data sources: where they are located, how they are interpreted, and their resolution. Extrapolation of data from marine core and high-resolution terrestrial records to subregions where proxies are sparse, low resolution, or difficult to transform from environmental to climatic signals, might oversimply representation of the spatial variability of past climates in a region where variability is a norm today. For example, difficulties can occur in the southern African interior, where reliable climate proxies have been limited and where available proxies provide reconstructions of physical changes in landscape systems that can prove difficult to translate to high precision hydrological and rainfall records. Elsewhere, where new proxies have been emerging, such as data from hyrax middens and developments in interpreting palynological and isotope records, notable advances have been occurring, leading to the reanalysis of hydrological fluxes in the last 50 ka, including the development of records with high temporal resolution.

In this article some of the key issues surrounding the Quaternary climates of southern Africa are considered, focusing on debates regarding the principal drivers of climate changes, the utility of different proxy data sources, and the temporal and spatial extent of past climate changes.
Wildfire Communication and Climate Risk Mitigation
Authors: Wilson Robyn S. , McCaffrey Sarah M. , Toman Eric
Published: December 2016

Throughout the late 19th century and most of the 20th century, risks associated with wildfire were addressed by suppressing fires as quickly as possible. However, by the 1960s, it became clear that fire exclusion policies were having adverse effects on ecological health, as well as contributing to larger and more damaging wildfires over time. Although federal fire policy has changed to allow fire to be used as a management tool on the landscape, this change has been slow to take place, while the number of people living in high-risk wildland–urban interface communities continues to increase. Under a variety of climate scenarios, in particular for states in the western United States, it is expected that the frequency and severity of fires will continue to increase, posing even greater risks to local communities and regional economies.

Resource managers and public safety officials are increasingly aware of the need for strategic communication to both encourage appropriate risk mitigation behavior at the household level, as well as build continued public support for the use of fire as a management tool aimed at reducing future wildfire risk. Household decision making encompasses both proactively engaging in risk mitigation activities on private property, as well as taking appropriate action during a wildfire event to protect personal safety. Very little research has directly explored the connection between climate-related beliefs, wildfire risk perception, and action; however, the limited existing research suggests that climate-related beliefs have little direct effect on wildfire-related action. Instead, action appears to depend on understanding the benefits of different mitigation actions and in engaging the public in interactive, participatory communication programs that build trust between the public and natural resource managers. A relatively new line of research focuses on resource managers as critical decision makers in the risk management process, pointing to the need to thoughtfully engage audiences other than the lay public to improve risk management.

Ultimately, improving the decision making of both the public and managers charged with mitigating the risks associated with wildfire can be achieved by carefully addressing several common themes from the literature. These themes are to (1) promote increased efficacy through interactive learning, (2) build trust and capacity through social interaction, (3) account for behavioral constraints and barriers to action, and (4) facilitate thoughtful consideration of risk-benefit tradeoffs. Careful attention to these challenges will improve the likelihood of successfully managing the increasing risks that wildfire poses to the public and ecosystems alike in a changing climate.
The Content and Effect of Political Advertising in U.S. Campaigns
Authors: Motta Matthew P. , Fowler Erika Franklin
Published: December 2016

Political advertising, especially negative advertising, is a prominent feature of contemporary political campaigns in the United States. Campaigns use advertising strategically to persuade citizens their candidate is preferable to the alternatives; to mobilize like-minded supporters to get out to the polls to cast a ballot for their candidate; and to acquire citizen-personal information, so they can more effectively target individuals with appropriate persuasive or mobilizing messages. Online advertising is growing, but television advertising volume has largely been on the rise, too, with 2014 being a plateau. Evidence about trends in advertising content and effects of advertising on citizens come from television advertising in particular.

Over the past decade, candidates have consistently sponsored a majority of advertising on the airwaves although their share does appear to be declining in legislative races. Interest group sponsorship of political advertising has grown, especially in Senate and presidential races, taking advantage of recent legal changes in the campaign finance landscape. Negativity is the dominant form of television advertising, constituting more than 65% and as much as 75% of all congressional general election ads (and as much as 87% of presidential ads) on air since 2006. Parties and interest group sponsors are more likely to air negative advertising by candidates, but candidates do not refrain from going negative. In fact, candidate negativity comprises roughly half of all negative ads on air. Negative ads are more likely to cite specific sources and therefore are generally considered more substantive. TV advertising is unlikely to contain partisan or ideological cues, in part, because it is targeted at swing voters.

Early studies of advertising cast doubt on their effectiveness, but more recent work suggests that advertising effects are small (mattering at the margin in the most competitive contests) and often conditional. That is, advertising effects often vary in relation to characteristics of the messages being aired, the individuals who view them, and contextual factors relating to the campaign more generally. Scholarship suggests that advertising has persuasive but short-lived influence on citizens and that advertising volume and negativity may aid mobilization efforts (although the influence of negativity may be conditioned upon ad characteristics and timing).

Technological advances in the way TV advertising is deployed is increasing campaigns ability to target citizens in a fashion similar to online advertising, which has implications for how well researchers can continue to study it. Scholars have made considerable progress in studying 21st-century advertising effects, but a number of logistical hurdles and unanswered research questions remain.
Parliaments in Foreign Policy
Authors: Wagner Wolfgang
Published: December 2016

Parliaments differ enormously in their foreign policy competences. This is best documented in the area of “war powers,” understood as decision-making on the use of force. In other issue areas, such as treaty-making, defense budgets, sanctions, or arms exports, differences across countries are far less researched. The available data, however, suggest that differences in those areas are no smaller than in the area of war powers. What is more, the data also show that parliamentary competences across issue areas within particular countries also differ a lot. Parliaments are not strong or weak across the full spectrum of foreign policy competences. Instead, parliamentary competences are country-specific as well as issue-specific. A general trend toward a parliamentarization or deparliamentarization of foreign affairs is not discernible.

Partly inspired by institutionalist versions of Democratic Peace Theory, numerous studies have examined whether parliamentary powers have any effect on countries’ propensity to use armed force. Case-study research tends to find that variation in parliamentary powers affects decision-making on the use of force but also emphasizes that the effects of institutional constraints need to be understood in conjunction with the preferences of the public, parliament, and government. Statistical studies have found some evidence for a “parliamentary peace,” but because of problematic indicators and a lack of controls, doubts remain about the robustness and significance of this effect. In any case, theories of legislative–executive relations in parliamentary systems suggest that open confrontations between parliament and government are exceptional. Instead of an institutional constraint in a system of checks and balances, parliamentary war powers can be understood as an additional reassurance against unpopular decisions to use force.

Most studies of parliaments in foreign affairs are characterized by “methodological nationalism”—that is, the assumption that nation-states are the natural units of analysis. However, parliaments’ activities in foreign affairs are not exhausted by their monitoring and scrutiny of national executives. In addition, there is a long tradition of “parliamentary diplomacy” and engagement in interparliamentary institutions. The most powerful parliamentary actor beyond the nation-state is the European Parliament. Although its formal competences are limited, it has been very effective in using its powers to influence European foreign policy.
ADHD in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Woods Kelsey E. , Danko Christina M. , Chronis-Tuscano Andrea
Published: December 2016

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. ADHD is chronic, may persist into adulthood, and is associated with impairment in social and academic/work domains across the lifespan. Children and adolescents with ADHD often present with executive function deficits and emotion dysregulation, and these deficits may increase impairment and risk for co-occurring disorders. The etiology of ADHD is not yet understood, though research suggests that biological and environmental factors (e.g., family, community) contribute to its development and course. It should be noted that ADHD commonly co-occurs with additional psychiatric disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and major depressive disorder.

Evidence-based assessment of ADHD requires information from multiple informants using multiple assessment methods to determine the presence of ADHD symptoms across settings and any co-occurring disorders. The evidence-based treatment options for ADHD are manifold. Pharmacotherapy for ADHD is common, although numerous behavioral interventions are also effective. Stimulant medications are commonly prescribed and are typically effective in ameliorating core ADHD symptoms. There is also evidence that the nonstimulant medication atomoxetine substantially decreases the symptoms of ADHD. Importantly, medication therapy works to reduce symptoms but typically does not alleviate the impairments associated with the disorder. Combined medication and behavioral interventions are more likely to reduce impairments and normalize behavior.