bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benzalkonium Chloride: A Bronchoconstricting Preservative in Continuous Albuterol Nebulizer Solutions
Authors: Prabhakaran Sreekala , Abu‐Hasan Mutasim , Hendeles Leslie
Published: March 2017

For convenience, many pediatric hospitals are preparing solutions for continuous nebulized albuterol using the 0.5% 20‐ml multidose albuterol dropper bottle. This product contains benzalkonium chloride (BAC) that, by itself, produces bronchospasm that is dose dependent and cumulative. The bronchoconstrictive effects of BAC are greater in patients with more severe airway obstruction and increased airway responsiveness. Use of BAC‐containing albuterol during severe acute asthma exacerbations may antagonize the bronchodilator response to albuterol, prolong treatment, and increase the risk of albuterol‐related systemic adverse effects. Such a deleterious effect of BAC is difficult to detect because some patients improve slowly or may even worsen during treatment. We recommend that only preservative‐free albuterol products be used.
Generation of Integration-Free Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Urine-Derived Cells Isolated from Individuals with Down Syndrome
Authors: M. Lee Young , Zampieri Bruna L. , Scott-McKean Jonah J. , Johnson Mark W. , Costa Alberto C.S.
Published: March 2017

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by trisomy 21 (T21). Over the past two decades, the use of mouse models has led to significant advances in the understanding of mechanisms underlying various phenotypic features and comorbidities secondary to T21 and even informed the design of clinical trials aimed at enhancing the cognitive abilities of persons with DS. In spite of its success, this approach has been plagued by all the typical limitations of rodent modeling of human disorders and diseases. Recently, several laboratories have succeeded in producing T21 human induced pluripotent stem cells (T21-iPSCs) from individuals with DS, which is emerging as a promising complementary tool for the study of DS. Here, we describe the method by which we generated 10 T21-iPSC lines from epithelial cells in urine samples, presumably from kidney epithelial origin, using nonintegrating episomal vectors. We also show that these iPSCs maintain chromosomal stability for well over 20 passages and are more sensitive to proteotoxic stress than euploid iPSCs. Furthermore, these iPSC lines can be differentiated into glutamatergic neurons and cardiomyocytes. By culturing urine-derived cells and maximizing the efficiency of episomal vector transfection, we have been able to generate iPSCs noninvasively and effectively from participants with DS in an ongoing clinical trial, and thus address most shortcomings of previously generated T21-iPSC lines. These techniques should extend the application of iPSCs in modeling DS and other neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, and may lead to future human cell-based platforms for high-throughput drug screening.
An Easy Access to Bipyrazoles and Unusual Demethylation of Methyl Phosphorous Ester: Exploring the Synthetic Utility of Bestmann‐Ohira Reagent
Authors: Mahendran Vaithiyanathan , Pasumpon Kamaraj , Shanmugam Sivakumar
Published: March 2017

An efficient regioselective three‐component synthesis of bipyrazoles4 by reaction of α‐aroylidineketene dithioacetals 1, Bestmann‐Ohira reagent 2 a and hydrazine hydrate 3 using KOH as a base in methanol medium was reported. Salient features of the present methodology are theregioselective construction of two pyrazoles unit contains four different heteroatoms (nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and phosphorous) under mild reaction conditions with excellent yield in a single operation. In addition, unusual demethylation of methyl phosphorous ester group was observed. Based on the control experiments, plausible reaction mechanism was proposed.
Mid-Miocene (post 12 Ma) Displacement along the Central Karakoram Fault Zone in the Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India from Spot LA-ICPMS U/Pb Zircon Ages of Granites
Authors: Brookfield Michael E. , Chung Sun-Lin , Shellnutt J. Gregory
Published: March 2017

The Karakoram fault zone is a prominent right lateral fault that connects the frontal thrust of the North Pamir with the Indus suture zone near Mount Kailas. Its nature and age of initiation is controversial. In the Nubra valley, Ladakh, India, a Karakoram range granite is thrust over Cretaceous magmatic arc rocks and this thrust is cut by a western strand of the Karakoram fault zone. Three different lithologies from this granite gave weighted mean zircon U/Pb ages of 12.92±0.77 Ma, 12.41±0.43 Ma, and 11.72±0.31 Ma. The ages indicate a relatively short intrusive history of about 1 Ma for the phases: the geochemistry is practically identical to the Pangong leucogranites in the same tectonic block. The Karakoram fault zone in this area is thus less than ~12 Ma old which supports a post middle Miocene (Serravallian) age of Karakoram fault initiation in this area.
Beach Monazites from Alleppey: A Window to the Trivandrum Block, Southern India
Authors: Pruseth Kamal Lochan , Sahoo Debidarsani , Kumar Bijay , Kumar Vivek
Published: March 2017

Detrital monazites can be used to reconstruct the tectonothermal history of their provenance. Dating of beach monazites from Alleppey by EPMA U-Th-Pbtotal technique using the centroid method demonstrates that the ages recorded by even a small number of 28 analyses from a single thin section grain mount can potentially reveal a considerable portion of the tectonothermal history of the Trivamdrum block. Three monazite populations were identified that yielded ages 605 ± 9, 575 ± 23 and 548 ± 11 Ma, which have their more or less exact counterparts reported from the Trivandrum Block. One monazite grain yielded random Paleoproterozoic ages ranging from 1756 Ma to 1345 Ma representing similar ages which earlier have been interpreted as due to differential Pb-loss from >2000 Ma monazites during the late Neoproterozoic-Cambrian metamorphism.
Hydrochemical Characteristics of Groundwater Quality with Special Reference to Fluoride Concentration in Parts of Mulugu-Venkatapur Mandals, Warangal District, Telangana
Authors: Satyanarayana E. , Dhakate Ratnakar , Kumar D. Laxman , Ravindar P. , Muralidhar M.
Published: March 2017

Hydrochemical studies were carried out in Mulugu-Venkatapur Mandals of Warangal district, Telangana state, India to find out the causes of high fluorides in groundwater and surface water causing a widespread incidence of fluorosis in local population. The fluoride concentration in groundwater ranges from 0.28 to 5.48 mg/l with a mean of 1.26 mg/l in pre-monsoon and 0.21 to 4.43 mg/l with a mean 1.45 mg/l in post-monsoon. About 32% and 34% of samples in pre and post-monsoon containing fluoride concentrations that exceed the permissible limit. The Modified Piper diagram reflects that, water belong to Ca+2-Mg+2-HCO3− to Na+-HCO3− facies. Negative chloroalkali indices in both the seasons prove that ion exchange took place between Na+ & K+ with Ca+2 and Mg+2 in aquatic solution in host rock. Different plots for major ions and molar ratios suggest that weathering of silicate rocks and water-rock interaction is responsible for major ion chemistry of water. High fluoride content in groundwater attributed to continuous water-rock interaction during the process of percolation with fluorite bearing country rocks under arid, low precipitation, and high evaporation conditions. The low calcium content in rocks and soils, and the presence of high content of sodium bicarbonate in soils and waters are important factors favouring high levels of fluoride in waters. The basement rocks provide abundant mineral sources of fluoride in the form of amphibole, biotite, fluorite, mica and apatite.
Hill Slope Stability Analysis using Two and Three Dimensions Analysis: A Comparative Study
Authors: Singh Rajesh , Umrao Ravi Kumar , Singh T. N.
Published: March 2017

Slope instability is very common phenomenon, especially in tectonically active hills of the lesser Himalaya. The deformed, weathered and fragile rocks of the lesser Himalaya are often vulnerable under natural or anthropogenic influences. There were several cases of slope failure along highway sections in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The study was carried out along a highway section of NH-109. The factor of safety (FoS) is commonly most acceptable parameter that analyses the health of slopes. The two dimensional (2D) numerical analysis techniques are commonly used to obtain the FoS. It is observed that many times FoS obtained from 2D analysis techniques do not qualify the actual conditions and are usually lower in value as compared to ground conditions. This, in turn, increases the cost of remedial measures used for protection of slopes. This paper presents a comparative study of 2D and 3D numerical analysis based on the finite difference method (FDM) using fast Langrangian analysis of continua (FLAC) codes. The study indicates that there is no appreciable difference between FoS values obtained from 2D and 3D analysis based on the selected slope conditions. The difference ranges from 0.02 to 0.07 for analysed cases in uniform rock mass. The study also exhibits some of the important analytical observations and effects of variables on resultant FoS.
A New Model of Exact Reclamation of Post-mining Land to Address Land Acquisition Problem in Indian Coal Mining Industry
Authors: Singh Pawan Kumar , Mishra Arvind Kumar , Singh Deepanshu Ranjan
Published: March 2017

Indian coal mining industry is in transition phase with the growing demand of coal and is likely to escalate further with the need of ultra-mega power projects as well as announcement of smart cities projects. Although, there exist sufficient coal reserves in India, continuous acquisition and possession of coal bearing land is required to minimize the existing gap prevailing between coal demand and supply. The solution of the problem lies not only in modification of laws and policies of industry, but also in modification of mining engineering practices towards sustainable development. This paper critically examines the cause of the problem in the light of Indian laws and practices of the industry. In this paper a method of exact reclamation of post-mining land has been designed as a solution to make easier land acquisition by way of proposing a system of returning back the exact reclaimed land to its owners under corporate social responsibility activity of the industry. The proposed conceptual model of interlinking corporate social responsibility with land exchange will encourage sustainable development practice by mining engineers, and may turn around the public image of the industry.
Counseling for Fetal Central Nervous System Defects
Authors: Aggarwal Shagun
Published: March 2017

Fetal central nervous system defects are one of the commonest antenatally detected abnormalities. They consist of a wide array of lesions with heterogeneous etiologies and outcomes. Counselling of the family in such cases forms an integral part of management. However, this can be challenging due to diagnostic and prognostic uncertainties for many defects. Some lesions like anencephaly, holoprosencephaly, and lissencephaly, have an invariably poor outcome, and decision regarding pregnancy termination is straightforward. On the other hand, lesions like mild ventriculomegaly, isolated corpus callosum agenesis and posterior fossa lesions have a highly variable outcome, ranging from normal to severe handicaps, hence counseling for these is difficult. Detailed sonography by an expert sonologist and fetal MRI can help in detection of additional cerebral or extracerebral abnormalities, which being associated with a poor prognosis, can help in accurate counseling. An often-neglected aspect of counseling is the possibility of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies, due to an underlying genetic etiology in many of these defects. This can be assessed by pedigree information, suitable genetic testing and postmortem examination in case of pregnancy termination. Diagnosis of the genetic abnormality helps in accurate recurrence-risk prediction as well as early and timely prenatal diagnosis in at-risk pregnancies.
Using stable isotope techniques in nutrition assessments and tracking of global targets post-2015
Authors: Owino Victor O. , Slater Christine , Loechl Cornelia U.
Published: March 2017

Stable isotopes are non-radioactive, safe and are applied for various purposes in human health assessment in trace amounts that minimally disturb normal physiology. The International Atomic Energy Agency supports the use of stable isotope techniques to design and evaluate interventions addressing malnutrition in all its forms with focus on infant and young child feeding; maternal and adolescent nutrition; diet quality; prevention and control of non-communicable diseases; healthy ageing and gut function. These techniques can be used to objectively measure: (1) amount of human milk consumed and whether an infant is exclusively breastfed; (2) body composition in the context of re-feeding programmes for moderate and severe acute malnutrition and as an indicator of the risk for obesity; (3) bioavailability and bioconversion of pro-vitamin A and vitamin A body stores following vitamin A intervention programmes; (4) absorption and retention of iron, zinc and protein; (5) total energy expenditure for validation of physical activity measurement and dietary assessment tools and (6) diagnosis ofHelicobacter pylori. Stable isotope techniques will be invaluable in the tracking of global targets on exclusive breast-feeding childhood obesity and anaemia among women. Efforts are underway to make nuclear techniques more affordable, field-friendly and less invasive, and to develop less sophisticated but precise equipment. Advocacy for the wide adoption of the techniques is needed.
New Data Buoys Watch Typhoons from Within the Storm
Authors: Jan Sen , Yang Yiing , Chang Hung-I , Chang Ming-Huei , Wei Ching-Ling
Published: March 2017

Advanced real-time data buoys have observed nine strong typhoons in the northwestern Pacific Ocean since 2015, providing high-resolution data and reducing the uncertainty of numerical model forecasts.
The function of two P450s, CYP9M10 and CYP6AA7, in the permethrin resistance of Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Gong Youhui , Li Ting , Feng Yucheng , Liu Nannan
Published: March 2017

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases play a critical role in insecticide resistance by allowing resistant insects to metabolize insecticides. Previous studies revealed that two P450 genes, CYP9M10 and CYP6AA7, are not only up-regulated but also induced in resistant Culex mosquitoes. In this study, CYP9M10 and CYP6AA7 were separately co-expressed with cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) in insect Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells using a baculovirus-mediated expression system and the enzymatic activity and metabolic ability of CYP9M10/CPR and CYP6AA7/CPR to permethrin and its metabolites, including 3-phenoxybenzoic alcohol (PBOH) and 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde (PBCHO), characterized. PBOH and PBCHO, both of which are toxic to Culex mosquito larvae, can be further metabolized by CYP9M10/CPR and CYP6AA7/CPR, with the ultimate metabolite identified here as PBCOOH, which is considerably less toxic to mosquito larvae. A cell-based MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) cytotoxicity assay revealed that Sf9 cells expressing CYP9M10/CPR or CYP6AA7/CPR increased the cell line’s tolerance to permethrin, PBOH, and PBCHO. This study confirms the important role played by CYP9M10 and CYP6AA7 in the detoxification of permethrin and its metabolites PBOH and PBCHO.
Comparison of microRNA expression profiles of Kashin-Beck disease, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wu Wenhong , He Awen , Wen Yan , Xiao Xiao , Hao Jingcan , Zhang Feng , Guo Xiong
Published: March 2017

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic osteochondropathy with unclear pathogeny. In this study, we compared the microRNA expression profiles of 16 KBD patients, 16 osteoarthritis (OA) patients and 16 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 16 healthy controls in their blood specimens. miRNAs expression profiling was performed using Exiqon miRCURY LNATM miRNAs Array. miRNAs target genes were predicted using miRror suite. Another independent mRNA expression profile dataset of 20 KBD patients and 15 healthy controls were integrated with the miRNA expression profiles of KBD. We identified 140 differently expressed miRNAs in KBD vs. Controls. GO enrichment analysis found that hypoxia, Wnt receptor signaling pathway and vitamin B6 biosynthesis related GO terms were significantly overrepresented in the target genes of differently expressed miRNAs in KBD vs. Control. 18 differently expressed common miRNAs were identified in KBD vs. Control, KBD vs. OA and KBD vs. RA. Integrating the lists of differently expressed miRNA target genes and mRNA differently expressed genes detected 6 common genes for KBD. Our results demonstrated the altered miRNAs expression profiles of KBD comparing to healthy controls, OA and RA, which provide novel clues for clarifying the mechanism of KBD.
Sorafenib and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid-loaded imageable microspheres for transarterial embolization of a liver tumor
Authors: Choi Jin Woo , Park Ju-Hwan , Cho Hye Rim , Chung Jin Wook , Kim Dae-Duk , Kim Hyo-Cheol , Cho Hyun-Jong
Published: March 2017

Sorafenib (SOF; an angiogenesis inhibitor) and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA; a contrast agent for computed tomography imaging)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (MSs) were fabricated. Embolization, drug delivery, and tracing the distribution of MSs for liver cancer therapy were accomplished with the developed MSs after their intra-arterial (IA) administration. SOF/TIBA/PLGA MSs with 24.8–28.5 µm mean diameters were prepared, and the sustained release of SOF from MSs was observed. Lower systemic exposure (represented as the area under the curve [AUC]) and maximum drug concentration in plasma (Cmax) values of the SOF/TIBA/PLGA MSs group (IA administration, 1 mg/kg) in the results of the pharmacokinetic study imply alleviated unwanted systemic effects (e.g., hand and foot syndrome), compared to the SOF solution group (oral administration, 10 mg/kg). In a rat hepatoma model, the increase of microvessel density (MVD) following arterial embolization (i.e., reactive angiogenesis) was partially limited by SOF/TIBA/PLGA MSs. This resulted in the SOF/TIBA/PLGA MSs group (IA administration, single dosing, 1 mg/kg) showing a smaller tumor size increase and viable tumor portion compared to the TIBA/PLGA MSs group. These findings suggest that a developed SOF/TIBA/PLGA MS can be a promising therapeutic system for liver cancer using a transarterial embolization strategy.
Profiling the MAPK/ERK dependent and independent activity regulated transcriptional programs in the murine hippocampus in vivo
Authors: Blüthgen Nils , van Bentum Mirjam , Merz Barbara , Kuhl Dietmar , Hermey Guido
Published: March 2017

Activity-dependent alteration of the transcriptional program is central for shaping neuronal connectivity. Constitutively expressed transcription factors orchestrate the initial response to neuronal stimulation and serve as substrates for second messenger-regulated kinase signalling cascades. The mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK conveys signalling from the synapse to the nucleus but its genetic signature following neuronal activity has not been revealed. The goal of the present study was to identify ERK dependent and independent activity regulated transcriptional programs in the murine hippocampus. We used generalized seizures combined with the pharmacological intervention of MEK activation as an in vivo model to determine the complete transcriptional program initiated by ERK after neuronal activity. Our survey demonstrates that the induction of a large number of activity-regulated genes, including Arc/Arg3.1, Arl5b, Gadd45b, Homer1, Inhba and Zwint, is indeed dependent on ERK phosphorylation. In contrast, expression of a small group of genes, including Npas4, Arl4d, Errfi1, and Rgs2, is only partially dependent or completely independent (Ppp1r15a) of this signalling pathway. Among the identified transcripts are long non-coding (lnc) RNAs and induction of LincPint and splice variants of NEAT1 are ERK dependent. Our survey provides a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptomic response conveyed by ERK signalling in the hippocampus.
Stability of R2* and quantitative susceptibility mapping of the brain tissue in a large scale multi-center study
Authors: Wang Rongpin , Xie Guangyou , Zhai Maoxiong , Zhang Zhongping , Wu Bing , Zheng Dandan , Hong Nan , Jiang Tao , Wen Baohong , Cheng Jingliang
Published: March 2017

Multi-center studies are advantageous for enrolling participants of varying pathological and demographical conditions, and especially in neurological studies. Hence stability of the obtained quantitative R2* and susceptibility in multicenter studies is a key issue for their widespread applications. In this work, the stabilities of simultaneously obtained R2* and susceptibility are investigated and compared across 10 sites that are equipped with the same scanner and receiver coil, the same post-processing process was used to achieve consistent experiment setup. Two healthy adult volunteers (one male and female) participated in this study. High intraclass correlation coefficient was obtained for both susceptibility (0.94) and R2* (0.96). The coefficients of variance for all measurements obtained were smaller than 0.1, the largest variations of measurements in all the chosen ROIs fall within ±20% from the median value. Higher level of stability was obtained in R2* as compared to susceptibility at 1 mm resolution (P < 0.05) and at 1.5 mm (P < 0.01).
Engineering Structurally Interacting RNA (sxRNA)
Authors: Doyle Francis , Lapsia Sameer , Spadaro Salvatore , Wurz Zachary E. , Bhaduri-McIntosh Sumita , Tenenbaum Scott A.
Published: March 2017

RNA-based three-way junctions (3WJs) are naturally occurring structures found in many functional RNA molecules including rRNA, tRNA, snRNA and ribozymes. 3WJs are typically characterized as resulting from an RNA molecule folding back on itself incisbut could also form intranswhen one RNA, for instance a microRNA binds to a second structured RNA, such as a mRNA.Trans-3WJs can influence the final shape of one or both of the RNA molecules and can thus provide a means for modulating the availability of regulatory motifs including potential protein or microRNA binding sites. Regulatory 3WJs generated intransrepresent a newly identified regulatory category that we call structurally interacting RNA or sxRNA for convenience. Here we show that they can be rationally designed using familiarcis-3WJ examples as a guide. We demonstrate that an sxRNA “bait” sequence can be designed to interact with a specific microRNA “trigger” sequence, creating a regulatable RNA-binding protein motif that retains its functional activity. Further, we show that when placed downstream of a coding sequence, sxRNA can be used to switch “ON” translation of that sequence in the presence of the trigger microRNA and the amount of translation corresponded with the amount of microRNA present.
Systematic studies of hexanuclear {MIII4LnIII2} complexes (M = Fe, Ga; Ln = Er, Ho): structures, magnetic properties and SMM behavior
Authors: Chen Sihuai , Mereacre Valeriu , Kostakis George E. , Anson Christopher E. , Powell Annie K.
Published: March 2017

The first heterometallic GaIII–ErIIIsingle-molecule magnet has been synthesized and the role of GaIIIin extracting the FeIII–ErIIIand ErIII–ErIIIinteraction has been assessed.
Syntheses, crystal structures, and photocatalytic properties of two ammonium-directed Ag–Sb–S complexes
Authors: Nie Lina , Liu Guangfeng , Xie Jian , Lim Teik-Thye , Armatas Gerasimos S. , Xu Rong , Zhang Qichun
Published: March 2017

Two novel crystalline Ag–Sb–S complexes show better photodegradation performance on CV than RhB.
Synthesis of spiropyrazoline oxindoles by a formal [4 + 1] annulation reaction between 3-bromooxindoles and in situ-derived 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes
Authors: Chen Dong-Zhen , Xiao Wen-Jing , Chen Jia-Rong
Published: March 2017

A formal [4 + 1] annulation reaction of 3-bromooxindoles and in situ-derived 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes has been developed to provide an efficient route to various spiropyrazoline oxindoles with high yields.
New: Variational principle–exact solutions and conservation laws for modified ion-acoustic shock waves and double layers with electron degenerate in plasma
Authors: EL-Kalaawy O. H.
Published: March 2017

The nonlinear propagation of modified ion acoustic shock waves and double layers in a relativistic degenerate plasma is considered. This plasma system is proposed for containing inertial viscous positive and negative ion fluids, relativistic electron fluids, and negatively charged immobile heavy ions. The basic set of fluid equations is reduced to modified Burgers (MB) and further modified Burgers (FMB) or (Gardner) or Mamun and Zobaer (M-Z) equations by using the reductive perturbation method. The basic features of these shocks obtained from this analysis are observed to be significantly different from those obtained from the standard Burgers equation. By introducing two special functions and He's semi-inverse method, a variational principle and conservation laws for the Gardner (FmB) equation are obtained. A set of new exact solutions for the Gardner (FmB) equation are obtained by the auto-Bäcklund transformations. Finally, we will study the physical meanings of solutions.
Current filamentation instability of warm diluted electron beam in collisional weakly ionized plasma system
Authors: Hajisharifi K. , Tajik-Nezhad S. , Mehdian H.
Published: March 2017

Fluid description is employed to investigate the collisional current-filamentation instability (CFI) in a weakly ionized warm-beam/return current system, taking into account both thermal pressure and space charge effects. Describing the equilibrium configuration and using the local approximation method, the dispersion relation (DR) is obtained in the presence of binary collision terms between charged and neutral particles. Analyzing the obtained DR for a warm-beam cold-plasma system shows increment of thermal effects, consisting of collision and thermal pressure, by electron beam temperature and plasma ionization degree decreases the unstable wavelength region as well as the maximum growth rate of CFI, called thermal-driven stabilization. On the other hand, increasing the beam current density is toward the destabilization (called current-driven destabilization) by broadening the unstable wavelength region and increasing the maximum growth rate of CFI. One can deduce that competition between thermal-driven stabilization and current-driven destabilization determines the stability degree of weakly ionized systems.
Magnesium thin film as a doping-free back surface field layer for hybrid solar cells
Authors: Chen Bingbing , Chen Jianhui , Shen Yanjiao , Ge Kunpeng , Guo Jianxin , Li Feng , Liu Haixu , Xu Ying , Mai Yaohua
Published: March 2017

In this work, a magnesium (Mg) thin film with a low work function is introduced to obtain a downward energy band at the rear surface of a hybrid solar cell to achieve the function of a back surface field (BSF) similar to the conventional n-n+ high-low junction, i.e., favouring the majority carrier transport and suppressing minority carrier recombination. The open circuit voltages (Voc) of the hybrid solar cells with the Mg BSF layer achieve a clear improvement over those containing only the conventional metal electrode (e.g., Ag), resulting in an increase in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the hybrid solar cells from 9.2% to 12.3%. The Suns-Voc measurement determined using a Sinton tool gives Voc as a function of light intensity and shows that Voc increases linearly with the light intensity for the solar cell with the Mg BSF but increases first and then stabilises for the cells without the Mg BSF. This result is attributed to a difference in back surface recombination, further confirming the efficacy of an Mg thin film as a BSF. This work indicates that the BSF of hybrid solar cells could be achieved by a doping-free, simple, and room temperature process.
Statistical significance of seasonal warming/cooling trends
Authors: Ludescher Josef , Bunde Armin , Schellnhuber Hans Joachim
Published: March 2017

Significance

The question whether a seasonal climatic trend (e.g., the increase of spring temperatures in Antarctica in the last decades) is of anthropogenic or natural origin is of great importance because seasonal climatic trends may considerably affect ecological systems, agricultural yields, and human societies. Previous studies assumed that the seasonal records can be treated as independent and are characterized by short-term memory only. Here we show that both assumptions, which may lead to a considerable overestimation of the trend significance, do not apply to temperature data. Combining Monte Carlo simulations with the Holm–Bonferroni method, we demonstrate how to obtain reliable estimates of the statistical significance of seasonal climatic trends and apply our method to representative atmospheric temperature records of Antarctica.
My Enemy’s Enemy: Consequences of the CIA Operation against Abulqasim Lahuti, 1953–54
Authors: Kirasirova Masha
Published: March 2017

In January 1954, the Iranian émigré poet living in the Soviet Union, Abulqasim Lahuti, was summoned before the Central Committee in Moscow to discuss the publication of a fraudulent Persian-language autobiography that reflected unfavorably on his experiences in the Soviet Union. This autobiography was the result of a 1953 CIA operation in Iran launched by Donald Wilber after he had become convinced that in case of a Soviet takeover Lahuti would be the one most likely put forward as leader. To preempt this threat, the CIA published the counterfeit autobiography. Unlike Mosaddeq and other CIA targets, however, Lahuti’s position as a cultural mediator between the Soviet Union, Soviet Tajikistan, and Iran made the consequences of this operation more complex than the CIA had imagined. This paper explores its aftermath using recently declassified Soviet archival documents and interviews. It argues that this operation transformed Lahuti’s professional and social standing in Moscow, empowered him to challenge his long-time enemy Bobojon Ghafurov on the issue of Tajik ethnogenesis, and helped change the official Stalinist line on Persian literary culture. Lastly, this operation politicized Lahuti’s biography in ways that are relevant to the present day.
“Can you call it Okinawan Japanese?”: World language delineations of an endangered language on YouTube
Authors: Petrucci Peter R. , Miyahira Katsuyuki
Published: March 2017

This article addresses a language-versus-dialect discussion that arose out of a series of language lessons on YouTube. Designed to teach Uchinaaguchi, an endangered Ryukyuan language, the video lessons come in two versions, one for Japanese speakers and the other for English speakers. In either version, the video turns to an adroit combination of semiotic modes in an attempt to delineate Uchinaaguchi as a language distinct from Japanese. However, as we demonstrate here, when an endangered language appears on Internet platforms like YouTube, it tends to be framed in one or more world languages, a situation that problematizes the “singularity” of the endangered language (Blommaert, J. 1999. “The Debate Is Closed.” In Language Ideological Debates, edited by J. Blommaert, 425–438. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter). In the case of the Uchinaaguchi lessons, this is especially apparent in viewer commentary written primarily in English and/or Japanese. The analysis of this commentary reveals the ideological effects that world languages can bring into the discussion and delineation of endangered languages online.
Cpipe: a comprehensive computational platform for sequence and structure-based analyses of Cysteine residues
Authors: Soylu Inanc , Marino Stefano M
Published: March 2017

Due to their chemical plasticity, Cysteine residues (Cys) can serve many different functions. Identification and classification of reactive Cys isn’t a trivial job: currently, no available tool exists for an all-round, comprehensive (inclusive of all different functional types) analysis of Cys; herein we present a computational platform called Cpipe, dedicated to this task: it implements state-of-the art protocols, elaborating and displaying a wealth of information, sufficiently orthogonal to allow a thorough evaluation of all major aspects of Cys reactivity.

Availability and Implementation

Cpipe is implemented in Python and freely available at http://cpipe.explora-biotech.com/cpipe/start.py. All major browsers are supported.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
PrimerPooler: automated primer pooling to prepare library for targeted sequencing
Authors: Brown Silas S. , Chen Yun-Wen , Wang Ming , Clipson Alexandra , Ochoa Eguzkine , Du Ming-Qing
Published: March 2017

Targeted next-generation sequencing based on PCR amplification involves pooling of hundreds to thousands of primers, for preamplification and subsequent parallel single/multiplex PCR. It is often necessary to allocate the set of primers into subpools, a common issue being potential cross-hybridization. For smaller numbers of primers, pool division can be done manually using trial and error to minimize potential hybridization, but this becomes inefficient and time consuming with increasing numbers of primer pairs. We developed PrimerPooler that automates swapping of primer pairs between any user-defined number of subpools to obtain combinations with low-potential interactions. PrimerPooler performs inter-/intra-primer hybridization analysis to identify the adverse interactions, as well as simultaneous mapping of all primers onto a genome sequence in a single run without requiring a prior index of the genome. This allows detection of overlapping primer pairs and allocation of these primer pairs into separate subpools where tiling approaches are used. Using PrimerPooler, 1153 primer pairs were assigned to three preamplification pools (388, 389 and 376 primer pairs each), then 144 subpools of six- to nine-plex PCR for Fluidigm Access Array PCR, followed by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. With optimized experimental protocols, an average of 3269 reads was achieved for the targeted regions, with 95% of targets covered by at least 50 reads, the minimal depth of reads for confident variant calling. PrimerPooler provides a fast and highly efficient stratification of primer pairs for targeted enrichment, thus ensuring representative amplification of the targeted sequences. PrimerPooler is also able to analyse degenerate primers, and is thus also useful for microbiological identification and related target sequencing.
Ways to Write a Milestone: Approaches to Operationalizing the Development of Competence in Graduate Medical Education
Authors: Leep Hunderfund Andrea N. , Reed Darcy A. , Starr Stephanie R. , Havyer Rachel D. , Lang Tara R. , Norby Suzanne M.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To identify approaches to operationalizing the development of competence in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestones.

Method

The authors reviewed all 25 “Milestone Project” documents available on the ACGME Web site on September 11, 2013, using an iterative process to identify approaches to operationalizing the development of competence in the milestones associated with each of 601 subcompetencies.

Results

Fifteen approaches were identified. Ten focused on attributes and activities of the learner, such as their ability to perform different, increasingly difficult tasks (304/601; 51%), perform a task better and faster (171/601; 45%), or perform a task more consistently (123/601; 20%). Two approaches focused on context, inferring competence from performing a task in increasingly difficult situations (236/601; 29%) or an expanding scope of engagement (169/601; 28%). Two used socially defined indicators of competence such as progression from “learning” to “teaching,” “leading,” or “role modeling” (271/601; 45%). One approach focused on the supervisor’s role, inferring competence from a decreasing need for supervision or assistance (151/601; 25%). Multiple approaches were often combined within a single set of milestones (mean 3.9, SD 1.6).

Conclusions

Initial ACGME milestones operationalize the development of competence in many ways. These findings offer insights into how physicians understand and assess the developmental progression of competence and an opportunity to consider how different approaches may affect the validity of milestone-based assessments. The results of this analysis can inform the work of educators developing or revising milestones, interpreting milestone data, or creating assessment tools to inform milestone-based performance measures.
Resveratrol supplementation reduces pain experience by postmenopausal women
Authors: Wong Rachel H.X. , Evans Hamish M. , Howe Peter R.C.
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Pain is a common complaint among postmenopausal women. It has been postulated that vascular dysfunction caused by estrogen decline at menopause plays a key role in the initiation and progression of degradative joint disease, namely age-related osteoarthritis. We evaluated whether supplementation with resveratrol, a phytoestrogen, could improve aspects of well-being such as chronic pain that is commonly experienced by postmenopausal women.

Methods:

A 14-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention with trans-resveratrol (75 mg, twice daily) was conducted in 80 healthy postmenopausal women. Aspects of well-being, including pain, menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, depressive symptoms, mood states, and quality of life were assessed by Short form-36 at baseline and at the end of treatment. Rating scales were averaged to provide a composite score representing overall well-being. Cerebral vasodilator responsiveness to hypercapnia was also assessed as a surrogate marker for cerebrovascular function.

Results:

Compared with placebo treatment, there was a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in total well-being after resveratrol supplementation. Both benefits, including measures of quality of life, correlated with improvements in cerebrovascular function.

Conclusions:

Our preliminary findings indicate potential for resveratrol treatment to reduce chronic pain in age-related osteoarthritis. Resveratrol consumption may also boost perceptions of well-being in postmenopausal women. Further investigation to elucidate underlying mechanisms is warranted.
Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia in Papillon–Lefèvre Syndrome: Outcome at Long-Term Follow-Up of 12 Years
Authors: Kaliki Swathi , Singh Swati , Gowrishankar Swarnalata , Reddy Vijay Anand P.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To discuss the association between ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) and present the long-term outcome in a patient with these diseases.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 14-year-old boy presented with a raised pigmented mass lesion at the limbus in the right eye, which was clinically suggestive of OSSN. He also had palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and periodontosis suggestive of PLS. Excision biopsy of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of OSSN. He was free of tumor recurrence for 2 years and was lost to follow-up thereafter. Seven years later, the patient presented with diffuse tumor recurrence with orbital extension in the right eye, regional lymph node metastasis, and ipsilateral parotid gland infiltration. The patient underwent exenteration of the right orbital contents, right parotidectomy, and radical neck dissection followed by concomitant external beam radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy. Eleven years from initial presentation, the patient was detected to have OSSN in the contralateral eye and was managed by wide excision biopsy and adjuvant cryotherapy. One year after detection of OSSN in the left eye, the patient was found to have systemic metastases to the lungs and brain. The patient died of the disease within 3 months of detection of systemic metastasis.

Conclusions:

OSSN in PLS is associated with poor prognosis.
Cranium-Penetrating Mass Detected by Ultrasound Expedited Management of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Morgan Brian , Lau Hsien Lee , Yellin Sharon
Published: March 2017

A 6-year-old boy presented to the pediatric emergency department with a unilateral 5 × 3-cm superficial mass on the postauricular region growing for 1 month. Point-of-care ultrasound was used to evaluate the mass, which revealed a complex cystic mass penetrating the temporal bone. After confirmatory magnetic resonance imaging, the patient was transferred for neurosurgical evaluation, and the tumor was excised. Pathology revealed Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Serotonin Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient After Vilazodone Ingestion
Authors: Laliberte Benjamin , Kishk Omayma A.
Published: March 2017

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a serious toxicity that manifests with symptoms such as tremor, hyperthermia, agitation, and altered mental status that may lead to seizures, coma, or death. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may precipitate SS, particularly in combination with other drugs that possess serotonergic activity. We present a case of SS in a 14-month-old after an ingestion of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor vilazodone.
Concurrent Validity Between Live and Home Video Observations Using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale
Authors: Boonzaaijer Marike , van Dam Ellen , van Haastert Ingrid C. , Nuysink Jacqueline
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

Serial assessment of gross motor development of infants at risk is an established procedure in neonatal follow-up clinics. Assessments based on home video recordings could be a relevant addition.

Methods:

In 48 infants (1.5-19 months), the concurrent validity of 2 applications was examined using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale: (1) a home video made by parents and (2) simultaneous observation on-site by a pediatric physical therapist. Parents' experiences were explored using a questionnaire.

Results:

The intraclass correlation coefficient agreement between live and home video assessment was 0.99, with a standard error of measurement of 1.41 items. Intra- and interrater reliability: intraclass correlation coefficients were more than 0.99. According to 94% of the parents, recording their infant's movement repertoire was easy to perform.

Conclusion:

Assessing the Alberta Infant Motor Scale based on home video recordings is comparable to assessment by live observation. The video method is a promising application that can be used with low burden for parents and infants.
Bromidocarbonyl{(1S,2S)-N-[2-(dicyclohexylphosphanyl)ethylidenyl]-N′-[2-(diphenylphosphanyl)ethyl]-1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diamine}iron(II) tetraphenylborate
Authors: Smith Samantha A. M. , Lough Alan J. , Morris Robert H.
Published: March 2017

In the title compound, trans-(S,S)-[FeBr(CO)(PPh2CH2CH2NHCHPhCHPhNCHCH2PCy2)]BPh4, the FeII ion is in a distorted octahedral complex geometry with a cis-β ligand geometry in which two diastereomers co-crystallized in the asymmetric unit. These diastereomers differ by the orientation of the N—H moieties on the ligand; one is in the S conformation (A), and the other R (B). Diasteromer A has a P—Fe—P angle of 104.36 (6)° and B has a P—Fe—P angle of 102.70 (6)°. During the refinement of the structure, electron density peaks were located that were believed to be highly disordered solvent molecules (possibly diethyl ether). Attempts made to model the solvent molecule were not successful. The SQUEEZE [Spek (2015). Acta Cryst. C71, 9–18] option in PLATON indicated there was a large solvent cavity of 363 Å3. In the final cycles of refinement, this contribution of 117 electrons to the electron density was removed from the observed data. The density, the F(000) value, the molecular weight and the formula are given without taking into account the results obtained with SQUEEZE.
The factors contributing to construction accidents in Pakistan
Authors: Zahoor Hafiz , Chan Albert P.C. , Gao Ran , Utama Wahyudi P.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The highest number of accidents in proportion to the employment rate is found in construction industry among all industries in Pakistan. The purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize the contributory factors of accident causation that can significantly reduce the rate of accident in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 32 contributory factors of accident causation were identified through a triangulation strategy comprising eight face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the academic and industry experts coupled with a comprehensive literature review. Delphi survey was then conducted among the four respondent groups (clients, contractors, safety official and academia) to prioritize these factors. A consensus was achieved among the respondent groups after conducting two rounds of Delphi survey. Finally, the results were validated using the technique of inter-rater agreement (IRA) analysis.

Findings

All the shortlisted accident causation factors were graded as “important” to “extremely important”. Moreover, a “moderate” to “strong level” agreement was developed among the respondent groups. The three most significant factors were highlighted as “poor enforcement of safety rules and regulations by the Government agencies”, “insufficient allocation of safety budget and safety incentives by the client”, and “insufficient provision of safety training and resources by the contractor”.

Practical implications

The findings will help the key stakeholders to prioritize their energies towards achieving zero accident in the construction industry. Moreover, addition of academic experts as one of the respondent groups will enhance the linkages between the academia and the industry practitioners.

Originality/value

Besides highlighting the underlying causes of construction accidents in Pakistan, a detailed methodology is presented in this study for the analysis and validation of the Delphi survey data, which can be extrapolated in other regions and industries for elements prioritization. The findings of the study can also be generalized for other developing countries having similar work environment. The results validation through the use of IRA analysis is an addition to the field of construction safety research. The study also authenticates the applicability of IRA analysis to assess the agreement level among the respondents.
Financial self-efficacy: a determinant of financial inclusion
Authors: Mindra Rachel , Moya Musa , Zuze Linda Tia , Kodongo Odongo
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial self-efficacy (FSE) and financial inclusion (FI) among individual financial consumers in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative approach and cross-sectional research design, a sample of 400 individuals from urban Central and rural Northern Uganda was drawn. SPSS and AMOS™ 21, regression analysis and structural equation models were used to establish the hypothesized relationship between FSE and FI.

Findings

The results suggest a strong positive and significant relationship between FSE and FI. The results further suggest that other variables which were controlled for, such as age and gender, had significant influence on an individual’s usage of formal financial services.

Research limitations/implications

The study was assessed using both potential and actual consumers of financial services collectively. However, if separately assessed, possibly there would be a variation in behavioral responses toward FI.

Practical implications

Formal financial service providers need to enhance individuals’ levels of confidence in management of finances and utilization of formal financial products and services, so that the financial consumers can realize the changes in financial behavior and consequently FI.

Social implications

The enhancement of individuals’ level of confidence in evaluating the available financial service options will guide them to take financial decisions that will improve their livelihood.

Originality/value

The results contribute toward the limited empirical and theoretical evidence for FSE and FI from a behavioral demand-side perspective.