bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of anthropogenic land‐use change on hillslope erosion in the Waipaoa River Basin, New Zealand
Authors: Cerovski‐Darriau Corina , Roering Joshua J.
Published: May 2016

European settlement of the Poverty Bay Region resulted in deforestation and conversion of > 90% of the landscape to pastureland. The resulting loss of vegetation triggered a rapid increase in hillslope erosion as widespread landslide complexes and gully systems developed on weak lithologic units in the Waipaoa Basin. To quantify the rate and volume of historic hillslope degradation, we used a 1956–2010 sequence of aerial photographs for a ~16 km2 catchment to map temporal changes in the spatial extent of active landslides. Then we created a ‘turf index’ based on the extent and style of pastoral ground disruption, which correlates with downslope velocity. Based on the movement of trees and other features, we assigned average velocities to the turf classes as follows: (1) minimal disrupted ground: 0.6 m/yr, (2) a mix of disrupted ground and intact blocks: 3.4 m/yr, and (3) no intact blocks or vegetation: > 6 m/yr. We then calculated the average annual sediment flux using these turf‐derived velocities, the width of the landslide‐channel intersection, and an average toe depth of 4.4 ± 1.3 m (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) from 37 field measurements. The resulting catchment averaged erosion rates are (mean ± SD): 29.9 ± 12.9 mm/yr (1956), 28.8 ± 13.7 mm/yr (1969), 13.4 ± 4.9 mm/yr (1979), 17.0 ± 6.2 mm/yr (1988), and 9.9 ± 3.6 mm/yr (2010). Compared with long‐term (post‐18 ka) erosion rates (1.6 mm/yr) and the long‐term uplift rate (~1 mm/yr) for this site, the 50‐year anthropogenically‐driven rate is an order of magnitude larger (~20 mm/yr). Previously, we measured an increase in erosion over the past 3.4 kyr (2.2 mm/yr), and here, we demonstrate this increase could be primarily due to human land‐use change – showing that a century of rapid erosion superimposed on the background geologic rate can profoundly skew the interpretation of erosion rates. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic determination of vitellogenin induction in the epidermis of cyprinid and perciform fishes: Evaluation of sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
Authors: Allner Bernhard , Hennies Mark , Lerche Cristiano F. , Schmidt Thomas , Schneider Klaus , Willner Marco , Stahlschmidt-Allner Petra
Published: May 2016

Induction of vitellogenin (VTG) in male and immature fish is a standardized endpoint in endocrine-disruption testing. To establish a nondestructive swab sampling method, VTG induction in the epidermis of Cypriniformes and Perciformes species was investigated. Both VTG and estrogen receptor genes are expressed in epidermal cells. Immunoaffinity and mass fingerprint analyses show induction of identical VTG peptides in liver and epidermis. Induction of VTG by estradiol (E2) and bisphenol A (BPA) in the epidermis was quantified with homolog enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Initial values in juveniles and males were below 1 ng VTG/mL extraction buffer. Exposure to E2 led to values between 200 ng/mL and 4600 ng/mL in cyprinids and between 10 ng/mL and 81 ng/mL in perciforms. Exposure to BPA increased VTG amounts to 250 ng/mL in fathead minnows, 1360 ng/mL in goldfish, 100 ng/mL in zebrafish, and 12 ng/mL in bluegills. Serum VTG contents demonstrated a similar dose–response pattern in the epidermis and the blood. These results show that VTG induction may be reliably assessed in the skin mucus of fishes, demonstrating the suitability of this biological sample for investigating estrogenic activity in compliance with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development standard protocols. This broadens the perspectives in toxicological screening and environmental monitoring, reducing the number of tested animals and minimizing harmful effects for animals, allowing for follow-up of individual induction profiles. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2916–2930. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Phytotoxicity of soluble graphitic nanofibers to model plant species
Authors: Gorka Danielle E. , Jeger Jonathan Litvak , Zhang Hongbo , Ma Yanwen , Colman Benjamin P. , Bernhardt Emily S. , Liu Jie
Published: May 2016

Carbon nanomaterials are considered promising for applications in energy storage, catalysis, and electronics. This has motivated study of their potential environmental toxicity. Recently, a novel nanomaterial consisting of graphene oxide wrapped around a carbon nanotube (CNT) core was synthesized. The resulting soluble graphitic nanofibers were found to have superior catalytic properties, which could result in their use in fuel cells. Before this material undergoes widespread use, its environmental toxicity must be determined because of its aqueous solubility. The authors used the plant species Lolium multiflorum, Solanum lycopersicum, and Lactuca sativa to study the toxicity of the soluble graphitic nanofibers, as well as multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide, all synthesized in-house. Soluble graphitic nanofiber–exposed plant roots and shoots showed decreased growth, with roots showing more toxicity than shoots. Decreased pH of nanomaterial solutions corresponded to insignificantly decreased root growth, suggesting that another mechanism of toxicity must exist. Agglomeration and adsorption of soluble graphitic nanofibers onto the roots likely caused the remaining toxicity because a gray layer could be seen around the surface of the root. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes showed little toxicity over the concentration range tested, whereas graphene oxide showed a unique pattern of high toxicity at both the lowest and highest concentrations tested. Overall, soluble graphitic nanofibers showed moderate toxicity between that of the more toxic graphene oxide and the relatively nontoxic MWCNTs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2941–2947. © 2016 SETAC
Chronic toxicity of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to algae and crustaceans using passive dosing
Authors: Bragin Gail E. , Parkerton Thomas F. , Redman Aaron D. , Letinksi Daniel J. , Butler Josh D. , Paumen Miriam Leon , Sutherland Cary A. , Knarr Tricia M. , Comber Mike , den Haan Klaas
Published: May 2016

Because of the large number of possible aromatic hydrocarbon structures, predictive toxicity models are needed to support substance hazard and risk assessments. Calibration and evaluation of such models requires toxicity data with well-defined exposures. The present study has applied a passive dosing method to generate reliable chronic effects data for 8 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the green algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and the crustacean Ceriodaphnia dubia. The observed toxicity of these substances on algal growth rate and neonate production were then compared with available literature toxicity data for these species, as well as target lipid model and chemical activity-based model predictions. The use of passive dosing provided well-controlled exposures that yielded more consistent data sets than attained by past literature studies. Results from the present study, which were designed to exclude the complicating influence of ultraviolet light, were found to be well described by both target lipid model and chemical activity effect models. The present study also found that the lack of chronic effects for high molecular weight PAHs was consistent with the limited chemical activity that could be achieved for these compounds in the aqueous test media. Findings from this analysis highlight that variability in past literature toxicity data for PAHs may be complicated by both poorly controlled exposures and photochemical processes that can modulate both exposure and toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2948–2957. © 2016 SETAC
Deriving bioconcentration factors and somatic biotransformation rates from dietary bioaccumulation and depuration tests
Authors: Gobas Frank A.P.C. , Lo Justin C.
Published: May 2016

The present study develops, applies, and tests a method for deriving empirical bioconcentration factors and somatic biotransformation rate constants from dietary bioaccumulation tests and simplified bioaccumulation experiments that measure depuration rates. In this approach, measurement of the chemical concentration in the water is not required. The method aims to improve bioaccumulation assessment, reduce cost and animal use, and shorten experiments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2968–2976. © 2016 SETAC
VIX Exchange Traded Products: Price Discovery, Hedging, and Trading Strategy
Authors: Bordonado Christoffer , Molnár Peter , Samdal Sven R.
Published: May 2016

This paper investigates the most traded VIX exchange traded products (ETPs) with focus on their performance, price discovery, hedging ability, and trading strategy. The VIX ETPs track their benchmark indices well. They are therefore exposed to the same time‐decay (high negative expected returns) as these indices. This makes them unsuitable for buy‐and‐hold investments, but it gives rise to a highly profitable trading strategy. Despite being negatively correlated with the S&P 500, the ETPs perform poorly as a hedging tool; their inclusion in a portfolio based on S&P 500 will decrease the risk‐adjusted performance of the portfolio. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:164–183, 2017
Distinctive Volcanic Material for the Production of Campana A Ware: The Workshop Area of Neapolis at the Duomo Metro Station in Naples, Italy
Authors: De Bonis Alberto , Febbraro Stefania , Germinario Chiara , Giampaola Daniela , Grifa Celestino , Guarino Vincenza , Langella Alessio , Morra Vincenzo
Published: May 2016

Recent transportation infrastructure works in Naples, Italy, provided important discoveries related to the production of pottery in the Hellenistic workshop area of Piazza Nicola Amore. A minero‐petrographic investigation was conducted on 35 samples belonging to the widespread Campana A ware and production indicators (clayey raw materials, unfired Graeco‐Italic amphorae, kiln wastes, workshop tools). Additional analysis was conducted on black‐glaze and common ware samples for comparison. The analyses reveal compositional and technological homogeneity of Campana A ware. Samples are characterized by low CaO content with evidence of both volcanic and sedimentary components, suggesting that different clay sources were properly mixed to prepare a standard recipe. Production indicators, black‐glaze and common wares, have a composition well consistent with the calcareous clays from the island of Ischia. Leucite‐ and garnet‐bearing temper from the Somma Volcano were used for the preparation of coarse‐grained pastes, unfired Graeco‐Italic amphorae, and clayey raw materials, thus suggesting that they represented the clay sources for amphorae production. Our results reveal new technological and socioeconomic aspects of Hellenistic pottery production in the Bay of Naples, in particular for the Campana A ware, now representing a new reference group: Neapolis.
Moral psychology and genetic engineering
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: May 2016

For the last six months or so, some of us at The Hastings Center have been participating in a kind of short‐term book group. Together we have been thinking about the contribution of moral psychology to bioethics. One of our questions is whether bioethics’ understanding of moral values should draw on what moral psychology tells us about moral values. Bioethics tends to look to philosophy for guidance. Can it learn from insights in moral psychology into the biological, environmental, and cultural influences on morality? The question can be taken in many directions. One that I've wrestled with has to do with debates about genetic engineering, where a common concern is that genetic alteration of other organisms, and maybe also of humans, doesn't sit well with the kind of relationship that people want to have to nature.
The psychology of autonomy
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: May 2016

In May 2016, right around the time that this issue of the Hastings Center Report should be published, The Hastings Center is holding a conference in New York City titled “Bioethics Meets Moral Psychology.” The goal of the conference is to consider the lessons that bioethicists should learn from the raft of literature now accumulating on how the mental processes of perception, emotion, and thinking affect things that bioethicists care about, from the education of health care professionals to the conflicts that arise in clinical care, the “culture wars” over bioethical policy issues, the status of different cultures’ value systems, and the very understanding of the values that are foundational in moral thinking. The articles in this issue simply provide more evidence that bioethics is meeting moral psychology.
Medicare and Advance Planning: The Importance of Context
Authors: Dresser Rebecca
Published: May 2016

In January 2016, a long‐delayed Medicare change took effect. The Medicare program will now reimburse doctors for time they spend talking with patients about end‐of‐life care. This is the move that Sarah Palin and other Affordable Care Act critics said would authorize government “death panels” to decide whether older Americans should live or die. Today virtually no one buys into Palin's death panel rhetoric. But many people do think the Medicare change is a big deal. Representative Earl Blumenauer, a Democrat from Oregon who sponsored the original ACA reimbursement proposal, lauded the Medicare provision as “a turning point in end‐of‐life care.” Others are not so sure about that. After all, laws promoting advance care planning have existed for decades. The federal Patient Self‐Determination Act of 1990 and the many court decisions and state laws supporting advance care planning have had relatively little impact. Similarly, legal recognition of physician orders for life‐sustaining treatment as advance planning instruments have not produced the improvements that were predicted. And from a broad perspective, advance care planning is a small piece of the puzzle. The effort to improve end‐of‐life care must take into account the limitations of advance decision‐making, as well as the overriding importance of the general standard of care for terminally ill patients.
Implementation of a comprehensive competency‐based transoral robotic surgery training curriculum with ex vivo dissection models
Authors: Sobel Ryan H. , Blanco Ray , Ha Patrick K. , Califano Joseph A. , Kumar Rajesh , Richmon Jeremy D.
Published: May 2016

Background

Despite its increasingly widespread adoption of transoral robotic surgery (TORS), there is still no uniform training curriculum. The purpose of this study was to describe the results of our novel TORS curriculum training program in which we introduce ex vivo dissection models for radical tonsillectomy and base of tongue (BOT) resections.

Methods

Prospective blinded data collection and objective assessment of a novel training curriculum. Trainee performance was evaluated on objective structured assessments of technical skills (OSATS) metrics, measured resection time, and margin analysis. Additionally, 4 expert TORS surgeons completed the ex vivo dissections.

Results

Trainees achieved OSATS scores similar to those of experts in both the BOT resection and radical tonsillectomy models. Peripheral and deep surgical margin measurements in the BOT model were significantly improved after training and were comparable to experts.

Conclusion

This graduated curriculum provides a realistic training experience to develop competency with oropharyngeal resections before transition to the operating room. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First–1563, 2016
Design of Minimum Cost Earthen Channels Having Side Slopes Riveted With Different Types of Riprap Stones and Unlined Bed by Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Gupta S.K. , Mishra Umank , Singh Vijay p.
Published: May 2016

Several design alternatives for a trapezoidal earthen channel whose side slopes are riveted with riprap stones and bottom is unlined were analysed to compare the performance of different types of stones (round, sub‐round and sub‐angular, and angular) for minimum cost and performance effectiveness. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was implemented to determine the minimum cost channel in contrast with earlier alternatives relating to the most hydraulically efficient sections. Both clear water and sediment‐laden flow conditions were applied to investigate the effect of flowing water characteristics on optimality, which is not available in the literature. Optimal design of channels incorporating land acquisition cost is scanty; therefore, land cost was also included in the objective function. In addition to the design of a channel without freeboard, different freeboard scenarios, including depth‐dependent equations, were applied to assess the impact of freeboard provision methodologies on optimal channel dimensions and cost. It was found that the channels having angular riprap revetment for sediment‐laden flow conditions offered the minimum cost of construction, with sub‐round and sub‐angular, and round stones coming next in sequence, and the freeboard provisions also impacted the channel shape, dimensions and cost. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examination of efficacious, efficient, and socially valid error‐correction procedures to teach sight words and prepositions to children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kodak Tiffany , Campbell Vincent , Bergmann Samantha , LeBlanc Brittany , Kurtz‐Nelson Eva , Cariveau Tom , Haq Shaji , Zemantic Patricia , Mahon Jacob
Published: May 2016

Prior research shows that learners have idiosyncratic responses to error‐correction procedures during instruction. Thus, assessments that identify error‐correction strategies to include in instruction can aid practitioners in selecting individualized, efficacious, and efficient interventions. The current investigation conducted an assessment to compare 5 error‐correction procedures that have been evaluated in the extant literature and are common in instructional practice for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results showed that the assessment identified efficacious and efficient error‐correction procedures for all participants, and 1 procedure was efficient for 4 of the 5 participants. To examine the social validity of error‐correction procedures, participants selected among efficacious and efficient interventions in a concurrent‐chains assessment. We discuss the results in relation to prior research on error‐correction procedures and current instructional practices for learners with ASD.
Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots Nanoparticles by Cyclic Voltammetry and Its Application as Methanol Tolerant Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Kakaei Karim , Javan Hakimeh , Mohammadi Hadi Beyg
Published: May 2016

Carbon quantum dot (CQD) nanoparticles are synthesized by one‐step electrochemical method, cyclic voltammetry (CV), at different potentials using graphite rods and NaOH/EtOH as electrolyte. The electro‐chemically manufactured CQD is characterized by Transmission electron microscopy, Ultra violet absorption, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The morphology and microstructure methods confirm the formation of high quality CQD. Finally, we design a new gas diffusion electrode (GDE) based on CQD pasted on carbon paper for the oxygen reduction reaction at cathode side as methanol tolerance in direct methanol fuel cell and compared it with standard Pt‐C catalysts using cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry. The ORR results in presence of methanol indicate that the GDE prepared from CQD exhibits methanol tolerance compared to the GDE prepared from Pt/C (Electrochem).
Environment‐sensitive Fluorescent Turn‐on Chemical Probe for the Specific Detection of O‐Methylguanine‐DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) in Living Cells
Authors: Lai Wan‐Yi , Tan Kui‐Thong
Published: May 2016

MGMT protein, which has been associated with resistance to antitumor alkylation drugs for many patients, is a very useful prognostic marker to provide a guide for therapeutic decisions. Considering the large number of cellular samples that have to be handled daily at the hospitals, it is thus important to develop a rapid and simple analytical method to distinguish MGMT activity in different types of cells. In this paper, we describe a MGMT‐activated fluorescence turn‐on probe for the rapid no‐wash imaging of MGMT in living cells. The probe consists of a specific MGMT suicide pseudosubstrate, O6‐benzyl‐guanine and an environment‐sensitive fluorophore, SBD. In the presence of MGMT, the enzyme transfers SBD to the protein active site where the hydrophobic surrounding causes the fluorophore to exhibit more than 50‐fold fluorescence enhancement. With this probe, bright fluorescence was observed for MGMT‐positive, Hela S3 and MCF‐7 cells, while MGMT‐deficient CHO cells displayed no fluorescence. We believe that this fluorescence activation probe design can also be extended to detect other transferases, for which there are still no effective methods to image them in living cells.
Emotional Dysregulation in Adults With Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder–Validity, Predictability, Severity, and Comorbidity
Authors: Corbisiero Salvatore , Mörstedt Beatrice , Bitto Hannes , Stieglitz Rolf‐Dieter
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, this triad might not be able to explain the complete spectrum of ADHD symptoms, as emotional dysregulation (ED) frequently seems to accompany the disorder. The aim of this study was to further understand the role of ED in adult ADHD.

Method

The sample comprised 393 adults with ADHD without or with comorbidity, and 121 adults without ADHD or any other mental disorder. Additionally, the sample focused on ED. The contribution of core symptoms and the effect of comorbidity on ED were tested and the predictive value of ED for the ADHD diagnosis itself analyzed. Finally, all subjects were categorized into groups–No ADHD, ADHD, and ADHD + ED–to analyze the differences in the severity of ADHD symptomatology in the three groups.

Results

ED levels were found to be elevated in patients with ADHD. The core symptoms affected ED, and the ADHD diagnosis was predicted by ED. The addition of ED to a regression model with the core symptoms was shown to improve the predictability of the ADHD diagnosis. The presence of ED proved to be an indicator of the severity of adult ADHD independent of a present comorbidity.

Conclusions

ED is a significant symptom in adult patients with ADHD and appears to be associated with ADHD itself. Whilst the presence of other mental disorders intensifies symptoms of ED, ED seems not to manifest solely as a consequence of comorbidity.
Acetylacetaldehyde Dimethyl Acetal as Versatile Precursors for the Synthesis of Arylazonicotinic Acid Derivatives: Green Multicomponent Syntheses of Bioactive Poly‐Heteroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Hassaneen Huwaida M. E. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: May 2016

A simple and efficient one‐pot synthesis of interesting arylhydrazonals could be achieved via coupling of acetylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal with aromatic diazonium salts. Dimroth type rearrangement was observed during the reaction of the arylhydrazonals with malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate leading to the formation of arylazonicotinic acid derivatives. The reaction of arylhydrazonals with malononitrile and aldehydes in the presence of DABCO afforded 4‐styryl‐1,2‐dihydropyridine‐3‐carbonitrile whose structure was established by X‐ray crystallography. Pyrazolyl‐enaminone was accomplished and used as a scaffold to synthesize bioactive fused heterocyclic compounds such as 1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine 28, benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine 30 and pyrazole[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives 32.
Setal morphology of grooming appendages in the spider crab, Libinia dubia
Authors: Wortham Jen L. , LaVelle Amanda D.
Published: May 2016

In crustaceans, grooming behaviors decrease fouling by removing debris from the exoskeleton and body structures; these grooming behaviors improve respiration, sensory reception, movement, and reproduction. Setal morphologies of the following grooming appendages in the decapod crustacean spider crab Libinia dubia are examined including the first pereiopod (cheliped), first, second, and third maxillipeds (mouthparts), and first, second, and third epipods (internal extensions of the maxillipeds). The objective of this study was to describe setal morphologies of these grooming appendages and to elucidate possible functions and efficiencies of setal structures. Spider crabs are hypothesized to have elaborate setal morphologies, mainly for cleaning specialized decorating setae as well as for cleaning inside the gill chamber, which has a higher likelihood of becoming fouled compared to other decapods such as shrimps. Fourteen setal types are documented and included several varieties of serrate and pappose setae as well as simple setae, cuspidate setae, papposerrate setae, and canoe setae. Maxillipodal epipods in the gill chamber are free of fouling, suggesting the setation on the third maxilliped protopod has an efficient functional morphology in removing debris before water enters the gill chamber. Serrate setae may function for detangling and separating structures whereas pappose setae may function for fine detailed grooming. The cheliped is the only grooming appendage that can reach decorating setae and it contains only pappose setae; thus decorating setae is not likely groomed in a manner that would greatly decrease fouling. J. Morphol. 277:1045–1061, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variability of runoff‐based drought conditions in the conterminous United States
Authors: McCabe Gregory J. , Wolock David M. , Austin Samuel H.
Published: May 2016

In this study, a monthly water‐balance model is used to simulate monthly runoff for 2109 hydrologic units (HUs) in the conterminous United States (CONUS) for water‐years 1901 through 2014. The monthly runoff time series for each HU were smoothed with a 3‐month moving average, and then the 3‐month moving‐average runoff values were converted to percentiles. For each HU, a drought was considered to occur when the HU runoff percentile dropped to the 20th percentile or lower. A drought was considered to end when the HU runoff percentile exceeded the 20th percentile. After identifying drought events for each HU, the frequency and length of drought events were examined. Results indicated that (1) the longest mean drought lengths occur in the eastern CONUS and parts of the Rocky Mountain region and the northwestern CONUS, (2) the frequency of drought is highest in the southwestern and central CONUS, and lowest in the eastern CONUS, the Rocky Mountain region, and the northwestern CONUS, (3) droughts have occurred during all months of the year and there does not appear to be a seasonal pattern to drought occurrence, (4) the variability of precipitation appears to have been the principal climatic factor determining drought, and (5) for most of the CONUS, drought frequency appears to have decreased during the 1901 through 2014 period.
Polyphenol Conjugates by Immobilized Laccase: The Green Synthesis of Dextran‐Catechin
Authors: Vittorio Orazio , Cojoc Monica , Curcio Manuela , Spizzirri Umile Gianfranco , Hampel Silke , Nicoletta Fiore Pasquale , Iemma Francesca , Dubrovska Anna , Kavallaris Maria , Cirillo Giuseppe
Published: May 2016

Dextran‐catechin conjugate with high functionalization degree is synthesized by using a fully green process based on the chemistry of laccase immobilized on hydrogel film. By UV‐induced radical polymerization, the enzyme is immobilized into acrylate hydrogel film resulting in a highly performing biocatalyst (residual catalytic activity of 60% upon immobilization). 1H‐NMR studies of dextran‐catechin conjugate allow the elucidation of the reaction mechanism and the assessment of the functionalization degree (128 mg of catechin per gram of conjugate). Cell viability studies performed in neuroblastoma cells clearly prove the anticancer potential of the conjugate (IC50 value of 17.03 μg mL−1) while being well tolerated by nonmalignant cells. The efficiency of this conjugate is found to be similar to dextran‐catechin, previously prepared by free radical reaction. This novel green approach of synthesis for dextran‐catechin opens new perspectives for the environmentally sustainable development of novel natural derived drugs to treat neuroblastoma and other cancers.

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Fluorinated POSS‐Star Polymers for 19F MRI
Authors: Wang Kewei , Peng Hui , Thurecht Kristofer J. , Whittaker Andrew K.
Published: May 2016

Star polymers with a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) core and eight partly fluorinated arms have been synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. A macroCTA having eight chain transfer agent (CTA) molecules attached to a POSS core is prepared and used for the synthesis of star polymers by the R‐group approach. The arms are composed of statistical copolymers of 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl acrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate. The polymerization kinetics are studied, and yield of star polymer is optimized. Star polymers having different arm lengths are prepared and characterized. The star polymers exhibit a single 19F resonance in 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectra in aqueous solution, and the T2 relaxation time increases with arm length. The relaxation properties and the fluorine content are consistent with these polymers being effective 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents. This work indicates that these POSS‐star polymers have potential as theranostic agents for 19F MRI and drug delivery.

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Current Approaches in Improving Hemocompatibility of Polymeric Membranes for Biomedical Application
Authors: Salimi Esmaeil , Ghaee Azadeh , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Sean Goh Pei
Published: May 2016

Suitable membranes for blood‐contacting medical applications need to be resistant in confrontation with blood proteins and cells, while possessing high blood compatibility and permeability at the same time. Herein, an overview of the recent advances and strategies that have been used to enhance the hemocompatibility of polymeric membranes is provided. The review focuses on two modification strategies: (i) physical modifications and (ii) chemical modifications. It also highlights the current progress in the design of hemocompatible‐functionalized membranes for biomedical applications. Subsequently, the commonly applied biocompatibility tests are also discussed and finally the future perspectives of the application of polymeric membranes in the biomedical field are presented.

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Fabrication, Morphology Control, and Electroless Metal Deposition of Electrospun ABS Fibers
Authors: Chiu Yu‐Jing , Chi Mu‐Huan , Liu Ying‐Hsuan , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: May 2016

Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) is a polymer composing of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. It has been widely used in industry because of its good mechanical and physical properties. The fabrication of ABS fibers, however, has been rarely studied. Here the fabrication of ABS fibers has been reported by an electrospinning technique, in which the sizes and morphologies of the fibers can be controlled by adjusting the electrospinning conditions. The morphologies of the ABS fibers can also be transformed by annealing the fibers on poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films. After annealing, the ABS fibers gradually transform to ABS particles embedded in the PMMA films by a mechanism similar to the Rayleigh‐instability‐type transformation. To extend the applications of the electrospun ABS fibers, electroless deposition of copper is also conducted, resulting in copper‐coated ABS fibers.

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Positive solutions for second order boundary value problems with derivative terms
Authors: Li Yongxiang
Published: May 2016

This paper weals with the existence of positive solutions of the fully second‐order boundary value problem
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201500040:mana201500040-math-0001where is continuous. Under the conditions that the nonlinearity may be superlinear or sublinear growth on x and y, the existence results of positive solutions are obtained. For the superlinear case, a Nagumo‐type condition is presented to restrict the growth of f on y. The superlinear and sublinear growth of the nonlinearity f are described by inequality conditions instead of the usual upper and lower limits conditions. Our discussion is based on the fixed point index theory in cones.
Redox‐Responsive Micelles with Cores Crosslinked via Click Chemistry
Authors: Zhang Xiaojin , Dong Hui , Fu Shuangli , Zhong Zhenlin , Zhuo Renxi
Published: May 2016

Redox‐responsive micelles with cores crosslinked via click chemistry are developed to improve the stability of polymer micelles. Amphiphilic block copolymer mPEG‐b‐P(DTC‐ADTC) with pendant azido groups on the hydrophobic chains is synthesized by the ring‐opening polymerization of 2,2‐bis(azidomethyl)trimethylene carbonate (ADTC) and 2,2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate (DTC) with monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) as an initiator. mPEG‐b‐P(DTC‐ADTC) self‐assemble to form the micelles in aqueous solution and the cores of the micelles are crosslinked via click chemistry to afford redox‐responsive core‐crosslinked micelles. Core‐crosslinking enhances the stability of the micelles in aqueous solution and improve the drug‐loading property. The redox‐responsive core‐crosslinked micelles can be reduced by the addition of reducing agents such as dithiothreitol (DTT), and thus release the loaded drug quickly in the presence of DTT.

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Regio‐ and Stereochemical Control in Ocimene Polymerization by Half‐Sandwich Rare‐Earth Metal Dialkyl Complexes
Authors: Peng Deqian , Du Gaixia , Zhang Pengfei , Yao Bo , Li Xiaofang , Zhang Shaowen
Published: May 2016

The polymerization of ocimene has been first achieved by half‐sandwich rare‐earth metal dialkyl complexes in combination with activator and AliBu3. The regio‐ and stereoselectivity in the ocimene polymerization can be controlled by tuning the cyclopentadienyl ligand and the central metal of the complex. The chiral cyclopentadienyl‐ligated Sc complex 1 prepares syndiotactic cis‐1,4‐polyocimene (cis‐1,4‐selectivity up to 100%, rrrr = 100%), while the corresponding Lu, Y, and Dy complexes 2–4 and the achiral pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Sc, Lu, and Y complexes 5–7 afford isotactic trans‐1,2‐polyocimenes (trans‐1,2‐selectivity up to 100%, mm = 100%).

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Highly Isospecific Polymerization of Silyl‐Protected ω‐Alkenols Using an [OSSO]‐Type Bis(phenolato) Dichloro Zirconium(IV) Precatalyst
Authors: Saito Yusuke , Nakata Norio , Ishii Akihiko
Published: May 2016

The coordination polymerization of silyl‐protected ω‐alkenols such as ω‐alken‐α‐oxytriisopropylsilanes 1 provides poly(ω‐alkenyl‐α‐oxytriisopropylsilalne)s with a highly isospecific microstructure ([mmmm] > 95%) when a combination of [OSSO]‐type bis(phenolato) dichloro zirconium(IV) complex 2 and dried methylaluminoxane is used as the precatalyst and activator, respectively. The resulting siloxy‐substituted polymers could be efficiently transformed into the corresponding functionalized polyolefins, which contained up to 90% acetyl groups and ≈7% hydroxy groups in the terminal side chains.

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A review on the mass spectrometric studies of americium: Present status and future perspective
Authors: Aggarwal Suresh Kumar
Published: May 2016

The manuscript reviews the various mass spectrometric techniques for analysis and chemical studies of Americium. These methods include thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), and inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometry (ICPMS) for the determination of Am isotope ratios and concentration in nuclear fuel samples of interest in nuclear technology, and in complex biological and environmental samples. Ultra‐sensitive mass spectrometric techniques of resonance‐ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS), and accelerator‐based mass spectrometry (AMS) are also discussed. The novel applications of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS) to understand the solution chemistry of Am and other actinides are presented. These studies are important in view of the world‐wide efforts to develop novel complexing agents to separate lanthanides and minor actinides (Am, Np, and Cm) for partitioning and transmutation of minor actinides from the point of view of nuclear waste management. These mass spectrometry experiments are also of great interest to examine the covalent character of actinides with increasing atomic number. Studies on gas‐phase chemistry of Am and its oxides with Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry (KEMS), Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR‐MS), and laser‐based experiments with reflectron time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (R‐ToF) are highlighted. These studies are important to understand the fundamental chemistry of 5f electrons in actinides. Requirement of certified isotopic reference materials of Am to improve the accuracy of experimental nuclear data (e.g., the half‐life of 243Am) is emphasized. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev
Gonadotropin and tumorigenesis: Direct and indirect effects on inflammatory and immunosuppressive mediators and invasion
Authors: Khare Priyanka , Bose Anjali , Singh Poonam , Singh Sandhya , Javed Saleem , Jain Swatantra Kumar , Singh Om , Pal Rahul
Published: May 2016

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone essential for pregnancy, is also ectopically expressed by a variety of cancers and is associated with poor prognosis; molecular mechanisms which may contribute to tumor progression remain ill‐defined. Exogenous hCG enhanced the viability of human colorectal and lung cancer cells and promoted the growth of syngeneic tumors in mice. It induced the synthesis of VEGF, IL‐8, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9, and increased invasiveness in an MMP‐dependent manner. While inducing the secretion of the tumor‐associated extra‐cellular matrix proteoglycan versican from tumor cells, hCG consequently caused the TLR‐2‐mediated generation of the inflammatory, tumor‐associated cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6 from peripheral blood adherent cells. The molecule up‐modulated the Treg‐associated transcription factor FOXP3 in tumor cells and increased the secretion of TGFβ and IL‐10, thereby inhibiting T cell proliferation and inducing the differentiation FOXP3‐CD4+CD25‐ cells into functional FOXP3+CD4+CD25+ suppressor cells. Co‐culture of hCG‐treated tumor cells with mature bone‐marrow derived dendritic cells induced the generation of active indoleamine deoxygenase. While anti‐hCG antibodies restricted the growth of implanted tumor cells in nude mice, immunization of immune competent mice with a βhCG‐TT conjugate supplemented with Mycobacterium indicus pranii provided synergistic survival benefit in animals implanted with syngeneic, hCG‐responsive tumor cells. These studies elucidate the pathways by which hCG can promote tumorigenesis, providing further rationale for anti‐hCG vaccination in the treatment of gonadotropin‐sensitive tumors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flaxseed Supplementation in Metabolic Syndrome Management: A Pilot Randomized, Open‐labeled, Controlled Study
Authors: Yari Zahra , Rahimlou Mehran , Poustchi Hossein , Hekmatdoost Azita
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of flaxseed supplementation plus lifestyle modification in comparison with lifestyle modification alone in the management of metabolic syndrome (MetS). A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 44 patients with MetS. Participants were assigned to receive either the lifestyle advice and 30‐g brown milled flaxseed daily or only the lifestyle advice as the control group. The percentage of individuals with MetS decreased from baseline by 50% and 82% in the control and intervention group, respectively. The reversion rate of central obesity was higher in the flaxseed group (36%) than control group (13%). Moreover, greater reduction in insulin resistance was observed in flaxseed group in comparison with control group (p < 0.001). Body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index decreased significantly in both groups with a significantly greater reduction in flaxseed group in comparison with controls (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in blood pressure in any groups. Our results indicate that co‐administration of flaxseed with lifestyle modification is more effective than lifestyle modification alone in management of MetS; whether these effects will be sustained with longer treatment durations remains to be determined. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in Peptide Functionalization on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Hu Jing‐Jing , Xiao Dong , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: May 2016

During the last decade, using versatile, promising, and fascinating mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as site‐specific and stimuli‐responsive drug delivery systems (DDSs) has received concentrated research interest. As one of the most attractive surface modification units, peptides have inherent bioactivity, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Recent progresses in the utilization of versatile peptides for surface functionalization of MSNs to achieve cell‐specific targeting, fluorescence imaging, and intracellular diagnosis and treatment of tumors are summarized in this review. The various functional peptides decorated on the MSNs are introduced and classified into three types, including targeting peptides, stimuli‐responsive peptides and multifunctional chimeric peptides. The limitations and challenges of peptide modified MSNs and their potential applications are further discussed.
Understanding the Role of Dynamic Wettability for Condensate Microdrop Self‐Propelling Based on Designed Superhydrophobic TiO2 Nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Songnan , Huang Jianying , Tang Yuxin , Li Shuhui , Ge Mingzheng , Chen Zhong , Zhang Keqin , Lai Yuekun
Published: May 2016

The ability to release the adhered drops on superhydrophobic surfaces is very important for self‐cleaning, antifrosting/icing, microfluidic device, and heat transfer applications. In this paper, three types of in situ electrochemical anodizing TiO2 nanostructure films are rationally designed and fabricated on titanium substrates with special superwettability, viz., TiO2 nanotube arrays, irregular TiO2 nanotube arrays, and hierarchical TiO2 particle arrays (HTPA), and their corresponding behavior in condensate microdrop self‐propelling (CMDSP) is investigated. Compared to the flat titanium counterpart, all three types of rough TiO2 samples demonstrate a uniform distribution of smaller microscale droplets. Among the treated surfaces, the HTPA possesses the highest condensate density, and more than 80% of the droplets possess a diameter below 10 μm. Theoretical analysis indicates that the feature is mainly due to the morphology and structure induced extremely low droplet adhesion on super‐antiwetting TiO2 hierarchical surfaces, where the excess surface energy released from the migration leads to the self‐propelling of merged microdrop. This work offers a way to rationally construct CMDSP surfaces with excellent self‐cleaning, antifrosting/icing ability, and enhanced condensation heat transfer efficiency.
“Really,” “Not Possible,” “I Can't Believe It”: Exploring Informational Text in Literature Circles
Authors: Barone Diane , Barone Rebecca
Published: May 2016

Fifth graders' interpretations of nonfiction or informational text were explored. Each literature circle group read and responded to informational text. Discoveries included that students' conversations and written responses were closely connected to text and that students created multimodal responses.
Prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonate by third‐trimester fetal biometry and impact of ultrasound–delivery interval
Authors: Reboul Q. , Delabaere A. , Luo Z. C. , Nuyt A.‐M. , Wu Y. , Chauleur C. , Fraser W. , Audibert F.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To compare third‐trimester ultrasound screening methods to predict small‐for‐gestational age (SGA), and to evaluate the impact of the ultrasound–delivery interval on screening performance.

Methods

In this prospective study, data were collected from a multicenter singleton cohort study investigating the links between various exposures during pregnancy with birth outcome and later health in children. We included women, recruited in the first trimester, who had complete outcome data and had undergone third‐trimester ultrasound examination. Demographic, clinical and biological variables were also collected from both parents. We compared prediction of delivery of a SGA neonate (birth weight < 10th percentile) by the following methods: abdominal circumference (AC) Z‐score based on Hadlock curves (Hadlock AC), on INTERGROWTH‐21st Project curves (Intergrowth AC) and on Salomon curves (Salomon AC); estimated fetal weight (EFW) Z‐score based on Hadlock curves (Hadlock EFW) and on customized curves from Gardosi (Gardosi EFW); and fetal growth velocity based on change in AC between second and third trimesters (FGVAC). We also assessed the following ultrasound–delivery intervals: ≤ 4 weeks, ≤ 6 weeks and ≤ 10 weeks.

Results

Third‐trimester ultrasound was performed in 1805 patients with complete outcome data, of whom 158 (8.8%) delivered a SGA neonate. Ultrasound examination was at a median gestational age of 32 (interquartile range, 31–33) weeks. The ultrasound–delivery interval was ≤ 4 weeks in 17.2% of cases, ≤ 6 weeks in 48.1% of cases and ≤ 10 weeks in 97.3% of cases. Areas under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC) were 0.772 for Salomon AC, 0.768 for Hadlock EFW, 0.766 for Hadlock AC, 0.765 for Intergrowth AC, 0.708 for Gardosi EFW and 0.674 for FGVAC (all P < 0.0001). The screening method with the highest AUC for an ultrasound–delivery interval ≤ 4 weeks was Salomon AC (AUC, 0.856), ≤ 6 weeks was Hadlock AC (AUC, 0.824) and ≤ 10 weeks was Salomon AC (AUC, 0.780). At a fixed 10% false‐positive rate, the best detection rates were 60.0%, 54.1% and 42.1% for intervals ≤ 4, ≤ 6 and ≤ 10 weeks, respectively.

Conclusion

Third‐trimester ultrasound measurements provide poor to moderate prediction of SGA. A shorter ultrasound–delivery interval provides better prediction than does a longer interval. Further studies are needed to test the effect of including maternal or biological characteristics in SGA screening. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.