bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steroidal glycoalkaloids: chemical defence of edible African nightshades against the tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Jared Juma J , Murungi Lucy K , Wesonga John , Torto Baldwyn
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Tetranychus evansi is an invasive pest of solanaceous crops in Africa, and in the field it differentially attacks edible African nightshades. The chemical basis for the differential attack on these plant species is largely unknown. Using bioassays and chemical analysis, we investigated the differential bioactivity of leaf extracts of three edible African nightshade species, Solanum sarrachoides, S. scabrum and S. villosum, on adult T. evansi females.

RESULTS

Only the bioactivity of the leaf extract of S. sarrachoides (LC50 7.44 mg mL−1) and that of its most polar fraction (LC50 5.44 mg mL−1) paralleled that of the positive control, neem oil (LC50 1.89 mg mL−1), across all doses tested. Liquid chromatography–quadruple time of flight–mass spectrometry identified a mixture of steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs), including α‐solasonine, α‐solamargine and derivatives of tomatine and demissine, which were neither detected in the crude extract nor in any of the fractions obtained from S. scabrum and S. villosum.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the presence of SGAs may play a key role in the differential defence of edible African nightshades against attack by T. evansi. These findings may add to the plethora of environmentally friendly tools from natural plant products for management of T. evansi. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of metal‐rich growth conditions on the microstructure of ScxGa1−xN films grown using molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Tsui H. C. L. , Goff L. E. , Barradas N. P. , Alves E. , Pereira S. , Beere H. E. , Farrer I. , Nicoll C. A. , Ritchie D. A. , Moram M. A.
Published: August 2015

Epitaxial ScxGa1−xN films with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.50 were grown using molecular beam epitaxy under metal‐rich conditions. The ScxGa1−xN growth rate increased with increasing Sc flux despite the use of metal‐rich growth conditions, which is attributed to the catalytic decomposition of N2 induced by the presence of Sc. Microstructural analysis showed that phase‐pure wurtzite ScxGa1−xN was achieved up to x = 0.26, which is significantly higher than that previously reported for nitrogen‐rich conditions, indicating that the use of metal‐rich conditions can help to stabilise wurtzite phase ScxGa1−xN.
A data‐driven method for the stochastic parametrisation of subgrid‐scale tropical convective area fraction
Authors: Gottwald Georg A. , Peters Karsten , Davies Laura
Published: August 2015

Observations of tropical convection from precipitation radar and the concurring large‐scale atmospheric state at two locations (Darwin and Kwajalein) are used to establish effective stochastic models to parameterise subgrid‐scale tropical convective activity. Two approaches are presented which rely on the assumption that tropical convection induces a stationary equilibrium distribution. In the first approach we parameterise convection variables such as convective area fraction as an instantaneous random realisation conditioned on the large‐scale vertical velocities according to a probability density function estimated from the observations. In the second approach convection variables are generated in a Markov process conditioned on the large‐scale vertical velocity, allowing for non‐trivial temporal correlations. Despite the different prevalent atmospheric and oceanic regimes at the two locations, with Kwajalein being exposed to a purely oceanic weather regime and Darwin exhibiting land‐sea interaction, we establish that the empirical measure for the convective variables conditioned on large‐scale mid‐level vertical velocities for the two locations are close. This allows us to train the stochastic models at one location and then generate time series of convective activity at the other location. The proposed stochastic subgrid‐scale models adequately reproduce the statistics of the observed convective variables and we discuss how they may be used in future scale‐independent mass‐flux convection parameterisations.
The London Model: forecasting fog at 333 m resolution
Authors: Boutle I. A. , Finnenkoetter A. , Lock A. P. , Wells H.
Published: August 2015

A very high resolution numerical weather prediction model is nested inside the Met Office's main United Kingdom forecast model to investigate whether further enhancements to resolution provide any benefit for fog forecasting. The London Model shows similar performance to its lower resolution equivalent at short lead times, but improved performance at longer lead times and an improved frequency bias of forecast fog events. Differences in the model cloud parametrization are the key reason for the differing behaviour, leading to systematically less cloud, colder night time minimum temperatures and therefore more fog in the London Model. Benefit of the enhanced resolution is also found, via an improved representation of how orographic variability enhances turbulence in the stable boundary layer.
Tunable Polarity Behavior and Self‐Driven Photoswitching in p‐WSe2/n‐WS2 Heterojunctions
Authors: Huo Nengjie , Yang Juehan , Huang Le , Wei Zhongming , Li Shu‐Shen , Wei Su‐Huai , Li Jingbo
Published: August 2015

Van der Waals (vdW) p–n heterojunctions consisting of various 2D layer compounds are fascinating new artificial materials that can possess novel physics and functionalities enabling the next‐generation of electronics and optoelectronics devices. Here, it is reported that the WSe2/WS2 p–n heterojunctions perform novel electrical transport properties such as distinct rectifying, ambipolar, and hysteresis characteristics. Intriguingly, the novel tunable polarity transition along a route of n‐“anti‐bipolar”–p‐ambipolar is observed in the WSe2/WS2 heterojunctions owing to the successive work of conducting channels of junctions, p‐WSe2 and n‐WS2 on the electrical transport of the whole systems. The type‐II band alignment obtained from first principle calculations and built‐in potential in this vdW heterojunction can also facilitate the efficient electron–hole separation, thus enabling the significant photovoltaic effect and a much enhanced self‐driven photoswitching response in this system.
On the Epistemic Bilking Argument
Authors: Garrett Brian ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2015

The standard bilking argument is well-known and attempts to prove the impossibility of backwards causation. In this discussion note, I identify an epistemic bilking argument, which has not received sufficient attention in the literature, and indicate how best to respond to it. This response involves a parity argument based on a forwards causation case.
Contact‐facilitated drug delivery with Sn2 lipase labile prodrugs optimize targeted lipid nanoparticle drug delivery
Authors: Pan Dipanjan , Pham Christine T.N. , Weilbaecher Katherine N. , Tomasson Michael H. , Wickline Samuel A. , Lanza Gregory M.
Published: August 2015

Sn2 lipase labile phospholipid prodrugs in conjunction with contact‐facilitated drug delivery offer an important advancement in Nanomedicine. Many drugs incorporated into nanosystems, targeted or not, are substantially lost during circulation to the target. However, favorably altering the pharmacokinetics and volume of distribution of systemic drug delivery can offer greater efficacy with lower toxicity, leading to new prolonged‐release nanoexcipients. However, the concept of achieving Paul Erhlich's inspired vision of a ‘magic bullet’ to treat disease has been largely unrealized due to unstable nanomedicines, nanosystems achieving low drug delivery to target cells, poor intracellular bioavailability of endocytosed nanoparticle payloads, and the substantial biological barriers of extravascular particle penetration into pathological sites. As shown here, Sn2 phospholipid prodrugs in conjunction with contact‐facilitated drug delivery prevent premature drug diffusional loss during circulation and increase target cell bioavailability. The Sn2 phospholipid prodrug approach applies equally well for vascular constrained lipid‐encapsulated particles and micelles the size of proteins that penetrate through naturally fenestrated endothelium in the bone marrow or thin‐walled venules of an inflamed microcirculation. At one time Nanomedicine was considered a ‘Grail Quest’ by its loyal opposition and even many in the field adsorbing the pains of a long‐learning curve about human biology and particles. However, Nanomedicine with innovations like Sn2 phospholipid prodrugs has finally made ‘made the turn’ toward meaningful translational success. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 8:85–106. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1355

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures
Recent advances in nanotechnology‐based detection and separation of circulating tumor cells
Authors: Myung Ja Hye , Tam Kevin A. , Park Sin‐jung , Cha Ashley , Hong Seungpyo
Published: August 2015

Although circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood have been widely investigated as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of metastatic cancer, their inherent rarity and heterogeneity bring tremendous challenges to develop a CTC detection method with clinically significant specificity and sensitivity. With advances in nanotechnology, a series of new methods that are highly promising have emerged to enable or enhance detection and separation of CTCs from blood. In this review, we systematically categorize nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, graphenes/graphene oxides, and dendrimers and stimuli‐responsive polymers, used in the newly developed CTC detection methods. This will provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the CTC detection achieved through application of nanotechnology as well as the challenges that these existing technologies must overcome to be directly impactful on human health. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:223–239. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1360

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Parkinson’s disease between internal medicine and neurology
Authors: Csoti Ilona , Jost Wolfgang H. , Reichmann Heinz
Published: August 2015

General medical problems and complications have a major impact on the quality of life in all stages of Parkinson’s disease. To introduce an effective treatment, a comprehensive analysis of the various clinical symptoms must be undertaken. One must distinguish between (1) diseases which arise independently of Parkinson’s disease, and (2) diseases which are a direct or indirect consequence of Parkinson’s disease. Medical comorbidity may induce additional limitations to physical strength and coping strategies, and may thus restrict the efficacy of the physical therapy which is essential for treating hypokinetic-rigid symptoms. In selecting the appropriate medication for the treatment of any additional medical symptoms, which may arise, its limitations, contraindications and interactions with dopaminergic substances have to be taken into consideration. General medical symptoms and organ manifestations may also arise as a direct consequence of the autonomic dysfunction associated with Parkinson’s disease. As the disease progresses, additional non-parkinsonian symptoms can be of concern. Furthermore, the side effects of Parkinson medications may necessitate the involvement of other medical specialists. In this review, we will discuss the various general medical aspects of Parkinson’s disease.
Detection of Test Speededness Using Change-Point Analysis
Authors: Shao Can , Li Jun , Cheng Ying
Published: August 2015

Change-point analysis (CPA) is a well-established statistical method to detect abrupt changes, if any, in a sequence of data. In this paper, we propose a procedure based on CPA to detect test speededness. This procedure is not only able to classify examinees into speeded and non-speeded groups, but also identify the point at which an examinee starts to speed. Identification of the change point can be very useful. First, it informs decision makers of the appropriate length of a test. Second, by removing the speeded responses, instead of the entire response sequence of an examinee suspected of speededness, ability estimation can be improved. Simulation studies show that this procedure is efficient in detecting both speeded examinees and the speeding point. Ability estimation is dramatically improved by removing speeded responses identified by our procedure. The procedure is then applied to a real dataset for illustration purpose.
Genomic signatures for paclitaxel and gemcitabine resistance in breast cancer derived by machine learning
Authors: Dorman Stephanie N. , Baranova Katherina , Knoll Joan H.M. , Urquhart Brad L. , Mariani Gabriella , Carcangiu Maria Luisa , Rogan Peter K.
Published: August 2015

Increasingly, the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy agents for breast cancer has been related to changes in the genomic profile of tumors. We investigated correspondence between growth inhibitory concentrations of paclitaxel and gemcitabine (GI50) and gene copy number, mutation, and expression first in breast cancer cell lines and then in patients. Genes encoding direct targets of these drugs, metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and those previously associated with chemoresistance to paclitaxel (n = 31 genes) or gemcitabine (n = 18) were analyzed. A multi‐factorial, principal component analysis (MFA) indicated expression was the strongest indicator of sensitivity for paclitaxel, and copy number and expression were informative for gemcitabine. The factors were combined using support vector machines (SVM). Expression of 15 genes (ABCC10, BCL2, BCL2L1, BIRC5, BMF, FGF2, FN1, MAP4, MAPT, NFKB2, SLCO1B3, TLR6, TMEM243, TWIST1, and CSAG2) predicted cell line sensitivity to paclitaxel with 82% accuracy. Copy number profiles of 3 genes (ABCC10, NT5C, TYMS) together with expression of 7 genes (ABCB1, ABCC10, CMPK1, DCTD, NME1, RRM1, RRM2B), predicted gemcitabine response with 85% accuracy. Expression and copy number studies of two independent sets of patients with known responses were then analyzed with these models. These included tumor blocks from 21 patients that were treated with both paclitaxel and gemcitabine, and 319 patients on paclitaxel and anthracycline therapy. A new paclitaxel SVM was derived from an 11‐gene subset since data for 4 of the original genes was unavailable. The accuracy of this SVM was similar in cell lines and tumor blocks (70–71%). The gemcitabine SVM exhibited 62% prediction accuracy for the tumor blocks due to the presence of samples with poor nucleic acid integrity. Nevertheless, the paclitaxel SVM predicted sensitivity in 84% of patients with no or minimal residual disease.
The fluid regime of crystallization of water-saturated granitic and pegmatitic magmas: a physicochemical analysis
Authors: Smirnov S.Z.
Published: August 2015

Miarolitic granite pegmatites are a unique natural object that makes it possible to study magmatic processes that lead to the formation of ore-forming media and systems. This paper summarizes modern views on phase transformations in aqueous silicate systems at parameters close to those of the transition from magmatic to hydrothermal crystallization. Comparison of phase diagrams and the results of study of pegmatite-forming media permits making conclusions about the crystallization of the water-saturated magmas of miarolitic granite pegmatites. The fluid regime of aqueous granite systems of simple composition, not enriched in fluxing components, is determined mainly by magma degassing or the supply of volatiles with flows of transmagmatic fluids. These processes cause the separation of essentially carbon dioxide or essentially hydrous fluid. During the evolution of such magmas, crystallization from silicate melt is separated in PT-space and, possibly, in time from the crystallization from aqueous or mixed carbon dioxide–aqueous super- and subcritical solutions. The evolution of chambers of water-saturated granitic and pegmatitic magma enriched in F, B, and alkali metals presupposes the formation of a heterogeneous mineral-forming medium in which crystallization occurs in the magmatic melt at high-temperature stages; as temperature decreases, crystallization can proceed in hydrous fluid, hydrosilicate, and/or hydrosaline liquids simultaneously. Hydrothermal crystallization can also take place in a heterogeneous medium consisting of aqueous solutions of different salinities and vapor or vapor–carbon dioxide gas mixture. The relationship between different fluid regimes during the evolution of volatile-saturated granitic and pegmatitic magmas determines the variety of postmagmatic rocks accompanying granite massifs.
Gold mineralization of the Khaak-Sair gold–quartz ore occurrence in listwänites (western Tuva)
Authors: Kuzhuget R.V. , Zaikov V.V. , Lebedev V.I. , Mongush A.A.
Published: August 2015

We consider mineral assemblages and mineralogical and geochemical peculiarities of hypogene gold from the Khaak-Sair multistage low-sulfide gold-quartz ore occurrence in listwänites. Three productive substages of Au-and Ag-mineral formation have been recognized on the basis of mineralogical studies: gold–sulfosalt–sulfide–quartz, gold–mercury–quartz, and gold–selenide–telluride–sulfide–quartz. These substages were characterized by the following sequences of mineral formation: (1) ultrahigh-fineness gold → high-fineness gold → argental gold (medium- and low-fineness gold) → electrum + Ag-bearing and argental fahlores (up to 50 wt.% Ag) ± acanthite ± hessite; (2) high-fineness gold → Hg-bearing and mercurian gold → mercurian electrum → mercurian kustelite → Au-bearing mercurian silver; and (3) high-fineness gold → mercurian gold → mercurian electrum + naumannite + Te-bearing naumannite + fischesserite + tiemannite + hessite + coloradoite + Ag-bearing minerals of the galena–clausthalite series (up to 6 wt.% Ag) ± Se-cinnabar ± Se-imiterite. Productive mineral assemblages of the ore occurrence formed in the hypabyssal facies (depth ~ 1.5 km, P ~ 0.5 kbar) on the background of a temperature decrease from 290 to 160 °C and variations in f(O2), f(S2), f(Se2), and f(Te2).
Is Proportional Representation More Favourable to the Left? Electoral Rules and Their Impact on Elections, Parliaments and the Formation of Cabinets
Authors: Döring Holger , Manow Philip
Published: August 2015

How do electoral rules affect the composition of governments? It is a robust finding that countries with majoritarian rules more often elect conservative governments than those with proportional representation (PR) electoral systems. There are three explanations for this pattern. The first stresses the impact of voting behaviour: the middle class more often votes for right-wing parties in majoritarian electoral systems, anticipating governments’ redistributive consequences. The second explanation is based on electoral geography: the regional distribution of votes may bias the vote-seat translation against the Left in majoritarian systems due to the wide margins by which the Left wins core urban districts. The third explanation refers to party fragmentation: if the Right is more fragmented than the Left in countries with PR, then there is less chance of a right-wing party gainingformateurstatus. This study tests these three hypotheses for established democracies over the entire post-war period. It finds the first two mechanisms at work in the democratic chain of delegation from voting via the vote-seat translation to the formation of cabinets, while party fragmentation does not seem to co-vary as much as expected with electoral rules. These findings confirm that majoritarian systems have a substantive conservative bias, whereas countries with PR show more differentiated patterns.
Form changes inAmiantis purpurata(Bivalvia, Veneridae) shells over the past 100,000 years in North Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: Bayer M. Sol , Morsan Enrique , Gordillo Sandra , Moran Gisela
Published: August 2015

Amiantis purpuratashells from the San Matías Gulf (SMG) were analysed in order to compare both morphology and size throughout the late Quaternary in relation to environmental changes. Shells from modern beaches, Holocene marine assemblages (late Holocene, 3630 ± 100 yearsbp) and interglacial Pleistocene marine assemblages (MIS 5, 100 ka yearsbp) were studied by measuring the height and length, and using the elliptic Fourier analysis (EFA) to take an outline contour. The Pleistocene shells were smaller, more elliptical and with a deeper lunule than the Holocene and modern ones. No significant differences were recorded in the allometry index throughout the late Quaternary. The variation in size and shape of theA. purpuratashells could be related to the phenotypic plasticity of this species as a response to the environmental changes registered in the SMG during the Quaternary. These changes include variations in sea surface temperatures, salinities and substrates, and also water circulation changes, which would have modified nutrient availability. Morphological changes imply burrowing activity, mechanical stability, nutrient uptake and defence response to predation.
REDISCOVERING AMERICA: POLITICAL ECONOMY OF SPANISH COLONIES ACCORDING TO THE EXPLORERS JUAN-ULLOA, MALASPINA AND HUMBOLDT
Authors: Perdices De Blas Luis , Ramos-Gorostiza José Luis
Published: August 2015

Two scientists and sailors from the Spanish Navy, Jorge Juan and Antonio de Ulloa, the Italian sailor and explorer Alessandro Malaspina, and the German sage Alexander von Humboldt were the main actors in three great voyages to Spanish America between the second-third of the 18thcentury and the beginning of the 19thcentury. This enabled them to provide three first hand«photographs»of the state of the Spanish empire in America at three different moments in time: approximately before, during and after the implementation of colonial reforms designed in the reigns of Ferdinand VI and Charles III. This work aims, in the first place, to compare the socio-economic views of Spanish America deriving from the three expeditions, highlighting similarities and differences. Second, this work aims to connect the analysis of the weaknesses of the politico-institutional organisation of Spanish colonies, which the four travellers did at first hand, with the present debate on the role of colonial institutions in long-term economic development.
Application of Umbilical Artery Classification in Complicated Monochorionic Twins
Authors: Pasquini Lucia , Conticini Silvia , Tomaiuolo Tiziana , Sisti Giovanni , Seravalli Viola , Dani Carlo , Di Tommaso Mariarosaria
Published: August 2015

We report our experience on the application of Gratacos’ classification in a cohort of monochorionic pregnancies complicated by selective intra-uterine growth retardation based on the Doppler assessment of the umbilical artery. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 52 cases of monochorionic twin pregnancies, in which one twin presented an abdominal circumference at or below the 10th percentile for gestational age. Cases were classified into three types according to the umbilical artery Doppler in the smaller twin. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups: the selective IntraUterine Growth Retardation group and the Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) group. Results: Of the total 52 cases, 37 were classified as Type I, 12 as Type II, and 3 as Type III cases. In the total group, progressive fetal deterioration of the smaller fetus requiring active management was observed in 66.7% of Type II and 11.1% of Type I cases (p < .001), and in no Type III case. Unexpected fetal death of the smaller twin was observed more frequently in Type III (two cases, 66.7%) than in Types I and II cases (5% and 33%, respectively). Among the 52 cases, TTTS with oligo-polyhydramnios sequence was diagnosed in 10 cases. The remaining 42 cases were therefore defined as selective intra-uterine growth retardation. In the selective IntraUterine Growth Retardation group, results were similar to those obtained for the whole population. Conclusions: Classification of complicated monochorionic twins based on the umbilical artery Doppler is particularly important for counseling, even when we include TTTS cases, and permits the prediction of clinical evolution and perinatal outcome.
Chinese Cave Inscriptions Tell Woeful Tale of Drought
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: August 2015

Researchers use the graffiti to extrapolate future drought risk in central China.
Prioritizing Development
Authors: Dengo Carlos
Published: August 2015

The chair of AGU's new Development Board announces the board's members and a fundraising goal for this year: getting 12% of our 60,000+ members to donate to the organization's programs.
Ab initio structure determination of n-diamond
Authors: Li Da , Tian Fubo , Chu Binhua , Duan Defang , Sha Xiaojing , Lv Yunzhou , Zhang Huadi , Lu Nan , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: August 2015

A systematic computational study on the crystal structure of n-diamond has been performed using first-principle methods. A novel carbon allotrope with hexagonal symmetry R32 space group has been predicted. We name it as HR-carbon. HR-carbon composed of lonsdaleite layers and unique C3 isosceles triangle rings, is stable over graphite phase above 14.2 GPa. The simulated x-ray diffraction pattern, Raman and energy-loss near-edge spectrum can match the experimental results very well, indicating that HR-carbon is a likely candidate structure for n-diamond. HR-carbon has an incompressible atomic arrangement because of unique C3 isosceles triangle rings. The hardness and bulk modulus of HR-carbon are calculated to be 80 GPa and 427 GPa, respectively, which are comparable to those of diamond. C3 isosceles triangle rings are very important for the stability and hardness of HR-carbon.
A controlled thiol-initiated surface polymerization strategy for the preparation of hydrophilic polymer stationary phases
Authors: Yu Dongping , Shen Aijin , Guo Zhimou , Yan Yukun , Yan Jingyu , Jin Gaowa , Liang Xinmiao
Published: August 2015

A controlled thiol-initiated surface polymerization strategy has been successfully developed and employed to prepare hydrophilic polymer stationary phases, which exhibited excellent chromatographic performance and protein non-fouling properties.
Hole-transfer induced energy transfer in perylene diimide dyads with a donor–spacer–acceptor motif
Authors: Kölle Patrick , Pugliesi Igor , Langhals Heinz , Wilcken Roland , Esterbauer Andreas J. , de Vivie-Riedle Regina , Riedle Eberhard
Published: August 2015

Pump–probe spectroscopy, time resolved fluorescence, chemical variation and quantum chemical calculations reveal an efficient energy transfer mechanism enabled by a bright charge transfer state located on the spacer.
Kinetic analysis of aqueous-phase cyclodehydration of 1,4-butanediol and erythritol over a layered niobium molybdate solid acid
Authors: Takagaki Atsushi
Published: August 2015

HNbMoO6 exhibited the highest activity for erythritol dehydration, which followed a Tamaru mechanism with two successive irreversible steps.
Co3O4/C/graphene nanocomposites as novel anode materials for high capacity lithium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Lei , Fang Dong , Jiang Ming , Chen Jianping , Wang Tao , Wang Qing , Dong Lijie , Xiong Chuanxi
Published: August 2015

A binder-free slurry of a Co3O4/C/graphene nanocomposite with “soft” interfaces between carbon materials and metal oxides has been successfully prepared in this work, and applied as a superior anode material for giant-performance LIBs.
Structure characterization of perfluorosulfonic short side chain polymer membranes
Authors: Kulvelis Yu. V. , Ivanchev S. S. , Lebedev V. T. , Primachenko O. N. , Likhomanov V. S. , Török Gy.
Published: August 2015

Perfluorinated short side chain membranes synthesized by novel aqueous emulsion method demonstrate specific structure dependent on the chemical composition.
Selective enhancement of red emission from upconversion nanoparticles via surface plasmon-coupled emission
Authors: Feng Ai Ling , Lin Min , Tian Limei , Zhu Hong Yuan , Guo Hui , Singamaneni Srikanth , Duan Zhenfeng , Lu Tian Jian , Xu Feng
Published: August 2015

Upconversion nanoparticle and gold nanorod heteronanostructures spaced by a polyelectrolyte are prepared by a layer-by-layer assembly process to enhance red emission.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and adsorption of arsenic(iii) by reduced graphene oxide (rGO)–metal oxide (TiO2/Fe3O4) based nanocomposites
Authors: Benjwal Poonam , Kumar Manish , Chamoli Pankaj , Kar Kamal K.
Published: August 2015

Hazardous methylene blue dye and As(iii) ions from wastewater are removed by the rGO and TiO2/Fe3O4based binary and ternary nanocomposites, where ternary rGO–Fe3O4–TiO2nanocomposite provides maximum degradation and adsorption of the pollutants.
FeCl2-catalyzed hydroboration of aryl alkenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Yuhan , Wang Huan , Qu Jingping
Published: August 2015

Alkylboronates were synthesized by a ligand-free ferrous chloride catalyzed anti-Markovnikov hydroboration of un-activated aryl alkenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron.
Poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) modified graphene for reinforced biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Ming , Deng Xiao-Ying , Du An-Ke , Zhao Tong-Hui , Zeng Jian-Bing
Published: August 2015

Poly(ε-caprolactone) was successfully reinforced with poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) modified graphene nanosheets.
Bioprocess-inspired synthesis of hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped TiO2with high visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zeng Hui , Xie Jingjing , Xie Hao , Su Bao-Lian , Wang Menghu , Ping Hang , Wang Weimin , Wang Hao , Fu Zhengyi
Published: August 2015

A bioprocess-inspired approach is designed to synthesize hierarchically porous N-TiO2with a high photocatalytic activity by using natural proteins as templates.
A carbon sandwich electrode with graphene filling coated by N-doped porous carbon layers for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Niu Shuzhang , Lv Wei , Zhang Chen , Li Fangfei , Tang Linkai , He Yanbing , Li Baohua , Yang Quan-Hong , Kang Feiyu
Published: August 2015

A sheet-like carbon sandwich, which contains a graphene layer as the conductive filling with N-doped porous carbon layers uniformly coated on both sides, is designed as a sulfur reservoir for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Sensitizers with rigidified-aromatics as the conjugated spacers for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Chaurasia Sumit , Liang Chia-Jung , Yen Yung-Sheng , Lin Jiann T.
Published: August 2015

Metal-free dyes with rigidified-aromatic segments as the conjugated spacers for dye-sensitized solar cells are compiled and reviewed.
On-chip aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) formation, consequential self-mixing, and their influence on drop-to-drop aqueous two-phase extraction kinetics
Authors: Wijethunga Pavithra A L , Moon Hyejin
Published: August 2015

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) allow an advantageous aqueous two-phase extraction process (ATPE), a special type of liquid–liquid extraction. Compared with conventional liquid–liquid extraction using aqueous/organic extraction media, ATPE is known to provide relatively easy mass transfer and a gentle environment for biological separation applications. Considering the recent interest in microscale ATPE, we aimed to study (i) the potential of preparing ATPS droplets on a digital microfluidic device, and (ii) the influence of the fluidic dynamics created during the formation of ATPS, with the goal of enhancing on-chip ATPE process. On-chip ATPS formation was evaluated by preparing a series of ATPSs on electrowetting on dielectric digital microfluidic chips and comparing their characteristics with the same ATPSs prepared at macroscale using conventional procedures. An enhanced on-chip drop-to-drop ATPE process was achieved by incorporating a self-mixing condition created during ATPSformation. Results indicate a successful on-chip ATPS preparation as well as enhanced extraction performance by self-mixing in the absence of forced mixing. Findings of this research suggest an alternative, simple, yet adequate technique to provide mixing for on-chip applications, such as sample preparation in portable microfluidics, for which it is unfavorable to implement complicated mixing sequences or complex device geometries.
Increased Circulating Visfatin Is Associated With Progression of Kidney Disease in Non-Diabetic Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Hsu Chien-Yi , Huang Po-Hsun , Chen Tz-Heng , Chiang Chia-Hung , Leu Hsin-Bang , Huang Chin-Chou , Chen Jaw-Wen , Lin Shing-Jong
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUD

Declining renal function is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in cardiovascular disease. Visfatin has been described as a marker of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, but whether circulating visfatin levels are predictive to a subsequent decline in renal function remains unclear.

METHODS

In total, 200 nondiabetic, non-proteinuric hypertensive outpatients with initial serum creatinine (Sc r ) ≤1.5mg/dl were enrolled. Plasma visfatin concentration and endothelial function estimated by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) were determined in the study subjects. The primary endpoints were the occurrence of renal events including doubling of Sc r , 25% loss of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from baseline values, and the occurrence of end-stage renal disease during follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean annual rate of GFR decline (ΔGFR/y) was −1.26±2.76ml/min/1.73 m 2 per year during follow-up (8.6±2.5 years). At baseline, plasma visfatin was negatively correlated with estimated GFR. In longitudinal analysis, the ΔGFR/y was correlated with visfatin, baseline GFR, FMD, systolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Multivariate analysis indicated that increased visfatin ( r = −0.331, P <0.001), baseline GFR ( r = −0.234, P = 0.001), FMD ( r = 0.163, P = 0.015), and FBG ( r = −0.160, P = 0.015) are independent predictors of ΔeGFR/y. Cox regression model analysis showed that visfatin (hazard ratio (HR), 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.13, P <0.001), FBG (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.02, P = 0.020), and FMD (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76–1.00, P = 0.049) were independently associated with the risk of developing future renal events.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased circulating visfatin are associated with subsequent decline in renal function in nondiabetic hypertensive patients.
Magnetic field rotations in the solar wind at kinetic scales
Authors: Chen C. H. K. , Matteini L. , Burgess D. , Horbury T. S.
Published: August 2015

The solar wind magnetic field contains rotations at a broad range of scales, which have been extensively studied in the magnetohydrodynamics range. Here, we present an extension of this analysis to the range between ion and electron kinetic scales. The distribution of rotation angles was found to be approximately lognormal, shifting to smaller angles at smaller scales almost self-similarly, but with small, statistically significant changes of shape. The fraction of energy in fluctuations with angles larger than α was found to drop approximately exponentially with α, with e-folding angle 9.8° at ion scales and 0.66° at electron scales, showing that large angles (α > 30°) do not contain a significant amount of energy at kinetic scales. Implications for kinetic turbulence theory and the dissipation of solar wind turbulence are discussed.
X-ray variability with spectral state transitions in NS-LMXBs observed with MAXI/GSC and Swift/BAT
Authors: Asai Kazumi , Mihara Tatehiro , Matsuoka Masaru , Sugizaki Mutsumi
Published: August 2015

X-ray variabilities with spectral state transitions in bright low-mass X-ray binaries containing a neutron star are investigated by using the one-day bin light curves of MAXI/GSC (Gas Slit Camera) and Swift/BAT (Burst Alert Telescope). Four sources (4U 1636−536, 4U 1705−44, 4U 1608−52, and GS 1826−238) exhibited small-amplitude X-ray variabilities with spectral state transitions. Such “mini-outbursts” were characterized by smaller amplitudes (several times) and shorter duration (less than several tens of days) than those of “normal outbursts.” A theoretical model of disk instability by Mineshige and Osaki (PASJ, 37, 1, 1985) predicts both large-amplitude outbursts and small-amplitude variabilities. We interpret the normal outbursts as the former prediction of this model, and the mini-outbursts as the latter. Here, we can also call the mini-outburst a “purr-type outburst” referring to the theoretical work. We suggest that similar variabilities lasting for several tens of days without spectral state transitions, which are often observed in the hard state, may be repeats of mini-outbursts.
Transpedicular Corpectomy and Cage Placement in the Treatment of Traumatic Lumbar Burst Fractures
Authors: Pham Martin H. , Tuchman Alexander , Chen Thomas C. , Acosta Frank L. , Hsieh Patrick C. , Liu John C.
Published: August 2015

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Objective:

To review the feasibility of a posterior-only approach for instrumented reconstruction in lumbar burst fractures.

Background:

Burst fractures of the lumbar spine have been treated through a variety of techniques, including anterior, posterior, or combined approaches. Here we review series of patients undergoing posterior-only transpedicular corpectomy with instrumented fusion for traumatic lumbar burst fracture.

Methods:

All patients treated at the Los Angeles County+University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Medical Center who had sustained traumatic lumbar burst fractures from February 2005 to February 2014 were reviewed.

Results:

A total of 178 traumatic lumbar burst fractures were identified of which 89 required operative intervention. Of those 89 operations, 7 patients underwent posterior-only approach for transpedicular corpectomy. Levels operated on were at L1 (4 patients), L2 (1 patient), and L4 (2 patients). The mean age was 35 years of age (range, 21–56 y), and mechanism of injury was either motor vehicle accident (5 patients) or fall (2 patients). Initial neurological examination was American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) B in 3 patients, ASIA D in 3 patients, and 1 patient was neurologically intact. Mean thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score on presentation was 6.4 (range, 5–8), whereas the mean load sharing classification score was 7.4 (range, 7–9). Of patients who were not immediately lost to follow-up on hospital discharge, mean clinical follow-up was 45.3 months (range, 18.8–68.6 mo), whereas mean radiographic follow-up was 28.8 months (range, 1.3–63.6 mo). At the last known radiographic follow-up, no patient had gross hardware fracture, pseudoarthrosis, or adjacent segment disease. One patient with the longest radiographic follow-up of 63.6 months was noted to have some minimal subsidence of his cage with no other change in his other hardware.

Conclusion:

A posterior-only approach for transpedicular corpectomy and instrumented fusion is a viable treatment option for lumbar burst fracture which allows for reconstruction of the anterior column while avoiding many of the risks and complications associated with an anterior or combined approach.
Instability in Thoracolumbar Trauma
Authors: Abbasi Fard Salman , Skoch Jesse , Avila Mauricio J. , Patel Apar S. , Sattarov Kamran V. , Walter Christina M. , Baaj Ali A.
Published: August 2015

Study Design:

Review of the articles.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to review all articles related to spinal instability to determine a consensus statement for a contemporary, practical definition applicable to thoracolumbar injuries.

Summary of Background Data:

Traumatic fractures of the thoracolumbar spine are common. These injuries can result in neurological deficits, disability, deformity, pain, and represent a great economic burden to society. The determination of spinal instability is an important task for spine surgeons, as treatment strategies rely heavily on this assessment. However, a clinically applicable definition of spinal stability remains elusive.

Materials and Methods:

A review of the Medline database between 1930 and 2014 was performed limited to papers in English. Spinal instability, thoracolumbar, and spinal stability were used as search terms. Case reports were excluded. We reviewed listed references from pertinent search results and located relevant manuscripts from these lists as well.

Results:

The search produced a total of 694 published articles. Twenty-five articles were eligible after abstract screening and underwent full review. A definition for spinal instability was described in only 4 of them. Definitions were primarily based on biomechanical and classification studies. No definitive parameters were outlined to define stability.

Conclusions:

Thirty-six years after White and Panjabi’s original definition of instability, and many classification schemes later, there remains no practical and meaningful definition for spinal instability in thoracolumbar trauma. Surgeon expertise and experience remains an important factor in stability determination. We propose that, at an initial assessment, a distinction should be made between immediate and delayed instability. This designation should better guide surgeons in decision making and patient counseling.
Effectiveness of three interventions in improving adherence to cervical cancer screening
Authors: López-Torres Hidalgo Jesús , Sánchez Ortiz María P. , Rabanales Sotos Joseba , Simarro Herráez María J. , López-Torres López Jaime , Campos Rosa Monchi
Published: August 2015

In countries where cervical cancer screening programmes are conducted on an opportunistic basis, an active search for women at risk should be made to increase coverage. The objective of our study was to assess the effectiveness of three primary care interventions consisting of providing written, telephone and face-to-face information to increase screening participation among women over the age of 25 years. A randomized experimental study with only one post-test control group was conducted on women aged 25–70 years. A total of 1676 women were randomly distributed into four groups and the following interventions were implemented: written briefing; telephone briefing; an invitation to attend a group meeting and no briefing (control group). The women were evaluated 2 years after the intervention. The outcome variable was participation or nonparticipation in cervical cancer screening. It proved possible to interview a total of 1122 women. Among the groups, homogeneity was tested in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and health-related variables. Women who had undergone cytological testing in the 2 years preceding evaluation had a lower mean age (P<0.001) than women who had not done so (45.5±11.0 vs. 48.8±13.0 years). The proportion of women who had participated in screening was as follows: 35.3% in the written information group [95% confidence interval (CI) 29.8–40.9]; 38.4% in the telephone information group (95% CI 32.5–44.2); 29.3% in the face-to-face information group (95% CI 22.8–35.7) and 26.1% in the control group (95% CI 21.2–30.9), with this difference proving statistically significant (P=0.005). Logistic regression showed that only the interventions based on written or telephone briefing were effective vis-à-vis the control group. In conclusion, both written and telephone information can serve to improve women’s participation in opportunistic cervical cancer screening. Current preventive strategies could be optimized by means of simple interventions within the scope of health professionals.
A Prospective, Multicenter Study of the AIMS65 Score Compared With the Glasgow-Blatchford Score in Predicting Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Outcomes
Authors: Abougergi Marwan S. , Charpentier Joseph P. , Bethea Emily , Rupawala Abbas , Kheder Joan , Nompleggi Dominic , Liang Peter , Travis Anne C. , Saltzman John R.
Published: August 2015

Background:

The AIMS65 score and the Glasgow-Blatchford risk score (GBRS) are validated preendoscopic risk scores for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH).

Goals:

To compare the 2 scores’ performance in predicting important outcomes in UGIH.

Study:

A prospective cohort study in 2 tertiary referral centers and 1 community teaching hospital. Adults with UGIH were included. The AIMS65 score and GBRS were calculated for each patient. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, in-hospital rebleeding, 30-day rebleeding, length of stay, and a composite endpoint of in-hospital mortality, transfusions, or need for intervention (endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical treatment). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated for each score and outcome.

Results:

A total of 298 patients were enrolled. The AIMS65 score was superior to the GBRS in predicting in-hospital mortality (AUROC, 0.85 vs. 0.66; P<0.01) and length of stay (Somer’s D, 0.21 vs. 0.13; P=0.04). The scores were similar in predicting 30-day mortality (AUROC, 0.74 vs. 0.65; P=0.16), in-hospital rebleeding (AUROC, 0.69 vs. 0.62; P=0.19), 30-day rebleeding (AUROC, 0.63 vs. 0.63; P=0.90), and the composite outcome (AUROC, 0.57 vs. 0.59; P=0.49). The optimal cutoffs for predicting in-hospital mortality were an AIMS65 score of 3 and a GBRS score of 10. For predicting rebleeding, the optimal cutoffs were 2 and 10, respectively.

Conclusions:

The AIMS65 score is superior to the GBRS for predicting in-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay for patients with UGIH. The AIMS65 score and GBRS are similar in predicting 30-day mortality, rebleeding, and a composite endpoint.
Repeated Screening Can Be Restricted to At‐Genetic‐Risk Birth Cohorts
Authors: Björck Sara , Lynch Kristian , Brundin Charlotte , Agardh Daniel
Published: August 2015

Objectives:

Celiac disease (CD) is associated with tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (tTGAs) in individuals carrying the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) risk haplotypes DQA1*05:01‐DQB1*02:01 (DQ2) and/or DQA1*03:01‐DQB1*03:02 (DQ8). The aim of the study was to identify CD in an HLA‐genotyped birth cohort prospectively screened for CD.

Methods:

In the initial screening, 13,860 HLA‐DQ–genotyped children were invited, of whom 3435/13,860 (25%) accepted participation. Of the 3435, 1620 (47%) carried DQ2 and/or DQ8, of whom 73 (4.5%) were tTGA positive assessed in radioligand‐binding assays and 56 (3.5%) developed CD. At age 9 years, 13,024 children from the original cohort were re‐invited to follow‐up screening using the same study protocol and tTGA assays as in the first screening. Diagnosis of CD was confirmed by intestinal biopsy in children with persistent tTGA.

Results:

In the follow‐up screening, 1910/4077 (46.8%) carried DQ2 and/or DQ8, of whom 79/1910 (4.1%) were persistently tTGA positive and 72/1907 (3.8%) developed CD. Only 1/2167 (0.05%) child without HLA risk was IgG‐tTGA positive, but did not have CD. Of the 980/1910 (51%) children carrying DQ2 and/or DQ8 who were already screened at 3 years of age, 30/979 (3.1%) were diagnosed as new patients at 9 years of age, compared with 42/928 (4.5%) children who did not participate in the initial screening (P = 0.094).

Conclusions:

Screening for CD can be restricted to children carrying HLA‐DQ2 and/or DQ8. Repeated screening using tTGA is necessary to identify new patients by 9 years of age. These findings may be relevant when considering implementing screening of the general population.