bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Generation of Hypothalamic Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Liheng , Egli Dieter , Leibel Rudolph L.
Published: July 2016

The hypothalamus comprises neuronal clusters that are essential for body weight regulation and other physiological functions. Insights into the complex cellular physiology of this region of the brain are critical to understanding the pathogenesis of obesity, but human hypothalamic cells are largely inaccessible for direct study. Here we describe a technique for generation of arcuate‐like hypothalamic neurons from human pluripotent stem (hPS) cells. Early activation of SHH signaling and inhibition of BMP and TGFβ signaling, followed by timed inhibition of NOTCH, can efficiently differentiate hPS cells into NKX2.1+ hypothalamic progenitors. Subsequent incubation with BDNF induces the differentiation and maturation of pro‐opiomelanocortin and neuropeptide Y neurons, which are major cell types in the arcuate hypothalamus. These neurons have molecular and cellular characteristics consistent with arcuate neurons. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry Quantitation of Lyso‐Gb3 and Six Related Analogs in Plasma for Fabry Disease Patients
Authors: Boutin Michel , Lavoie Pamela , Abaoui Mona , Auray‐Blais Christiane
Published: July 2016

Fabry disease is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder, caused by a deficit in α‐galactosidase A enzyme activity, leading to the storage of sphingolipids such as globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso‐Gb3), globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), and galabiosylceramide (Ga2) in organs, tissues and biological fluids. A recent metabolomic study performed in plasma revealed lyso‐Gb3 analogs as novel Fabry disease biomarkers. These molecules correspond to lyso‐Gb3 with different chemical modifications on the sphingosine chain (−C2H4, −H2, +O, +H2O, +H2O2, and +H2O3). An ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the multiplex analysis of lyso‐Gb3 and its 6 analogs in plasma. The samples are prepared by solid phase extraction using mixed‐mode strong cation exchange (MCX) cartridges. An in‐house synthesized N‐glycinated lyso‐Gb3 derivative was used for the internal standard. The limits of detection (LODs) measured for lyso‐Gb3 and its analogs ranged from 0.06 to 0.29 nM. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
CRISPR/Cas9‐Based Multiplex Genome Editing in Monocot and Dicot Plants
Authors: Ma Xingliang , Liu Yao‐Guang
Published: July 2016

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9‐mediated genome targeting system has been applied to a variety of organisms, including plants. Compared to other genome‐targeting technologies such as zinc‐finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator–like effector nucleases (TALENs), the CRISPR/Cas9 system is easier to use and has much higher editing efficiency. In addition, multiple “single guide RNAs” (sgRNAs) with different target sequences can be designed to direct the Cas9 protein to multiple genomic sites for simultaneous multiplex editing. Here, we present a procedure for highly efficient multiplex genome targeting in monocot and dicot plants using a versatile and robust CRISPR/Cas9 vector system, emphasizing the construction of binary constructs with multiple sgRNA expression cassettes in one round of cloning using Golden Gate ligation. We also describe the genotyping of targeted mutations in transgenic plants by direct Sanger sequencing followed by decoding of superimposed sequencing chromatograms containing biallelic or heterozygous mutations using the Web‐based tool DSDecode. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
CRISPR‐Cas9‐Guided Genome Engineering in C. elegans
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Min , Colaiácovo Monica P.
Published: July 2016

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)–Cas (CRISPR‐associated) system is successfully being used for efficient and targeted genome editing in various organisms, including the nematode C. elegans. Recent studies have developed various CRISPR‐Cas9 approaches to enhance genome engineering via two major DNA double‐strand break repair pathways: non‐homologous end joining and homologous recombination. Here we describe a protocol for Cas9‐mediated C. elegans genome editing together with single guide RNA (sgRNA) and repair template cloning, as well as injection methods required for delivering Cas9, sgRNAs, and repair template DNA into the C. elegans germline. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Associations between bedtime and nighttime parenting and infant cortisol in the first year
Authors: Philbrook Lauren E. , Teti Douglas M.
Published: July 2016

We examined how maternal care within the bedtime and nighttime contexts influences infant cortisol levels and patterning. Eighty‐two mothers (Mage = 29.4 years) and infants participated in a longitudinal study when infants were 3, 6, and 9 months old. At each time point, bedtime and nighttime parenting were recorded and infant cortisol at bedtime and the following morning was analyzed. Multilevel model analyses showed that infants had lower cortisol levels when mothers were more emotionally available at bedtime, and infants whose mothers responded more often to their non‐distressed cues had lower cortisol levels on average. Less co‐sleeping and more maternal responses to infant distress were linked to healthier cortisol patterning. By shedding light on parenting qualities and behaviors that influence infant cortisol, these results indicate avenues for intervention and suggest the utility of studying parenting in infant sleep contexts.
Detectability of designer benzodiazepines in CEDIA, EMIT II Plus, HEIA, and KIMS II immunochemical screening assays
Authors: Pettersson Bergstrand Madeleine , Helander Anders , Hansson Therese , Beck Olof
Published: July 2016

The emerging new psychoactive substances made available for recreational drug use have recently started to include designer benzodiazepines. As a consequence, the routine immunoassay drug testing for benzodiazepines may become less effective, due to an increased occurrence of ‘false negative’ and ‘false positive’ results. This work aimed to extend the knowledge of analytical cross‐reactivity of 13 designer benzodiazepines in the CEDIA, EMIT II Plus, HEIA, and KIMS II immunoassays. Urine standards were prepared by spiking blank urine with clonazolam, deschloroetizolam, diclazepam, estazolam, etizolam, flubromazepam, flubromazolam, flutazolam, 3‐hydroxyphenazepam, meclonazepam, nifoxipam, phenazepam, and pyrazolam. Authentic urine samples from intoxication cases identified by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) were also investigated. For the spiked standard samples, the 13 designer benzodiazepines generally showed a high cross‐reactivity in all assays. This was further confirmed when investigating their detectability in authentic urine samples from cases of drug intake. The test responses also indicated additional reactivity from metabolites. The lowest detectability in spiked samples was observed for flutazolam, which shows the most divergent chemical structure compared with the other benzodiazepines. Overall, the KIMS II and CEDIA immunoassays, which both include enzymatic hydrolysis of conjugated forms, showed the highest, and EMIT II Plus the lowest degree of reactivity, for spiked parent substances and authentic urine specimens. The results of this study demonstrated that designer benzodiazepines can be detected in standard urine immunoassay drug screening and this should be taken into consideration when performing confirmation analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatotoxicity associated with weight loss or sports dietary supplements, including OxyELITE Pro™ — United States, 2013
Authors: Chatham‐Stephens Kevin , Taylor Ethel , Chang Arthur , Peterson Amy , Daniel Johnni , Martin Colleen , Deuster Patricia , Noe Rebecca , Kieszak Stephanie , Schier Josh , Klontz Karl , Lewis Lauren
Published: July 2016

In September 2013, the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) was notified of seven adults who developed acute hepatitis after taking OxyELITE Pro™, a weight loss and sports dietary supplement. CDC assisted HDOH with their investigation, then conducted case‐finding outside of Hawaii with FDA and the Department of Defense (DoD).

We defined cases as acute hepatitis of unknown etiology that occurred from April 1, 2013, through December 5, 2013, following exposure to a weight loss or muscle‐building dietary supplement, such as OxyELITE Pro™. We conducted case‐finding through multiple sources, including data from poison centers (National Poison Data System [NPDS]) and FDA MedWatch.

We identified 40 case‐patients in 23 states and two military bases with acute hepatitis of unknown etiology and exposure to a weight loss or muscle building dietary supplement. Of 35 case‐patients who reported their race, 15 (42.9%) reported white and 9 (25.7%) reported Asian. Commonly reported symptoms included jaundice, fatigue, and dark urine. Twenty‐five (62.5%) case‐patients reported taking OxyELITE Pro™. Of these 25 patients, 17 of 22 (77.3%) with available data were hospitalized and 1 received a liver transplant. NPDS and FDA MedWatch each captured seven (17.5%) case‐patients.

Improving the ability to search surveillance systems like NPDS and FDA MedWatch for individual and grouped dietary supplements, as well as coordinating case‐finding with DoD, may benefit ongoing surveillance efforts and future outbreak responses involving adverse health effects from dietary supplements. This investigation highlights opportunities and challenges in using multiple sources to identify cases of suspected supplement associated adverse events. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Perceived collective continuity and attitudes toward outgroups
Authors: Warner Ruth H. , Kent Ana H. , Kiddoo Kristin L.
Published: July 2016

In a series of six studies, we examined the role that perceived collective continuity (PCC) plays in intergroup attitudes. While the extant literature focuses on attitudes toward ingroups, the current studies chose to expand upon this research by concentrating on three types of outgroups (national, religious, and organizational). Results indicated that for groups perceived as neutral or positive, increased PCC was associated with more positive attitudes, while for enemy groups, increased PCC was associated with more negative attitudes. Entitativity played a mediating role such that as the outgroup was perceived as more continuous, it was also seen as more entitative. Higher entitativity led to less negative attitudes toward a past ally but more negative attitudes toward a past enemy. Results held whether past conflict and PCC were measured or manipulated, further supporting our findings. PCC has negative or positive implications for judgments of outgroups depending on intergroup history. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epigenomic maintenance through dietary intervention can facilitate DNA repair process to slow down the progress of premature aging
Authors: Ghosh Shampa , Sinha Jitendra Kumar , Raghunath Manchala
Published: July 2016

DNA damage caused by various sources remains one of the most researched topics in the area of aging and neurodegeneration. Increased DNA damage causes premature aging. Aging is plastic and is characterised by the decline in the ability of a cell/organism to maintain genomic stability. Lifespan can be modulated by various interventions like calorie restriction, a balanced diet of macro and micronutrients or supplementation with nutrients/nutrient formulations such as Amalaki rasayana, docosahexaenoic acid, resveratrol, curcumin, etc. Increased levels of DNA damage in the form of double stranded and single stranded breaks are associated with decreased longevity in animal models like WNIN/Ob obese rats. Erroneous DNA repair can result in accumulation of DNA damage products, which in turn result in premature aging disorders such as Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome. Epigenomic studies of the aging process have opened a completely new arena for research and development of drugs and therapeutic agents. We propose here that agents or interventions that can maintain epigenomic stability and facilitate the DNA repair process can slow down the progress of premature aging, if not completely prevent it. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(9):717–721, 2016
Income and Democracy: A Smooth Varying Coefficient Redux
Authors: Lundberg Alexander L. , Huynh Kim P. , Jacho‐Chávez David T.
Published: July 2016

Acemoglu et al. (American Economic Review 2008; 98: 808–842) find no effect of income on democracy when controlling for fixed effects in a dynamic panel model. Work by Moral‐Benito and Bartolucci (Economics Letters 2012; 117: 844–847) and Cervellati et al. (American Economic Review 2014; 104: 707–719) suggests that the original model might have been misspecified and proposes alternative specifications instead. We formally test these parametric specifications by implementing Lee's (Journal of Econometrics 2014; 178: 146–166) dynamic panel test of linear parametric specifications against a general class of nonlinear alternatives robustly and reject all these specifications. However, using a more flexible model proposed by Cai and Li (Econometric Theory 2008; 24: 1321–1342) we find that the relationship between income and democracy appears to be mediated by education, but results are not statistically significant. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do Serum Creatinine Levels Show Clinically Significant Fluctuations on Serial Determinations on the Siemens Advia 1800 Analyzer?
Authors: Levitan Daniel , Harper Aaron E. , Sun Yi , Scarpa Carniello Jose V. , Momeni Amir , Kagan Joshua , Alexis Herol , Eid Ikram , Harris Loretta , Marshal Barbara , Tafani Edlira , Pincus Matthew
Published: July 2016

Background

The goal of this work was to determine whether there are clinically significant fluctuations in the level of serum creatinine on serial determinations, especially in the borderline range (1.1–1.3 mg/dl), after specimen storage.

Methods

Sixty‐one serum samples were analyzed. They were divided into three categories based on the initial serum creatinine measurement: low (≤1.0 mg/dl), borderline (1.1–1.3 mg/dl), and high (≥1.4 mg/dl). The specimens were stored at 4°C and run on the Siemens Advia 1800 chemistry analyzer on days 1, 3, and 11.

Results

Statistical comparisons of the three groups were made using the unpaired t‐test, yielding a two‐tailed P‐value for each group comparison. The P‐values ranged from 0.0829 to 0.3892, indicating no statistically significant difference between the standard deviations of each group.

Conclusions

Mild‐to‐moderate fluctuations in precision occur in successive serum creatinine determinations. The overwhelming majority of these fluctuations should not affect clinical decision making.
Cardiac cachexia: hic et nunc
Authors: Loncar Goran , Springer Jochen , Anker Markus , Doehner Wolfram , Lainscak Mitja
Published: July 2016

Cardiac cachexia (CC) is the clinical entity at the end of the chronic natural course of heart failure (HF). Despite the efforts, even the most recent definition of cardiac cachexia has been challenged, more precisely, the addition of new criteria on top of obligatory weight loss. The pathophysiology of CC is complex and multifactorial. A better understanding of pathophysiological pathways in body wasting will contribute to establish potentially novel treatment strategies. The complex biochemical network related with CC and HF pathophysiology underlines that a single biomarker cannot reflect all of the features of the disease. Biomarkers that could pick up the changes in body composition before they convey into clinical manifestations of CC would be of great importance. The development of preventive and therapeutic strategies against cachexia, sarcopenia, and wasting disorders is perceived as an urgent need by healthcare professionals. The treatment of body wasting remains an unresolved challenge to this day. As CC is a multifactorial disorder, it is unlikely that any single agent will be completely effective in treating this condition. Among all investigated therapeutic strategies, aerobic exercise training in HF patients is the most proved to counteract skeletal muscle wasting and is recommended by treatment guidelines for HF.
Attachment to God/Higher Power and Bulimic Symptoms Among College Women
Authors: Buser Juleen K. , Gibson Sandy
Published: July 2016

The authors examined the relationship between avoidant and anxious attachment to God/Higher Power and bulimia symptoms among 599 female college student participants. After controlling for body mass index, the authors found a positive association between both attachment variables and bulimia. When entered together in a regression, anxious attachment to God/Higher Power had a stronger relationship with bulimia than did avoidant attachment to God/Higher Power. The authors discuss implications for college counseling.
Proteomic evidence of methanotrophy in methane‐enriched hypolimnetic lake water
Authors: Ullrich Nina , Casper Peter , Otto Andreas , Gessner Mark O.
Published: July 2016

Freshwaters have recently been recognized as important sources of methane emitted to the atmosphere, and microbial methane oxidation at the oxic/anoxic interface is a key process controlling these emissions. We applied proteomics to determine enzyme expression patterns of methanotrophs in response to methane enrichment of lake water. In a small‐scale incubation experiment with natural bacterial communities we compared enzymes involved in methane metabolism between control and methane‐enriched hypolimnetic water simulating high (∼1 mM) and low (∼0.001 mM) methane concentrations at oxyclines in lakes. Methane was effectively consumed when the supply was high, reducing oxygen levels from 0.40 mM (12.9 mg L−1) to 0.09 mM (3.0 mg L−1), well below those in the controls. The dominant key enzyme of microbial methane oxidation, particulate methane monooxygenase, was identified in both enriched and control flasks, whereas enzymes potentially involved in methane metabolism via the RuMP pathway and serine cycle were essentially restricted to the enriched flasks. All enzymes had best sequence matches with type I methanotrophs, whereas no indication of type II or type X methanotrophs was found, even though four enzymes of the serine cycle were identified. Overall, our proteomic analysis provides convincing evidence that a suite of genes required for methanotrophy are quickly expressed when the presence of both methane and oxygen creates conditions characteristic of oxyclines in lakes.
Triolimus: A Multi‐Drug Loaded Polymeric Micelle Containing Paclitaxel, 17‐AAG, and Rapamycin as a Novel Radiosensitizer
Authors: Tomoda Keishiro , Tam Yu Tong , Cho Hyunah , Buehler Darya , Kozak Kevin R. , Kwon Glen S.
Published: July 2016

Triolimus is a multi‐drug loaded polymeric micelle containing paclitaxel (PTX), 17‐allylamino‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin (17‐AAG), and rapamycin (RAP). This study examines the radiosensitizing effect of Triolimus in vitro and in vivo. Radiosensitizing effects of Triolimus on A549 cells are dose dependent and at 2 × 10−9m, Triolimus shows significant radiosensitization even at low radiation doses (2 Gy). By sensitivity enhancement ratio, PTX alone, dual drug combinations, and Triolimus treatment at 2 × 10−9m have radiosensitizing effects with potency as follows: PTX alone (PTX) > PTX and RAP (P/R) > Triolimus (TRIO) > PTX and 17‐AAG (P/17) >17‐AAG and RAP (17/R). In vivo, fractionated radiation of 15 Gy preceded by infusion of PTX alone, dual drug combinations, or an intermediate dose of Triolimus (Int. TRIO: PTX/17‐AAG/RAP at 15/15/7.5 mg kg−1) strongly inhibits A549 tumor growth. Notably, pretreatment with high dose of Triolimus (High TRIO: PTX/17‐AAG/RAP at 60/60/30 mg kg−1) before the fractionated radiation leads to tumor control for up to 24 weeks. An enhanced radiosensitizing effect is observed without an increase in acute toxicity compared to PTX alone or radiation alone. These results suggest that further investigations of Triolimus in combination with radiation therapy are merited.

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Transverse relaxation and flip angle mapping: Evaluation of simultaneous and independent methods using multiple spin echoes
Authors: McPhee Kelly C. , Wilman Alan H.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To evaluate transverse relaxation (T2) and flip angle maps derived from signal pathway modeling of multiple spin echoes using simultaneous or independent T2 and flip angle fitting.

Methods

We examined different approaches to indirect and stimulated echo compensated T2 relaxometry from multiple spin echoes to evaluate both T2 and flip angle accuracy in simulation, phantom, and human brain. Signal pathways were modeled with or without independent flip angle maps using either Bloch simulations, or Extended Phase Graph (EPG) with Fourier or Shinnar‐Le Roux approximation of slice profiles.

Results

Slice‐selective decay curves differ substantially between models. Inaccurate flip angles are obtained with EPG methods, although T2 values are relatively accurate. Providing measured flip angles to EPG methods yields erroneous T2. Bloch methods improve both T2 and flip angle results. Simultaneous fitting can suffer from flip angle redundancy yielding multiple T2 solutions, particularly in low signal‐to‐noise ratio cases.

Conclusion

EPG fitting provides reasonably accurate T2, but is limited by poor accuracy in resulting flip angles, and T2 errors increase when flip angles are provided. Bloch simultaneous fitting of T2 and flip angle provides excellent results, but can be limited by multiple solutions which can be overcome by including a flip angle map. Magn Reson Med 77:2057–2065, 2017. © 2016 International Society for MagneticResonance in Medicine
Localized, gradient‐reversed ultrafast z‐spectroscopy in vivo at 7T
Authors: Wilson Neil E. , D'Aquilla Kevin , Debrosse Catherine , Hariharan Hari , Reddy Ravinder
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To collect ultrafast z‐spectra in vivo in situations where voxel homogeneity cannot be assured.

Theory

Saturating in the presence of a gradient encodes the frequency offset spatially across a voxel. This encoding can be resolved by applying a similar gradient during readout. Acquiring additional scans with the gradient polarity reversed effectively mirrors the spatial locations of the frequency offsets so that the same physical location of a positive offset in the original scan will contribute a negative offset in the gradient‐reversed scan.

Methods

Gradient‐reversed ultrafast z‐spectroscopy (GRUFZS) was implemented and tested in a modified, localized PRESS sequence at 7T. Lysine phantoms were scanned at various concentrations and compared with coventionally‐acquired z‐spectra. Scans were acquired in vivo in human brain from homogeneous and inhomogeneous voxels with the ultrafast direction cycled between read, phase, and slice. Results were compared to those from a similar conventional z‐spectroscopy PRESS‐based sequence.

Results

Asymmetry spectra from GRUFZS are more consistent and reliable than those without gradient reversal and are comparable to those from conventional z‐spectroscopy. GRUFZS offers significant acceleration in data acquisition compared to traditional chemical exchange saturation transfer methods with high spectral resolution and showed higher relative SNR effficiency.

Conclusion

GRUFZS offers a method of collecting ultrafast z‐spectra in voxels with the inhomogeneity often found in vivo. Magn Reson Med 76:1039–1046, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain activation in response to bladder filling in healthy adults: An activation likelihood estimation meta‐analysis of neuroimaging studies
Authors: Arya Nisha G. , Weissbart Steven J. , Xu Sihua , Rao Hengyi
Published: July 2016

Aims

Recent studies have used different neuroimaging techniques and identified various brain regions that are activated during bladder filling. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding which of these brain regions regulate the process of urine storage. The aim of this meta‐analysis is to identify brain regions that are commonly activated during bladder filling in healthy adults across different studies.

Methods

PubMed was searched for neuroimaging studies investigating the effects of bladder filling on regional brain activation. Studies were excluded if they did not report brain activation differences from whole‐brain group analysis by comparing the state of bladder filling with the state of bladder rest. The current version of the activation likelihood estimation (ALE) approach was used for meta‐analysis.

Results

We identified 14 neuroimaging studies examining brain activation in response to experimental bladder filling in 181 healthy subjects, which reported 89 foci for ALE analysis. The meta‐analysis revealed significant activation in multiple brain regions including thalamus (bilaterally), right insula, cerebellum, and brainstem (bilaterally).

Conclusions

Several key brain regions involved in sensory processing are commonly activated during bladder filling in healthy adults across different studies. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:960–965, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Delamination fracture toughness of UHMWPE fibers/polyurethane laminates interleaved with carbon nanotube‐reinforced polyurethane films
Authors: Lyashenko‐Miller T. , Marom G.
Published: July 2016

The main cause for failure of composite laminates is delamination under shear or transverse loading. A common approach to prevent such failure is to introduce a discrete interleaf at the midplane of the laminate in order to increase its fracture toughness and, consequently, its resistance to delamination. Accordingly, a study of Mode I fracture toughness of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fibers/polyurethane matrix composite laminates interleaved with thin polyurethane films reinforced with either untreated or functionalized carbon nanotubes is presented here. The results show that—depending on the surface treatment of the carbon nanotubes—the introduction of an interleaf at the midplane of the laminate generates a significant improvement of the Mode I initiation and propagation fracture toughness compared to the non‐interleaved laminates and to laminates interleaved with un‐reinforced polyurethane films. The Mode I fracture toughness results correlate with the “trouser‐leg” fracture surface energy of the films. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toughening of polylactide nanocomposites with an ethylene alkyl acrylate copolymer: Effects of the addition of nanoparticles on phase morphology and fracture mechanisms
Authors: Karami Shahir , Lafleur Pierre G.
Published: July 2016

Melt compounding of polylactide with ductile polymers is widely proposed as an efficient alternative to overcome its inherent brittleness. An ethylene alkyl acrylate is used as toughening modifier of polylactide. A two‐phase morphology is detected by melt blending of Polylactide and Biomax Strong. Furthermore, the effect of the addition of organically modified nanoparticles, Cloisite 15A, on phase morphology is investigated. A transesterification reaction occurs between the matrix and the toughening modifier, leading to the formation of a terpolymer at the interface in the polymer blends, influencing the interfacial properties. This transesterification reaction is effectively catalyzed by the incorporation of the nanoparticles. The in situ formed terpolymer reveals a distinct glass transition, as the polylactide blocks along the terpolymer chain architecture restricted the segmental mobility of the ethylene alkyl acrylate blocks. The development of the terpolymer suppressed the decrease of the complex viscosity within the timeframe of the dynamic measurements. Multiple crazing is the major energy dissipation mechanism in the deformation of hybrids. The formation of an interconnected morphology in the hybrids triggers a remarkable toughening of polylactide, through the enhanced contribution of matrix plastic deformation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:1415–1424, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Elko oder Böller: die Polung macht's!
Authors: Vollmer Michael , Möllmann Klaus‐Peter
Published: July 2016

Kondensatoren sind aus elektronischen Schaltkreisen nicht wegzudenken. Um auch bei kleinen Dimensionen auf große Kapazitätswerte zu kommen, greift man gerne auf Elektrolytkondensatoren zurück. Diese explodieren jedoch heftig, wenn man sie nicht richtig kontaktiert. Hochgeschwindigkeits‐Videos offenbaren die Dynamik dieses Vorgangs.
Licht auf der Kreisbahn
Authors: Braam Daniel , Lorke Axel , Kushida Soh , Yamamoto Yohei
Published: July 2016

Ein wichtiges Element in der modernen Optik bilden Resonatoren, die durch Emission von Licht mit scharf definierten Wellenlängen eine ganze Reihe von Bauelementen wie Laser erst ermöglichen. Üblicherweise werden spezielle Leuchtstoffe in solche Resonatorstrukturen eingebracht, deren Licht dann durch die Form der Resonatoren selektiert wird. Unserer Gruppe von der Universität Essen‐Duisburg ist es in Zusammenarbeit mit der Universität Tsukuba in Japan gelungen, beide Bestandteile (Leuchtstoff und Resonatormaterial) auf der Basis von leuchtenden Polymerkugeln zu vereinen.
Studies toward understanding theSARaround the sulfoximine moiety of the sap‐feeding insecticide sulfoxaflor
Authors: Buysse Ann M , Nugent Benjamin M , Wang Nick X , Benko Zoltan , Breaux Nneka , Rogers Richard , Zhu Yuanming
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

The discovery of sulfoxaflor (Isoclast™ active) stemmed from a novel scaffold‐based approach toward identifying bioactive molecules. It exhibits broad‐spectrum control of many sap‐feeding insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, hoppers andLygus. Systematic modifications of the substituents flanking each side of the sulfoximine moiety were carried out to determine whether these changes would improve potency.

RESULTS

Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies showed that, with respect to the methylene linker, both mono‐ and disubstitution with alkyl groups of varying sizes as well as cyclic analogs exhibited excellent control of cotton aphids. However, against green peach aphids a decrease in activity was observed with substituents larger than ethyl as well as larger cycloalkyl groups. At the terminal tail there appeared to be a narrow steric tolerance as well, with linear groups or small rings more active against green peach aphids than bulkier groups.

CONCLUSION

A novel series of compounds exploring the substituents flanking the sulfoximine moiety of sulfoxaflor were prepared and tested for bioactivity against cotton aphids and green peach aphids.SARstudies indicated that a decrease in green peach aphid potency was observed at the methylene linker as well as at the terminal tail with bulkier substituents. A quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis of the compounds revealed significant correlation of activity with two molecular descriptors,vol(volume of a molecule) and GCUT_SMR_3 (molar refractivity). This predictive model helps to explain the observed activity with the various substituents. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Photochemical Enhancement in Catalytic Activity of Nickel Nanoparticles for Hydration of CO2
Authors: Bhaduri Gaurav A. , Muzaffar Bilal , Alamiry Mohammed A. H. , Yuan Jian , Shangguan Wenfeng , Šiller Lidija
Published: July 2016

The aqueous route for mineralization of CO2 is considered one of the least energy consuming processes for carbon capture and storage. Reversible hydration of CO2 is one of the slowest steps in the mineralization process, however, it can be enhanced using nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs). In this study we evaluate the influence of photochemical effects on the catalytic activity of NiNPs for hydration of CO2 by comparing pH change profiles of catalysed and uncatalysed reactions under different solar irradiation conditions. The activity of NiNPs for CO2 hydration is observed under artificial solar radiation, with and without an infrared (IR) filter and in dark conditions. It is found that the rate of CO2 hydration is enhanced by ∼16 % in the presence of IR‐filtered solar radiation and by ∼24 % with the presence of IR radiation. The enhancement of activity is attributed to absorption associated with the NiNP surface plasmon resonance at 400 nm.
Demystifying variance in performance: A longitudinal multilevel perspective
Authors: Guo Guangrui
Published: July 2016

Research summary: This study employs longitudinal multilevel modeling to re‐examine the relative importance of business unit, corporation, industry, and year effects on business unit performance. Total variance in performance is partitioned into stable variance and dynamic variance. Sources of these two parts of variance are explored. Empirical results indicate that (1) stable effects of corporation‐industry interaction are substantially important, but were unequally confounded with stable effects of business unit, corporation, and industry in results of previous studies; (2) stable effects of corporation, industry, and corporation‐industry interaction, taken together, are of similar relative magnitude to stable effects of business unit; and (3) random and nonlinear year effects are very important in explaining dynamic variance. These findings extend our theoretical and empirical understanding of performance variability.

Managerial summary: Whether stable or changing, business units themselves, corporate‐parents, and industries influence business unit operations. This article investigates the relative effects of these factors on business unit performance. Although the traditional wisdom is that business unit is critical, this research finds that corporate‐parent, industry, and interactions between these, taken together, are as influential as business unit. Specifically, interactions between corporate‐parent and industry are important for over‐time average business unit performance, indicating that a given corporate‐parent unevenly influences its business units in different industries and that a particular industry unevenly influences business units within itself from different corporate‐parents. This study also demonstrates that changes in business unit, corporate‐parent, and industry are important drivers of over‐time volatility of business unit performance and that effects of these changes differ. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of combinatorial probe–anchor ligation‐based sequencing as non‐invasive prenatal test for trisomy at a central laboratory
Authors: Ma J. , Wang Y. , Wang W. , Dong Y. , Xu C. , Zhou A. , Xu Z. , Wu Z. , Tang X. , Chen F. , Yin Y. , Wang W. , Yan M. , Zhang W. , Mu F. , Yang H.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To evaluate the clinical validity of a new ultrahigh‐throughput non‐invasive prenatal test (NIPT) based on combinatorial probe–anchor ligation (cPAL) sequencing of cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) using centralized testing.

Methods

Maternal plasma samples were obtained from 10 594 singleton pregnancies in high‐risk populations at 20 centers in China, including 8155 that were collected retrospectively and 2439 prospectively. Fetal outcome data and karyotyping results were documented as gold standard and were double blinded during NIPT. The clinical performance of the ultrahigh‐throughput sequencing method, cPAL, for NIPT was validated by evaluating its sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) in detecting trisomies 21, 18 and 13 as the centralized testing mode in the reference laboratory. To ensure stable and reproducible performance of centralized cPAL‐based NIPT in detecting trisomies, a series of quality‐control systems, including sequencing of two sets of artificial samples, were employed and evaluated.

Results

Ten prospective cases were excluded from the study because of incomplete clinical data. Four prospective samples failed to generate a NIPT result due to assay failure, presenting a failure rate of 0.16% (4/2429). A total of 168 retrospective cases and 47 prospective cases had a positive NIPT result for trisomy, giving respective positive rates of 2.06% and 1.94%. Four false‐positive and no false‐positive cases were observed in the retrospective and prospective groups, respectively, resulting in PPV of 97.62% (95% CI, 94.02–99.35%) and 100% (95% CI, 92.45–100%), respectively. In the retrospective group, sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 100% (95% CI, 97.07–100%) and 99.98% (95% CI, 99.94–100%) for trisomy 21, 100% (95% CI, 97.75–100%) and 99.98% (95% CI, 99.94–100%) for trisomy 18, and 100% (95% CI, 15.81–100%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.95–100%) for trisomy 13. In the prospective group, sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 100% (95% CI, 90.75–100%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.85–100%) for trisomy 21, 100% (95% CI, 63.06–100%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.85–100%) for trisomy 18, and 100% (95% CI, 2.50–100%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.85–100%) for trisomy 13.

Conclusion

In this multicenter study with a full quality‐control system, NIPT by centralized cPAL‐based testing showed high stability and performance comparable to those of previous validation studies in high‐risk populations. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Comparison of different rate constant expressions for the prediction of charge and energy transport in oligoacenes
Authors: Stehr V. , Fink R. F. , Tafipolski M. , Deibel C. , Engels B.
Published: July 2016

Charge and exciton transport in organic semiconductors is crucial for a variety of optoelectronic applications. The prediction of the material‐dependent exciton diffusion length and the charge carrier mobility is a prerequisite for tailoring new materials for organic electronics. At room temperature often a hopping process can be assumed. In this work, three hopping models based on Fermi's Golden rule but with different levels of approximation—the spectral overlap approach, the Marcus theory, and the Levich–Jortner theory—are compared for the calculation of charge carrier mobilities and exciton diffusion lengths for oligoacenes, using the master equation approach and Monte Carlo simulations. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2016, 6:694–720. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1273

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science
Fronts – Who needs them?
Authors: Owens Robert
Published: July 2016

Weather fronts shown on modern‐day synoptic charts have become increasingly complex but bring uncertainty in interpretation among users. The Norwegian conceptual model of fronts, familiar to professional and many amateur users, is proving inadequate to describe actual events, while recent conceptual models have compounded the problem of meaningfully indicating weather changes on synoptic charts. This article discusses the problems, and queries whether fronts drawn on charts are necessary given the ready availability of many personalised products and meteorological parameters.
Ultra-compact photonic crystal based water temperature sensor
Authors: Nikoufard Mahmoud , Kazemi Alamouti Masoud , Adel Alireza
Published: July 2016

We design an ultra-compact water temperature sensor by using the photonic crystal technology on the InP substrate at the 1.55-μm wavelength window. The photonic crystal consists of rods in a hexagonal lattice and a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) background. By using the plane wave expansion (PWE) method, the lattice constant and radius of rods are obtained, 520 nm and 80.6 nm, respectively. With a nanocavity placed in the waveguide, a resonance peak is observed at the 1.55-μm wavelength window. Any change of the water temperature inside the nanocavity results in the shift of the resonance wavelength. Our simulations show a shift of about 11 nm for a temperature change of 22.5 ℃. The resonance wavelength has a linear relation with the water temperature.
Parental responses to youths' reports of teen dating violence: Recommendations from parents and youth
Authors: Black Beverly , Preble Kathleen
Published: July 2016

Parental responses to teen dating violence (TDV) can influence children's behaviors. This qualitative study presents findings from focus groups analyzing parental responses to TDV. Thirty‐one parents and 55 teens, recruited from local family service agencies located in southwestern part of the country, participated in separate focus groups that presented dating violence scenarios. Focus group results indicated that parents and teens both urge communication that included parents asking questions, educating the teen, sharing their personal experiences, and giving teens advice. Parental and teens' comments also focused on the importance of protecting teens, providing support for teens, refraining from overreacting and offering counseling services. Parents, more than teens, stressed the importance of educating teens; teens, more than parents, stressed the importance of parents supporting and providing comfort to teens while refraining from overreacting and yelling. Implications for programming with parents and future research are included.
The role of transcription skills and oral language skills in Chinese writing among children in upper elementary grades
Authors: YEUNG PUI-SZE , HO CONNIE SUK-HAN , CHAN DAVID WAI-OCK , CHUNG KEVIN KIEN-HOA
Published: July 2016

This study examined the role of transcription skills (including spelling and handwriting fluency) and oral language skills in Chinese writing development among upper elementary grade students in Hong Kong. Measures assessing verbal working memory, spelling, handwriting fluency, oral narrative skills, syntactic skills, and written composition were administered to 97 students in Grade 4 (n= 47) and Grade 6 (n= 50). Hierarchical multiple regression results showed that spelling and oral narrative skills were unique predictors of Chinese writing performance. The significant interaction effect of grade and spelling showed that transcription skills played a more important role in Chinese writing performance among sixth graders than among fourth graders. Together, the present results provide important support for the “simple view of writing” model and underscore the importance of transcription skills and oral narrative skills in children's writing development in Chinese.
Cross-language associations and changes in Spanish-speaking preschoolers’ English and Spanish academic abilities
Authors: PALERMO FRANCISCO , MIKULSKI ARIANA M. , FABES RICHARD A. , MARTIN CAROL LYNN , HANISH LAURA D.
Published: July 2016

We examined the cross-language relations among Spanish-speaking preschoolers’ (N= 125;Mage = 53 months,SD= 4.58) English and Spanish vocabulary, letter–word, and math skills; the changes they exhibited in those skills during 1 year of preschool; and the extent to which Spanish skills were associated with English skill gains. The results revealed that children's Spanish and English vocabulary skills were unassociated across languages, whereas their letter–word and math skills were positively associated. Children exhibited gains in vocabulary, letter–word, and math skills in English, with letter–word and math skills in Spanish at the start of preschool being positively associated with the development of those skills in English. Children also gained math skills in Spanish. However, their Spanish vocabulary and letter–word skills did not appear to change. Vocabulary skills showed positive within-language relations with children's letter–word and math skills. The findings highlight cross-language linkages between Spanish-speaking preschoolers’ academic skills in English and Spanish and how Spanish skills associate with their English academic readiness.
Effects of fifth day (D5) or sixth day (D6) frozen–thawed blastocysts on neonatal outcomes
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhen Jingran , Sun Zhengyi , Yu Qi , Deng Chengyan , Zhou Yuanzheng , Wang Hanbi , He Fangfang
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to compare the neonatal outcomes of transplanted fifth day (D5) or sixth day (D6) frozen–thawed blastocysts, aiming to provide guidance when choosing blastocyst recovery methods. The clinical data of 1109 patients that were performed for recovered blastocyst transplantation, as well as the data of 515 patients who had already delivered were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into single- or twins-birth groups according to blastocyst formation time (D5 or D6) and the number of fetus(es). The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate of the D5 group were all significantly higher than those in the D6 group (P< 0.05), and the biochemical pregnancy rate in the D5 group was significantly lower than that in the D6 group (P= 0.049). Other factors, including birth weight, birth length, incidence of low birth weight and sex ratio, differed between the D5 and D6 groups, but the difference was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). In conclusion, the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in the D5 group were all significantly higher than that in the D6 group. The birth weight at D6 was prone to be heavier no matter the birth group, and the sex ratio in the D5 group was higher than that at D6, the difference in neonatal outcomes between the two groups was not statistically significant.
THE COST–TIME CURVE FOR AN OPTIMAL TRAIN JOURNEY ON LEVEL TRACK
Authors: ALBRECHT AMIE , HOWLETT PHIL , PUDNEY PETER
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we show that the cost of an optimal train journey on level track over a fixed distance is a strictly decreasing and strictly convex function of journey time. The precise structure of the cost–time curves for individual trains is an important consideration in the design of energy-efficient timetables on complex rail networks. The development of optimal timetables for busy metropolitan lines can be considered as a two-stage process. The first stage seeks to find optimal transit times for each individual journey segment subject to the usual trip-time, dwell-time, headway and connection constraints in such a way that the total energy consumption over all proposed journeys is minimized. The second stage adjusts the arrival and departure times for each journey while preserving the individual segment times and the overall journey times, in order to best synchronize the collective movement of trains through the network and thereby maximize recovery of energy from regenerative braking. The precise nature of the cost–time curve is a critical component in the first stage of the optimization.
Academy Head Says Political Rancor Harms Science, Society
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: July 2016

The retiring National Academy of Sciences president says allegations that climate change is a fraud are deeply upsetting. But he hopes rabid partisanship can be eased.
Abrogating ClC-3 Inhibits LPS-induced Inflammation via Blocking the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Xiang Nan-lin , Liu Jun , Liao Yun-jian , Huang You-wei , Wu Zheng , Bai Zhi-quan , Lin Xi , Zhang Jian-hua
Published: July 2016

This study investigated the function of a chloride channel blocker, DIDS. Both in vitro and in vivo studies found that DIDS significantly inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of proin flammatory cytokines. Here, we show that DIDS inhibits LPS-induced inflammation, as shown by downregulation of inflammatory cytokines via inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, we show that ClC-3siRNA transfection reduces LPS-induced pro-inflammation in Raw264.7 cells, indicating that ClC-3 is involved in the inhibitory effect of DIDS during LPS-induced cytokines release. In vivo, DIDS reduced LPS-induced mortality, decreased LPS-induced organic damage and down-regulated LPS-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines. In sum, we demonstrate that ClC-3 is a pro-inflammatory factor and that inhibition of ClC-3 inhibits inflammatory induction both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that ClC-3 is a potential anti-inflammatory target.