bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treating triple negative breast cancer cells with erlotinib plus a select antioxidant overcomes drug resistance by targeting cancer cell heterogeneity
Authors: Bao Bin , Mitrea Cristina , Wijesinghe Priyanga , Marchetti Luca , Girsch Emily , Farr Rebecca L. , Boerner Julie L , Mohammad Ramzi , Dyson Greg , Terlecky Stanley R. , Bollig-Fischer Aliccia
Published: March 2017

Among breast cancer patients, those diagnosed with the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype have the worst prog-nosis. TNBC does not express estrogen receptor-alpha, progesterone receptor, or the HER2 oncogene; therefore, TNBC lacks targets for molecularly-guided therapies. The concept that EGFR oncogene inhibitor drugs could be used as targeted treatment against TNBC has been put forth based on estimates that 30–60% of TNBC express high levels of EGFR. However, results from clinical trials testing EGFR inhibitors, alone or in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy, did not improve patient outcomes. Results herein offer an explanation as to why EGFR inhibitors failed TNBC patients and support how combining a select antioxidant and an EGFR-specific small molecule kinase inhibitor (SMKI) could be an effective, novel therapeutic strategy. Treatment with CAT-SKL—a re-engineered protein form of the antioxidant enzyme catalase—inhibited cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), and treatment with the EGFR-specific SMKI erlotinib inhibited non-CSCs. Thus, combining the antioxidant CAT-SKL with erlotinib targeted both CSCs and bulk cancer cells in cultures of EGFR-expressing TNBC-derived cells. We also report evidence that the mechanism for CAT-SKL inhibition of CSCs may depend on antioxidant-induced downregulation of a short alternative mRNA splicing variant of the methyl-CpG binding domain 2 gene, isoform MBD2c.
Genome-wide copy number variation analysis in a Chinese autism spectrum disorder cohort
Authors: Guo Hui , Peng Yu , Hu Zhengmao , Li Ying , Xun Guanglei , Ou Jianjun , Sun Liangdan , Xiong Zhimin , Liu Yanling , Wang Tianyun , Chen Jingjing , Xia Lu , Bai Ting , Shen Yidong , Tian Qi , Hu Yiqiao , Shen Lu , Zhao Rongjuan , Zhang Xuejun , Zhang Fengyu , Zhao Jingping , Zou Xiaobing , Xia Kun
Published: March 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with high heritability, although the underlying genetic determinants of ASDs remain largely unknown. Large-scale whole-genome studies of copy number variation in Han Chinese samples are still lacking. We performed a genome-wide copy number variation analysis of 343 ASD trios, 203 patients with sporadic cases and 988 controls in a Chinese population using Illumina genotyping platforms to identify CNVs and related genes that may contribute to ASD risk. We identified 32 rare CNVs larger than 1 Mb in 31 patients. ASD patients were found to carry a higher global burden of rare, large CNVs than controls. Recurrent de novo or case-private CNVs were found at 15q11-13, Xp22.3, 15q13.1–13.2, 3p26.3 and 2p12. The de novo 15q11–13 duplication was more prevalent in this Chinese population than in those with European ancestry. Several genes, including GRAMD2 and STAM, were implicated as novel ASD risk genes when integrating whole-genome CNVs and whole-exome sequencing data. We also identified several CNVs that include known ASD genes (SHANK3, CDH10, CSMD1) or genes involved in nervous system development (NYAP2, ST6GAL2, GRM6). Besides, our study also implicated Contactins-NYAPs-WAVE1 pathway in ASD pathogenesis. Our findings identify ASD-related CNVs in a Chinese population and implicate novel ASD risk genes and related pathway for further study.
A Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Modified Curcumin Supramolecular Hydrogel for liver tumor targeting therapy
Authors: Chen Guoqin , Li Jinliang , Cai Yanbin , Zhan Jie , Gao Jie , Song Mingcai , Shi Yang , Yang Zhimou
Published: March 2017

Curcumin (Cur), a phenolic anti-oxidant compound obtained from Curcuma longa plant, possesses a variety of therapeutic properties. However, it is suffered from its low water solubility and low bioavailability property, which seriously restricts its clinical application. In this study, we developed a glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) modified curcumin supramolecular pro-gelator (GA-Cur) and a control compound Nap-Cur by replacing GA with the naphthylacetic acid (Nap). Both compounds showed good water solubility and could form supramolecular gels by disulfide bond reduction triggered by glutathione (GSH) in vitro. Both formed gels could sustainedly release Cur in buffer solutions. We also investigated the cytotoxicity of pro-gelators to HepG2 cells by a MTT assay and determined the cellular uptake behaviours of them by fluorescence microscopy and LC-MS. Due to the over expression of GA receptor in liver cancer cells, our pro-gelator of GA-Cur showed an enhanced cellular uptake and better inhibition capacity to liver tumor cells than Nap-Cur. Therefore, the GA-Cur could significantly inhibit HepG2 cell growth. Our study provides a novel nanomaterial for liver tumor chemotherapy.
Feature and motion-based gaze cuing is linked with reduced social competence
Authors: Hayward Dana A. , Ristic Jelena
Published: March 2017

Gaze following is a fundamental ability that plays an important role in human social function. However, the link between these two processes remains elusive. On the one hand, typically developing persons show robust gaze following in laboratory cuing tasks. On the other hand, investigations with individuals with autism suggest that reduced social competence in this population may partly reflect an atypical access to social information through attending to perceptual changes that normally accompany gaze shifts, like luminance or motion transients. Here we investigated if gaze cuing in typically developing individuals was modulated by similar task-irrelevant perceptual changes. In Experiment 1, a social gaze cue was presented with or without a luminance change. In Experiment 2, a social gaze cue was presented together with a motion cue. Both experiments indicated reduced magnitudes of gaze cuing in persons with low social competence on trials containing an irrelevant perceptual change. This suggests that similarly to individuals with autism, typically developing persons with low social competence also utilize idiosyncratic perceptual changes in the environment to access social content, revealing strong links between basic gaze following abilities and a range of social competence within typical individuals.
Direct Nitrous Oxide Emissions From Tropical And Sub-Tropical Agricultural Systems - A Review And Modelling Of Emission Factors
Authors: Albanito Fabrizio , Lebender Ulrike , Cornulier Thomas , Sapkota Tek B. , Brentrup Frank , Stirling Clare , Hillier Jon
Published: March 2017

There has been much debate about the uncertainties associated with the estimation of direct and indirect agricultural nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in developing countries and in particular from tropical regions. In this study, we report an up-to-date review of the information published in peer-review journals on direct N2O emissions from agricultural systems in tropical and sub-tropical regions. We statistically analyze net-N2O-N emissions to estimate tropic-specific annual N2O emission factors (N2O-EFs) using a Generalized Additive Mixed Model (GAMM) which allowed the effects of multiple covariates to be modelled as linear or smooth non-linear continuous functions. Overall the mean N2O-EF was 1.2% for the tropics and sub-tropics, thus within the uncertainty range of IPCC-EF. On a regional basis, mean N2O-EFs were 1.4% for Africa, 1.1%, for Asia, 0.9% for Australia and 1.3% for Central & South America. Our annual N2O-EFs, estimated for a range of fertiliser rates using the available data, do not support recent studies hypothesising non-linear increase N2O-EFs as a function of applied N. Our findings highlight that in reporting annual N2O emissions and estimating N2O-EFs, particular attention should be paid in modelling the effect of study length on response of N2O.
δ15N Values in Crassostrea virginica Shells Provides Early Direct Evidence for Nitrogen Loading to Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Black H. D. , Andrus C. F. T. , Lambert W. J. , Rick T. C. , Gillikin D. P.
Published: March 2017

Crassostrea virginica is one of the most common estuarine bivalves in the United States’ east coast and is frequently found in archaeological sites and sub-fossil deposits. Although there have been several sclerochronological studies on stable carbon and oxygen isotopes in the shells of this species, less is known about δ15N values within their shells, which could be a useful paleoenvironmental proxy to assess estuarine nitrogen dynamics. Modern C. virginica samples were collected in Chesapeake Bay for comparison with archaeological shells from nearby sites ranging in age from ~100 to 3,200 years old. Left valves were sampled by milling the hinge area and the resulting powder was analyzed for %N and δ15N values. Comparison of δ15N values between C. virginica shells shows relatively constant values from ~1250 BC to ~1800 AD. After ~1800 AD, there are rapid increases in 15N enrichment in the shells, which continue to increase in value up to the modern shell values. The increase in δ15N values is evidence of early anthropogenic impact in Chesapeake Bay. These results corroborate the observation that coastal nitrogen pollution occurred earlier than the 19th century and support the use of oyster shell δ15N values as a useful environmental proxy.
Reactive oxygen species are required for zoledronic acid-induced apoptosis in osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclast-like cells
Authors: Tai Ta-Wei , Chen Ching-Yu , Su Fong-Chin , Tu Yuan-Kun , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Lin Chiou-Feng , Jou I.-Ming
Published: March 2017

Inhibiting osteoclasts and osteoclast precursors to reduce bone resorption is an important strategy to treat osteoclast-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, inflammatory bone loss, and malignant bone metastasis. However, the mechanism by which apoptosis is induced in the osteoclasts and their precursors are not completely understood. Here, we used nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) to induce cell apoptosis in human and murine osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclast-like cells. Caspase-3-mediated cell apoptosis occurred following the ZA (100 μM) treatment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also generated in a time-dependent manner. Following knock-down of the p47phoxexpression, which is required for ROS activation, or co-treatment with the ROS inhibitor, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, ZA-induced apoptosis was significantly suppressed in both osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclast-like cells. The ROS-activated mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways did not trigger cell apoptosis. However, a ROS-regulated Mcl-1 decrease simultaneously with glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β promoted cell apoptosis. These findings show that ZA induces apoptosis in osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclast-like cells by triggering ROS- and GSK-3β-mediated Mcl-1 down-regulation.
BACE1 across species: a comparison of the in vivo consequences of BACE1 deletion in mice and rats
Authors: Weber Martin , Wu Tiffany , Meilandt William J. , Dominguez Sara L. , Solanoy Hilda O. , Maloney Janice A. , Ngu Hai , Baca Miriam , Kung Chung , Lima Lisa , Earr Timothy K. , Fleck Daniel , Shields Shannon D. , Forrest William F. , Foreman Oded , Warming Søren , Watts Ryan J. , Scearce-Levie Kimberly
Published: March 2017

Assessing BACE1 (β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1) knockout mice for general health and neurological function may be useful in predicting risks associated with prolonged pharmacological BACE1 inhibition, a treatment approach currently being developed for Alzheimer’s disease. To determine whether BACE1 deletion-associated effects in mice generalize to another species, we developed a novel Bace1−/− rat line using zinc-finger nuclease technology and compared Bace1−/− mice and rats with their Bace1+/+ counterparts. Lack of BACE1 was confirmed in Bace1−/− animals from both species. Removal of BACE1 affected startle magnitude, balance beam performance, pain response, and nerve myelination in both species. While both mice and rats lacking BACE1 have shown increased mortality, the increase was smaller and restricted to early developmental stages for rats. Bace1−/− mice and rats further differed in body weight, spontaneous locomotor activity, and prepulse inhibition of startle. While the effects of species and genetic background on these phenotypes remain difficult to distinguish, our findings suggest that BACE1’s role in myelination and some sensorimotor functions is consistent between mice and rats and may be conserved in other species. Other phenotypes differ between these models, suggesting that some effects of BACE1 inhibition vary with the biological context (e.g. species or background strain).
Development of Eco-friendly Soy Protein Isolate Films with High Mechanical Properties through HNTs, PVA, and PTGE Synergism Effect
Authors: Liu Xiaorong , Song Ruyuan , Zhang Wei , Qi Chusheng , Zhang Shifeng , Li Jianzhang
Published: March 2017

This study was to develop novel soy protein isolate-based films for packaging using halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA), and 1,2,3-propanetriol-diglycidyl-ether (PTGE). The structural, crystallinity, opacity, micromorphology, and thermal stability of the resultant SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film were analyzed by the Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film illustrated that HNTs were uniformly dispersed in the SPI matrix and the thermal stability of the film was enhanced. Furthermore, the tensile strength (TS) of the SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film was increased by 329.3% and the elongation at the break (EB) remained unchanged. The water absorption (WA) and the moisture content (MC) were decreased by 5.1% and 10.4%, respectively, compared to the unmodified film. The results highlighted the synergistic effects of SPI, HNTs, PVA, and PTGE on the mechanical properties, water resistance, and thermal stability of SPI films, which showed excellent strength and flexibility. In short, SPI films prepared from HNTs, PVA, and PTGE showed considerable potential as packaging materials.
Nix restores mitophagy and mitochondrial function to protect against PINK1/Parkin-related Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Koentjoro Brianada , Park Jin-Sung , Sue Carolyn M.
Published: March 2017

Therapeutic targets are needed to develop neuroprotective treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mitophagy, the selective autophagic elimination of dysfunctional mitochondria, is essential for the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and is predominantly regulated by the PINK1/Parkin-mediated pathway. Loss of function mutations in Parkin and PINK1 cause an accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, leading to nigral neurodegeneration and early-onset PD with a high penetrance rate. We previously identified an asymptomatic homozygous Parkin mutation carrier who had not developed PD by her eighth decade despite the loss of functional Parkin. Here we discover a putative mechanism that protects her against PD. In contrast to Parkin-related PD patient-derived cells, the asymptomatic carrier cells show preserved mitochondrial function and mitophagy which is mediated by mitochondrial receptor Nip3-like protein X (Nix). Nix-mediated mitophagy was not affected by PINK1 knockdown. Both genetic and pharmacological induction of Nix restores mitophagy in PINK1- and Parkin-related PD patient cell lines, confirming its ability to induce mitophagy in the absence of PINK1/Parkin-mediated pathway. Moreover, Nix over-expression improves mitochondrial ATP production in these patient cells. Our results demonstrate that Nix can serve as an alternative mediator of mitophagy to maintain mitochondrial turnover, identifying Nix as a promising target for neuroprotective treatment in PINK1/Parkin-related PD.
A GCSFR/CSF3R zebrafish mutant models the persistent basal neutrophil deficiency of severe congenital neutropenia
Authors: Pazhakh Vahid , Clark Sharon , Keightley M. Cristina , Lieschke Graham J.
Published: March 2017

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) and its receptor (GCSFR), also known as CSF3 and CSF3R, are required to maintain normal neutrophil numbers during basal and emergency granulopoiesis in humans, mice and zebrafish. Previous studies identified two zebrafish CSF3 ligands and a single CSF3 receptor. Transient antisense morpholino oligonucleotide knockdown of both these ligands and receptor reduces neutrophil numbers in zebrafish embryos, a technique widely used to evaluate neutrophil contributions to models of infection, inflammation and regeneration. We created an allelic series of zebrafish csf3r mutants by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis targeting csf3r exon 2. Biallelic csf3r mutant embryos are viable and have normal early survival, despite a substantial reduction of their neutrophil population size, and normal macrophage abundance. Heterozygotes have a haploinsufficiency phenotype with an intermediate reduction in neutrophil numbers. csf3r mutants are viable as adults, with a 50% reduction in tissue neutrophil density and a substantial reduction in the number of myeloid cells in the kidney marrow. These csf3r mutants are a new animal model of human CSF3R-dependent congenital neutropenia. Furthermore, they will be valuable for studying the impact of neutrophil loss in the context of other zebrafish disease models by providing a genetically stable, persistent, reproducible neutrophil deficiency state throughout life.
Soft plasma electrolysis with complex ions for optimizing electrochemical performance
Authors: Kamil Muhammad Prisla , Kaseem Mosab , Ko Young Gun
Published: March 2017

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) was a promising surface treatment for light metals to tailor an oxide layer with excellent properties. However, porous coating structure was generally exhibited due to excessive plasma discharges, restraining its performance. The present work utilized ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and Cu-EDTA complexing agents as electrolyte additives that alter the plasma discharges to improve the electrochemical properties of Al-1.1Mg alloy coated by PEO. To achieve this purpose, PEO coatings were fabricated under an alternating current in silicate electrolytes containing EDTA and Cu-EDTA. EDTA complexes were found to modify the plasma discharging behaviour during PEO that led to a lower porosity than that without additives. This was attributed to a more homogeneous electrical field throughout the PEO process while the coating growth would be maintained by an excess of dissolved Al due to the EDTA complexes. When Cu-EDTA was used, the number of discharge channels in the coating layer was lower than that with EDTA due to the incorporation of Cu2O and CuO altering the dielectric behaviour. Accordingly, the sample in the electrolyte containing Cu-EDTA constituted superior corrosion resistance to that with EDTA. The electrochemical mechanism for excellent corrosion protection was elucidated in the context of equivalent circuit model.
NIR-emitting and photo-thermal active nanogold as mitochondria-specific probes
Authors: Chakrabortty Sabyasachi , Sison Miguel , Wu Yuzhou , Ladenburger Anita , Pramanik Goutam , Biskupek Johannes , Extermann Jerome , Kaiser Ute , Lasser Theo , Weil Tanja
Published: March 2017

We report a bioinspired multifunctional albumin derived polypeptide coating comprising grafted poly(ethylene oxide) chains, multiple copies of the HIV TAT derived peptide enabling cellular uptake as well as mitochondria targeting triphenyl-phosphonium (TPP) groups.
Selective hydrogenation of acetylene over Cu(211), Ag(211) and Au(211): Horiuti–Polanyi mechanism vs. non-Horiuti–Polanyi mechanism
Authors: Yang Bo , Burch Robbie , Hardacre Christopher , Hu P. , Hughes Philip
Published: March 2017

The Horiuti–Polanyi and non-Horiuti–Polanyi mechanisms are thoroughly examined and compared for the hydrogenation of C2 hydrocarbons using DFT calculations.
Three dimensional printing of components and functional devices for energy and environmental applications
Authors: Ruiz-Morales J. C. , Tarancón A. , Canales-Vázquez J. , Méndez-Ramos J. , Hernández-Afonso L. , Acosta-Mora P. , Marín Rueda J. R. , Fernández-González R.
Published: March 2017

Recent advances regarding the implementation of 3D printing for solid oxide fuel cells, batteries, solar energy and environmental applications are reviewed.
Controlled synthesis of dendritic gold nanostructures by graphene oxide and their morphology-dependent performance for iron detection in coastal waters
Authors: Han Haitao , Pan Dawei , Wang Chenchen , Zhu Rilong
Published: March 2017

Dendritic gold nanostructures were controllably synthesized by graphene oxide for voltammetric determination of Fe(iii) in coastal waters.
Analysis of stable isotope assisted metabolomics data acquired by high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Wei X. , Lorkiewicz P. K. , Shi B. , Salabei J. K. , Hill B. G. , Kim S. , McClain C. J. , Zhang X.
Published: March 2017

Developed a suite of data analysis algorithms for automatic analysis of SIAM data acquired on a high resolution mass spectrometer.
A fast sol–gel synthesis leading to highly crystalline birnessites under non-hydrothermal conditions
Authors: Ziller S. , von Bülow J. F. , Dahl S. , Lindén M.
Published: March 2017

Manganese oxides from the compound family of layered birnessites have attracted interest for their use as cathode materials in Li-ion batteries, as supercapacitors, and as water oxidation catalysts.
A Dy4 single-molecule magnet and its Gd(iii), Tb(iii), Ho(iii), and Er(iii) analogues encapsulated by an 8-hydroxyquinoline Schiff base derivative and β-diketonate coligand
Authors: Gao Hong-Ling , Zhou Xiao-Pu , Bi Yan-Xia , Shen Hai-Yun , Wang Wen-Min , Wang Ni-Ni , Chang Yi-Xin , Zhang Ru-Xia , Cui Jian-Zhong
Published: March 2017

We report five tetranuclear LnIIIcomplexes encapsulated by 5-(benzylidene)amino-8-hydroxyquinoline and the β-diketonate coligand.
Hydroboration of CO2 catalyzed by bis(phosphinite) pincer ligated nickel thiolate complexes
Authors: Liu Ting , Meng Wenjuan , Ma Qiang-Qiang , Zhang Jie , Li Huizhen , Li Shujun , Zhao Qianyi , Chen Xuenian
Published: March 2017

Highly efficient hydroboration of CO2 with catecholborane catalyzed by a series of bis(phosphinite) pincer ligated nickel thiolate complexes with turnover frequencies up to 2400 h−1.
Improved electron–hole separation and migration in anatase TiO2 nanorod/reduced graphene oxide composites and their influence on photocatalytic performance
Authors: Žerjav Gregor , Arshad Muhammad Shahid , Djinović Petar , Junkar Ita , Kovač Janez , Zavašnik Janez , Pintar Albin
Published: March 2017

A graphical illustration of TNR + rGO composites and a possible mechanism for improved charge migration.
Metal–organic framework incorporated monolithic capillary for selective enrichment of phosphopeptides
Authors: Li Daojin , Bie Zijun
Published: March 2017

Protein phosphorylation is a major post-translational modification, which plays a central role in the cellular signaling of numerous biological processes.
Experimental and theoretical studies on solvation in aqueous solutions of ionic liquids carrying different side chains: the n-butyl-group versus the methoxyethyl group
Authors: de Jesus Jéssica C. , Pires Paulo A. R. , Mustafa Rizwana , Riaz Naheed , El Seoud Omar A.
Published: March 2017

We used solvatochromic compounds to probe solvation in mixtures of water, W, and four ionic liquids (ILs), 1-R-3-methylimidazoliumX, where R =n-butyl or methoxyethyl and X = acetate and chloride.
Direct in situ synthesis of a 3D interlinked amorphous carbon nanotube/graphene/BaFe12O19 composite and its electromagnetic wave absorbing properties
Authors: Zhao Tingkai , Ji Xianglin , Jin Wenbo , Wang Chuan , Ma Wenxiu , Gao Junjie , Dang Alei , Li Tiehu , Shang Songmin , Zhou Zhongfu
Published: March 2017

The 3D interlinked amorphous carbon nanotube (ACNT)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/BaFe12O19 (BF) composite was directly prepared by a self-propagation combustion process.
Graphitic carbon nitride with S and O codoping for enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance
Authors: You Ran , Dou Hailong , Chen Lu , Zheng Shaohui , Zhang Yongping
Published: March 2017

Facile synthesis of the S, O codoped g-C3N4 photocatalysts.
Highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cell prepared from an in situ pre-wetted PbI2 nano-sheet array film
Authors: Zhang Xuhui , Li Zhaoqian , Ding Yong , Hu Linhua , Ye Jiajiu , Pan Xu , Dai Songyuan
Published: March 2017

An in situ pre-wetted PbI2 nano-sheet array film (HP-PbI2) was developed to prepare smooth, continuous, uniform, dense, and PbI2-free perovskite layers, and the devices fabricated from it showed a promising PCE of 19.19% with a relatively good stability.
Stabilization of CO2foam using by-product fly ash and recyclable iron oxide nanoparticles to improve carbon utilization in EOR processes
Authors: Guo Feng , He Jie , Johnson Patrick A. , Aryana Saman A.
Published: March 2017

CO2foam is stabilized using by-product fly ash and recyclable iron oxide nanoparticles.
Enhanced visible-light-driven hydrogen generation by in situ formed photocatalyst RGO–CdS–NixS from metal salts and RGO–CdS composites
Authors: Wang Jiu-Ju , Wang Jing , Feng Ke , Zhang Hui-Hui , Li Zhi-Jun , Liu Bin , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: March 2017

A simple in situ method is applied to fabricate (RGO)n–CdS–NixS photocatalyst for efficient H2 production.
Tuning the twist angle of thermally activated delayed fluorescence molecules via a dendronization strategy: high-efficiency solution-processed non-doped OLEDs
Authors: Li Yifan , Chen Tianheng , Huang Manli , Gu Yu , Gong Shaolong , Xie Guohua , Yang Chuluo
Published: March 2017

A dendronization strategy on a blue TADF core tunes the twist angle, ΔEST, DF lifetime and rate constant of RISC for high-efficiency solution-processed non-doped OLEDs.
Understanding photophysical properties of chiral conjugated corrals for organic photovoltaics
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Yang Guochun , Si Yanling , Liu Youjun , Pan Xiumei
Published: March 2017

The photophysical properties of conjugated macrocyclic compounds in OPVs have been rationalized by comparing cyclic and acyclic structures.
Electrophilic Trapping of Zirconium Enolates Obtained by Copper-Catalyzed Addition of In Situ Generated Organozirconium Reagents
Authors: Némethová Ivana , Sorádová Zuzana , Šebesta Radovan
Published: March 2017

Building complex structures from simple starting materials is important for effective organic synthesis. In this context, domino reactions comprising hydrozirconation of alkenes, their subsequent utilization in a copper-catalyzed conjugate addition to enones, followed by electrophilic trapping of the formed zirconium enolates with activated alkene and carbocations are described. Reactivity of metal enolates was studied by DFT calculations.
OCT-Angiografie der Glaukompapille
Authors: Lommatzsch C. , Koch J. , Claußnitzer H. , Heinz C.
Published: March 2017

Hintergrund Das Glaukom ist weltweit einer der Hauptgründe für Erblindung. Als eine mögliche pathophysiologische Ursache wird eine vaskuläre Dysregulation vermutet. Unser Ziel war es, zu untersuchen, ob mittels OCT-Angiografie (OCTA) eine veränderte Flussdichte bei Glaukompatienten im Bereich des Sehnervenkopfs dargestellt werden kann.

Methoden Insgesamt wurden 68 Augen mit dem OCTA-System AngioVue™ untersucht, davon 34 Augen mit diagnostiziertem Glaukom und 34 gesunde Kontrollaugen. Bestimmt wurde zum einen die peripapilläre Gesamtflussdichte auf 2 unterschiedlichen Segmentierungsebenen und zusätzlich in den einzelnen Papillensektoren.

Ergebnisse Auf beiden Segmentierungsebenen konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass die peripapilläre Gesamtflussdichte bei Glaukomaugen im Vergleich zu gesunden Augen signifikant reduziert war. Je weiter die Erkrankung vorangeschritten war (gemessen durch Ermittlung der Dicke des Ganglienzellkomplexes und der retinalen Nervenfaserschicht), umso stärker war die Flussdichte reduziert. Im Hinblick auf die einzelnen Papillensektoren gab es keinen signifikanten Unterschied.

Schlussfolgerung Die neue Technik der OCT-Angiografie ermöglicht nicht invasiv eine Darstellung der Flussdichte, die bei Glaukomaugen signifikant reduziert ist. Die OCTA erweitert das Spektrum zur Detektion und zur Verlaufskontrolle bei Glaukompatienten.
Sonderformen choroidaler Neovaskularisationsmembranen
Authors: Sandner D.
Published: March 2017

Choroidale Neovaskularisationsmembranen (CNV) im Rahmen einer neovaskulären altersassoziierten Makuladegeneration (nAMD) können in Typ-1- (okkulte) und Typ-2- (klassische) Membranen unterteilt werden. Hiervon abzugrenzen sind, wegen ihrer differierenden Morphologie und des teils schlechteren Ansprechens, neovaskuläre „Sonderformen“ wie retinale angiomatöse Proliferationen (RAP) oder die polypoidalen choroidalen Vaskulopathien (PCV). Klinisch hinweisend sind chorioretinale Anastomosen, kräftige Exsudationen mit – für die PCV – serosanguinösen Pigmentepithelabhebungen (PED) und typischen orangerotfarbenen Läsionen im papillomakulären Bündel. Die Indocyaningrünangiografie (ICGA) stellt den diagnostischen Goldstandard für die PCV dar und liefert wichtige Informationen auch bei den RAP. Die Polypen der PCV stellen sich hier frühzeitig als fokale Hyperfluoreszenz mit z. T. pulsierender Füllung dar, häufig in Verbindung mit einem anormalen choroidalen Netzwerk. Über Arealen mit einer PED können bei RAP retinoretinale Anastomosen gut identifiziert werden. Die Befunde der optischen Kohärenztomografie (OCT) ergänzen die Diagnostik. Ein möglichst frühzeitiger und konsequenter Therapieansatz mit intravitrealer Anti-VEGF-Gabe ist bei RAP für die Visusprognose entscheidend. PCV können eine spontane Regression zeigen. Besteht Therapiebedarf, sprechen die Polypen besser auf eine photodynamische Therapie (PDT) an. Bei assoziierter CNV ist die Kombination aus PDT und intravitrealer Anti-VEGF-Gabe sinnvoll. Trotz initialem Anstieg kann im Langzeitverlauf der Visus zumeist „nur“ stabilisiert werden. Bei idiopathischen wie sekundären CNV-Membranen (Myopia magna, postentzündlich, posttraumatisch oder im Rahmen hereditärer Bindegewebserkrankungen) handelt es sich zumeist um kleine (klassische) Typ-2-Membranen. Sie stellen streng genommen keine direkten Sonderformen dar. Durch ein meist jüngeres Patientenalter, eine kürzere Erkrankungsdauer, eine begrenzte Regenerationsfähigkeit des retinalen Pigmentepithels (RPE) können sie sich jedoch günstig von der nAMD unterscheiden, mit rascher Inaktivierung sowie einem insgesamt geringeren Anti-VEGF-Injektionsbedarf. Eine Sonderstellung innerhalb dieser Gruppe nimmt die CNV bei Angioid Streaks ein. Diese ist leider durch einen rezidivierenden, langwierigen und letztlich zumeist frustranen Verlauf gekennzeichnet.
Electron Collisions with Hydrogen Fluoride
Authors: Itikawa Yukikazu
Published: March 2017

Cross section data are reviewed for electron collisions with hydrogen fluoride. Collision processes considered are total scattering, elastic scattering, excitations of rotational, vibrational, and electronic states, ionization, and dissociative electron attachment. After a survey of the literature, recommended values of the cross sections are determined, as far as possible.
Coercivity enhancement of (Nd,Ce)-Fe-B sintered magnets by doping Nd-Fe additives
Authors: Chen K. , Guo S. , Fan X. D. , Ding G. F. , Di J. H. , Chen R. J. , Lee D. , Yan A. R.
Published: March 2017

The effect of Nd-Fe additives on magnetic properties and microstructure in (Nd,Ce)-Fe-B sintered magnet has been investigated. By doping 3wt% Nd-Fe additives, the coercivity of the magnet increases from 10.56kOe to 12.69kOe with slight remanence decrease. Microstructure observation reveals that the volume fraction of the grain boundary phase increases accompanying with the thickening of the thin grain boundary between the adjacent grains. The RE6Fe13Cu phase which has low melting temperature develops at the triple junction position and the out shell of the matrix grains get magnetically hardened with 3wt% Nd-Fe additives. The results of the dynamic magnetic domains between the original magnet and processed magnet elucidate that the formation of reversed magnetic domains are more difficult for the processed magnet which is the direct evidence to clarify the coercivity enhancement.
Inkjet-printed embedded Ag-PEDOT:PSS electrodes with improved light out coupling effects for highly efficient ITO-free blue polymer light emitting diodes
Authors: Kinner Lukas , Nau Sebastian , Popovic Karl , Sax Stefan , Burgués-Ceballos Ignasi , Hermerschmidt Felix , Lange Alexander , Boeffel Christine , Choulis Stelios A. , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W.
Published: March 2017

We report on solution processed polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) using inkjet-printed embedded and non-embedded metal grid anodes. Metal grids were inkjet-printed in a honeycomb layout. Honeycomb dimensions were varied from 3 mm to 8 mm to optimize device performance. Inkjet-printed grids were then coated with a highly conductive PEDOT:PSS formulation. First experiments on PEDOT:PSS coated, non-embedded metal grid anodes showed that grids with a 3 mm honeycomb diameter have a similar efficiency as optimized indium tin oxide (ITO) based reference devices. To further improve the efficiency of the devices, the honeycomb Ag-grids were embedded in an Ormocer®-based material. A detailed performance analysis of PLEDs fabricated on ITO, non-embedded and embedded grids was carried out. It is shown that reduced leakage current and enhanced light outcoupling by embedding result in a significant efficiency enhancement of 250% in inkjet-printed embedded Ag-PEDOT:PSS ITO-free PLEDs, compared to the ITO-based reference PLEDs.
Reactor vibration reduction based on giant magnetostrictive materials
Authors: Rongge Yan , Weiying Liu , Yuechao Wu , Menghua Duan , Xiaohong Zhang , Lihua Zhu , Ling Weng , Ying Sun
Published: March 2017

The vibration of reactors not only produces noise pollution, but also affects the safe operation of reactors. Giant magnetostrictive materials can generate huge expansion and shrinkage deformation in a magnetic field. With the principle of mutual offset between the giant magnetostrictive force produced by the giant magnetostrictive material and the original vibration force of the reactor, the vibration of the reactor can be reduced. In this paper, magnetization and magnetostriction characteristics in silicon steel and the giant magnetostrictive material are measured, respectively. According to the presented magneto-mechanical coupling model including the electromagnetic force and the magnetostrictive force, reactor vibration is calculated. By comparing the vibration of the reactor with different inserted materials in the air gaps between the reactor cores, the vibration reduction effectiveness of the giant magnetostrictive material is validated.
The multiple faces of sustainability – from sustained yield to sustainable development
Authors: Briggs Sue
Published: March 2017

Sustained yield is the amount or number of a resource that can be harvested without sending the resource into a decline. Sustainable development is development that meets the current needs of human society without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustained yield and sustainable development both encompass concepts of sustainability. This paper (1) describes the concepts of sustained yield and sustainable development, and (2) explores the linkages, or lack of linkages, between the two concepts of sustainability. The linkages between sustained yield and sustainable development are weak. The paper finishes by drawing some conclusions about the relationship, or lack thereof, between sustained yield and sustainable development, and posits that sustainable development should focus on sustainable management and use of natural resources, with socioeconomic issues such as poverty alleviation, women’s rights, displaced people, and trade liberalisation having their own statements or declarations.
Chapter 11. The organization of children’s pointing stroke endpoints
Authors: Andrén Mats
Published: March 2017

The timing of index finger pointing gestures of three Swedish children (recorded longitudinally between 18 and 28 months) was analyzed. 63% of the pointing strokes ended in direct association with the child’s own spoken utterance. This is in line with standard descriptions of gesture timing. However, 35% of the pointing strokes were sustained for a longer time – until a response was received from an interlocutor. It is shown here that parents give significantly more elaborated responses when children’s pointing strokes are sustained and that the children work actively to achieve this result. The timing of such pointing gestures is thus a matter of interactive coordination between child and interlocutor. Finally, these findings are used as the basis for a discussion of different types of descriptions of gesture timing in the literature and how these may relate to each other.
Chapter 14. Learning to use gesture in narratives
Authors: Capirci Olga , Cristilli Carla , De Angelis V. , Graziano Maria
Published: March 2017

This study analyses the way in which children develop their competence in the formal and semantic aspects of gesture. The analysis is focused upon the use of representational gestures in a narrative context. A group of 30 Italian children from 4 to 10 years was videotaped while telling a video cartoon to an adult. Gestures were coded according to the parameters used in Sign Languages analysis and analysed in terms of the acquisition of their properties, the accuracy of their execution and correctness in content representation.It was investigated also the development of the symbolic competence in relation both to the use of some of these parameters and to the representational strategies adopted.Results indicate a developmental trend in all the phenomena investigated and point out some formal similarities between gesture and Sign Languages.
Natural Hybridization of Lepisosteids: Implications for Managing the Alligator Gar
Authors: Bohn Sandra , Kreiser Brian R. , Daugherty Daniel J. , Bodine Kristopher A.
Published: March 2017

The Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula has become a focal species of management and conservation due to declining populations and growing popularity among anglers. The Alligator Gar is sympatric with the Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus and Spotted Gar L. oculatus throughout much of its range, providing the potential for hybridization that can complicate conservation efforts. Hybridization between gars has been documented in captivity; however, natural (i.e., wild) hybridization has not been formally assessed. Population sampling and genetic analyses of Alligator Gars in Texas provided an opportunity to examine hybridization among gars and to assess the potential implications for Alligator Gar management. Specifically, we (1) developed markers to distinguish lepisosteid species and their hybrids, (2) characterized hybridization between species, and (3) assessed our ability to differentiate hybrids from parent species via field evaluation of snout morphology. Fin tissue samples from Alligator Gars and putative hybrids, along with a reference sample of Longnose Gars and Spotted Gars, were genotyped for a mitochondrial locus, two nuclear introns, two nuclear exons, and nine microsatellite loci. Natural hybridization was confirmed: 17 F1 Alligator Gar (female) × Longnose Gar (male) crosses and one F1 Longnose Gar × Spotted Gar were identified, as well as three additional hybrids of uncertain ancestry. Field identification of putative hybrids based on snout morphology was conservative: 21 of 26 (81%) were correctly classified as hybrid individuals, with no false negatives. Our data confirm that sympatric lepisosteid populations do hybridize and that general monitoring of hybridization rates can be accomplished afield. We recommend monitoring of hybridization between sympatric gar populations due to the risks associated with genetic introgression, particularly in systems with depressed Alligator Gar stocks.

Received September 5, 2016; accepted November 21, 2016 Published online March 10, 2017
Quantification of Walleye Spawning Substrate in a Northern Minnesota River using Side-Scan Sonar
Authors: Graham Jake D. , Hafs Andrew W. , Kennedy Anthony J.
Published: March 2017

Evaluating aquatic habitats is an important component of many ecological studies and natural resource assessments, but traditional habitat evaluations are time and labor intensive and do not provide continuous data. Side-scan sonar (SSS) can provide a low-cost method that collects continuous aquatic habitat data. We used SSS mapping to quantify suitable spawning substrate available to Walleye Sander vitreus during the 2015 spring spawning migration in a 10.8-km reach of the Tamarac River, Minnesota. The SSS map had 78.0% agreement with reference points classified in the field, and the proportion of reference points predicted as suitable using the SSS map was not significantly different than the proportion of reference points observed to be suitable. Suitable substrate for Walleye spawning comprised 8.4% (26,392 m2) of the total area mapped. The estimated number of females that suitable substrate could support was lower than the number that likely migrate up the Tamarac River and suggests that access to spawning substrate may sometimes limit reproductive success. This study demonstrates that a relatively inexpensive SSS unit can be used to efficiently map aquatic habitat while acquiring quantitative and qualitative data.

Received July 6, 2016; accepted November 5, 2016 Published online March 10, 2017
Movements of Atlantic Sturgeon of the Gulf of Maine Inside and Outside of the Geographically Defined Distinct Population Segment
Authors: Wippelhauser Gail S. , Sulikowski James , Zydlewski Gayle B. , Altenritter Megan A. , Kieffer Micah , Kinnison Michael T.
Published: March 2017

Identification of potential critical habitat, seasonal distributions, and movements within and between river systems is important for protecting the Gulf of Maine (GOM) distinct population segment of Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus. To accomplish these objectives, we captured Atlantic Sturgeon from four GOM rivers (Penobscot, Kennebec system, Saco, and Merrimack) and tagged 144 individuals (83.3–217.4 cm TL) internally with uniquely coded acoustic transmitters. Tagged fish were detected from 2006 to 2014 by primary receiver arrays that were deployed in the four GOM rivers or were detected opportunistically on a secondary group of receivers deployed within the GOM and along the continental shelf. Tagged Atlantic Sturgeon were documented at three spawning areas in the Kennebec system in June and July, including an area that became accessible in 1999 when Edwards Dam was removed. The majority (74%) of tagged fish were detected in the estuaries of the four GOM rivers, primarily in May–October. They spent most of their time in a 45-km reach within the Kennebec system but occupied more limited areas (≤5-km reach) within the Penobscot, Saco, and Merrimack rivers. Approximately 70% of the tagged fish were detected in GOM coastal waters and aggregated in the Bay of Fundy (May–January), offshore of the Penobscot River (September–February and May), offshore of the Kennebec River (September–February), in Saco Bay and the Scarborough River (July–November), and along the eastern Massachusetts coast between Cape Ann and Cape Cod (April–February). Nine tagged Atlantic Sturgeon (7%) left the GOM; three of those individuals moved north as far as Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and six moved south as far as the James River, Virginia. Information obtained in this study has been used to make recommendations to avoid or reduce the impacts of in-water projects on Atlantic Sturgeon.
Introduction: Informality and power in the South Caucasus
Authors: Polesea Abel , Rekhviashvili Lela
Published: March 2017

Introducing this special issue ofCaucasus Survey, this article emphasizes the dual importance of studying informality in the South Caucasus: to reveal processes previously dismissed from the purview of academic enquiry, and to elaborate the informality concept as an innovative prism through which to understand norms and regulations structuring social life and power relations. The special issue addresses two clear gaps in the existing literature: the dearth of research into informality in general, and the specific lack of informality studies that do not take a normatively negative view of their subject. In this introduction, we first give an overview of the current research field in the study of informality. Then we discuss research on post-socialist informality, indicating the absence of the Caucasian cases in this literature. Third, we elaborate further the purpose of this special issue and end by offering brief overviews of the contributions herein.
Does A Social Welfare Program Affect Farmland Use? Empirical Evidence Using Administrative Data in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hung‐Hao
Published: March 2017

How does a social welfare program affect farmland use? This paper addresses this question by investigating the causal effect that a farmer’s pension program has on the amount of land enrolled in a farmland set‐aside program by using a unique dataset in Taiwan as an illustration. The dataset was constructed by compiling administrative profiles of a farmland set‐aside program and a farmer’s pension program in 2010. The final sample consists of 852,375 parcels of the set‐aside land, and the regression discontinuity design model was estimated to cope with the endogeneity bias. Although the social welfare program and the farmland use program have different policy objectives, our empirical results indicate a significant interaction between these two programs. Landowners who received pension payments enrolled 14% more land into the farmland set‐aside program than those who received no such payments. In term of policy relevance, our results suggest that a more effective farm safety net can be achieved by considering the interaction between the social welfare and farm production program.
Hospital Length of Stay and Readmission Rate for Neurosurgical Patients
Authors: Ansari Shaheryar F , Yan Hong , Zou Jian , Worth Robert M , Barbaro Nicholas M
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Hospital readmission rate has become a major indicator of quality of care, with penalties given to hospitals with high rates of readmission. At the same time, insurers are increasing pressure for greater efficiency and reduced costs, including decreasing hospital lengths of stay (LOS).

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the authors’ service to determine if there is a relationship between LOS and readmission rates.

METHODS

Records of patients admitted to the authors’ institution from October 2007 through June 2014 were analyzed for several data points, including initial LOS, readmission occurrence, admitting and secondary diagnoses, and discharge disposition.

RESULTS

Out of 9409 patient encounters, there were 925 readmissions. Average LOS was 6 d. Univariate analysis indicated a higher readmission rate with more diagnoses upon admission (P < .001) and an association between insurance type and readmission (P < .001), as well as decreasing average yearly LOS (P = .0045). Multivariate analysis indicated statistically significant associations between longer LOS (P = .03) and government insurance (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

A decreasing LOS over time has been associated with an increasing readmission rate at the population level. However, at the individual level, a prolonged LOS was associated with a higher risk of readmission. This was attributed to patient comorbidities. However, this increasing readmission rate may represent many factors including patients’ overall health status. Thus, the rate of readmission may represent a burden of illness rather than a valid metric for quality of care.