bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Nucleation toward Polar‐Solvent‐Free, Fast, and One‐Pot Synthesis of Highly Uniform Perovskite Quantum Dots for Wider Color Gamut Display
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Zhang Kan , Li Jianhai , Chen Jun , Wu Ye , Liu Kai , Song Jizhong , Zeng Haibo
Published: February 2018

Inorganic halide perovskite quantum dots (IPQDs) hold great potentials for wide color gamut displays due to their high quantum yield, narrow, and composition‐tunable emissions. However, they are facing a big challenge to narrower size distribution and upscalable synthesis procedure. Here, different from the usual spontaneous nucleation, a one‐pot strategy, simply aided by uniformly heterogeneous nucleation agents, achieving mass production (≈1.8 g) with high product yield within short reaction time for various IPQDs is demonstrated. This method not only avoids the use of polar solvents, but also averts desirable transfer or injection operations. The heterogeneous nucleation takes place at surface chemical inert materials, which provide additional spatial separation effect, inhibiting the aggregative regrowth of primary IPQDs and thus enabling homogeneous nucleation and growth for various IPQDs. As a result, highly uniform IPQDs, as well as higher color purity, are achieved. Impressively, CsPbBr3 QD dispersion exhibits ultranarrow full width at half maximum of 15.5 nm. Overall, through the novel strategy, blue, green, and red light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) achieved with good optical properties contribute to a color gamut of 140% of the National Television System Committee standard, which is among the widest color gamut in the field of QLED and hence significant for the future high‐definition display.
Localization‐vs‐Delocalization of 5f Orbitals in Superatom Systems
Authors: Gao Yang , Jiang Wanrun , Xu Dexuan , Wang Zhigang
Published: February 2018

A long‐standing debate on the system containing the actinide element is the extent of localization and participation of the 5f orbitals in chemical bonding across the actinide series. Here, we illuminate that the 5f orbitals have both dual nature in superatomic bonding for protactinium, uranium, neptunium, and plutonium using density functional theory. Electronic structure analysis reveals that the partial 5f electrons are active and could be preferentially excited to 6d shells to satisfy jelliumic bonding of the 18‐electron rule (1S21P61D10). In contrast, the extra 5f electrons are more localized for neptunium and plutonium compared with protactinium and uranium, and present antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic couplings for the spin arrangements between actinide atoms and confined gold clusters, and largely localized at the actinide atom. This work offers not only a new recipe for breeding magnetic superatoms, but also is very promising for the designing of superconducting materials and heavy‐fermion systems.
Nanocomposite based on epoxy and MWCNTs modified with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles as efficient microwave absorbing material
Authors: Hosseini Hassan , Mahdavi Hossein
Published: February 2018

In order to make a microwave absorbent material with good dielectric and magnetic properties, well dispersed microwave absorbing hybrid epoxy polymer composites containing nickel doped Fe3O4 nanocrystals coated on carbon nanotubes (NiFe2O4‐MWCNTs/epoxy) were synthesized by the combined precipitation‐hydrothermal method in 1‐30 wt.% of nanoparticles. Nickel possess well interaction with microwave radiation and represents fine electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and by dopping it into ferrite spinel structures, does not show any tendency to oxidation. Well‐dispersed NiFe2O4–MWCNTs/epoxy nanocomposite prepared by new in‐situ polymerization method. First, NiFe2O4–MWCNT nanoparticles ultrasonicated in acetone and after mixing with epoxy resin ultrasonicated again. Finally, hardner added to the composite and tuned temperature for evaporating solvent. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the synthesizing NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. Saturation magnetization value of NiFe2O4‐MWCNTs is about 29 emu/g with very low remanence and coercivity content, which revealed that the NiFe2O4‐MWCNTs is ferromagnetic nanocrystal. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) used to characterize the distribution of NiFe2O4 nanocrystals on the surface of MWCNTs. The TEM images show that NiFe2O4 nanocrystals have a mean size of 12 nm, and completely coated on the exterior surface of MWCNTs. The obtained results of reflection loss revealed that the maximum values of reflection loss of the NiFe2O4‐MWCNTs/epoxy increase by enhancing the content of nanoparticles until 10 wt.% and decreases in 30 wt.%.
Formation ofAu–carbon nanoparticles by laser ablation under pressurizedCO2
Authors: Mardis Mardiansyah , Wahyudiono  , Takada Noriharu , Kanda Hideki , Goto Motonobu
Published: February 2018

Pulsed laser ablation is known to be a promising method for synthesizing metal nanoparticles. Here, Au–carbon nanoparticles were synthesized by pulsed laser ablation under pressurized carbon dioxide. Au plate was ablated using a Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 532 nm and energy of 0.83 mJ in a high‐pressure chamber. The experiments were performed at temperatures and pressures of 21–25 °C and 7–15 MPa, corresponding to carbon dioxide densities of 0.75–0.89 g/cm3, respectively. The synthesized products were collected on a silicon wafer and analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and a scanning transmission electron microscopy system equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The results showed that the generated metal nanoparticles exhibited spherical and nanocluster structures. Au, C, and O were clearly found on the nanoparticle products.
Poly(methyl methacrylate)–epoxy vitrimer composites
Authors: Han Haiping , Xu Xuecheng
Published: February 2018

In this study, we synthesized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) epoxy vitrimer composites by doping methyl methacrylate (MMA) and benzoyl peroxide into a curing system of epoxy resin and citric acid. The vitrimer composites were characterized with dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and stress‐relaxation and lap‐shear testing. The test results show that with increasing amount of MMA, the existence of PMMA in the epoxy vitrimer matrix in the form of intermiscible, slightly soluble, and phase separation became more evident. When the doping amount of PMMA reached 10–25 wt %, the bonding strength of the PMMA–epoxy vitrimer composites was about two times that of the epoxy vitrimer (from 2.3 to 4.3 MPa). This showed that the self‐healing strength of the vitrimer composites was better than that of the pure vitrimer. When the PMMA in the epoxy matrix was in a slightly soluble form, the linear PMMA improved the mechanical properties of the epoxy vitrimer by physical winding. At the same time, the doping of PMMA promoted the transesterification rate of the epoxy vitrimer and enhanced the bonding strength of the composites without lowering the epoxy vitrimer glass‐transition temperature. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46307.
Review: Cell Death, Nucleic Acids, and Immunity
Authors: Elkon Keith B.
Published: February 2018

Cells of the innate immune system are rigged with sensors that detect nucleic acids derived from microbes, especially viruses. It has become clear that these same sensors that respond to nucleic acids derived from damaged cells or defective intracellular processing are implicated in triggering diseases such as lupus and arthritis. The ways in which cells die and the concomitant presence of proteins and peptides that allow nucleic acids to re‐enter cells profoundly influence innate immune responses. In this review, we briefly discusses different types of programmed necrosis, such as pyroptosis, necroptosis, and NETosis, and explains how nucleic acids can engage intracellular receptors and stimulate inflammation. Host protective mechanisms that include compartmentalization of receptors and nucleases as well as the consequences of nuclease deficiencies are explored. In addition, proximal and distal targets in the nucleic acid stimulation of inflammation are discussed in terms of their potential amenability to therapy for the attenuation of innate immune activation and disease pathogenesis.
Transcriptional Profiling of Synovial Macrophages Using Minimally Invasive Ultrasound‐Guided Synovial Biopsies in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mandelin Arthur M. , Homan Philip J. , Shaffer Alexander M. , Cuda Carla M. , Dominguez Salina T. , Bacalao Emily , Carns Mary , Hinchcliff Monique , Lee Jungwha , Aren Kathleen , Thakrar Anjali , Montgomery Anna B. , Bridges S. Louis , Bathon Joan M. , Atkinson John P. , Fox David A. , Matteson Eric L. , Buckley Christopher D. , Pitzalis Costantino , Parks Deborah , Hughes Laura B. , Geraldino‐Pardilla Laura , Ike Robert , Phillips Kristine , Wright Kerry , Filer Andrew , Kelly Stephen , Ruderman Eric M. , Morgan Vince , Abdala‐Valencia Hiam , Misharin Alexander V. , Budinger G. Scott , Bartom Elizabeth T. , Pope Richard M. , Perlman Harris , Winter Deborah R.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Currently, there are no reliable biomarkers for predicting therapeutic response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The synovium may unlock critical information for determining efficacy, since a reduction in the numbers of sublining synovial macrophages remains the most reproducible biomarker. Thus, a clinically actionable method for the collection of synovial tissue, which can be analyzed using high‐throughput strategies, must become a reality. This study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of utilizing synovial biopsies as a precision medicine‐based approach for patients with RA.

Methods

Rheumatologists at 6 US academic sites were trained in minimally invasive ultrasound‐guided synovial tissue biopsy. Biopsy specimens obtained from patients with RA and synovial tissue from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) were subjected to histologic analysis, fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, and RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). An optimized protocol for digesting synovial tissue was developed to generate high‐quality RNA‐seq libraries from isolated macrophage populations. Associations were determined between macrophage transcriptional profiles and clinical parameters in RA patients.

Results

Patients with RA reported minimal adverse effects in response to synovial biopsy. Comparable RNA quality was observed from synovial tissue and isolated macrophages between patients with RA and patients with OA. Whole tissue samples from patients with RA demonstrated a high degree of transcriptional heterogeneity. In contrast, the transcriptional profile of isolated RA synovial macrophages highlighted different subpopulations of patients and identified 6 novel transcriptional modules that were associated with disease activity and therapy.

Conclusion

Performance of synovial tissue biopsies by rheumatologists in the US is feasible and generates high‐quality samples for research. Through the use of cutting‐edge technologies to analyze synovial biopsy specimens in conjunction with corresponding clinical information, a precision medicine–based approach for patients with RA is attainable.
Ion‐Pair SN2 Reaction of OH− and CH3Cl: Activation Strain Analyses of Counterion and Solvent Effects
Authors: Laloo Jalal Z. A. , Rhyman Lydia , Larrañaga Olatz , Ramasami Ponnadurai , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , de Cózar Abel
Published: February 2018

We have theoretically studied the non‐identity SN2 reactions of MnOH(n−1)+CH3Cl (M+=Li+, Na+, K+, and MgCl+; n=0, 1) in the gas phase and in THF solution at the OLYP/6‐31++G(d,p) level using polarizable continuum model (PCM) implicit solvation. We want to explore and understand the effect of the metal counterion M+ and solvation on the reaction profile and the stereoselectivity of these processes. To this end, we have explored the potential energy surfaces of the backside (SN2‐b) and frontside (SN2‐f) pathways. To explain the computed trends, we have carried out analyses with an extended activation strain model (ASM) of chemical reactivity that includes the treatment of solvation effects.
Model‐free offline change‐point detection in multidimensional time series of arbitrary nature via ϵ‐complexity: Simulations and applications
Authors: Darkhovsky Boris , Piryatinska Alexandra
Published: February 2018

A novel method for offline detection of multiple change points in multidimensional time series is proposed. It is based on the notion of ε‐complexity of continuous vector functions. The proposed methodology does not use any prior information on data‐generating mechanisms; therefore, it can be applied to multidimensional time series of arbitrary nature. Its performance is demonstrated in simulations and an application to high‐frequency financial data.
BIM im konstruktiven Ingenieurbau – ein Erfahrungsbericht
Authors: Ollero Juan , Wellbrock Ingo
Published: February 2018

Nach den ersten Berührungspunkten mit der Arbeitsmethodik BIM Anfang der 2000er‐Jahre bei der Mitwirkung an der Realisierung von internationalen Projekten und bei der Zusammenarbeit mit – in der Regel ausländischen – Unternehmen wurden im Hause Inros Lackner verschiedene Baumaßnahmen im Bereich des Ingenieurbaus BIM‐basiert realisiert. Hierbei handelte es sich um den sporadischen Einsatz von BIM‐fähigen Programmen, die durch den Kunden vorgegeben wurden.

Seit dem firmeninternen Beschluss, diese neue Arbeitsmethodik konsequent zu implementieren, wird sie bei der Inros Lackner an vielen Standorten täglich eingesetzt.

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit den Erfahrungen im Hinblick auf die Prozesse und die Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Unternehmen, die bei der Implementierung, Realisierung und Planung von Ingenieurbauwerken, insbesondere im Bereich des konstruktiven Wasserbaus, gesammelt wurden. Diese Erfahrungen werden anhand von konkreten Projekten, wie z. B. dem Neubau der Hadelner Kanalschleuse in Otterndorf bei Cuxhaven und der Planung eines schwimmenden Containerterminals in Luanda (Angola), erläutert.

Der Blick auf die Praxis zeigt, dass sich BIM als Arbeitsmethodik im Unternehmen optimal für den täglichen Gebrauch und die Bearbeitung von Projekten unterschiedlicher Größenordnung eignet.
Brand‐ und Abplatzverhalten von Tunnelbetonen
Authors: Juknat Michael , Dehn Frank
Published: February 2018

Die Verwendung von PP‐Faserbetonen für die Anwendung in Tunnelbauwerken hat in den vergangenen Jahren immer mehr an Bedeutung gewonnen. Dabei werden die PP‐Fasern gezielt eingesetzt, um bei einem Brandereignis die möglichen Abplatzungen infolge der schnellen Temperaturanstiege zu verhindern.

Im Rahmen der verschiedenen, meist projektbezogenen Brandversuche wird dabei häufig die Frage gestellt, inwiefern die Abmessungen der zu untersuchenden Probekörper sowie die eingeleiteten äußeren mechanischen Beanspruchungen einen Einfluss auf das Brand‐ und Abplatzverhalten der zu untersuchenden PP‐Faserbetone haben und inwiefern die daraus resultierenden Versuchsergebnisse untereinander vergleichbar sind.

Trotz einer Vielzahl bisher durchgeführter Brandversuche ist eine direkte Antwort auf diese Fragen noch nicht möglich, da neben den materialbezogenen und geometrischen Einflussparametern auch versuchs‐ bzw. einwirkungsbedingte Abhängigkeiten bestehen.

Daher wurden an der MFPA Leipzig GmbH in einer gezielten Parameterstudie insgesamt 16 einzelne Probekörper mit zwei verschiedenen geometrischen Abmessungen experimentell untersucht. Alle Probekörper wurden aus einem PP‐Faserbeton mit zwei verschiedenen PP‐Fasergehalten hergestellt. Es wurden unbelastete sowie einaxial belastete Brandversuche an den Probekörpern durchgeführt.
Social enterprise resilience in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Littlewood David , Holt Diane
Published: February 2018

This paper examines resilience in development‐oriented social enterprises in sub‐Saharan Africa drawing upon in‐depth case study research. It explores the nature of the strategic challenges faced by social enterprises in sub‐Saharan African contexts and which necessitate organisational resilience. Key resources and capabilities possessed by resilient social enterprises are identified. Finally, strategies adopted by resilient social enterprises are explored. This research not only contributes to literature on resilience in social enterprises but also works on wider organisational resilience, particularly in complex and unpredictable environments. Furthermore, it contributes to hitherto limited work on social enterprises in sub‐Saharan Africa. Finally, this paper has implications for practicing managers in social enterprises who are looking to build organisational resilience.
Current perceptions on the problem of modern slavery in business
Authors: Christ Katherine Leanne , Burritt Roger Leonard
Published: February 2018

Australia is one of the latest countries to consider introduction of a Modern Slavery Act. An Inquiry by the Parliament of Australia has received nearly 200 submissions from a range of interested stakeholders. This paper classifies and then synthesizes the perceptions of these groups on the role of Australian business in addressing modern slavery issues raised by the Inquiry. Modern slavery in Australian business is seen to be a small tip of a large iceberg hidden in global supply chains. Although the vast majority support introduction of an Act in Australia issues arising include an ongoing lack of transparency for consumers, the relative powerlessness of domestic unions to engage, tensions between national and international standard setting for reporting, and how to engage all businesses not just multinational companies. A set of future research questions arising are developed in the hope of stimulating reduction in the insidious practices of modern slavery.
Deracemization of Phenyl‐Substituted 2‐Methyl‐1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydroquinolines by a Recombinant Monoamine Oxidase from Pseudomonas monteilii ZMU‐T01
Authors: Deng Guozhong , Wan Nanwei , Qin Lei , Cui Baodong , An Miao , Han Wenyong , Chen Yongzheng
Published: February 2018

A monoamine oxidase (MAO5) from Pseudomonas monteilii ZMU‐T01 was first heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and then used as a biocatalyst for the deracemization of racemic 2‐methyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahdroquinoline derivatives to yield the unreacted R enantiomer with up to >99 % ee. Sequence alignment revealed that MAO5 shared 14.7 % identity toward the well‐studied monoamine oxidase (MAO‐N).
Design of Highly Potent, Dual‐Acting and Central‐Nervous‐System‐Penetrating HIV‐1 Protease Inhibitors with Excellent Potency against Multidrug‐Resistant HIV‐1 Variants
Authors: Ghosh Arun K. , Rao Kalapala Venkateswara , Nyalapatla Prasanth R. , Kovela Satish , Brindisi Margherita , Osswald Heather L. , Sekhara Reddy Bhavanam , Agniswamy Johnson , Wang Yuan‐Fang , Aoki Manabu , Hattori Shin‐ichiro , Weber Irene T. , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: February 2018

Herein we report the design, synthesis, X‐ray structural, and biological studies of an exceptionally potent HIV‐1 protease inhibitor, compound 5 ((3S,7aS,8S)‐hexahydro‐4H‐3,5‐methanofuro[2,3‐b]pyran‐8‐yl ((2S,3R)‐4‐((2‐(cyclopropylamino)‐N‐isobutylbenzo[d]thiazole)‐6‐sulfonamido)‐1‐(3,5‐difluorophenyl)‐3‐hydroxybutan‐2‐yl)carbamate). Using structure‐based design, we incorporated an unprecedented 6‐5‐5‐ring‐fused crown‐like tetrahydropyranofuran as the P2‐ligand, a cyclopropylaminobenzothiazole as the P2′‐ligand, and a 3,5‐difluorophenylmethyl group as the P1‐ligand. The resulting inhibitor 5 exhibited exceptional HIV‐1 protease inhibitory and antiviral potency at the picomolar level. Furthermore, it displayed antiviral IC50 values in the picomolar range against a wide panel of highly multidrug‐resistant HIV‐1 variants. The inhibitor shows an extremely high genetic barrier against the emergence of drug‐resistant variants. It also showed extremely potent inhibitory activity toward dimerization as well as favorable central nervous system penetration. We determined a high‐resolution X‐ray crystal structure of the complex between inhibitor 5 and HIV‐1 protease, which provides molecular insight into the unprecedented activity profiles observed.
KBiO3 as an Effective Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalyst: Degradation Mechanism for Different Organic Pollutants
Authors: Zheng Hanxiao , Zhang Tingting , Zhu Yingming , Liang Bin , Jiang Wei
Published: February 2018

A pentavalent bismuthate, KBiO3, was investigated systematically as a visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst to degrade four typical organic pollutants: Rhodamine B (RhB), crystal violet (CV), methylene blue (MB) and phenol. These organic compounds can be efficiently decomposed under visible‐light irradiation. However, the photodegradation mechanisms of these organic compounds by KBiO3 were different. For RhB and CV, only the adsorption and photooxidation effect worked because their redox potentials were greater than that of KBiO3 (1.59 eV) but smaller than its band gap energy (2.04 eV). For MB, the photooxidation and chemical oxidation effects of KBiO3 both occurred because of its relatively low redox potential. For phenol, rapid adsorption and chemical oxidation were determined in the initial stage, but only photooxidation was observed in the successful process. The different degradation mechanisms of the four organic compounds with KBiO3 may be ascribed to competition between the photocatalytic process, the redox reaction and adsorption. The reduction product of KBiO3 was Bi2O3. These results provide a reference for further development and improvement of high‐valence photocatalysts.
Stakeholder Engagement: An Evaluation of European Banks
Authors: Venturelli Andrea , Cosma Simona , Leopizzi Rossella
Published: February 2018

This work introduces a model for evaluating the quality of stakeholder engagement (SE) in the banking sector by applying content analysis to SE disclosure. Through this model, an SE score is calculated based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative variables by international standards and relevant literature. The results show that European banks do not have high‐quality SE processes, especially in comparison to non‐financial companies traditionally regarded as corporate social responsibility sensitive. The main findings of the paper have both theoretical and empirical implications. Regarding theory, this study contributes to the so far scant literature on SE in the banking sector. From the management perspective, the results highlight areas that can be strengthened to improve SE processes in banks. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
High‐Efficiency and UV‐Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Low‐Temperature, Solution‐Processed Electron‐Transport Layer
Authors: Liu Cheng , Yang Yi , Ding Yong , Xu Jia , Liu Xiaolong , Zhang Bing , Yao Jianxi , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Dai Songyuan
Published: February 2018

Efficient metal‐halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with a regular structure typically use high‐temperature‐processed TiO2 electron‐transport layers (ETLs), which suffer from high electron recombination and inherent UV instability. Herein, we present low‐temperature solution‐processed lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Li‐TFSI)‐doped C60 (Li‐C60) ETLs for high‐efficiency and UV‐stable planar PSCs with an n‐i‐p architecture. We found that simple Li‐TFSI doping ensured a better energy match between the active layer and the cathode, considerably enhanced the electron mobility of the ETL, and even improved CH3NH3PbI3 crystallization finally to increase the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 15.3 to 17.8 % with a minor hysteresis effect. Moreover, it was demonstrated that replacing TiO2 with Li‐C60 resulted in PSCs that were much more stable under UV light under an air atmosphere with almost no degradation after 3000 h under a nitrogen atmosphere.
Frequent Pitfalls in the Characterization of Electrodes Designed for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Zeradjanin Aleksandar R.
Published: February 2018

Focus on the importance of energy conversion and storage boosted research interest in various electrocatalytic materials. Characterization of solid–liquid interfaces during faradaic and non‐faradaic processes is routinely conducted in many laboratories worldwide on a daily basis. This can be deemed as a very positive tendency. However, careful insight into modern literature suggests frequent misuse of electroanalytical tools. This can have very negative implications and postpone overall development of electrocatalytic materials with the desired properties. This work points out some of the frequent pitfalls in electrochemical characterization, suggests potential solutions, and above all encourages comprehensive analysis and in‐depth thinking about electrochemical phenomena.
The impact of a short educational movie on promoting chronic pain health literacy in school: A feasibility study
Authors: Wager J. , Stahlschmidt L. , Heuer F. , Troche S. , Zernikow B.
Published: February 2018

Background

School‐based health education programs on chronic pain providing information about the proper management of recurrent and chronic pain may increase health literacy in terms of pain knowledge, may thereby prevent dysfunctional coping and may decrease the risk of pain chronification. The aim of the present feasibility study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational movie on recurrent and chronic pain in increasing pain knowledge among students.

Methods

N = 95 adolescent students provided demographic and pain‐related information and completed a pain knowledge questionnaire before and after viewing an educational movie on recurrent and chronic pain. Participants were classified as experiencing frequent pain if they reported pain at least once a week in the last 3 months.

Results

One‐third of the participants experienced frequent pain. There was a significant increase in pain knowledge for all participants ( = 0.544). Students with frequent pain had a stronger knowledge increase regarding the management of chronic and recurrent pain than those without frequent pain ( = 0.087). Sex did not moderate the gain in pain knowledge.

Conclusions

This feasibility study provides first evidence that a short educational movie on recurrent and chronic pain may increase chronic pain health literacy in students. Future studies should investigate the long‐term retention of pain knowledge and any associated effects on behaviour change. Due to barriers to the implementation of interventional studies in the school setting, these studies should use a waitlist control group design and online data collection.

Significance

This feasibility study provides first evidence for the effectiveness of an 11‐min educational movie on chronic pain in increasing chronic pain knowledge in students. Students with frequent pain benefitted more from the education than students without frequent pain.
Forty‐nine gastric cancer cell lines with integrative genomic profiling for development of c‐MET inhibitor
Authors: Kim Hyun Jeong , Kang Sun Kyoung , Kwon Woo Sun , Kim Tae Soo , Jeong Inhye , Jeung Hei‐Cheul , Kragh Michael , Horak Ivan D. , Chung Hyun Cheol , Rha Sun Young
Published: February 2018

Receptor tyrosine kinase MET (c‐MET) has received considerable attention as a potential target for gastric cancer (GC) therapy and a number of c‐MET inhibitors have been developed. For successful drug development, proper preclinical studies especially using patient derived cancer cell lines are very important. We profiled MET and MET‐related characteristics in 49 GC cell lines to utilize them as models in preclinical studies of GC. Forty‐nine cell lines were analyzed for genetic, biological, and molecular status to characterize MET and MET‐related molecules. Four c‐MET inhibitors were tested to elucidate the dependency on MET pathway in the 49 GC cell lines. Six of 49 cell lines were MET amplified with overexpression of c‐MET and p‐MET. The variants of MET were not associated with c‐MET expression or amplification. Hs746T showed an exon 14 deletion in conjunction with MET amplification. The cell lines were divided into 6 MET amplified, 2 c‐MET overexpressed, 2 hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) overexpressed, and 39 MET‐negative subgroups. Except tivantinib, the c‐MET inhibitors showed higher inhibition (%) in MET amplified than in MET nonamplified cell lines that MET amplified cell lines showed MET pathway dependency. However, the c‐MET overexpressed and HGF overexpressed cell lines showed moderate dependency on MET pathway. Well‐characterized cell lines are very important in studying drug development. Our 49 GC cell lines had various characteristics of MET and MET‐related molecules and MET pathway dependency. These provide a promising platform for development of various RTK inhibitors including c‐MET inhibitors.
Inhibition of experimental small‐cell and non‐small‐cell lung cancers by novel antagonists of growth hormone‐releasing hormone
Authors: Wang Haibo , Zhang Xianyang , Vidaurre Irving , Cai Renzhi , Sha Wei , Schally Andrew V.
Published: February 2018

We investigated the effects of novel antagonists of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)—MIA602 and MIA690—on three human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) lines (H446, DMS53 and H69) and two non‐SCLC (NSCLC) lines (HCC827 and H460). In vitro exposure of cancer cells to these GHRH antagonists significantly inhibited cell viability, increased cell apoptosis, decrease cellular levels of cAMP and reduced cell migration. In vivo, the antagonists strongly inhibited tumor growth in xenografted nude mice models. Subcutaneous administration of MIA602 at the dose of 5 μg/day for 4–8 weeks reduced the growth of HCC827, H460 and H446 tumors by 69.9%, 68.3% and 53.4%, respectively, while MIA690 caused a reduction of 76.8%, 58.3% and 54.9%, respectively. Western blot and qRT‐PCR analyses demonstrated a downregulation of expression of the pituitary‐type GHRH‐R and its splice‐variant, cyclinD1/2, cyclin‐dependent kinase4/6, p21‐activated kinase‐1, phosphorylation of activator of transcription 3 and cAMP response element binding protein; and an upregulation of expression of E‐cadherin, β‐catenin and P27kip1 in cancer cells and in xenografted tumor tissues. The study demonstrates the involvement of GHRH antagonists in multiple signaling pathways in lung cancers. Our findings suggest the merit of further investigation with these GHRH antagonists on the management of both SCLC and NSCLC.
Epigenetic dysregulation of key developmental genes in radiation‐induced rat mammary carcinomas
Authors: Daino Kazuhiro , Nishimura Mayumi , Imaoka Tatsuhiko , Takabatake Masaru , Morioka Takamitsu , Nishimura Yukiko , Shimada Yoshiya , Kakinuma Shizuko
Published: February 2018

With the increase in the number of long‐term cancer survivors worldwide, there is a growing concern about the risk of secondary cancers induced by radiotherapy. Epigenetic modifications of genes associated with carcinogenesis are attractive targets for the prevention of cancer owing to their reversible nature. To identify genes with possible changes in functionally relevant DNA methylation patterns in mammary carcinomas induced by radiation exposure, we performed microarray‐based global DNA methylation and expression profiling in γ‐ray‐induced rat mammary carcinomas and normal mammary glands. The gene expression profiling identified dysregulation of developmentally related genes, including the downstream targets of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and overexpression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2, a component of PRC2, in the carcinomas. By integrating expression and DNA methylation profiles, we identified ten hypermethylated and three hypomethylated genes that possibly act as tumor‐suppressor genes and oncogenes dysregulated by aberrant DNA methylation; half of these genes encode developmental transcription factors. Bisulfite sequencing and quantitative PCR confirmed the dysregulation of the polycomb‐regulated developmentally related transcription‐factor genes Dmrt2, Hoxa7, Foxb1, Sox17, Lhx8, Gata3 and Runx1. Silencing of Hoxa7 was further verified by immunohistochemistry. These results suggest that, in radiation‐induced mammary gland carcinomas, PRC2‐mediated aberrant DNA methylation leads to dysregulation of developmentally related transcription‐factor genes. Our findings provide clues to molecular mechanisms linking epigenetic regulation and radiation‐induced breast carcinogenesis and underscore the potential of such epigenetic mechanisms as targets for cancer prevention.
Factors influencing the intention to use of mobile value‐added services by women‐owned microenterprises in Fiji
Authors: Sathye Suneeta , Prasad Biman , Sharma Dharmendra , Sharma Parmendra , Sathye Milind
Published: February 2018

We investigate the factors influencing the intention to use mobile value‐added services in the Pacific island of Fiji. Technology adoption literature suggests that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence intention to adopt new technology. However, behavioral research suggests that intention to adopt is influenced by social norms. We investigate the impact of these 3 constructs on behavioral intention to use mobile value‐added services in Fiji—a country that has some unique characteristics such as the culture of “sharing” and “reciprocity.” We surveyed 74 women microentrepreneurs and found that the predominant driver of intention to adopt technology in collectivist societies such as Fiji is social influence. It was found that social influence also impacts perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use and through these the intention to adopt. Accordingly, in societies such as Fiji, policy makers and industry need to engage social organizations/networks for advancement of technology adoption.
Phospholipase D isoforms differentially regulate leukocyte responses to acute lung injury
Authors: Abdulnour Raja-Elie E , Howrylak Judie A , Tavares Alexander H , Douda David N , Henkels Karen M , Miller Taylor E , Fredenburgh Laura E , Baron Rebecca M , Gomez-Cambronero Julian , Levy Bruce D
Published: February 2018

Phospholipase D (PLD) plays important roles in cellular responses to tissue injury that are critical to acute inflammatory diseases, such as the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We investigated the expression of PLD isoforms and related phospholipid phosphatases in patients with ARDS, and their roles in a murine model of self-limited acute lung injury (ALI). Gene expression microarray analysis on whole blood obtained from patients that met clinical criteria for ARDS and clinically matched controls (non-ARDS) demonstrated that PLD1 gene expression was increased in patients with ARDS relative to non-ARDS and correlated with survival. In contrast, PLD2 expression was associated with mortality. In a murine model of self-resolving ALI, lung Pld1 expression increased and Pld2 expression decreased 24 h after intrabronchial acid. Total lung PLD activity was increased 24 h after injury. Pld1−/− mice demonstrated impaired alveolar barrier function and increased tissue injury relative to WT and Pld2−/−, whereas Pld2−/− mice demonstrated increased recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages, and decreased tissue injury. Isoform-specific PLD inhibitors mirrored the results with isoform-specific Pld-KO mice. PLD1 gene expression knockdown in human leukocytes was associated with decreased phagocytosis by neutrophils, whereas reactive oxygen species production and phagocytosis decreased in M2-macrophages. PLD2 gene expression knockdown increased neutrophil and M2-macrophage transmigration, and increased M2-macrophage phagocytosis. These results uncovered selective regulation of PLD isoforms after ALI, and opposing effects of selective isoform knockdown on host responses and tissue injury. These findings support therapeutic strategies targeting specific PLD isoforms for the treatment of ARDS.
Using support vector machine analysis to assess PartinMR: A new prediction model for organ‐confined prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Jing , Wu Chen‐Jiang , Bao Mei‐Ling , Zhang Jing , Shi Hai‐Bin , Zhang Yu‐Dong
Published: February 2018

Background

Partin tables represent the most widely used predictive tool for prostate cancer stage at prostatectomy but with potential limitations.

Purpose

To develop a new PartinMR model for organ‐confined prostate cancer (OCPCA) by incorporating Partin table and mp‐MRI with a support vector machine (SVM) analysis.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 541 patients with biopsy‐confirmed prostate cancer underwent mp‐MRI.

Field Strength

T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted imaging with a 3.0T MR scanner.

Assessment

Candidate predictors included age, prostate‐specific antigen, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason score (GS), and mp‐MRI findings, ie, tumor location, Prostate Imaging and Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) score, diameter (D‐max), and 6‐point MR stage. The PartinMR model with combination of a Partin table and mp‐MRI findings was developed using SVM and 5‐fold crossvalidation analysis.

Statistical Tests

The predicted ability of the PartinMR model was compared with a standard Partin and a modified Partin table (mPartin) which used for mp‐MRI staging. Statistical tests were made by area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), adjusted proportional hazard ratio (HR), and a cost‐effective benefit analysis.

Results

The rate of OCPCA at prostatectomy was 46.4% (251/541). Using MR staging, mPartin table (AUC, 0.814, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.779–0.846, P = 0.001) is appreciably better than the Partin table (AUC, 0.730, 95% CI: 0.690–0.767). Contrarily, adding all MR variables, the PartinMR model (AUC, 0.891, 95% CI: 0.884–0.899, P < 0.001) outperformed any other scheme, with 79.3% sensitivity, 75.7% specificity, 79% positive predictive value, and 76.0% negative predictive value for OCPCA. MR stage represented the most influential predictor of extracapsular extension (HR, 2.77, 95% CI: 1.54–3.33), followed by D‐max (2.01, 95% CI: 1.31–2.68), biopsy GS (1.64, 95% CI: 1.35–2.12), and PI‐RADS score (1.21, 95% CI: 1.01–1.98).

Data Conclusion

The new PartinMR model is superior to the conventional Partin table for OCPCA. Clinical implications of mp‐MRI for prostate cancer stage must be confirmed in further trials.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:499–506.
Root growth improvement of mesquite seedlings and bacterial rhizosphere and soil community changes are induced by inoculation with plant growth‐promoting bacteria and promote restoration of eroded desert soil
Authors: Galaviz Cristina , Lopez Blanca R. , de‐Bashan Luz E. , Hirsch Ann M. , Maymon Maskit , Bashan Yoav
Published: February 2018

Soil degradation is an ecological disturbance, usually human‐caused, that negatively affects the vegetation and climate of an ecosystem, particularly arid and semiarid environments. These degraded soils can be restored by using native perennial plants inoculated with specific microorganisms. We studied the changes in root growth and the rhizosphere bacterial community of mesquite seedlings (Prosopis articulata) after inoculation with the endophytic bacteria Bacillus pumilus ES4, over 3 cycles of growth in the same soil under desert climatic conditions, and found that inoculation significantly enhanced root biomass during the growth cycles but not shoot biomass or root and shoot lengths. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that B. pumilus colonized the root cap, apical meristem, and elongation zone, forming small colonies, on roots from soil‐grown mesquite. Inoculation also significantly changed the bacterial community structure of rhizophere and nonrhizosphere (without plants) soils based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles. The changes were highly stable, and the bacterial community structure was maintained throughout the experimental period and not affected by plant replacement. The 16S rRNA pyrosequencing confirmed the changes on structure of bacterial community and revealed an impact on the top taxonomic levels analyzed. The rhizospheres of inoculated plants showed a significant increase in the abundance of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria coupled with a concomitant decrease in Actinobacteria, whereas an opposite response was observed in nonrhizospheric degraded soils. Overall, inoculation with B. pumilus reduced bacterial diversity but increased the Rhizobium population in the soil. The class Bacilli, despite B. pumilus inoculum, showed minimal variation.
Establishing and validating a root water uptake model under the effects of superabsorbent polymers
Authors: Liao Renkuan , Yang Peiling , Yu Haoliang , Wu Wenyong , Ren Shumei
Published: February 2018

In‐depth understanding of the patterns of root water uptake (RWU) is the key to improving the water‐use efficiency of plants. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) can repeatedly absorb and then release water to plants when needed, which substantially increases the water‐use efficiency of plants in arid and semiarid farming. However, it also creates a challenge in modeling RWU due to unstable soil hydraulic parameters and the unclear response of root growth to SAP application. A controlled soil column experiment was conducted to investigate the response of two important root indexes, that is, root length density (RLD) and root nitrogen mass density (RND), to SAP application, as well as their relationships with RWU. The results showed that the use of the SAP caused a steady increase in RND, and it also substantially increased the RLD in the early stage, but the rate of increase gradually slowed over time. The effect of unstable soil hydraulic parameters on RWU was analyzed in a numerical experiment, which indicated that the time‐dependent effect of SAP on soil hydraulic parameters should be considered to avoid errors in calculating RWU. A specific method for calculating the RWU source/sink term in the Richards equation was proposed and ultimately used as the theoretical value of RWU to verify the RWU models based on RLD and RND to ensure the best one was selected. The results showed that RND was better able to be used for development of the RWU model to simulate the patterns of RWU under SAP application.
Recent greening (1981–2013) in the Mu Us dune field, north‐central China, and its potential causes
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Hu Rui , Wang Kexin , Mason Joseph A. , Wu Shuang‐Ye , Lu Huayu
Published: February 2018

Desertification of arid and semiarid land is a severe environmental problem. Better understanding of the desertification process, in the context of changing climate and growing human activities, is essential for policy‐making on desertification control strategies and land‐use management in these environmentally sensitive areas. In this study, we analyze vegetation change and dune activity over the years 1981–2013 in Mu Us, a semiarid dune field in north‐central China, using remote sensing techniques and geomorphic analysis. During this period, we have observed an increasing trend in vegetation greenness, indicated by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, which is consistent with the decreasing trend of the dune mobility index. Changes in dune morphologies in the study area indicate that dunes are being stabilized under vegetation growth, and this morphological change could potentially be used to detect the long‐term trend in desertification. Based on a detailed analysis of both climatic and socioeconomic data, we found that the decadal changes in wind strength have significant impact on the long‐term vegetation rehabilitation in the study area and that the short‐term variations in vegetation growth are associated with interannual fluctuations in precipitation. Policy‐driven, large ecological restoration projects implemented in recent decades can exert a positive impact on vegetation restoration, especially under favourable climatic conditions. This study implies that such climatic conditions may offer a window of opportunity for land regeneration in semiarid northern China.
Das Sintern in der Prozesskette des Pulverspritzgießens
Authors: Aichele W. , Hage C. , Aichele R.
Published: February 2018

Der vorliegende Beitrag korreliert die Schwindung poröser Körper bei drucklosem Sintern direkt mit der Abnahme ihrer inneren Oberfläche. Nach Auswertung von Dilatometermessungen sagt das vorgeschlagene kinetische Modell das Schwindungsverhalten bei beliebigen Temperaturverläufen voraus. Im Vergleich zum Konzept der Master‐Sinter‐Kurve (MSC) können zusätzlich unterschiedliche Korngrößenverteilungen und Ausgangsdichten sowie eine im Verlauf des Sinterprozesses variierende Aktivierungsenergie berücksichtigt werden. Im Anfangsstadium des Sinterns weichen die nach den vorgestellten Sintermodellen regressionsanalytisch berechneten Schwindungen systematisch von den ermittelten Schwindungen ab. Die Abweichungen werden auf Umwandlungsvorgänge zurückgeführt, die bis zum Einsetzen der Sinterschwindung noch nicht abgeschlossen sind. In diesen Fällen wird zur Verbesserung der Modelle eine Verknüpfung der Kinetik des Sinterns mit der Kinetik der Umwandlungsvorgänge vorgeschlagen.
Crowd‐Out or Affordability? The Lifeline Expansion's Effect on Wireless Service Spending
Authors: Conkling Thomas S.
Published: February 2018

Public subsidization of private goods often leads to crowd‐out, reducing private spending. This effect is intended for a policy such as the 2008 Lifeline phone subsidy expansion, which aimed to increase affordable access to services. I examine the effects of this policy on households’ self‐reported wireless phone service spending in the Consumer Expenditure Survey. Using state‐level variation in policy implementation and triple‐differences event study methods, I estimate that the expansion reduced households’ wireless service spending by more than 100 percent of subsidy payments. I document that the expansion led to a separate, competitive market for providers catering to low‐income households. Consequently, higher‐quality subsidized services crowded out lower‐quality unsubsidized options, saving households more than an equivalent cash transfer. This highlights how market segmentation and competition can magnify a targeted subsidy's impact.
From liposomes to cells: Filling the gap between physicochemical and microbiological studies of the activity and selectivity of host‐defense peptides
Authors: Savini Filippo , Bobone Sara , Roversi Daniela , Mangoni Maria Luisa , Stella Lorenzo
Published: February 2018

Host‐defense peptides (HPDs) are bactericidal and immunomodulatory molecules, part of the innate immune system of many organisms, including man. They kill bacteria mostly by perturbing their membranes, and for this reason they are a promising class of molecules to fight drug‐resistant microbes. However, their success towards clinical application is still limited, partly due to many unanswered questions on their activity and function. Our current understanding of HDPs has been reached by two parallel, but largely independent, approaches: microbiological studies on HDP effects on cells, and physicochemical investigations on model membranes. All current models for the mechanisms of HDP membrane perturbation and cell selectivity were derived from the latter kind of studies, but their relevance for real cells still had to be demonstrated. In the last few years, several studies led to quantitative insights into HDP behavior directly in cells: membrane‐binding and peptide‐induced pores in bacteria and liposomes were compared; the number of cell‐bound peptide molecules needed to kill a bacterium was determined; the variation of peptide activity and toxicity with the density of cells was characterized; selectivity was examined in a mixture of target and host cells; the sequence of events leading to bacterial death was observed in real time by microscopy on single cells. Overall, these approaches led to a new understanding of HDPs that will be helpful for their development into effective antibiotic drugs.