bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics of Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Fukuoka Hidenori
Published: January 2017

Genetic changes of pituitary have been investigated during several decades and have been identified as germ line mutations, including
MEN1
,
PRKAR1A
,
AIP
,
CDKN1B
and
SDHx
genes, and somatic mutations including
GNAS
and
PIK3CA
genes. In addition to these genetic changes, further novel genes were recently identified related to childhood pituitary tumours including
DICER1
and
GPR101
. And somatic
USP8
gene mutations were found in 35–62% of Cushing disease by next‐generation sequencing technique. Furthermore, Genome‐wide association study of pituitary adenomas and whole‐genome sequencing of
GH
‐secreting adenomas were reported. From the studies of genetically engineered animals which develop pituitary adenomas, predominant genes related to cell cycle (
Rb
,
p27
,
p18
,
PTTG1
,
HMGAs
,
MEN1
and
Cdk4
) and
cAMP
signalling (
Prkar1a
,
D2r
,
Ghrhr
and
Aip
) have been identified.

Key Concepts

Genetic changes in human pituitary adenomas are identified predominantly from germ line mutations of hereditary syndromes.

Some genes related to germ line mutations were also identified in somatic mutations.

Recent developments of somatic mutations using next‐generation sequencing are updated.

Genetically engineered animal models of pituitary adenomas are summarised.

Further epigenetic and proteomic analyses are important in pituitary adenomas.
‘Everyday Enhancement’: Parents and Professionals Making Decisions about Drug Treatment of Minors for Problems with Learning and Behaviour
Authors: Bard Imre , Singh Ilina , Eduard Peter
Published: January 2017

The use of pharmaceuticals to support learning and behaviour in children has been a controversial topic since the 1990s. Concerns have been raised about overmedicating children, thwarting their moral develop with drugs, as well as providing an unfair advantage. Everyday enhancement can be understood as the grey area between unambiguously therapeutic and unambiguously non‐therapeutic uses of medication to improve cognitive performance in children. Attention‐deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder and psychostimulant medication use offer a good case study to reflect on the questions raised by everyday enhancement. Over the past years several frameworks have been developed to guide medical professionals' decision‐making. These are rooted in different ethical commitments and include a pragmatic managerial approach to reducing or preventing the harms of enhancement in children; a framework centered on the physician's fiduciary responsibility; and a framework starting from the notion of children's best interests.

Key Concepts

Enhancement is a controversial subject that rose to prominence from the late 1990s.

Evidence suggests that psychostimulant medication is being used to enhance normal performance in children and adolescents.

Current evidence is inconclusive about the prevalence of the practice and the efficacy of stimulants in improving normal cognitive performance.

Several ethical, societal and neurodevelopmental concerns have been raised about the use of psychostimulants for nonmedical purposes, although the boundaries between therapeutic and enhancing interventions may sometimes be very difficult to define.

Various frameworks for professional decision‐making have been formulated, which allocate different weight to a shared set of ethical and societal considerations, such as harm reduction, children's best interests and the fiduciary responsibility of physicians.
The World of
SET
‐Containing Lysine Methyltransferases
Authors: Vasileva Elena , Barlev Nickolai
Published: January 2017

Genomic DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in eukaryotic cells is compacted into chromatin that plays an important role in regulation of DNA replication, gene expression, recombination and repair. Chromatin is composed of nucleosomes – genomic DNA – wrapped around two copies of each of the four canonical histones: H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. The amino‐terminal tails of histones undergo multiple post‐translational modifications such as methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ADP (adenosine diphosphate)‐ribosylation and ubiquitination, resulting in chromatin remodeling. Lysine methylation of histones is a post‐translational modification playing a key role in regulation of gene expression and chromatin functioning. Each type of histones undergoes methylation at various lysines by SET domain‐containing methyltransferases (KMTs). These modifications act in a combinatorial or sequential manner with other histone modifications conforming to the ‘histone code’ hypothesis. Such interplay between histone modifications determines unique functional consequences for gene expression, DNA replication and mitosis. Importantly, KMTs are also able to methylate non‐histone targets, for example, important transcription factors, TP53, E2F1 and others, affecting their protein stability and activity.

Key Concepts

The amino‐terminal tails of histones undergo multiple post‐translational modifications. In particular, methylation of lysines in histones is a post‐translational modification regulating gene expression, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation and non‐histone protein function.

Each type of histones undergoes methylation by SET lysine methyltransferases at various sites: Lys26, Lys121, Lys129, Lys159, Lys171, Lys177 and Lys192 in histone H1B; Lys5, Lys13 and Lys15 in histone H2A; Lys15 in histone H2B; Lys4, Lys9, Lys27, Lys36 and Lys79 in histone H3; and Lys20 and Lys59 in histone H4.

Different extent of methylation on multiple lysines within histones is associated with various transcriptional outcomes ranging from activation to complete repression of genes.

Different numbers of methyl groups on target lysines are recognised by special protein domains within transcription‐related proteins, which facilitate the formation of protein complexes on chromatin.

Defects in SET methyltransferases enzymes can lead to cancer, neurological disorders, growth and developmental defects and other human pathologies.
Population Genetics and Genome Evolution of Selfing Species
Authors: Burgarella Concetta , Glémin Sylvain
Published: January 2017

The evolution of self‐fertilisation from outcrossing is one of the most frequent evolutionary transitions in hermaphrodite species of plants, animals and fungi. Accordingly, a large body of theoretical and empirical studies has been dedicated to understand the impact of selfing on population genetics and genome evolution. Compared to outcrossing, selfing reduces heterozygosity, effective recombination and migration rate and increases genetic drift. As a consequence, selfing species are expected to show reduced and more structured genetic diversity, genomic degradation and low adaptive potential because they should respond less efficiently to natural selection. Although selfing can have immediate advantages and be selected for, all detrimental genetic effects are thought to drive selfing lineages to extinction on the long run. Human activities (e.g. domestication and breeding, ecosystem alterations) can also induce mating system shifts that could potentially threaten long‐term population viability.

Key Concepts

The transition from outcrossing to selfing affects fundamental population genetics parameters that influence the evolutionary trajectory of populations and species.

Selfing increases homozygosity, which reveals recessive deleterious alleles causing inbreeding depression.

Selfing reduces the effective recombination, which increases genome‐wide linkage disequilibrium.

Selfing increases genetic structure by reducing gene flow.

Selfing reduces the effective population size, making selfing species less diverse and less efficient in responding to selection than outcrossing ones.

The outcome of selection in selfing species depends on the interplay among dominance level and selection strength of mutations and the initial conditions (new mutations or preexisting variation).

In selfing organisms, sexual conflicts and the spread of selfish genetic elements are attenuated.

Overall, the genome of selfing species is prone to the accumulation of deleterious mutations and to low rates of fixation of beneficial mutations, which should make selfing an evolutionary ‘dead‐end’ strategy.

The genetic consequences induced by self‐fertilisation have practical implications for human activities linked to the conservation and management of natural and cultivated resources.
3D Aluminum Hybrid Plasmonic Nanostructures with Large Areas of Dense Hot Spots and Long‐Term Stability
Authors: Li Xi‐Mei , Bi Ming‐Hai , Cui Lan , Zhou Yu‐Zhu , Du Xi‐Wen , Qiao Shi‐Zhang , Yang Jing
Published: January 2017

Plasmonic materials possessing dense hot spots with high field enhancement over a large area are highly desirable for ultrasensitive biochemical sensing and efficient solar energy conversion; particularly those based on low‐cost noncoinage metals with high natural abundance are of considerable practical significance. Here, 3D aluminum hybrid nanostructures (3D‐Al‐HNSs) with high density of plasmonic hot spots across a large scale are fabricated via a highly efficient and scalable nonlithographic method, i.e., millisecond‐laser‐direct‐writing in liquid nitrogen. The nanosized alumina interlayer induces intense and dual plasmonic resonance couplings between adjacent Al nanoparticles with bimodal size distribution within each of the hybrid assemblies, leading to remarkably elevated localized electric fields (or hot spots) accessible to the analytes or reactants. The 3D‐stacked nanostructure substantially raises the hot spot density, giving rise to plasmon‐enhanced light harvesting from deep UV to the visible, strong enhancement of Raman signals, and a very low limit of detection outperforming reported Al nanostructures, and even comparable to the noble metals. Combined with the long‐term stability and good reproducibility, the 3D‐Al‐HNSs hold promise as a robust low‐cost plasmonic material for applications in plasmon‐enhanced spectroscopic sensing and light harvesting.
Organic Field‐Effect Transistors: A 3D Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulation of the Current Characteristics in Micrometer‐Sized Devices
Authors: Li Haoyuan , Li Yuan , Li Hong , Brédas Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2017

The electrical properties of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are usually characterized by applying models initially developed for inorganic‐based devices, which often implies the use of approximations that might be inappropriate for organic semiconductors. These approximations have brought limitations to the understanding of the device physics associated with organic materials. A strategy to overcome this issue is to establish straightforward connections between the macroscopic current characteristics and microscopic charge transport in OFETs. Here, a 3D kinetic Monte Carlo model is developed that goes beyond both the conventional assumption of zero channel thickness and the gradual channel approximation to simulate carrier transport and current. Using parallel computing and a new algorithm that significantly improves the evaluation of electric potential within the device, this methodology allows the simulation of micrometer‐sized OFETs. The current characteristics of representative OFET devices are well reproduced, which provides insight into the validity of the gradual channel approximation in the case of OFETs, the impact of the channel thickness, and the nature of microscopic charge transport.
Tungsten Disulfide Catalysts Supported on a Carbon Cloth Interlayer for High Performance Li–S Battery
Authors: Park Jungjin , Yu Byeong‐Chul , Park Joong Sun , Choi Jang Wook , Kim Chunjoong , Sung Yung‐Eun , Goodenough John B.
Published: January 2017

The capacity limitations of insertion‐compound cathodes has motivated interest in a sulfur cathode for a rechargeable battery cell with a metallic‐lithium anode; but irreversible capacity loss owing to solubility of intermediate Li2Sx (x = 2–8) polysulfides in the organic‐liquid electrolytes used has prevented practical application. A dual‐function cathode structure consisting of layered tungsten disulfide (WS2) supported both on the cathode current collector and on a carbon cloth interlayer (CCl) gives excellent performance in a lithium half‐cell by providing strong adsorption of the soluble Li2Sx on the WS2 with fast access to electrons from the current collector via a blocking carbon cloth interlayer.
Bi(IO3)F2: The First Metal Iodate Fluoride with a Very Strong Second Harmonic Generation Effect
Authors: Mao Fei‐Fei , Hu Chun‐Li , Xu Xiang , Yan Dong , Yang Bing‐Ping , Mao Jiang‐Gao
Published: January 2017

The first metal iodate fluoride, Bi(IO3)F2, with a strong second harmonic generation (SHG) effect has been prepared. Bi(IO3)F2 crystallizes in the polar space group C2 and features a three‐dimensional [BiF2]+ cationic framework with IO3 groups capping the inner walls of the one‐dimensional tunnels. This [BiF2]+ cationic framework acts as a template for the assembly of the polar IO3 units in a favorable superposed fashion, which leads to the polar structure of the material. Bi(IO3)F2 displays a rather wide transmittance window (0.3–11 μm) and exhibits a very strong SHG response that is about 11.5 times larger than that of KH2PO4 (KDP) under 1064 nm laser radiation and the same as that of KTiOPO4 (KTP) under 2.05 μm laser radiation. Preliminary investigations indicate that Bi(IO3)F2 is a promising nonlinear optical material in the visible and mid‐IR region.
Three‐component mixed matrix organic/inorganic hybrid membranes for pervaporation separation of ethanol–water mixture
Authors: Zhu Zhigao , Hu Deng , Liu Yuanren , Xu Ying , Zeng Gaofeng , Wang Wei , Zhang Yanfeng , Cui Fuyi
Published: January 2017

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were made by incorporating vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS)‐modified Silicalite‐1 zeolite nanoparticles (V‐Silicalite‐1 NPs) into fluorinated polybenzoxazine (F‐PBZ) modified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer through in situ polymerization method. The membrane morphology, surface wettability, and pervaporation performance were systematically investigated. The addition of F‐PBZ into PDMS membranes resulted in substantially improved flux and marginal increase of separation factor, which is the result of higher free volume and higher hydrophobicity caused by the addition of F‐PBZ. The modification of Silicalite‐1 NPs improved the interfacial contact between zeolite crystals and polymer phase. The incorporation of hydrophobic V‐Silicalite‐1 zeolite NPs into the PDMS membranes led to much higher separation factor but reduced flux, which is the result of increased hydrophobicity and reduced free volume. The three‐component MMMs with V‐Silicalite‐1 zeolite NPs in the F‐PBZ fluorinated PDMS exhibited separation factor of 28.7 and flux of 0.207 kg m−2 h−1 for 5 wt % ethanol aqueous solution at 50 °C, while the pure PDMS membranes only had separation factor of 4.8 and flux of 0.088 kg m−2 h−1. The substantial increase of both flux and separation factor were attributed to the higher hydrophobicity and free volume caused by the incorporation of both hydrophobic zeolite crystals and F‐PBZ polymer into the PDMS membranes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44753.
Synergistic effect on flame retardancy and thermal behavior of polycarbonate filled with α‐zirconium phosphate@gel‐silica
Authors: Xu Lingfeng , Lei Caihong , Xu Ruijie , Zhang Xiaoqing , Zhang Feng
Published: January 2017

A new kind of flame retardant (ZS) with layered α‐zirconium phosphate disks (α‐ZrP) as the core and inorganic flame retardant (gel‐silica, GS) to shield solid acid sites on the surface of α‐ZrP as the shell, was synthesized via a facile method. The incorporation effects of ZS with silicone resin on the thermal properties and flame retardance of PC composites were investigated. The presence of ZS could improve the thermal stability of PC matrix. With the addition of ZS contents increased to 3 wt %, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the composite was 32.3% and the vertical burning (UL‐94) test reached a V‐0 rating. However, with more contents of ZS, the LOI value decreased, and without the GS layer, the LOI value was decreased significantly as well. The synergism between the α‐ZrP core and gel‐silica shell, also with the silicone resin were found. Based on these results, the flame‐retardant mechanism was proposed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44829.
Variation of pore structure of organosilicone‐modified skin collagen matrix
Authors: Li Yupeng , Wang Baochuan , Li Zhengjun , Li Lixin
Published: January 2017

The pore structure of skin collagen matrix modified by organosilicone alone, combination of organosilicone and chromium respectively, was investigated mainly through nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy and fractal analysis. The results indicated that increasing the dosage of organosilicone endowed more numbers of uniform smaller pores, increased porosity in modified collagen matrix and improved thermal stability verified by differential scanning calorimeter analysis. A similar trend was observed after incorporating less amount of chromium to organosilicone modification in the process. It can be presumed that a rigid and stable three‐dimensional silica network structure formed in the interior of the collagen fiber plays a role in fixing the collagen molecular chain, conferring improved hydrothermal stability to the skin matrix. The findings are of great significance to explore chrome‐less and further chrome‐free silicone tanning technology, and are helpful to promote sustainable development of the leather industry. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44831.
Protect speech in the classroom
Authors: Adele Goldie
Published: January 2017

The First Amendment guarantees the right to free speech, even symbolic speech, according to the Supreme Court in the 1992 case of R.A.V. v. St. Paul. This guarantee has been interpreted in various ways over past decades through court decisions.
Limit liability by preventing, addressing hazing among student‐athletes
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: January 2017

The words “we have a hazing complaint” immediately trigger the sounding of alarm bells throughout any college athletics department. There's the obvious concern about the well‐being of the student‐athletes who were the victims of the hazing. And you naturally feel disappointed in and angry at the student‐athletes responsible for the misconduct. At the same time, you can't help but dread the potential negative media exposure.
Reduce risk by gaining insight into effective concussion screening, monitoring
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: January 2017

The college athletics experience no doubt provides student‐athletes with such valuable life skills as time management, teamwork, and self‐discipline, which will benefit them long after they leave the playing field. But the student‐athletes who play football and other contact sports also experience multiple hits to the head, which can leave them with lasting, but much less desirable, outcomes, long after they stop participating in college athletics.
Consider legal expert's take on traumatic brain injury among student‐athletes
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: January 2017

Everyone in college athletics must become more aware that concussions are disease‐causative or disease‐accelerant.
Encourage women coaches to support each other across sports
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: January 2017

Most everyone struggles with issues related to work‐life balance. But that issue often becomes more prevalent and complex for women coaches. During a session at the Women Coaches Leadership Forum, hosted by the Alliance of Women Coaches in partnership with the America East Conference, the Northeast Conference, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and the Patriot League, panelists and participants discussed how to manage work‐life balance along with a successful career.
Was a student‐athlete dismissed because of disability?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: January 2017

Ariana Borreggine enrolled in Messiah College in 2011 and joined the women's lacrosse team. At that time, head coach Heather Greer was aware that Borreggine had dyslexia.
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Nigeria Grown Hoslundia opposita Vahl (Lamiaceae) Dried Leaves and Its Bioactivity against Cowpea Seed Bruchid
Authors: Babarinde Samuel Adelani , Pitan Olufemi Olutoyin Richard , Olatunde Ganiyu Olatunji , Ajala Michael Oluwole
Published: January 2017

Due to several ecological and human hazards of synthetic pesticides in postharvest crop protection, there is the need to search for eco‐friendly alternatives. In this study, chemical composition and insecticidal activities of essential oil (EO) obtained from Hoslundia opposita dried leaves were evaluated against cowpea seed bruchid. Eight constituents, predominated by oxygenated monoterpenes (78.86%), were identified using Gas Chromatography (GC)/MS. The constituents were 1,8‐cineole (1; 61.15%), followed by α‐terpineol (2; 16.81%), β‐phellandrene (3; 13.24%), β‐farnesene (4; 3.55%), α‐pinene (5; 1.89%), Germacrene D (6; 1.83%), cis‐sabinene hydrate (7; 0.90%) and caryophyllene (8; 0.63%). In fumigation bioassay, at 6 h after exposure (HAE), 0.78 ml EO/l air caused 35.33% mortality which was significantly lower than 60.90% and 63.6% observed at 3.15 and 6.25 ml/l air, respectively. Mortality reached 90.0% at 24 HAE regardless of the applied concentration. Lethal time for 50% of the bruchids (LT50) at concentration of 0.78 ml/l air (6.89 h) was higher than the LT50 at 3.15 and 6.25 ml/l air (4.72 and 4.44 h, respectively). H. opposita EO reduced Callosobruchus maculatus oviposition, while progeny emergence observed in EO‐treated seeds (2.42 – 25.73) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than 51.56 observed in control. The results confirm H. opposita EO's potentials for control of cowpea bruchids.
High‐Pressure Homogenization: Simplified Drop Deformation Estimate during Transition through Orifices
Authors: Walzel Peter E.
Published: January 2017

The breakup process of primary drops during transition through slots or small openings has been examined frequently in the past. Recent experiments show strong influence of the dispersed‐phase viscosity on the deformation of drops at the inlet of orifices that cannot be explained by the equilibrium approach based on capillary numbers or viscosity ratios only. It is necessary to account for the strongly transient character of the process. A quantitative treatment of this behavior based on relationships from the literature and executed with feasible numerical effort is presented. It is shown that the course of the extension rate of the flow and all properties of the system have a major influence on the drop deformation in front of the orifice. The threadlike deformed drops are precursors for the subsequent breakup process downstream.
Graphene Oxide Wrapped SiO2/TiO2 Hollow Nanoparticles Loaded with Photosensitizer for Photothermal and Photodynamic Combination Therapy
Authors: Jang Yoonsun , Kim Sojin , Lee Seungae , Yoon Chang‐Min , Lee Inkyu , Jang Jyongsik
Published: January 2017

Graphene oxide (GO) enwrapped SiO2/TiO2 hollow nanoparticles (GO‐HNP) are synthesized by the Stöber method and used as a nanocarrier for loading protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). The synthesized nanoparticle has high dispersibility and high uniformity in diameter (ca. 50 nm). Furthermore, this nanoparticle shows λ=808 nm laser induced PpIX release properties (photoinduced “on–off” drug‐release system). GO‐HNP‐PpIX is employed for inducing both photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The synergic effect of PTT and PDT exhibits powerful anticancer properties. When cancer cells are treated with GO‐HNP‐PpIX and irradiated with both visible light and a NIR laser, the cell viability drops dramatically to 2.5 %, which is an anticancer effect approximately 13 times higher than that obtained in a previous study. Moreover, no significant cell damage has been observed under λ=808 nm laser irradiation. The GO‐HNP‐PpIX system suggests an external stimuli‐responsive efficient anticancer treatment effect toward human breast cancer cells.
Exergetische Bewertung von Rohstoffen am Beispiel von Kupfer
Authors: Simon Franz‐Georg , Holm Olaf
Published: January 2017

Für die Herstellung von Kupfer aus Primär‐ und Sekundärressourcen wurde eine Exergieanalyse der Aufbereitungs‐ und Gewinnungsverfahren durchgeführt. Für die Stoffgemische Kupfererz, Kupferkonzentrat und Hausmüllverbrennungsasche wurden die Exergien tabellarisch berechnet. Die Exergieaufwände der technischen Prozesse zur Kupferherstellung wurden mit den thermodynamisch minimal notwendigen Aufwänden verglichen. Die Nutzung von Sekundärrohstoffen aus Abfällen ist über weite Bereiche vorteilhaft, insb. wenn das Kupfer bereits in der metallischen Form vorliegt.
Gewinnung von Indium aus extrem verdünnten Lösungen
Authors: Vostal Radek , Šingliar Ute , Fröhlich Peter
Published: January 2017

Der Bedarf an Indium steigt mit dem Wachstum der Elektronikbranche, in der es vorwiegend eingesetzt wird. Daher wurde anhand einer Modelllösung, die in ihrer wesentlichen Zusammensetzung dem Erz Sphalerit entsprach, ein mehrstufiges Extraktionsverfahren zur Gewinnung von Indium entwickelt. Die ursprünglich sehr niedrige Indiumkonzentration in der Lösung wurde durch mehrere aufeinanderfolgende Extraktions‐ und Reextraktionsschritte deutlich erhöht. Das vorgestellte Verfahren zeichnet sich durch einen geringen Chemikalienbedarf und eine hohe Reinheit des gewonnenen Indiumoxids aus.
Facile Fabrication of Ultralow‐Density Transparent Boehmite Nanofiber Cryogel Beads and Their Application to a Nanoglue
Authors: Hayase Gen
Published: January 2017

Ultralow‐density transparent porous bulk materials with densities of 5 mg cm−3 or less have only been obtained by supercritical drying. In this work, a simple method is reported for obtaining ultralow‐density transparent porous beads with a diameter of several millimeters. In the method, a boehmite nanofiber dispersion (BNF sol) is dripped directly into liquid nitrogen and the beads are vacuum‐dried. Normally, porous materials obtained via freeze drying exhibit strong light scattering due to structural nonuniformity and are not transparent. However, using dilute BNF as a skeleton structure suppressed the inhomogeneity due to aggregation during the dispersion medium crystallization. The lowest bulk density of the cryogel was 1.1 mg cm−3, and the visible light transmittance reached 90 %. By dispersing functional materials into the BNF sol before freezing, composite materials were obtained. The facile method can be expected to develop the field of functional porous materials.
How Size Determines the Value of Gold: Economic Aspects of Wet Chemical and Laser‐Based Metal Colloid Synthesis
Authors: Jendrzej Sandra , Gökce Bilal , Epple Matthias , Barcikowski Stephan
Published: January 2017

Gold is one of the most valuable materials, and its monetary value is enhanced by size reduction from bullions to colloidal nanoparticles by a factor of 450. Wet‐chemical reduction with subsequent centrifugation and pulsed laser ablation in liquids are frequently used for pure colloidal gold synthesis. Both methods provide similar physicochemical nanoparticle properties, but are very different synthesis techniques. However, the costs inherent to these methods are surprisingly seldom discussed. Both methods have in common that the labor effort poses the majority of synthesis costs. Besides an increase in batch size and mass concentration, especially an increase of the nanoparticle productivity via higher laser power and centrifugation capacity reduces synthesis costs if pilot‐ or industrial‐scale applications are intended. In this case, laser‐based synthesis is more economical if its productivity exceeds a break‐even value of 550 mg h−1, where the costs arising are limited by the metal costs. In contrast to industrial scale production, wet‐chemical synthesis is more feasible for laboratory‐scale applications, especially if the advantageous nanoparticle properties provided by laser ablation in liquids are not needed.
Toward Greater Insights on Pharmacokinetics and Exposure–Response Relationships for Therapeutic Biologics in Oncology Drug Development
Authors: Wang Y , Booth B , Rahman A , Kim G , Huang SM , Zineh I
Published: January 2017

There has been increased interest in optimizing dosing regimens for oncology products over the past decade. Investigations to refine dosing regimens often occur after new drug approval. There is growing focus on the use of exposure–response (ER) approaches to identify optimal dosing regimens for therapeutic biologics. Herein, we describe several recent observations that have informed our thinking on the use of ER analyses in the dose regimen optimization of therapeutic biologics developed to treat cancer.
The Pharmacogenomics Research Network Translational Pharmacogenetics Program: Outcomes and Metrics of Pharmacogenetic Implementations Across Diverse Healthcare Systems
Authors: Luzum JA , Pakyz RE , Elsey AR , Haidar CE , Peterson JF , Whirl‐Carrillo M , Handelman SK , Palmer K , Pulley JM , Beller M , Schildcrout JS , Field JR , Weitzel KW , Cooper‐DeHoff RM , Cavallari LH , O'Donnell PH , Altman RB , Pereira N , Ratain MJ , Roden DM , Embi PJ , Sadee W , Klein TE , Johnson JA , Relling MV , Wang L , Weinshilboum RM , Shuldiner AR , Freimuth RR ,   for the Pharmacogenomics Research Network Translational Pharmacogenetics Program
Published: January 2017

Numerous pharmacogenetic clinical guidelines and recommendations have been published, but barriers have hindered the clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics. The Translational Pharmacogenetics Program (TPP) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Pharmacogenomics Research Network was established in 2011 to catalog and contribute to the development of pharmacogenetic implementations at eight US healthcare systems, with the goal to disseminate real‐world solutions for the barriers to clinical pharmacogenetic implementation. The TPP collected and normalized pharmacogenetic implementation metrics through June 2015, including gene–drug pairs implemented, interpretations of alleles and diplotypes, numbers of tests performed and actionable results, and workflow diagrams. TPP participant institutions developed diverse solutions to overcome many barriers, but the use of Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines provided some consistency among the institutions. The TPP also collected some pharmacogenetic implementation outcomes (scientific, educational, financial, and informatics), which may inform healthcare systems seeking to implement their own pharmacogenetic testing programs.
A self‐adaptive load‐dispatching control framework for device data accessing in IoT‐based systems
Authors: Wang Jun , Yin Haibing , Fu Yongfeng , Yang Xiaokang
Published: January 2017

The Internet of things (IoT) information system plays important roles in disposing of huge volumes of real‐time service requests from heterogeneous devices, targeting for different complex application requirements. Load‐dispatching control (LDC) is a key problem to be solved for devices accessing concurrently in cluster systems. Self‐adaptive LDC optimizes the resource allocation to ensure no overloading node, thus, improving the performance of IoT systems. This paper focuses on adaptive dispatching control problem in IoT information system. First, a device data access platform is proposed for reducing the load imbalance and improving the efficiency of data processing. Then, we propose a processing capability prediction model to evaluate the system performance. On the basis of the model, we present a practical self‐adaptive LDC framework with a self‐adaptive control strategy and a load dispatching method. Finally, a case study is given to verify the framework and the control strategy. Experimental results show that the proposed strategy can meet the requirements of dynamic load balancing with the ability to avoid the load imbalance problem, and the LDC‐based device access platform can process data accessing effectively and ubiquitously.
Joint interference coordination approach in femtocell networks for QoS performance optimization
Authors: Wang Jiao , Weitzen Jay , Bayat Oguz , Sevindik Volkan , Li Mingzhe
Published: January 2017

Future heterogeneous networks with dense cell deployment may cause high intercell interference. A number of interference coordination (IC) approaches have been proposed to reduce intercell interference. For dense small‐cell deployment with high intercell interference between cells, traditional forward link IC approaches intended to improve edge user throughput for best effort traffic (ie, file transfer protocol download), may not necessarily improve quality of service performance for delay‐sensitive traffic such as voice over long‐term evolution traffic. This study proposes a dynamic, centralized joint IC approach to improve forward link performance for delay‐sensitive traffic on densely deployed enterprise‐wide long‐term evolution femtocell networks. This approach uses a 2‐level scheme: central and femtocell. At the central level, the algorithm aims to maximize network utility (the utility‐based approach) and minimize network outage (the graphic‐based approach) by partitioning the network into clusters and conducting an exhaustive search for optimized resource allocation solutions among femtocells (femto access points) within each cluster. At the femtocell level, in contrast, the algorithm uses existing static approaches, such as conventional frequency reuse (ReUse3) or soft frequency reuse (SFR) to further improve user equipment quality of service performance. This combined approach uses utility‐ and graphic‐based SFR and ReUse3 (USFR/GSFR and UReUse3/GReUse3, respectively). The cell and edge user throughput of best effort traffic and the packet loss rate of voice over long‐term evolution traffic have been characterized and compared using both the proposed and traditional IC approaches.
Use of compensatory strategies complements accommodations for students with disabilities
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: January 2017

Educators know that a holistic approach better addresses the multiple aspects of learning and life functioning, including health and wellness; financial, family, and social aspects of life; and, for the students we serve, disability management issues.
Therapy dogs can be successful motivating students with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2017

A research report from a behavioral analyst at Texas Tech University has concluded that using time with therapy dogs as a motivational reward can be effective for students with autism. The study was conducted by using time with the dogs as a motivational reward for academic performance for students with autism spectrum disorder. The study was an extension on previous findings, in unrelated studies, that found that students with ASD responded positively to achieving academic benchmarks when faced with a rewards‐based system.
Microbial biotransformation of five pyrrolidinophenone‐type psychoactive substances in wastewater and a wastewater isolated Pseudomonas putida strain
Authors: Mardal Marie , Bischoff Markus , Ibáñez María , Ruffing Ulla , Hernández Félix , Meyer Markus R.
Published: January 2017

Wastewater‐based epidemiology (WBE) employs the analysis of wastewater to detect and quantify drug use and discharge within a community. In this work, transformation products (TP) by microbes in the environment were identified after incubations in wastewater and an isolated microbial strain. The microbial strain was isolated from an enrichment culture of wastewater supplemented with 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐pyrovalerone, and identified by matrix assisted laser desorption – time of flight mass spectrometry as Pseudomonas putida (P. putida). Five pyrrolidinophenone‐type psychoactive substances (PPPS) were then incubated in wastewater and in P. putida tryptic soy broth (TSB) growth cultures. TPs were identified using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry techniques. All TPs observed in P. putida TSB growth cultures were also identified in wastewater incubations. The main TP for all PPPSs in P. putida TSB growth cultures, and two PPPSs incubated in wastewater, were the N‐desalkyl‐carboxy‐TPs. The study showed P. putida TSB growth cultures used for identification of TPs in wastewater, represent parts of the microbial community. With data provided in this type of experiments more information will be available to select targets for monitoring drug use by WBE. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extension of Mathematical Models Taking Temperature Variation in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors into Consideration
Authors: NAKATSUGAWA JUNNOSUKE , IWAJI YOSHITAKA , ENOMOTO YUJI
Published: January 2017

We have developed novel mathematical models of d‐axis and q‐axis magnetic fluxes ϕd and ϕq for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). The models can be used to approximate magnetic characteristics using simple fractional equations with id and iq as variables. They include eight constants, and some of them represent the degree of magnetic saturation and cross‐coupling. However, the magnetic characteristics are varied with the temperature rise in PMSMs, which are dependent on the load torque and motor speed. In this paper, the characteristics of the eight constants that vary with the motor temperature and the residual flux density Br are shown. Further, we propose to extend the mathematical models by considering the temperature and Br variation.
Electrochemical Determination of the Antioxidant Activity in Echinacea Purpurea Roots Using Square Wave Voltammetry
Authors: Newair Emad F. , Abdel‐Hamid Refat , Kilmartin Paul A.
Published: January 2017

A simple and rapid electrochemical method was established to quantify the total polyphenol (TP) content and assess their antioxidant activity (AA) in roots of three Echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea) species using square wave voltammetry (SWV). Individual polyphenol components were identified, and then quantified by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometery (UPLC‐MS). Two major polyphenols, chicoric (ChA) and caftaric (CFT) acids, were identified by mass spectroscopy in the extract of E. purpurea samples. The Accuracy of the proposed SWV electrochemical method for TP content and AA analysis was validated by the highly sensitive UPLC‐MS technique and standard ABTS method, respectively. A high correlation was noticed between the results, indicating the high sensitivity and reliability of the proposed SWV method for polyphenols analysis and AA evaluation in natural herbal samples.
Studies of anticancer drug cytotoxicity based on long‐term HepG2 spheroid culture in a microfluidic system
Authors: Zuchowska Agnieszka , Kwapiszewska Karina , Chudy Michal , Dybko Artur , Brzozka Zbigniew
Published: January 2017

Cell‐on‐a‐chip systems have become promising devices to study the effectiveness of new anticancer drugs recently. Several microdevices for liver cancer culture and evaluation of the drug cytotoxicity have been reported. However, there are still no proven reports about high‐throughput and simple methods for the evaluation of drug cytotoxicity on liver cancer cells. The paper presents the results of the effects of the anticancer drug (5‐fluorouracil, 5‐FU) on the HepG2 spheroids as a model of liver cancer. The experiments were based on the long‐term 3D spheroid culture in the microfluidic system and monitoring of the effect of 5‐FU at two selected concentrations (0.5 mM and 1.0 mM). Our investigations have shown that the initial size of the spheroids has influence on the drug effect. With the increase of the spheroids diameter, the drug resistance (for the two tested 5‐FU concentrations) decreases. This phenomenon was observed both through cells metabolism analysis, as well as changes in spheroids sizes. In our research, we have shown that the lower 5‐FU (0.5 mM) concentration causes higher decrease in HepG2 spheroids viability. Moreover, due to the microsystem construction, we observe the drug resistance effect (10th day of culture) regardless of the initial size of the created spheroids and the drug concentration.
Development of a novel dual CD‐MEKC system for the systematic flavonoid fingerprinting of Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh.—Loranthaceae—extracts
Authors: Dobrecky Cecilia B. , Flor Sabrina A. , López Paula G. , Wagner Marcelo L. , Lucangioli Silvia E.
Published: January 2017

The present work deals with the development and validation of a novel dual CD‐MEKC system for the systematic flavonoid fingerprinting of Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh.—Loranthaceae—extracts. The BGE consisted of 20 mM pH 8.3 borate buffer, 50 mM SDS, a dual CD system based on the combination of 5 mM β‐CD and 2% w/v S‐β‐CD, and 10% v/v methanol. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the comparative analysis of extracts from aerial parts and different hosts, geographical areas, and extraction procedures in order to establish the flavonoid fingerprint of L. cuneifolia. The method was validated according to international guidelines. LOD and LOQ, intra and interday precision, and linearity were determined for catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, rutin, quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐xyloside, quercetin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐arabinofuranoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐arabinopyranoside, and quercetin. The CD‐MEKC methodology emerges as a suitable alternative to the traditional HPLC for quality control, fingerprinting, and standardization of L. cuneifolia extracts from different sources.
Organic Solar Modules: Fully Doctor Bladed on Glass in Air
Authors: Koppitz Manuel , Hesse Nicolas , Landerer Dominik , Graf von Reventlow Lorenz , Wegner Eduard , Czolk Jens , Colsmann Alexander
Published: January 2017

For future integration into building facades or overhead glazing, the direct deposition of organic solar modules on glass substrates in sheet‐to‐sheet processes may be more cost efficient than postproduction lamination. Complying with the special requirements for the deposition of the layer stack on glass substrates, we report on all‐doctor‐bladed organic solar modules yielding power conversion efficiencies of 4.5 and 3.6 % on photoactive areas of 1 and 20 cm2, respectively. The bottom electrode is doctor bladed from a silver ink atop an adhesion enhancing primer. The top electrode is applied from silver nanowires, dispersed in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), which thereby avoids any visible bus bars and reduces shading of the active layer. Importantly, all layers are deposited under ambient conditions by using only non‐chlorinated, eco‐compatible solvents.
Simulating earthquake evacuation using human behavior models
Authors: Cimellaro Gian Paolo , Ozzello Fabrizio , Vallero Alessio , Mahin Stephen , Shao Benshun
Published: January 2017

In classical earthquake risk assessment, the human behavior is actually not taken into account in risk assessment. Agent‐based modeling is a simulation technique that has been applied recently in several fields, such as emergency evacuation. The paper is proposing a methodology that includes in agent‐based models the human behavior, considering the anxiety effects generated by the crowd and their influence on the evacuation delays. The proposed model is able to take into account the interdependency between the earthquake evacuation process, and the corresponding damage of structural and non‐structural components that is expressed in term of fragility curves. The software REPAST HPC has been used to implement the model, and as a case study, the earthquake evacuation by a mall located in Oakland has been used. The human behavior model has been calibrated through a survey using a miscellaneous sample from different countries. The model can be used to test future scenarios and help local authorities in situations where the human behavior plays a key role. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NAESB's Major Projects for 2017
Authors: Mallett Elizabeth , Trum Caroline
Published: January 2017

As the energy industry moves into 2017, the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) plans to continue its long‐standing history of supporting the wholesale and retail natural gas and electric markets through the development of commercial standards that aim to streamline commercial transactions and increase market efficiencies.
Steric effects on complexation of bis(meta‐phenylene)‐32‐crown‐10 derivatives with paraquats
Authors: Niu Zhenbin , Huang Feihe , Gibson Harry W.
Published: January 2017

Novel 5,5′‐disubstituted BMP32C10 derivatives bearing different sized substituents were designed and prepared. The stoichiometries and complexation behavior between these hosts and paraquats were studied. It was found that bulky 5,5′‐substituents disfavor complexation with paraquats by hindering the formation of [2]pseudorotaxane and “taco” complexes.
Evaluation of a telehealth training package to remotely train staff to conduct a preference assessment
Authors: Higgins William J. , Luczynski Kevin C. , Carroll Regina A. , Fisher Wayne W. , Mudford Oliver C.
Published: January 2017

Recent advancements in telecommunication technologies make it possible to conduct a variety of healthcare services remotely (e.g., behavioral‐analytic intervention services), thereby bridging the gap between qualified providers and consumers in isolated locations. In this study, web‐based telehealth technologies were used to remotely train direct‐care staff to conduct a multiple‐stimulus‐without‐replacement preference assessment. The training package included three components: (a) a multimedia presentation; (b) descriptive feedback from previously recorded baseline sessions; and (c) scripted role‐play with immediate feedback. A nonconcurrent, multiple‐baseline‐across‐participants design was used to demonstrate experimental control. Training resulted in robust and immediate improvements, and these effects maintained during 1‐ to 2‐month follow‐up observations. In addition, participants expressed high satisfaction with the web‐based materials and the overall remote‐training experience.
RSV associated hospitalizations in children in Karachi, Pakistan: Implications for vaccine prevention strategies
Authors: Ali Asad , Yousafzai Mohammad Tahir , Waris Rabbia , Jafri Fatima , Aziz Fatima , Abbasi Imran Naeem , Zaidi Anita
Published: January 2017

Major progress is being made in vaccines against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with multiple vaccine candidates currently in the clinical phase of development. Making an investment case for public sector financing of RSV vaccine will require estimation of burden, cost‐effectiveness, and impact. The aim of this study is to determine the proportion, age distribution and clinical spectrum of RSV associated hospitalizations in children in Karachi, Pakistan. A three years prospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, a city of 20 million in south Pakistan, from August 2009 to June 2012. Children less than five years old admitted with acute respiratory infections (ARI) were enrolled. Throat swabs were collected and tested for RSV using real‐time PCR. Multivariable log binomial regression analysis was performed to identify the associated factors of RSV infection. Out of 1150 children enrolled, RSV was detected among 223 (19%). Highest rate of RSV detection was in young infants less than 3 months of age (48/168, 29%), which accounted for 22% of all RSV detected. Most common diagnosis in RSV positive infants (<12 months of age) was bronchiolitis followed by pneumonia, while in older children between the ages of one and 5 years of age, pneumonia and asthma were the most common diagnosis. Although identified year‐round, RSV was most prevalent from August to October with peak in September, coinciding with the rainy season. This study identified RSV to be independently associated with younger age (P = 0.036), rainy season (P < 0.001), post‐tussive emesis (P = 0.008), intubation (P = 0.003), and discharge diagnosis of bronchiolitis (P = 0.004). Vaccines against RSV that target this age group are likely to yield remarkable benefit.