bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEMOCRACY AND EDUCATION YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW
Authors: Kloppenberg Jay
Published: November 2017

A century after its publication, Democracy and Education remains relevant and influential far beyond its original context. This essay explores the breadth of its relevance through a study of the use of Deweyan methods and ideas at a community high school in a small, impoverished township 50 km outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. Through this example, we learn that the relevance of Dewey's ideas are not limited either to his time or to his place, but instead fit seamlessly in a context as different from Dewey's as we can imagine. In a modern world in which most children outside of the world's wealthiest countries receive an education woefully inadequate for both the professional and civic responsibilities they will face as adults, this successful example begs the question of how modern school systems around the world might become more successful by harkening back to the ideas expressed in Democracy and Education.
Who’s afraid of institutionalizing health technology assessment (HTA)?: Interests and policy positions on HTA in the Czech Republic
Authors: Löblová Olga
Published: November 2017

This article identifies the interests and policy positions of key health policy stakeholders regarding the creation of a health technology assessment (HTA) agency in the Czech Republic, and what considerations influenced them. Vested interests have been suggested as a factor mitigating the diffusion of HTA bodies internationally. The Czech Republic recently considered and discarded establishing an HTA agency, making it a good case for studying actors’ policy positions throughout the policy debates. Findings are based on in-depth, semi-structured expert and elite interviews with 34 key Czech health policy actors, supported by document analysis and extensive triangulation. Findings show that the HTA epistemic community of ‘aspiring agents’ was the only actor strongly in favor of an HTA body. Payers and the medical device and diagnostics industry were against it; patients and clinicians had no clear preferences. Original decision-makers were in favor but a new minister of health opted for a simpler policy alternative to solve his need for expertise. Existing institutions, policy alternatives and the institutional design of a future HTA body influence domestic actors’ preferences for or against an HTA agency. Domestic and international proponents of HTA should give serious thought to their concerns when advocating for HTA bodies.
Atmospheric Particles Aren’t the Same Cloud Seeds They Once Were
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: November 2017

Still, more than half of the seeds required for cloud droplets to form in both the present-day and preindustrial atmospheres are made by trace gases that condense to form minute aerosol particles.
A primacy code for odor identity
Authors: Wilson Christopher D. , Serrano Gabriela O. , Koulakov Alexei A. , Rinberg Dmitry
Published: November 2017

Humans can identify visual objects independently of view angle and lighting, words independently of volume and pitch, and smells independently of concentration. The computational principles underlying invariant object recognition remain mostly unknown. Here we propose that, in olfaction, a small and relatively stable set comprised of the earliest activated receptors forms a code for concentration-invariant odor identity. One prediction of this “primacy coding” scheme is that decisions based on odor identity can be made solely using early odor-evoked neural activity. Using an optogenetic masking paradigm, we define the sensory integration time necessary for odor identification and demonstrate that animals can use information occurring <100 ms after inhalation onset to identify odors. Using multi-electrode array recordings of odor responses in the olfactory bulb, we find that concentration-invariant units respond earliest and at latencies that are within this behaviorally-defined time window. We propose a computational model demonstrating how such a code can be read by neural circuits of the olfactory system.
Binding to SMN2 pre-mRNA-protein complex elicits specificity for small molecule splicing modifiers
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Manaswini , McCarthy Kathleen D. , Campagne Sébastien , Huber Sylwia , Meier Sonja , Augustin Angélique , Heckel Tobias , Meistermann Hélène , Hug Melanie N. , Birrer Pascale , Moursy Ahmed , Khawaja Sarah , Schmucki Roland , Berntenis Nikos , Giroud Nicolas , Golling Sabrina , Tzouros Manuel , Banfai Balazs , Duran-Pacheco Gonzalo , Lamerz Jens , Hsiu Liu Ying , Luebbers Thomas , Ratni Hasane , Ebeling Martin , Cléry Antoine , Paushkin Sergey , Krainer Adrian R. , Allain Frédéric H.-T. , Metzger Friedrich
Published: November 2017

Small molecule splicing modifiers have been previously described that target the general splicing machinery and thus have low specificity for individual genes. Several potent molecules correcting the splicing deficit of theSMN2(survival of motor neuron 2) gene have been identified and these molecules are moving towards a potential therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Here by using a combination of RNA splicing, transcription, and protein chemistry techniques, we show that these molecules directly bind to two distinct sites of theSMN2pre-mRNA, thereby stabilizing a yet unidentified ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that is critical to the specificity of these small molecules forSMN2over other genes. In addition to the therapeutic potential of these molecules for treatment of SMA, our work has wide-ranging implications in understanding how small molecules can interact with specific quaternary RNA structures.
NitroSynapsin therapy for a mouse MEF2C haploinsufficiency model of human autism
Authors: Tu Shichun , Akhtar Mohd Waseem , Escorihuela Rosa Maria , Amador-Arjona Alejandro , Swarup Vivek , Parker James , Zaremba Jeffrey D. , Holland Timothy , Bansal Neha , Holohan Daniel R. , Lopez Kevin , Ryan Scott D. , Chan Shing Fai , Yan Li , Zhang Xiaofei , Huang Xiayu , Sultan Abdullah , McKercher Scott R. , Ambasudhan Rajesh , Xu Huaxi , Wang Yuqiang , Geschwind Daniel H. , Roberts Amanda J. , Terskikh Alexey V. , Rissman Robert A. , Masliah Eliezer , Lipton Stuart A. , Nakanishi Nobuki
Published: November 2017

Transcription factor MEF2C regulates multiple genes linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and human MEF2C haploinsufficiency results in ASD, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. However, molecular mechanisms underlyingMEF2Chaploinsufficiency syndrome remain poorly understood. Here we report thatMef2c+/−(Mef2c-het) mice exhibit behavioral deficits resembling those of human patients. Gene expression analyses on brains from these mice show changes in genes associated with neurogenesis, synapse formation, and neuronal cell death. Accordingly,Mef2c-het mice exhibit decreased neurogenesis, enhanced neuronal apoptosis, and an increased ratio of excitatory to inhibitory (E/I) neurotransmission. Importantly, neurobehavioral deficits, E/I imbalance, and histological damage are all ameliorated by treatment with NitroSynapsin, a new dual-action compound related to the FDA-approved drug memantine, representing an uncompetitive/fast off-rate antagonist of NMDA-type glutamate receptors. These results suggest thatMEF2Chaploinsufficiency leads to abnormal brain development, E/I imbalance, and neurobehavioral dysfunction, which may be mitigated by pharmacological intervention.
Accessibility of the histone H3 tail in the nucleosome for binding of paired readers
Authors: Gatchalian Jovylyn , Wang Xiaodong , Ikebe Jinzen , Cox Khan L. , Tencer Adam H. , Zhang Yi , Burge Nathaniel L. , Di Luo , Gibson Matthew D. , Musselman Catherine A. , Poirier Michael G. , Kono Hidetoshi , Hayes Jeffrey J. , Kutateladze Tatiana G.
Published: November 2017

Combinatorial polyvalent contacts of histone-binding domains or readers commonly mediate localization and activities of chromatin-associated proteins. A pair of readers, the PHD fingers of the protein CHD4, has been shown to bivalently recognize histone H3 tails. Here we describe a mechanism by which these linked but independent readers bind to the intact nucleosome core particle (NCP). Comprehensive NMR, chemical reactivity, molecular dynamics, and fluorescence analyses point to the critical roles of intra-nucleosomal histone-DNA interactions that reduce the accessibility of H3 tails in NCP, the nucleosomal DNA, and the linker between readers in modulating nucleosome- and/or histone-binding activities of the readers. We show that the second PHD finger of CHD4 initiates recruitment to the nucleosome, however both PHDs are required to alter the NCP dynamics. Our findings reveal a distinctive regulatory mechanism for the association of paired readers with the nucleosome that provides an intricate balance between cooperative and individual activities of the readers.
Competing magnetostructural phases in a semiclassical system
Authors: O’Neal Kenneth R. , Lee Jun Hee , Kim Maeng-Suk , Manson Jamie L. , Liu Zhenxian , Fishman Randy S. , Musfeldt Janice L.
Published: November 2017

The interplay between charge, structure, and magnetism gives rise to rich phase diagrams in complex materials with exotic properties emerging when phases compete. Molecule-based materials are particularly advantageous in this regard due to their low energy scales, flexible lattices, and chemical tunability. Here, we bring together high pressure Raman scattering, modeling, and first principles calculations to reveal the pressure–temperature–magnetic field phase diagram of Mn[N(CN)2]2. We uncover how hidden soft modes involving octahedral rotations drive two pressure-induced transitions triggering the low → high magnetic anisotropy crossover and a unique reorientation of exchange planes. These magnetostructural transitions and their mechanisms highlight the importance of spin–lattice interactions in establishing phases with novel magnetic properties in Mn(II)-containing systems.
Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) Promotes Tumorigenesis in Melanoma Cells Through Stimulation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 1 (LRP1)
Authors: Xiong Huizi , Yu Qian , Gong Yu , Chen Wenjuan , Tong Yunlei , Wang Yao , Xu Hui , Shi Yuling
Published: November 2017

YAP is a critical protein in cancer development and can induce transformative phenotypes in mammary epithelial cells. Previous studies have provided evidence that YAP can contribute to the metastatic behavior of melanoma, since specific knockdown of YAP leads to reduced metastatic and invasive capacityin vitro. However, the mechanism by which YAP regulates the function of melanoma is unknown. Here, we identified that YAP has a positive impact on the expression of LRP1, which also plays critical roles in cancer. Mechanically, knockdown of YAP resulted in a significant down-regulation of LRP1 at both the protein and mRNA levels. Tissue microarray analysis (TMA) also showed a positive correlation between YAP and LRP1 expression. In addition, reduction of YAP-impaired pro-carcinogenic phenotypes could be partially reversed by simultaneous overexpression of LRP1, suggesting that LRP1 is functionally important in YAP-induced melanoma tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we found that LRP1 was regulated by YAP through a transcription- and promoter-dependent mechanism. Taken together, our results suggest that YAP regulates LRP1 through stimulation of the LRP1 promoter and that LRP1 may be an important target for influencing YAP in melanoma.
Novel KIAA0753 mutations extend the phenotype of skeletal ciliopathies
Authors: Hammarsjö A. , Wang Z. , Vaz R. , Taylan F. , Sedghi M. , Girisha K. M. , Chitayat D. , Neethukrishna K. , Shannon P. , Godoy R. , Gowrishankar K. , Lindstrand A. , Nasiri J. , Baktashian M. , Newton P. T. , Guo L. , Hofmeister W. , Pettersson M. , Chagin A. S. , Nishimura G. , Yan L. , Matsumoto N. , Nordgren A. , Miyake N. , Grigelioniene G. , Ikegawa S.
Published: November 2017

The skeletal ciliopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders with a significant clinical and genetic variability and the main clinical features are thoracic hypoplasia and short tubular bones. To date, 25 genes have been identified in association with skeletal ciliopathies. Mutations in the KIAA0753 gene have recently been associated with Joubert syndrome (JBTS) and orofaciodigital (OFD) syndrome. We report biallelic pathogenic variants in KIAA0753 in four patients with short-rib type skeletal dysplasia. The manifestations in our patients are variable and ranging from fetal lethal to viable and moderate skeletal dysplasia with narrow thorax and abnormal metaphyses. We demonstrate that KIAA0753 is expressed in normal fetal human growth plate and show that the affected fetus, with a compound heterozygous frameshift and a nonsense mutation in KIAA0753, has an abnormal proliferative zone and a broad hypertrophic zone. The importance of KIAA0753 for normal skeletal development is further confirmed by our findings that zebrafish embryos homozygous for a nonsense mutation in kiaa0753 display altered cartilage patterning.
ABMA, a small molecule that inhibits intracellular toxins and pathogens by interfering with late endosomal compartments
Authors: Wu Yu , Pons Valérie , Goudet Amélie , Panigai Laetitia , Fischer Annette , Herweg Jo-Ana , Kali Sabrina , Davey Robert A. , Laporte Jérôme , Bouclier Céline , Yousfi Rahima , Aubenque Céline , Merer Goulven , Gobbo Emilie , Lopez Roman , Gillet Cynthia , Cojean Sandrine , Popoff Michel R. , Clayette Pascal , Le Grand Roger , Boulogne Claire , Tordo Noël , Lemichez Emmanuel , Loiseau Philippe M. , Rudel Thomas , Sauvaire Didier , Cintrat Jean-Christophe , Gillet Daniel , Barbier Julien
Published: November 2017

Intracellular pathogenic microorganisms and toxins exploit host cell mechanisms to enter, exert their deleterious effects as well as hijack host nutrition for their development. A potential approach to treat multiple pathogen infections and that should not induce drug resistance is the use of small molecules that target host components. We identified the compound 1-adamantyl (5-bromo-2-methoxybenzyl) amine (ABMA) from a cell-based high throughput screening for its capacity to protect human cells and mice against ricin toxin without toxicity. This compound efficiently protects cells against various toxins and pathogens including viruses, intracellular bacteria and parasite. ABMA provokes Rab7-positive late endosomal compartment accumulation in mammalian cells without affecting other organelles (early endosomes, lysosomes, the Golgi apparatus, the endoplasmic reticulum or the nucleus). As the mechanism of action of ABMA is restricted to host-endosomal compartments, it reduces cell infection by pathogens that depend on this pathway to invade cells. ABMA may represent a novel class of broad-spectrum compounds with therapeutic potential against diverse severe infectious diseases.
The role of the cytoskeleton in biomineralisation in haptophyte algae
Authors: Durak Grażyna M. , Brownlee Colin , Wheeler Glen L.
Published: November 2017

The production of calcium carbonate by coccolithophores (haptophytes) contributes significantly to global biogeochemical cycling. The recent identification of a silicifying haptophyte, Prymnesium neolepis, has provided new insight into the evolution of biomineralisation in this lineage. However, the cellular mechanisms of biomineralisation in both calcifying and silicifying haptophytes remain poorly understood. To look for commonalities between these two biomineralisation systems in haptophytes, we have determined the role of actin and tubulin in the formation of intracellular biomineralised scales in the coccolithophore, Coccolithus braarudii and in P. neolepis. We find that disruption of the actin network interferes with secretion of the biomineralised elements in both C. braarudii and P. neolepis. In contrast, disruption of the microtubule network does not prevent secretion of the silica scales in P. neolepis but results in production of abnormally small silica scales and also results in the increased formation of malformed coccoliths in C. braarudii. We conclude that the cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in biomineralisation in both silicifying and calcifying haptophytes. There are some important similarities in the contribution of the cytoskeleton to these different forms of biomineralisation, suggesting that common cellular mechanisms may have been recruited to perform similar roles in both lineages.
The Semaphorin 3A inhibitor SM-345431 preserves corneal nerve and epithelial integrity in a murine dry eye model
Authors: Yamazaki Risa , Yamazoe Katsuya , Yoshida Satoru , Hatou Shin , Inagaki Emi , Okano Hideyuki , Tsubota Kazuo , Shimmura Shigeto
Published: November 2017

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common disorder causing discomfort and ocular fatigue. Corneal nerves are compromised in DED, which may further cause loss of corneal sensation and decreased tear secretion. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is expressed by the corneal epithelium under stress, and is known as an inhibitor of axonal regeneration. Using a murine dry eye model, we found that topical SM-345431, a selective Sema3A inhibitor, preserved corneal sensitivity (2.3 ± 0.3 mm versus 1.4 ± 0.1 mm in vehicle control, p = 0.004) and tear volume (1.1 ± 0.1 mm versus 0.3 ± 0.1 mm in vehicle control, p < 0.001). Fluorescein staining area of the cornea due to damage to barrier function was also reduced (4.1 ± 0.9% in SM-345431 group versus 12.9 ± 2.2% in vehicle control, p < 0.001). The incidence of corneal epithelial erosions was significantly suppressed by SM-345431 (none in SM-345431 group versus six (21%) in vehicle control, p = 0.01). Furthermore, sub-epithelial corneal nerve density and intraepithelial expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) were significantly preserved with SM-345431. Our results suggest that inhibition of Sema3A may be an effective therapy for DED.
Fetal cardiac cine magnetic resonance imaging in utero
Authors: Chaptinel Jerome , Yerly Jerome , Mivelaz Yvan , Prsa Milan , Alamo Leonor , Vial Yvan , Berchier Gregoire , Rohner Chantal , Gudinchet François , Stuber Matthias
Published: November 2017

Fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) led to the emergence of ‘cine MRI’ techniques, which enable the visualization of the beating heart and the assessment of cardiac morphology and dynamics. However, established cine MRI methods are not suitable for fetal heart imaging in utero, where anatomical structures are considerably smaller and recording an electrocardiogram signal for synchronizing MRI data acquisition is difficult. Here we present a framework to overcome these challenges. We use methods for image acquisition and reconstruction that robustly produce images with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution to detect the heart contractions of the fetus, enabling a retrospective gating of the images and thus the generation of images of the beating heart. To underline the potential of our approach, we acquired in utero images in six pregnant patients and compared these with their echocardiograms. We found good agreement in terms of diameter and area measurements, and low inter- and intra- observer variability. These results establish MRI as a reliable modality for fetal cardiac imaging, with a substantial potential for prenatal evaluation of congenital heart defects.
Macroscale multimodal imaging reveals ancient painting production technology and the vogue in Greco-Roman Egypt
Authors: Delaney John K. , Dooley Kathryn A. , Radpour Roxanne , Kakoulli Ioanna
Published: November 2017

Macroscale multimodal chemical imaging combining hyperspectral diffuse reflectance (400–2500 nm), luminescence (400–1000 nm), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF, 2 to 25 keV) data, is uniquely equipped for noninvasive characterization of heterogeneous complex systems such as paintings. Here we present the first application of multimodal chemical imaging to analyze the production technology of an 1,800-year-old painting and one of the oldest surviving encaustic (“burned in”) paintings in the world. Co-registration of the data cubes from these three hyperspectral imaging modalities enabled the comparison of reflectance, luminescence, and XRF spectra at each pixel in the image for the entire painting. By comparing the molecular and elemental spectral signatures at each pixel, this fusion of the data allowed for a more thorough identification and mapping of the painting’s constituent organic and inorganic materials, revealing key information on the selection of raw materials, production sequence and the fashion aesthetics and chemical arts practiced in Egypt in the second century AD.
Effects of discrete dynamic-conductivity fractures on the transient pressure of a vertical well in a closed rectangular reservoir
Authors: Luo Wanjing , Liu Pengcheng , Tian Qing , Tang Changfu , Zhou Yinfang
Published: November 2017

With the extraction of hydrocarbons from reservoirs, fractures will gradually close and their permeabilities will be reduced. Therefore, fracture conductivity will change dynamically during hydrocarbon extraction. The main objective of this study is to develop a new semi-analytical model to simulate the flow inside a homogenous porous medium containing discretely distributed fractures with dynamic conductivities. Based on a dynamic-conductivity model, the pressure and pressure-derivative characteristics of a well on or near discrete dynamic-conductivity fractures were simulated. The results show that four flow regimes can be identified for a well near a dynamic-conductivity fracture. Dips in the pressure-derivative curves in the transitional flow period were observed as soon as pressure disturbances reached a fracture. In addition, humps caused by the effects of dynamic conductivity were observed after the transitional flow period. Wider and deeper dips were found on the pressure/pressure-derivative curves of a well surrounded by multiple fractures. The novel model presented here can provide a tool for elucidating the flow mechanisms of fluids in closed rectangular reservoirs with discretely dynamic-conductivity fractures.
Microalbuminuria as a simple predictor of incident diabetes over 8 years in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Jung Dong-Hyuk , Byun Young-Sup , Kwon Yu-Jin , Kim Gwang-Sil
Published: November 2017

Microalbuminuria (MAU) is a common subclinical disease and related with cardiovascular outcome both in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. However, there is rare data about the effect of MAU on the development of diabetes. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether MAU is associated with the development of incident diabetes. A total of 3385 subjects without diabetes (1503 men and 1882 women; mean age, 53 years) who participated in the Ansung–Ansan cohort study from 2001–2002 (baseline) to 2011–2012 (fifth follow-up visit) were followed for a mean of 8 years. The prevalence of MAU at baseline was 10.8% (365 patients), and the incidence of newly developed diabetes during the follow-up period was 15.3% (56 patients) in subjects with MAU. The hazard ratio (HR) for development of diabetes was 1.43 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.91, p-value 0.016), independent of traditional risk factors for diabetes including pre-diabetes, age, obesity, and family history. The impact of MAU on diabetes was also significant in the non-pre-diabetic population (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.07–4.03, p-value 0.031). In conclusion, our results show that incident MAU is associated with future development of diabetes and could be an early marker for diabetes, even in the non-prediabetic population.
The genomic landscape of Nepalese Tibeto-Burmans reveals new insights into the recent peopling of Southern Himalayas
Authors: Gnecchi-Ruscone Guido A. , Jeong Choongwon , De Fanti Sara , Sarno Stefania , Trancucci Michela , Gentilini Davide , Di Blasio Anna M. , Sherpa Mingma G. , Sherpa Phurba T. , Marinelli Giorgio , Di Marcello Marco , Natali Luca , Peluzzi Davide , Pettener Davide , Di Rienzo Anna , Luiselli Donata , Sazzini Marco
Published: November 2017

While much research attention has focused on demographic processes that enabled human diffusion on the Tibetan plateau, little is known about more recent colonization of Southern Himalayas. In particular, the history of migrations, admixture and/or isolation of populations speaking Tibeto-Burman languages, which is supposed to be quite complex and to have reshaped patterns of genetic variation on both sides of the Himalayan arc, remains only partially elucidated. We thus described the genomic landscape of previously unsurveyed Tibeto-Burman (i.e. Sherpa and Tamang) and Indo-Aryan communities from remote Nepalese valleys. Exploration of their genomic relationships with South/East Asian populations provided evidence for Tibetan admixture with low-altitude East Asians and for Sherpa isolation. We also showed that the other Southern Himalayan Tibeto-Burmans derived East Asian ancestry not from the Tibetan/Sherpa lineage, but from low-altitude ancestors who migrated from China plausibly across Northern India/Myanmar, having experienced extensive admixture that reshuffled the ancestral Tibeto-Burman gene pool. These findings improved the understanding of the impact of gene flow/drift on the evolution of high-altitude Himalayan peoples and shed light on migration events that drove colonization of the southern Himalayan slopes, as well as on the role played by different Tibeto-Burman groups in such a complex demographic scenario.
Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells: Working Principles and Power Conversion Efficiencies
Authors: Scharber M. C. , Sarciftci N. S.
Published: November 2017

Bulk heterojunction solar cells are a promising low-cost photovoltaic technology. This chapter discusses the efficiency potential, the role of nanomorphology and approaches to increase the power conversion efficiency of bulk heterojunction solar cells. The stacking of devices on top of each other – constructing the so-called tandem cell – appears to be one of the best ways to reach the power conversion efficiencies necessary for the large-scale commercialization of this technology.
Quantum Dots for Type III Photovoltaics
Authors: Kedarnath G. , Jain Vimal K.
Published: November 2017

Quantum dots are tiny particles of semiconducting materials in the nano-regime and have exciting physicochemical properties. They are important constituents of third-generation photovoltaic devices, such as dye-sensitized solar cells, organic photovoltaic devices, hybrid solar cells and quantum dot solar cells. Quantum dots improve the efficiency and help in the design of novel solar cell architectures based on new concepts such as hot carrier capture and multiple exciton generation. This chapter gives a brief background to photovoltaic devices and their classification, followed by a short discussion on quantum dots and their properties. The subsequent discussion includes the synthesis and characterization of quantum dots and their relevance to third-generation photovoltaic devices and quantum dot solar cells.
Selective phosphatidylcholine double bond fragmentation and localisation using Paternò–Büchi reactions and ultraviolet photodissociation
Authors: Wäldchen Fabian , Becher Simon , Esch Patrick , Kompauer Mario , Heiles Sven
Published: November 2017

A new mass spectrometric method is described that allows to selectively probe double bond positions by ultraviolet photodissociation of phosphatidylcholines from complex lipid mixtures.
A ratiometric fluorogenic probe for the real-time detection of SO32−in aqueous medium: application in a cellulose paper based device and potential to sense SO32−in mitochondria
Authors: Samanta Soham , Halder Senjuti , Dey Poulomi , Manna Utsab , Ramesh Aiyagari , Das Gopal
Published: November 2017

A new water soluble and fluorogenic probe (L) that can demonstrate the specific ratiometric detection of a SO2derivative (SO32−) in 100% aqueous medium and live cells has been designed and synthesized.
Visible-light-induced installation of oxyfluoroalkyl groups
Authors: Park Gwi-Rim , Moon Jisu , Cho Eun Jin
Published: November 2017

(Hetero)aryloxytetrafluoroethylation of heteroaromatics and alkenes has been achieved by visible-light photocatalysis utilizing readily synthesized oxyfluoroalkyl reagents.
High-performance Cr–Zr–O and Cr–Zr–K–O catalysts prepared by nanocasting for dehydrogenation of propane to propene
Authors: Węgrzyniak A. , Rokicińska A. , Hędrzak E. , Michorczyk B. , Zeńczak-Tomera K. , Kuśtrowski P. , Michorczyk P.
Published: November 2017

Controlling the porosity and surface chemistry of Cr–Zr–O and Cr–Zr–K–O catalysts by nanocasting improved the yield of propene and their stability in the dehydrogenation of propane to propene.
Nb and Ta benzotriazole or benzoxazole phenoxide complexes as catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of glycidol to synthesize hyperbranched polyglycerols
Authors: Pappuru Sreenath , Chakraborty Debashis , Ramkumar Venkatachalam
Published: November 2017

New approach for synthesizing hyper branched polyethers using organometallic Nb and Ta complexes as catalysts and trimethylol propane as initiator was demonstrated.
Synthesis of new hybrid 1,4-thiazinyl-1,2,3-dithiazolyl radicals via Smiles rearrangement
Authors: Vasko Petra , Hurmalainen Juha , Mansikkamäki Akseli , Peuronen Anssi , Mailman Aaron , Tuononen Heikki M.
Published: November 2017

New hybrid 1,4-thiazine-1,2,3-dithiazolylium salts were prepared via Smiles rearrangement. The cations can be readily reduced to the corresponding stable neutral radicals with delocalised spin densities.
Molecular actions of hypocholesterolaemic compounds from edible mushrooms
Authors: Gil-Ramírez Alicia , Morales Diego , Soler-Rivas Cristina
Published: November 2017

Edible mushrooms contain bioactive compounds able to modulate the expression of genes related to absorption, biosynthesis and transport of cholesterol and regulation of its homeostasis.
Structural elucidation and immunostimulatory activity of a new polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris
Authors: Bi Sixue , Jing Yongshuai , Zhou Qinqin , Hu Xianjing , Zhu Jianhua , Guo Zhongyi , Song Liyan , Yu Rongmin
Published: November 2017

The chemical structure of new polysaccharide (CMPB90-1) obtained from Cordyceps militaris was elucidated, and its strengthening effects on immunostimulatory activities of lymphocytes and inducing effects on M1 polarization of macrophages were evaluated.
Mn3O4/nitrogen-doped porous carbon fiber hybrids involving multiple covalent interactions and open voids as flexible anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Zhen , Tang Bohejin
Published: November 2017

Flexible Mn3O4/NPCF hybrids with a reasonable microstructure and multiple interactions delivered a high capacity of 1058 mA h g−1.
The diaza-Nazarov cyclization involving a 2,3-diaza-pentadienyl cation for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyrazoles
Authors: Aegurla Balakrishna , Peddinti Rama Krishna
Published: November 2017

Functionally-rich pyrazoles in a cascade reaction from in situ generated hydrazones and acetophenones under aerobic conditions were synthesized through novel enamine–imino diaza-Nazarov 4π-electrocyclization which is supported by DFT calculations.
Synthesis, computational, and spectroscopic analysis of tunable highly fluorescent BN-1,2-azaborine derivatives containing the N-BOH moiety
Authors: Saint-Louis Carl Jacky , Shavnore Renée N. , McClinton Caleb D. C. , Wilson Julie A. , Magill Lacey L. , Brown Breanna M. , Lamb Robert W. , Webster Charles Edwin , Schrock Alan K. , Huggins Michael T.
Published: November 2017

Methods to tune the luminescence wavelength and the quantum yields by controlling the power and location of electron-donor and acceptor substituents on the ring system.
Recent progress in crystalline metal chalcogenides as efficient photocatalysts for organic pollutant degradation
Authors: Nie Lina , Zhang Qichun
Published: November 2017

Recent progress in crystalline metal chalcogenides as efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts for aqueous organic pollutant degradation is reviewed.
The mechanism of copper-catalyzed oxytrifluoromethylation of allylamines with CO2: a computational study
Authors: Zhu Lei , Ye Jian-Heng , Duan Meng , Qi Xiaotian , Yu Da-Gang , Bai Ruopeng , Lan Yu
Published: November 2017

We propose a novel Cu(i)–Cu(ii) catalytic cycle for the copper-catalyzed oxytrifluoromethylation of allylamines with CO2, which proceeds through a radical–radical cross-coupling pathway.
1,6-Conjugated addition-mediated [4 + 1] annulation: an approach to 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans
Authors: Liu Lina , Yuan Zhenbo , Pan Rui , Zeng Yuye , Lin Aijun , Yao Hequan , Huang Yue
Published: November 2017

2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans were achieved via a 1,6-conjugated addition-mediated [4 + 1] annulation of ortho-hydroxyphenyl-substituted para-quinone methides in high yields with high diastereoselectivity.
Synthesis of core–shell structured magnetic mesoporous silica microspheres with accessible carboxyl functionalized surfaces and radially oriented large mesopores as adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions
Authors: Hou Shushan , Li Xiaoju , Wang Hongli , Wang Minggang , Zhang Ying , Chi Yue , Zhao Zhankui
Published: November 2017

Core–shell structured mesoporous silica with accessible carboxyl functionalized surfaces and radial oriented large mesopores was fabricated as a recyclable adsorbent for the adsorption of Cd(ii), Cu(ii), and Pb(ii).
Improved electrochemical performance of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode materials via incorporation of rubidium cations into the original Li sites
Authors: Zhang Zhili , Chen Donghui , Chang Chengkang
Published: November 2017

Layered RbxLi(1−x)Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (x = 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02) materials were synthesized with different Rb concentrations using a solid state reaction method.
Recyclable cross-linked hydroxythioether particles with tunable structures via robust and efficient thiol-epoxy dispersion polymerizations
Authors: Tan Jiaojun , Li Chunmei , De Bruycker Kevin , Zhang Guoxian , Gu Junwei , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: November 2017

Thiol-epoxy reactions were first exploited as a simple method for the preparation of recyclable cross-linked hydroxythioether particles with tunable structures.
Ag(i)/persulfate-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of α-oxocarboxylates with organotrifluoroborates in water under room temperature
Authors: Chang Sheng , Wang Jian Feng , Dong Lin Lin , Wang Dan , Feng Bo , Shi Yuan Tai
Published: November 2017

The decarboxylative coupling of α-oxocarboxylates and organotrifluoroborates was carried out smoothly in water under room temperature. This novel and simple method is efficient, using AgNO3/K2S2O8 catalytic system to generate diarylketone products.
Nanostructured spinel manganese cobalt ferrite for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Elkholy Ayman E. , El-Taib Heakal F. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: November 2017

We report on the synthesis of manganese cobalt ferrite (MnCoFeO4) nanoparticles via a simple one-pot co-precipitation method and their characterization through energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), XRD, HR-TEM, FT-IR and N2 adsorption/desorption techniques.
Green synthesis of α-amino acids by electrochemical carboxylation of imines in a flow microreactor
Authors: Qu Yang , Tsuneishi Chiaki , Tateno Hiroyuki , Matsumura Yoshimasa , Atobe Mahito
Published: November 2017

A new approach for the green synthesis of α-amino acids using electrochemical carboxylation of imines in a flow microreactor is described.
Nanoscale considerations responsible for diverse macroscopic phase behavior in monosubstituted isobutyl-POSS/poly(ethylene oxide) blends
Authors: Caydamli Yavuz , Yildirim Erol , Shen Jialong , Fang Xiaomeng , Pasquinelli Melissa A. , Spontak Richard J. , Tonelli Alan E.
Published: November 2017

Nanocomposites prepared by incorporating polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) into polymer matrices afford versatile hybrid materials but are exquisitely sensitive to even POSS monofunctionalization.
A proton-conductive lanthanide oxalatophosphonate framework featuring unique chemical stability: stabilities of bulk phase and surface structure
Authors: Liang Xiaoqiang , Cai Kun , Zhang Feng , Liu Jia , Zhu Guangshan
Published: November 2017

We select a chemically stable lanthanide oxalatophosphonate framework with proton conductivity as an example, analyzing and evaluating its chemical stability based on the bulk phase and surface structure.
A three-dimensional hierarchical structure of cyclized-PAN/Si/Ni for mechanically stable silicon anodes
Authors: Bao Wurigumula , Wang Jing , Chen Shi , Li Weikang , Su Yuefeng , Wu Feng , Tan Guoqiang , Lu Jun
Published: November 2017

We designed a three-dimensional hierarchical structure of cyclized-PAN/Si/Ni by the CVD method for mechanically stable silicon anodes.
Methoxyl modification in furo[3,2-c]pyridine-based iridium complexes towards highly efficient green- and orange-emitting electrophosphorescent devices
Authors: Yan Zhimin , Wang Yanping , Ding Junqiao , Wang Yue , Wang Lixiang
Published: November 2017

Highly efficient green- and orange-emitting PhOLEDs were successfully realized via a simple methoxyl modification in furo[3,2-c]pyridine-based Ir complexes.
Investigation on enhancing breakdown voltages of transformer oil nanofluids using multi‐nanoparticles technique
Authors: Thabet Ahmed , Allam Marw , Shaaban Salma A.
Published: November 2017

This study presents particularly an innovative technique to enhance charging dynamics in transformer's oil using multi‐nanoparticles (NPs). A charging dynamic process in power transformer oils is the main way to slow down the streamer propagation and upping dielectric strength. In addition, transformer oil's based suspension multi‐NPs (dielectric, conductive, and semi‐conductive) have substantial levels of deposited electrons higher than suspension traditional nanofluids. An experimental work has been done to verify the importance of using multi‐NPs for slowing down positive streamer propagation in transformer oils against using individual NP techniques or traditional transformer oils.
Model for smoothing and segmentation of texture images using norm
Authors: Badshah Noor , Shah Hassan
Published: November 2017

Segmentation of texture images is always a challenging problem in image processing. The authors propose a novel model for segmentation of texture images based on L0 gradient norm. The model will do smoothing of texture in image and segmentation jointly. It is well known that L0 gradient norm smooths the image and preserve the edges. Keeping this in view, the proposed model is using L0 gradient norm for smoothing of texture in image and Chan–Vese energy for segmentation. For fast and efficient solution of the model, the authors use alternating minimisation algorithm. Experimental results of their proposed model, which are compared with well‐known (state of the art) existing models, validate better performance of the proposed model.
Efficient gradient‐based optimisation of pixel antenna with large‐scale connections
Authors: Wang Jian , Yang Xue‐Song , Wang Bing‐Zhong
Published: November 2017

An efficient gradient‐based optimisation method is proposed for designing pixel antennas with hundreds of connections, where the connections between adjacent square pixel patches are modelled by lossy materials with continuous density variables. The gradients of antenna objective functions with respect to these density variables are derived by the adjoint variable method, at the cost of less than two times of simulation. With a gradient‐based optimisation solver, four antennas with 220 connections are optimised. The optimised antennas achieve different expected polarisation and/or radiation patterns. All the optimisations in this work converge in only 80 iterations which is considerably faster than the heuristic algorithms handling the same number of variables. Two of the optimised antennas are fabricated to validate the optimisations. The simulated and measured results verify the accuracy and effectiveness of this method.
Modelling the threshold voltage of p‐channel enhancement‐mode GaN heterostructure field‐effect transistors
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , De Souza Maria Merlyne
Published: November 2017

p‐Channel gallium nitride (GaN) metal–oxide–semiconductor heterostructure field‐effect transistors utilising a polarisation induced two‐dimensional hole gas operate inherently in depletion mode. The condition for their conversion to enhancement‐mode operation is examined via analytical expressions for the threshold voltage and verified via technology computer‐aided design (TCAD) simulations. Between the two heterostructures: (i) conventional GaN/aluminium GaN (AlGaN)/GaN and (ii) alternate AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN/GaN examined in this work, the authors demonstrate at higher threshold voltage (), the alternate heterostructure can potentially achieve a higher on‐current by a factor of 2 of (), without degradation in the on–off‐current ratio, expected ideally to be of the order of .
Three‐dimensional SAR imaging of sea targets with low PRF sampling
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Liu Mei , Wang Zhigui
Published: November 2017

Three‐dimensional (3D) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation provides the scene reflectivity estimation along azimuth, range, and elevation coordinates. A common 3D SAR focusing approach is compressed sensing (CS)‐based SAR tomography, but this technique brings image quality problems because of the undesired side‐lobes in the focused two‐dimensional (2D) images. Moreover, the amount of raw data, which is used for 3D imaging, is still very large. To reduce the amount of raw data and achieve satisfying 3D resolving ability, a novel 3D imaging method based on multidimensional CS (MCS) is proposed for multi‐baseline SAR. In this study, the multi‐baseline SAR 3D raw signals are presented in space‐time domain; and the proposed 3D imaging algorithm based on MCS is used to reduce the amount of raw data. The range, azimuth and elevation profiles can be reconstructed with an extremely low Pulse Recurrence Frequency (PRF) with this algorithm. Comparisons with the existing CS‐tomographic focusing method are also presented. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can efficiently solve the 3D imaging task with limited PRF sampling.
Design of continuous self‐calibration rotation scheme based on output sensitivity analysis
Authors: Qi Wang , Lixin Wang , Weiwei Qin , Qiang Shen
Published: November 2017

In view of the importance of rotation scheme for parameter estimation in continuous self‐calibration of the inertial platform, a design method based on sensitivity analysis is proposed. The error models of continuous self‐calibration are given firstly, which are time‐varying and non‐linear. Lie‐derivative is employed to analyse the global observability of models to ensure the system is observable. For the fast convergence of filter and decreasing calibration time, the observability of each parameter in error models is considered, which is represented by output sensitivity of each parameter. Based on the principle of maximum output sensitivity, the design of optimal rotation schemes for each parameter is converted to an ergodic optimisation problem. Then the global optimal rotation scheme is obtained by combining all the optimal rotations of each parameter, which can generate a suitable input for continuous self‐calibration and excite all the parameters efficiently. Finally, the proposed approach is demonstrated by an illustrative example. The results show that the rotation scheme designed by the proposed method can excite all the parameters efficiently with high calibration precision and convenient operation.
MDK-Prüfung: Verschwendete Versichertengelder
Authors: Schroeders Nikolai von
Published: November 2017

Das Prüfverfahren des MDK schießt am Ziel vorbei und begünstigt unberechtigte Rechnungskürzungen ebenso wie betrügerische Kodierungspraktiken, meint unser Gastautor Nikolai von Schroeders. Außerdem stehe der Aufwand der Prüfungen in keinem Verhältnis zum Ertrag.
Strahlenschutzgesetz: Kliniken müssen mehr Geld einplanen
Authors: Kucera Martin
Published: November 2017

Für Kliniken lohnt der Blick ins neue Strahlenschutzgesetz, dessen Neuerungen überwiegend 2018 in Kraft treten. Neben detaillierteren Aufzeichnungs- und Meldepflichten fordert es auch, Medizinphysikexperten künftig stärker in die radiologische Praxis einzubinden.
Krankenhaushygiene: Verbesserung der Hygiene durch Surveillance
Authors: Geffers Christine
Published: November 2017

Nosokomiale Infektionen gehören zu den häufigsten Komplikationen eines Krankenhausaufenthaltes und die Hygiene hat zum Ziel, das Risiko hierfür zu reduzieren. Daher werden Hygienemaßnahmen festgelegt und die Einhaltung der Maßnahmen eingefordert. Aber erst eine Surveillance zeigt ob die Hygienemaßnahmen wirksam sind oder ob nachgebessert werden muss.
Norddeutscher FKT-Brandschutztag: Das Spiel mit dem Feuer
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: November 2017

Unter diesem plakativen Titel wird der Sachverständige für vorbeugenden Brandschutz Hans-Jörg Scherbening auf dem norddeutschen Brandschutztag am 29. November im Schloss Schwerin viele praktische Tipps und aktuelle Erkenntnisse aus seinem Fachbereich darlegen. Eine davon ist: Krankenhaustechniker machen in Sachen Brandschutz einen echten Herkulesjob.
Imaging of Liver Metastases
Authors: Wagle Pratik , Ananthakrishnan Lakshmi , Coppa Christopher
Published: November 2017

The evaluation of liver metastases using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) is discussed in this article. PET-MR and multienergy CT are newer techniques gaining appeal in the assessment of liver metastases and have also been reviewed.
Angle of Progression on Ultrasound in the Second Stage of Labor and Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Rouse Caroline , Cantonwine David , Little Sarah , McElrath Thomas , Robinson Julian , Bibbo Carolina
Published: November 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the association between the angle of progression (AoP) measured by transperineal ultrasound and mode of delivery and duration of the second stage.

Study Design This is a prospective observational study of nulliparous women with a singleton gestation at term in which serial transperineal ultrasound examinations were obtained during the second stage of labor. Multivariable logistic regression and adjusted survival models were used for the analysis.

Results A total of 137 patients were included in the analysis and median AoP for the study group was 153 degrees. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of requiring an operative delivery was 2.6 times higher for those patients who had an AoP < 153 degrees and the aOR of requiring a cesarean delivery was almost six times higher when compared with those patients who had an AoP ≥ 153 degrees (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0, 6.2; p = 0.04; aOR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.2–28.3; p = 0.03, respectively). Those patients with an AoP < 153 degrees were at a higher hazard of staying pregnant longer (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.8, p = 0.005).

Conclusion The AoP has the potential to predict spontaneous vaginal delivery and the duration of the second stage of labor which may be useful in counseling patients and managing their labor.
Cannabinoide in der Behandlung der Parkinson-Erkrankung
Authors: Gandor Florin , Ebersbach Georg
Published: November 2017

Aufgrund der Legalisierung von medizinischem Cannabis und Derivaten in zahlreichen Ländern gelangt diese Behandlungsoption zunehmend in die wissenschaftliche und öffentliche Debatte. Zunehmend häufig werden Behandler von Patienten mit idiopathischer Parkinson-Erkrankung mit der Frage nach Cannabis als Behandlungsalternative insbesondere bei Levodopa-resistenten Symptomen konfrontiert. Im Gegensatz zu zahlreichen positiven Einzelfallberichten und Fallserien bieten die wenigen Placebo-kontrollierten Studien nur wenige Hinweise auf eine positive Wirkung von Cannabinoiden auf Parkinson-Symptome. Lediglich in einer Arbeit konnte eine leichte Reduktion von Levodopa-induzierten Dyskinesien nachgewiesen werden, die drei anderen Arbeiten zeigen keinen Effekt auf motorische Symptome. Diese Arbeit soll einen Überblick über die Wirkungsweise von Cannabis und Forschungsergebnisse zu Cannabinoiden in der Behandlung der idiopathischen Parkinson-Erkrankung geben.