bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing Aminopyralid to Prevent Seed Production Controls Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and Increases Forage Grasses
Authors: Rinella Matthew J. , Davy Josh S. , Kyser Guy B. , Mashiri Fadzayi E. , Bellows Susan E. , James Jeremy J. , Peterson Vanelle F.
Published: April 2018

Exotic annual grasses such as medusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae(L.) Nevski] and downy brome (Bromus tectorumL.) dominate millions of hectares of grasslands in the western United States. Applying picloram, aminopyralid, and other growth regulator herbicides at late growth stages reduces seed production of most exotic annual grasses. In this study, we applied aminopyralid toT. caput-medusaeto determine how reducing seed production in the current growing season influenced cover in the subsequent growing season. At eight annual grassland sites, we applied aminopyralid at 55, 123, and 245 g ae ha−1in spring just beforeT. caput-medusaeheading. The two higher rates were also applied pre-emergence (PRE) in fall to allow comparisons with this previously tested timing. When applied in spring during the roughly 10-d period between the flag leaf and inflorescence first becoming visible, just 55 g ae ha−1of aminopyralid greatly limited seed production and subsequently reducedT. caput-medusaecover to nearly zero. Fall aminopyralid applications were less effective againstT. caput-medusae, even at a rate of 245 g ae ha−1. The growing season of application, fall treatments, but not spring treatments, sometimes reduced cover of desirable winter annual forage grasses. The growing season after application, both spring and fall treatments tended to increase forage grasses, though spring treatments generally caused larger increases. Compared with other herbicide treatment options, preheading aminopyralid treatments are a relatively inexpensive, effective approach for controllingT. caput-medusaeand increasing forage production.
Native Forb Response to Aminocyclopyrachlor
Authors: Carter Travis R. , Lym Rodney G.
Published: April 2018

Native forbs are an essential component in the functioning and diversity of prairie communities. Aminocyclopyrachlor (AMCP) will effectively control many noxious weeds that invade prairie communities; however, its efficacy on desirable broadleaf plants is relatively unknown. Few field studies have been reported, and locating adequate populations of native forbs for evaluation of tolerance to herbicides is difficult. The susceptibility of 10 prairie forb species to AMCP was evaluated in the greenhouse. Species were chosen to correlate with a field study of AMCP and a previous greenhouse experiment. AMCP was applied at 0, 35, 70, and 105 g ha−1 with a methylated seed oil (MSO) plus silicone-based non-ionic surfactant (NIS) blend at 0.25% v/v when plants reached the growth stage simulating a spring treatment for weed control. Blueflag iris (Iris versicolor L.) and harebell (Campanula rotundifolia L.) were relatively tolerant and would likely be unharmed following an application of AMCP in the field. Wild licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota Pursh), prairie wild rose (Rosa arkansana Porter), purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent.), and wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa L.) were moderately susceptible to AMCP; however, plants might regrow in the field, since some survived at the highest AMCP application rate (105 g ha−1) evaluated. Skyblue aster [Symphyotrichum oolentangiense (Riddell) G. L. Nesom], Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.), blue cardinal-flower (Lobelia siphilitica L.), and blacksamson echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia DC.) were susceptible to AMCP even when applied at 35 g ha−1. The susceptibility of greenhouse-grown forbs to AMCP was the same or similar to species evaluated in the field and can be used to predict native forb tolerance in the field.
Biomass Allocation, Plantlet Survival, and Chemical Control of the Invasive Chandelier Plant (Kalanchoe delagoensis) (Crassulaceae)
Authors: Guerra-García Azalea , Barrales-Alcalá Diego , Argueta-Guzmán Magda , Cruz Abraham , Mandujano Maria C. , Arévalo-Ramírez Jose A. , Milligan Brook G. , Golubov Jordan
Published: April 2018

Alien invasive species have strategies that can maintain fitness in a variety of environments. This flexibility is associated with environmental tolerance in several traits, such as allocation of resources to shoots versus roots, clonal versus sexual reproduction, and survival of seedlings. These traits were explored in the chandelier plant (Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh.), which has invasive populations in several countries. Light and water tolerance and herbicide treatments were tested on plantlet survival. Plantlet survival in the most extreme cases (full sunlight and no watering) was close to 30%, whereas in less severe conditions (water and shaded), it was close to 100%. Stress conditions triggered the onset of plantlet production from the margin of leaves, which increased clonality. Biomass was allocated primarily to aboveground structures. Although all herbicides resulted in high plantlet mortality (>85%), only 2,4-D and glyphosate+2,4-D amine achieved the maximum recorded mortality a few days after the chemical application. The high tolerance of K. delagoensis plantlets to varying conditions shows that under stress, plantlet production is enhanced as survival of established individuals decreases. Biomass is primarily aboveground, which can potentially alter nitrogen and carbon in poor arid environments, and the proportion of the biomass assigned to belowground roots increased with an increase in sunlight received. Even though the chemical treatments 2,4-D and glyphosate+2,4-D amine have been shown to be the only effective treatments, the 2,4-D treatment may be the most viable (cost+quantity) to reduce the propagation of K. delagoensis. Plantlets have become the main reason for population persistence, partially due to the plant’s environmental tolerance and ability to reproduce asexually in short time periods. Susceptibility of plantlets to the two herbicides presents a means to adequately manage invasions of K. delagoensis in Mexico.
Indicators of Ventenata (Ventenata dubia) Invasion in Sagebrush Steppe Rangelands
Authors: Jones Lisa C. , Norton Nicholas , Prather Timothy S.
Published: April 2018

Ventenata [Ventenata dubia(Leers) Coss.], an invasive winter annual grass, significantly reduces forage production in grassland systems and displaces species within both perennial- and annual-dominated grasslands within the Inland Northwest. The range ofV. dubiais expanding into sagebrush steppe communities, an expansive habitat critical for forage production, wildlife, and recreation. Currently, there is limited knowledge ofV. dubia’s distribution and abundance within sagebrush steppe communities. We performed field surveys at 15 locations in sagebrush steppe rangelands in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon to assess whereV. dubiaoccurs, with the aim of providing insight about its niche in this new habitat. Specifically, we evaluated biotic and abiotic factors of the plant community as indicators ofV. dubiapresence. We also correlated species diversity measures with no, low (<12.5%), and high (>12.5%)V. dubiacover. Though widely distributed throughout the study region,V. dubiaonly appeared in 45% of the 225 plots, and foliar cover was typically less than 50%. It was primarily found in ephemerally wet microhabitats. Species richness and the Shannon diversity index were lowest in plots with highV. dubiacover. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed thatV. dubiaand medusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae(L.) Nevski] were closely associated. Furthermore, chi-square indicator analysis showed thatT. caput-medusaewas more prevalent, while mountain big sagebrush [Artemisia tridentataNutt. spp.vaseyana(Rydb.) Beetle] was less prevalent, in plots containingV. dubia. Abiotic factors that explained variation inV. dubiaabundance included rock cover, soil depth, and a north/south aspect. HigherV. dubiacover also correlated with higher clay content and lower phosphorus and potassium concentrations in the soil. We suggest that at this point, detection survey efforts to locate incipient infestations ofV. dubiain sagebrush steppe communities should focus on moist areas and sites susceptible to invasion byT. caput-medusae.
Modular Interpretation of a Non-Reductive Chow Quotient
Authors: Gallardo Patricio , Giansiracusa Noah
Published: April 2018

The space of n distinct points and adisjoint parametrized hyperplane in projective d-space up to projectivity – equivalently, configurations of n distinct points in affine d-space up to translation and homothety – has a beautiful compactification introduced by Chen, Gibney and Krashen. This variety, constructed inductively using the apparatus of Fulton–MacPherson configuration spaces, is a parameter space of certain pointed rational varieties whose dual intersection complex is a rooted tree. This generalizes $\overline M _{0,n}$ and shares many properties with it. In this paper, we prove that the normalization of the Chow quotient of (ℙd)n by the diagonal action of the subgroup of projectivities fixing a hyperplane, pointwise, is isomorphic to this Chen–Gibney–Krashen space Td, n. This is a non-reductive analogue of Kapranov's famous quotient construction of $\overline M _{0,n}$, and indeed as a special case we show that $\overline M _{0,n}$ is the Chow quotient of (ℙ1)n−1 by an action of 𝔾m ⋊ 𝔾a.
IMPACTS OF DELAYED FIELD CURING ON RICE SEED QUALITY IN A TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: BAM R. K. , SERSHEN  , VARGHESE B. , DZOMEKU B. M. , APPIAH-KUBI Z. , PAMMENTER N. W.
Published: April 2018

Three upland rice species, viz. Oryza sativa, Oryza glaberrima and an O. sativa × O. glaberrima interspecific hybrid, were grown in Ghana, harvested, and field cured under open (wet) and within ventilated but rainproof containers (dry) conditions for 5 weeks. Seeds from both environments were assessed weekly for physical, physiological and pathological quality. The relationships between air temperature and relative humidity, and seed moisture content (MC) and water activity differed between curing environments but within curing environments, relationships between seed MC and water activity were comparable among species. Prolonged field curing resulted in structural damage evidenced by the formation of multiple cracks in the endosperm; these were more frequent in wet cured seeds. Diverse fungal species were isolated from wet (22 species) and dry (23 species) cured seeds with a number of soil-borne species in the wet environment. Curing environment did not influence levels of fungal infection in O. glaberrima seeds but dry curing was associated with higher levels of fungal infection in O. sativa and O. sativa × O. glaberrima. Seed germinability in all the three species was higher in the dry cured seeds although vigour was relatively lower than wet cured seeds. Field curing the seeds of these three species within a dry environment could potentially improve subsequent seed viability, aid in moisture management and minimize structural damage to the endosperm; however, research on how fungal infection could be curbed under such conditions is needed.
The South African giraffeGiraffa camelopardalis giraffa: a conservation success story
Authors: Deacon Francois , Tutchings Andy
Published: April 2018

Across Africa the majority of giraffe species and subspecies are in decline, whereas the South African giraffeGiraffa camelopardalis giraffaremains numerous and widespread throughout southern Africa. By 2013 the number of giraffes in South Africa's Kruger National Park had increased by c. 150% compared to 1979 estimates. An even greater increase occurred on many of the estimated 12,000 privately owned game ranches, indicating that private ownership can help to conserve this subspecies. The estimated total population size in South Africa is 21,053–26,919. The challenge now is to implement monitoring and surveillance ofG. camelopardalis giraffaas a conservation priority and to introduce sustainable practices among private owners to increase numbers and genetic variation within in-country subspecies.
Being of one substance
Authors: HEIL JOHN
Published: April 2018

An attempt is made to provide a consistent, independently motivated metaphysics of the Trinity by invoking an ontology of substances, attributes, and modes in the spirit of Descartes and Spinoza. The Trinity comprises one substance, triply attributed, where distinctions among attributes are ‘of reasoned reason’ only, but ‘founded’ in the nature of the substance.
Study of small amplitude ion-acoustic solitary wave structures and amplitude modulation in e–p–i plasma with streaming ions
Authors: Goswami Jyotirmoy , Chandra Swarniv , Ghosh B.
Published: April 2018

By using reductive perturbation technique we have studied the linear and non-linear properties of ion-acoustic solitary structures in a three-component plasma containing non-thermal electrons and Boltzmann positrons and a comparatively cold ion which has got a streaming motion. The Korteweg–de Vries equation has been obtained and the dependence of small amplitude solitary structures on various plasma parameters such as streaming velocity (v0), non-thermal parameter (β), reciprocal of electron temperature (χ), positron density (p), Mach number (M), and ion density (δ) have been studied. The possibility of formation of enveloping soliton and its characteristic features are further investigated by deriving the non-linear Schrödinger equation.
Development of unfamiliar accent comprehension continues through adolescence
Authors: BENT Tessa
Published: April 2018

School-age children's understanding of unfamiliar accents is not adult-like and the age at which this ability fully matures is unknown. To address this gap, eight- to fifteen-year-old children's (n = 74) understanding of native- and non-native-accented sentences in quiet and noise was assessed. Children's performance was adult-like by eleven to twelve years for the native accent in noise and by fourteen to fifteen years for the non-native accent in quiet. However, fourteen- to fifteen-year old's performance was not adult-like for the non-native accent in noise. Thus, adult-like comprehension of unfamiliar accents may require greater exposure to linguistic variability or additional cognitive–linguistic growth.
Non-smooth homoclinic bifurcation in a conceptual climate model
Authors: LEIFELD JULIE
Published: April 2018

Collision of equilibria with a splitting manifold has been locally studied, but might also be a contributing factor to global bifurcations. In particular, a boundary collision can be coincident with collision of a virtual equilibrium with a periodic orbit, giving an analogue to a homoclinic bifurcation. This type of bifurcation is demonstrated in a non-smooth climate application. Here, we describe the non-smooth bifurcation structure, as well as the smooth bifurcation structure for which the non-smooth homoclinic bifurcation is a limiting case.
Provider payment to primary care physicians in China: background, challenges, and a reform framework
Authors: Pu Xiaoying , Gu Yaming , Wang Xiaohe
Published: April 2018

Aim: To provide a framework for provider payment reform for primary care physicians in China. Background: Primary health care is central to health system reform and payment incentives have significant consequences for the equity and efficiency of it. Methods: This paper describes the special payments system for public primary health institutions and the subsequent internal salary remuneration to primary care physicians in China. Based on an analysis of the major challenges, we suggest a reform framework including the pattern of governance, and payments to primary health institutions and employed physicians. Findings: A mixed system of input-based and output-based payments to institutions would probably be appropriate under a long-term and relational contract with the government. It was also advised that internal remuneration is provided by a basic salary plus a bonus based on performance, and an extra-regional allowance. We hope that the results can be used to shift the passive budgeting of in-house staff within the public primary health institutions toward strategic purchasing.
Invasion percolation solves Fermi Paradox but challenges SETI projects
Authors: Galera E. , Galanti G. R. , Kinouchi O.
Published: April 2018

Non-homogeneous fractal-like colonization processes, where the cluster of visited sites has large voids and grows slowly, could explain the negative results of Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) preserving the possibility of a galactic spanning civilization. Here we present a generalized invasion percolation model to illustrate a minimal colonization process with large voids and delayed colonization. Spatial correlation between unvisited sites, in the form of large empty regions, suggests that to search civilizations in the Sun neighbourhood may be a misdirected SETI strategy. A weaker form of the Fermi Paradox also suggests this last conclusion.
She's Married, She's Faithful, She's Dying: Politicizing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
Authors: Doonan Christina
Published: April 2018

Conservative Christians played a significant role in pioneering the United States’ groundbreaking anti-HIV funding initiative, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Consequently, PEPFAR is widely regarded as George W. Bush's crowning achievement. The same political forces that ushered in PEPFAR under President Bush were also the architects of strict ideological restraints around the otherwise straightforward public health goal of curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS. In recent years, some of these restrictions have been rolled back or struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, and PEPFAR has continued to serve a crucial role in global health and security. PEPFAR's future success in achieving its health mandate (to create an AIDS-free generation) will be influenced by lessons from its past. This article illuminates how, in its first decade, PEPFAR was directed toward the fulfillment of socially conservative goals that ran counter to its official agenda. This was accomplished in large part through two controversial provisions: the “anti-prostitution pledge” (2003–2013) and the “conscience clause” (2003–present). Working in tandem, these policies sought to secure funding for organizations that favored abstinence and fidelity rather than a multisectoral approach to AIDS prevention.
A Multidimensional Theory of Suicide
Authors: Leenaars Antoon A. , Dieserud Gudrun , Wenckstern Susanne , Dyregrov Kari , Lester David , Lyke Jennifer
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Background: Theory is the foundation of science; this is true in suicidology. Over decades of studies of suicide notes, Leenaars developed a multidimensional model of suicide, with international (crosscultural) studies and independent verification. Aim: To corroborate Leenaars's theory with a psychological autopsy (PA) study, examining age and sex of the decedent, and survivor's relationship to deceased. Method: A PA study in Norway, with 120 survivors/informants was undertaken. Leenaars' theoretical–conceptual (protocol) analysis was undertaken of the survivors' narratives and in-depth interviews combined. Results: Substantial interjudge reliability was noted (κ = .632). Overall, there was considerable confirmatory evidence of Leenaars's intrapsychic and interpersonal factors in suicide survivors' narratives. Differences were found in the age of the decedent, but not in sex, nor in the survivor's closeness of the relationship. Older deceased people were perceived to exhibit more heightened unbearable intrapsychic pain, associated with the suicide. Conclusion: Leenaars's theory has corroborative verification, through the decedents' suicide notes and the survivors' narratives. However, the multidimensional model needs further testing to develop a better evidence-based way of understanding suicide.
Associations of Tabloid Newspaper Use With Endorsement of Suicide Myths, Suicide-Related Knowledge, and Stigmatizing Attitudes Toward Suicidal Individuals
Authors: Till Benedikt , Wild Teresa A. , Arendt Florian , Scherr Sebastian , Niederkrotenthaler Thomas
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Background: Educating the public about suicide is an important component of suicide prevention. So far, little is known about whether common misconceptions of suicide are related to individual tabloid newspaper use. Aims: This study aimed to investigate associations of time spent reading tabloids with endorsement of suicide myths, suicide-related knowledge, and with stigmatizing attitudes toward suicidal individuals. Method: In this cross-sectional online survey, we assessed suicide-related knowledge and stigmatizing attitudes toward suicidal individuals among 456 study participants in Austria together with their endorsement of five common suicide myths (e.g., "suicidal individuals do not communicate their intent"). Furthermore, we assessed participants' time spent reading tabloids. Results: Multivariate analyses controlling for gender, age, education, and the time spent reading broadsheet newspapers and watching television indicated that participants' time spent reading tabloids was associated with higher endorsement of suicide myths as well as with a lower level of suicide-related knowledge and a higher level of stigmatizing attitudes toward suicidal individuals. Limitations: Due to the study's cross-sectional design, causality concerning these associations could not be assessed. Conclusion: The present findings confirm that readers of tabloids are an important target group for suicide education efforts.
Importance of Messages for a Suicide Prevention Media Campaign
Authors: Nicholas Angela , Rossetto Alyssia , Jorm Anthony , Pirkis Jane , Reavley Nicola
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Background: A suicide prevention media campaign aimed at family members and friends may be one useful population-level suicide prevention strategy for Australia. However, currently there is limited evidence of what messages would be acceptable and appropriate for inclusion. Aims: This expert consensus study aimed to identify messages that experts with lived experience of suicide risk and suicide prevention professionals believed were most important to include in such a suicide prevention campaign. Method: Using an online survey method, 127 participants with lived experience (lived experience group) and 33 suicide prevention professionals (suicide prevention professionals group) rated 55 statements, drawn from an earlier Delphi study, from very low priority to very high priority for inclusion in a suicide prevention campaign. Results: There was significant agreement within and between the two participant groups on the most highly rated messages for inclusion. The mostly highly rated messages were that family members or friends should ask directly about suicidal thoughts and intentions, listen to responses without judgment, and tell the person at risk that they care and want to help. Limitations: We restricted ratings to just one round and may therefore have limited the level of consensus achieved. Use of a predefined set of suicide prevention messages might also have prevented us from identifying other important messages. Lived experience participants were drawn from one source and this might bias their responses through exposure to common suicide prevention messages that influence their points of view. Conclusion: There is substantial agreement between professionals and people with lived experience on the most important messages to include in a suicide prevention campaign. These most highly rated messages could be adopted in a suicide prevention media campaign.
Protein molecular modeling shows residue T599 is critical to wild-type function of POLG and description of a novel variant associated with the SANDO phenotype
Authors: Richter John E , Robles Hector G , Mauricio Elizabeth , Mohammad Ahmed , Atwal Paldeep S , Caulfield Thomas R
Published: April 2018

Sensory ataxic neuropathy with dysarthria and ophthalmoparesis (SANDO) is a rare phenotype resulting from pathogenic variants of mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma (POLG). We modeled a novel POLG variant, T599P, that causes the SANDO phenotype and another variant at the same residue, p.T599E, to observe their effect on protein function and confirm the pathogenicity of T599P. Through neoteric molecular modeling techniques, we show that changes at the T599 residue position introduce extra rigidity into the surrounding helix–loop–helix, which places steric pressure on nearby nucleotides. We also provide a clinical description of the T599P variant, which was found in a 42-year-old female proband. The proband presented a 1-year history of progressive gait instability, dysarthria and foot numbness. Her neurologic examination revealed ataxic dysarthria, restricted eye movements, head and palatal tremors, reduced lower limb reflexes, distal multimodal sensory loss and a wide, unsteady ataxic gait. Electromyography studies indicated a sensory neuropathy. Whole-exome sequencing was pursued after tests for infectious, inflammatory and paraneoplastic causes were negative.
Structure-based design of targeted covalent inhibitors
Authors: Lonsdale Richard , Ward Richard A.
Published: April 2018

Covalent inhibition is a rapidly growing discipline within drug discovery.
Unusual redox behaviour of the magnetite/hematite core–shell structures processed by the laser floating zone method
Authors: Ferreira N. M. , Ferro M. C. , Valente M. A. , Frade J. R. , Costa F. M. , Kovalevsky A. V.
Published: April 2018

Impact of the growth atmosphere on shell morphology, affecting the electrical and magnetic properties of fibres.
Microsensor systems for cell metabolism – from 2D culture to organ-on-chip
Authors: Kieninger Jochen , Weltin Andreas , Flamm Hubert , Urban Gerald A.
Published: April 2018

We discuss microsensors for cell culture monitoring from 2D culture to organ-on-chip systems, including sensor principles, fabrication and culture formats.
The crucial role of the inter-ring hydrogen bond to explain the properties of morin
Authors: Moncomble Aurélien , Jani Thaviligadu Diksha , Raoumbé Djendja Anaëlle , Cornard Jean-Paul
Published: April 2018

The acid-base properties of morin and its complexation with the ZnII cation are investigated by experimental and theoretical approaches.
Automatic solid-phase extraction by programmable flow injection coupled to chromatographic fluorimetric determination of fluoroquinolones
Authors: Peixoto Patricia S. , Silva Eduarda M. P. , Osório Marcelo V. , Barreiros Luisa , Lima José L. F. C. , Segundo Marcela A.
Published: April 2018

Automatic sample preparation targeting preconcentration of fluoroquinolones present in environmental waters.
An electrospun polyamide/graphene oxide nanocomposite as a novel fiber coating
Authors: Ehteshami Shokooh , Feizbakhsh Alireza , Mohsen Sarrafi Amir Hossein , Ahmad Panahi Homayon , Roostaie Ali
Published: April 2018

In this study, a novel solid phase microextraction fiber coating based on a polyamide–graphene oxide nanocomposite was prepared using an electrospinning technique on stainless steel wire as a robust substrate.
1-Bromoethene-1-sulfonyl fluoride (1-Br-ESF), a new SuFEx clickable reagent, and its application for regioselective construction of 5-sulfonylfluoro isoxazoles
Authors: Leng Jing , Qin Hua-Li
Published: April 2018

A unique SuFEx clickable tris-electrophile, 1-Br-ESF, was developed and applied for the synthesis of 5-sulfonylfluoro isoxazoles with exclusive regioselectivity.
Palladium-catalyzed aerobic regio- and stereo-selective olefination reactions of phenols and acrylatesviadirect dehydrogenative C(sp2)–O cross-coupling
Authors: Wu Yun-Bin , Xie Dan , Zang Zhong-Lin , Zhou Cheng-He , Cai Gui-Xin
Published: April 2018

An efficient olefination protocol for the oxidative dehydrogenation of phenols and acrylates has been achieved using a palladium catalyst and O2as the sole oxidant.
Redox deracemization of 1,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[3,4-b]indoles
Authors: Lu Ran , Li Yangshan , Zhao Jiaqi , Li Jing , Wang Shuguang , Liu Lei
Published: April 2018

A pure chemically catalytic redox deracemization of 1,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[3,4-b]indoles with excellent enantioselectivity is described.
Thermodynamics of faceted palladium(–gold) nanoparticles supported on rutile titania nanorods studied using transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Nguyen Nhat Tai , Nelayah Jaysen , Alloyeau Damien , Wang Guillaume , Piccolo Laurent , Afanasiev Pavel , Ricolleau Christian
Published: April 2018

Determining the interface and triple line energies in Pd(–Au) nanoparticles supported on rutile titania using transmission electron microscopy.
Unifying theoretical framework for deciphering the oxygen reduction reaction on platinum
Authors: Huang Jun , Zhang Jianbo , Eikerling Michael
Published: April 2018

A theoretical framework relates formation of oxygen intermediates to basic electronic and electrostatic properties of the catalytic surface.
Ozone storage capacity in clathrate hydrates formed by O3+ O2+ N2+ CO2gas mixtures
Authors: Subbotin Oleg S. , Bozhko Yulia Yu. , Zhdanov Ravil K. , Gets Kirill V. , Belosludov Vladimir R. , Belosludov Rodion V. , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2018

Ozone storage capacity in O3+ O2+ N2+ CO2clathrate hydrate was estimated theoretically.
Low-energy 3D sp2carbons with versatile properties beyond graphite and graphene
Authors: Hu Meng , Dong Xiao , Wu Yingju , Liu Lingyu , Zhao Zhisheng , Zhou Xiang-Feng , Strobel Timothy A. , Gao Guoying , Tian Yongjun , He Julong
Published: April 2018

Low-energy sp2-carbons with metallicity, graphene-like Dirac cone, rubber-like ultra-stretchability, and negative Poisson's ratio are theoretically designed from graphene nanoribbons.
Emerging investigator series: the rise of nano-enabled photothermal materials for water evaporation and clean water production by sunlight
Authors: Wang Peng
Published: April 2018

This frontier reviews impressive progresses of nano-enabled solar-driven water evaporation and clean water production made in the past 4 years.
The effects of bromine atoms on the photophysical and photochemical properties of 3-cinnamoylcoumarin derivatives
Authors: Sun Zhiyuan , Wang Yu , Fang De-Cai , Zhao Yuxia
Published: April 2018

Coumarin derivatives modified using bromine atoms linked onto the right benzene ring (mainly in the HOMO) could enhance singlet oxygen generation capability.
Conformational properties of biocompatible poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s in phosphate buffered saline
Authors: Gubarev Alexander S. , Monnery Bryn D. , Lezov Alexey A. , Sedlacek Ondrej , Tsvetkov Nikolai V. , Hoogenboom Richard , Filippov Sergey K.
Published: April 2018

The Kuhn segment length of PEtOx as a flexible macromolecule under physiological conditions is undoubtedly decreasing when approaching the LCST.
Deflagration synthesis of nitrogen/fluorine co-doped hollow carbon nanoparticles with excellent oxygen reduction performance
Authors: Liu Yousong , Huang Bing , Peng Shengjie , Wang Tao , Ji Guangbin , Yang Guangcheng , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: April 2018

NaN3/C5F5N deflagration is developed to synthesize hollow carbon nanospheres with high N/F doping level, graphitization degree and specific surface area in one step, which exhibit excellent ORR performance.
Intramolecular radical cyclization approach to access highly substituted indolines and 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans under visible-light
Authors: Caiuby Clarice A. D. , Ali Akbar , Santana Vinicius T. , de S. Lucas Francisco W. , Santos Marilia S. , Corrêa Arlene G. , Nascimento Otaciro R. , Jiang Hao , Paixão Márcio W.
Published: April 2018

The combination of visible-light and tris(trimethylsilyl)silane promoting intramolecular reductive cyclization protocol for the synthesis of functionalized indolines and 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans has been developed.
Nitrogen-doped porous carbon: highly efficient trifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen reversible catalysis and nitrogen reduction reaction
Authors: Yang Xiaoxuan , Li Ke , Cheng Dongming , Pang Wei-Lin , Lv Jiaqi , Chen Xinyu , Zang Hong-Ying , Wu Xing-Long , Tan Hua-Qiao , Wang Yong-Hui , Li Yang-Guang
Published: April 2018

A N-enriched hierarchically porous carbon trifunctional electrocatalyst with high activities for oxygen reversible catalysis and nitrogen reduction reaction was synthesized.
Highly stretchable hydrogels for UV curing based high-resolution multimaterial 3D printing
Authors: Zhang Biao , Li Shiya , Hingorani Hardik , Serjouei Ahmad , Larush Liraz , Pawar Amol A. , Goh Wei Huang , Sakhaei Amir Hosein , Hashimoto Michinao , Kowsari Kavin , Magdassi Shlomo , Ge Qi
Published: April 2018

We report a highly stretchable hydrogel system that is suitable for digital light processing (DLP) based high-resolution multimaterial 3D printing.
Interfacial electronic states and self-formed p–n junctions in hydrogenated MoS2/SiC heterostructure
Authors: Fang Qinglong , Zhao Xumei , Huang Yuhong , Xu Kewei , Min Tai , Chu Paul K. , Ma Fei
Published: April 2018

It is difficult to generate p–n junctions in atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) because of the great challenge of selective doping.
Massive young stellar objects in the N 66/NGC 346 region of the SMC
Authors: Rubio M. , Barbá R. H. , Kalari V. M.
Published: April 2018

We present HK spectra of three sources located in the N 66 region of the Small Magellanic Cloud. The sources display prominent stellar Brγ and extended H2 emission, and exhibit infrared excesses at λ > 2 μm. Based on their spectral features, and photometric spectral energy distributions, we suggest that these sources are massive young stellar objects. The findings are interpreted as evidence of on-going high mass star formation in N 66.
SOPHIE velocimetry of Kepler transit candidates
Authors: Almenara J. M. , Díaz R. F. , Hébrard G. , Mardling R. , Damiani C. , Santerne A. , Bouchy F. , Barros S. C. C. , Boisse I. , Bonfils X. , Bonomo A. S. , Courcol B. , Demangeon O. , Deleuil M. , Rey J. , Udry S. , Wilson P. A.
Published: April 2018

Kepler-419 is a planetary system discovered by the Kepler photometry which is known to harbour two massive giant planets: an inner 3 MJ transiting planet with a 69.8-day period, highly eccentric orbit, and an outer 7.5 MJ non-transiting planet predicted from the transit-timing variations (TTVs) of the inner planet b to have a 675-day period, moderately eccentric orbit. Here we present new radial velocity (RV) measurements secured over more than two years with the SOPHIE spectrograph, where both planets are clearly detected. The RV data is modelled together with the Kepler photometry using a photodynamical model. The inclusion of velocity information breaks the MR−3 degeneracy inherent in timing data alone, allowing us to measure the absolute stellar and planetary radii and masses. With uncertainties of 12 and 13% for the stellar and inner planet radii, and 35, 24, and 35% for the masses of the star, planet b, and planet c, respectively, these measurements are the most precise to date for a single host star system using this technique. The transiting planet mass is determined at better precision than the star mass. This shows that modelling the radial velocities and the light curve together in systems of dynamically interacting planets provides a way of characterising both the star and the planets without being limited by knowledge of the star. On the other hand, the period ratio and eccentricities place the Kepler-419 system in a sweet spot; had around twice as many transits been observed, the mass of the transiting planet could have been measured using its own TTVs. Finally, the origin of the Kepler-419 system is discussed. We show that the system is near a coplanar high-eccentricity secular fixed point, related to the alignment of the orbits, which has prevented the inner orbit from circularising. For most other relative apsidal orientations, planet b’s orbit would be circular with a semi-major axis of 0.03 au. This suggests a mechanism for forming hot Jupiters in multiplanetary systems without the need of high mutual inclinations.
Warum die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie einen industrieunabhängigen Kongress braucht
Authors: Lempert Thomas , Janzen Rudolf , Diehl Rolf , Stark Erwin , Paul Friedemann , Wilke Christian , Tavakolian Ramin , Völzke Enrico , von Brevern Michael , Möller Peter
Published: April 2018

Wissenschaftliche Fachkongresse müssen finanziell und inhaltlich unabhängig von kommerziellen Interessen sein. In diesem Debattenbeitrag argumentiert die Initiative NeurologyFirst für eine stärkere professionelle Autonomie und die Rückführung des Einflusses der Industrie auf den Jahreskongress der deutschen Neurologie. Unser Kernanliegen ist der Verzicht auf Industriesymposien, die vornehmlich kommerzielle Ziele verfolgen und das Produkt des Sponsors regelhaft in ein günstiges Licht setzen. Die bei Industriesymposien präsentierten Zulassungsstudien neuer Medikamente weisen oft erhebliche methodische Mängel auf, insbesondere die Selektion günstiger Studiendaten. Auch die Industrieausstellung des Kongresses erscheint problematisch, da sie im wissenschaftlichen Gewand eine werbende Absicht verfolgt. Die Lösung von der Industrie wird dazu beitragen, die Pharmakotherapie neurologischer Erkrankungen vermehrt aus der kritischen Perspektive der evidenzbasierten Medizin zu bewerten und damit den Interessen unserer Patienten besser gerecht zu werden. Dass sich auch große Kongresse ohne Unterstützung der Industrie organisieren und zu moderaten Preisen anbieten lassen, zeigen nationale und internationale Beispiele.
Influence of Stem Cell Therapy on Thyroid Function and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Diabetic Rats
Authors: da Silva Diorney , de Freitas Mariana , Cahil Gustavo , de São José Vitória , Neto Felippe , Cardoso Ricardo , da Costa Vânia , Fortunato Rodrigo , de Carvalho Denise , Medei Emiliano , Ferreira Andrea
Published: April 2018

Cell therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has been proposed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). It is known that the prevalence of thyroid disease is higher among diabetic patients than in general population. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effect of the treatment with MSC on thyroid function and ROS generation in an experimental model of type 1 DM. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control, DM (80 mg/kg BW streptozotocin, iv.) and DM+MSC. MSC treatment occurred 4 weeks after DM induction and the animals were euthanized 4 weeks after MSC administration. We also evaluated the effect of co-culture with MSC or extracellular vesicles (EV) obtained from these cells on the rat thyroid cell line PCCL3 exposed to high glucose. Thyroid H2O2 generation was increased in DM, which was reversed by MSC treatment. These changes paralled a significant DuOx1 mRNA increase. The incubation of PCCL3 with high glucose increased extracellular H2O2 generation, which was reversed by both the co-culture with MSC and EV. Even though MSC treatment normalized thyroid ROS generation, serum thyroid hormone (TH) concentration remained low, along with increased serum TSH concentrations. Thyroperoxidase (TPO) activity, was reduced in DM, and MSC treatment did not normalize TPO. Therefore, we conclude that the treatment with MSC was able to reverse the increased thyroid H2O2 generation in diabetic animals and in PCCL3 cells exposed to high glucose, an effect probably mediated by EV produced by these cells, acting in a paracrine fashion.
The Effects of Injected Vitamin D on Prognosis of Patients with Urosepsis
Authors: Jokar Abolfazl , Ahmadi Koorosh , Taherinia Ali , Didgar Farshideh , Kazemi Fatemeh , Bahramian Mehran
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prescribing vitamin D on improving the symptoms of patients diagnosed with urosepsis. The participants were randomly divided into two equal groups (each consisting of 50 patients). The patients in the first group received standard treatment with 300 000 units of injected vitamin with a volume of 1 cc. As for the patients in the second group, they received standard treatment along with 1 cc normal saline injected to them as placebo. Vital signs of the patients were checked every 6 h, while their CBC, EXR, CRP, creatinine, urea, and uric acid were checked 0, 24, 48, and 72 h following the interventions. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels were measured 72 h following injection of the medicine. A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the number of WBC’s in 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours. A similarly significant difference was reported between the case and control group in terms of the average BUN within 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours. The difference observed between the two groups in terms of average Cr within the 0th, 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours and in terms of days of hospitalization was also significant. Considering these results and keeping in mind the fact that no particular side effects were reported as a result of utilizing muscular injections of vitamin D and the easy and cheap use of this medicine, it can be used in auxiliary treatment of patients with urosepsis.
Volar Resurfacing of the Thumb with a Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap after Hydrofluoric Acid Burn
Authors: Riesel Johanna , Giladi Aviram , Iorio Matthew
Published: April 2018

A right-hand-dominant 55-year-old male automotive mechanic presented 24 hours following a hydrofluoric acid burn to the volar left thumb. Despite the severity of soft tissue injury, the neurovascular bundles were intact. Although a free toe-pulp flap is often described to cover volar digit defects, the resultant 6- × 4-cm full-thickness injury of the thumb was too large to be adequately covered by a toe-pulp flap or other commonly used local flaps from the ipsilateral hand. The authors used a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap to reconstruct the volar surface of the thumb from the tip to the metacarpophalangeal joint. They used an arterial anastomosis with the princeps pollicis artery so that the anastomosis was well outside the zone of injury. The patient recovered from the procedure without event and was discharged home on postoperative day 5. At his 2-week postoperative visit, protective sensation with diminished light touch was intact. The authors conclude that the SCIP flap is a technically challenging but versatile, thin flap with minimal donor site morbidity that can be used to resurface the volar aspect of the thumb. The SCIP flap is a valuable resource for the hand surgeon confronted with larger soft tissue defects of the hand.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: Systematic Review of Treatment Success
Authors: Rizer Magda , Alexander Ryan , Sharpe Emerson , Rochon Paul , Brown Candace
Published: April 2018

Pelvic venous insufficiency is now a well-characterized etiology of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). The prevalence of CPP is 15% in females aged 18 to 50 years in the United States and up to 43.4% worldwide. In addition to individual physical, emotional, and quality-of-life implications of CPP, there are profound healthcare and socioeconomic expenses with estimated annual direct and indirect costs in the United States in excess of 39 billion dollars. PCS consists of clinical symptoms with concomitant anatomic and physiologic abnormalities originating in venous insufficiency. The etiology of PCS is diverse involving both mechanical and hormonal factors contributing to venous dilatation (>5 mm) and insufficiency. Factors affecting the diagnosis of PCS include variance of causes and clinical presentations of pelvic pain and relatively low sensitivity of noninvasive diagnostic imaging and laparoscopy to identify insufficiency compared with catheter venogram. A systematic review of the literature evaluating patient outcomes following percutaneous treatment of PCS is presented.
Female Pelvic Vascular Malformations
Authors: Annam Aparna
Published: April 2018

Vascular malformations are classified primarily according to their flow characteristics, slow flow (lymphatic and venous) or fast flow (arteriovenous). They can occur anywhere in the body but have a unique presentation when affecting the female pelvis. With a detailed clinical history and the proper imaging studies, the correct diagnosis can be made and the best treatment can be initiated. Lymphatic and venous malformations are often treated with sclerotherapy while arteriovenous malformations usually require embolization. At times, surgical intervention of vascular malformations or medical management of lymphatic malformations has been implemented in a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. This review presents an overview of vascular malformations of the female pelvis, their clinical course, diagnostic studies, and treatment options.
Systematic Review of Plant-Based Homeopathic Basic Research: An Update
Authors: Baumgartner Stephan , Sokol Anezka , Huber Roman , Doesburg Paul , Jäger Tim , Ücker Annekathrin
Published: April 2018

Background Plant-based test systems have been described as a useful tool for investigating possible effects of homeopathic preparations. The last reviews of this research field were published in 2009/2011. Due to recent developments in the field, an update is warranted. Publications on plant-based test systems were analysed with regard to publication quality, reproducibility and potential for further research.

Methods A literature search was conducted in online databases and specific journals, including publications from 2008 to 2017 dealing with plant-based test systems in homeopathic basic research. To be included, they had to contain statistical analysis and fulfil quality criteria according to a pre-defined manuscript information score (MIS). Publications scoring at least 5 points (maximum 10 points) were assumed to be adequate. They were analysed for the use of adequate controls, outcome and reproducibility.

Results Seventy-four publications on plant-based test systems were found. Thirty-nine publications were either abstracts or proceedings of conferences and were excluded. From the remaining 35 publications, 26 reached a score of 5 or higher in the MIS. Adequate controls were used in 13 of these publications. All of them described specific effects of homeopathic preparations. The publication quality still varied: a substantial number of publications (23%) did not adequately document the methods used. Four reported on replication trials. One replication trial found effects of homeopathic preparations comparable to the original study. Three replication trials failed to confirm the original study but identified possible external influencing factors. Five publications described novel plant-based test systems. Eight trials used systematic negative control experiments to document test system stability.

Conclusions Regarding research design, future trials should implement adequate controls to identify specific effects of homeopathic preparations and include systematic negative control experiments. Further external and internal replication trials, and control of influencing factors, are needed to verify results. Standardised test systems should be developed.