bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between tyrosine, phenylalanine, chlorogenic acid, and ascorbic acid concentrations and blackspot biochemical potential and blackspot susceptibility in stored russet potatoes
Authors: Goyer Aymeric , Pellé Julien
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Blackspot in potato is an internal tissue discoloration that occurs during handling and transport of potato tubers. Blackspot is cosmetically undesirable and represents a huge economic cost for the potato industry. The aim of this study was to test whether concentrations of certain metabolites in the potato tuber cortex could predict blackspot susceptibility.

RESULTS

Seven russet potato varieties were stored for eight months at 8.8 °C. Stored tubers were subjected to mechanical impact and evaluated for blackspot susceptibility. A blackspot susceptibility index was calculated for each variety by determining an index for the percentage of the tuber cortex area that was covered with blackspot, and an index for the intensity of blackspot discoloration. Concentrations of tyrosine, chlorogenic acid, phenylalanine, and ascorbic acid, and blackspot biochemical potential of tubers to synthesize pigments were measured in the tuber cortex. Blackspot indices, metabolites concentrations and blackspot biochemical potential varied significantly between varieties. Tyrosine concentrations strongly, significantly, and positively correlated with blackspot biochemical potential. Phenylalanine concentrations showed good, significant, and positive correlation with blackspot biochemical potential and discoloration index. None of the analyzed metabolites correlated with blackspot susceptibility.

CONCLUSION

Concentrations of tyrosine and phenylalanine explained up to ∼80% of the variation in blackspot biochemical potential between varieties but did not correlate with blackspot susceptibility. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
HPLC–MS/MS determination of flavonoids in Gleditsiae Spina for its quality assessment
Authors: Li Jing , Jiang Kun , Wang Li‐Jun , Yin Guo , Wang Jue , Wang Yang , Jin Yi‐Bao , Li Qing , Wang Tie‐Jie
Published: January 2018

Gleditsiae Spina, the thorn of Gleditsia sinensis Lam., has been used as an anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor, and anti‐bacterial traditional medicine for hundreds of years in China. This study used high‐performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry combined with chemometric methods to allow the fast and accurate identification and quantification of the flavonoids compounds in Gleditsiae Spina, and created reliable criteria for accurate identification of Gleditsiae Spina and its adulterants. This research provides good evidence for the classification and quality evaluation of Gleditsiae Spina. Firstly, eight flavonoids compounds were detected and identified on the basis of their mass spectra, fragment characteristics, and comparison with published data. Then the mass spectroscopic fragmentation pathways of these compounds were determined and, in addition rutin, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin were detected in Gleditsiae Spina for the first time. The quantification was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in multi‐reaction monitoring mode, and the baseline separation of the eight bioactive flavonoids components was achieved within 13 min. Furthermore, the proposed method was successfully applied for simultaneous quantitative determination of the eight Gleditsiae Spina compounds and adulterants obtained from different sources in China. Then, we built a classification model which showed a high level of accuracy predicting 100% of the samples, correctly.
The future of global research: A case study on the use of scenario planning in the publishing industry
Authors: Rhoods Samira , Babor Anca
Published: January 2018

Key points

Scenario planning is fun and engaging and is a good opportunity to revisit your company's core strengths and competitive advantage!

Scenario planning should drive long‐term thinking in organizations.

It will change the nature of the strategic conversation and can be used to help validate business innovation.

Scenarios can help to engage with other organizations in the industry and help people work together to create preferred future outcomes.

The complexity of scenario planning should not be underestimated and shortcuts do not work.
Tough and Tear‐Resistant Double‐Network Hydrogels Based on a Facile Strategy: Micellar Polymerization Followed by Solution Polymerization
Authors: Zhao Yu , Xia Bing Hu , Wang Lei , Wang Run Jun , Meng Dan Ni , Liu Yang , Zhou Jun Wei , Lian Hui Qin , Zu Lei , Cui Xiu Guo , Liang Yong Ri , Zhu Mei Fang
Published: January 2018

How to prepare a hydrogel with high strength and excellent tearing fracture energy is a problem faced by researchers. Here, tough and tear‐resistant double‐network hydrogels (Cx‐SMy gels) are successfully prepared via a facile strategy: micellar polymerization followed by solution polymerization. The strength and fracture energy of these hydrogels are up to 13 MPa and 26500 J m−2, respectively, which are attributed to the synergy of quatra‐crosslinking interactions inside the double‐network. The quatra‐crosslinking interactions include hydrophobic interaction, crystallization, electrostatic attraction, and hydrogen bonding. Moreover, it is confirmed that the facile strategy is a general way to prepare tough hydrogels by using electrolytic monomers and hydrophobic acrylates.
Entropy‐Driven Ring‐Opening Disulfide Metathesis Polymerization for the Synthesis of Functional Poly(disulfide)s
Authors: Behrendt Felix N. , Schlaad Helmut
Published: January 2018

Metal‐free entropy‐driven disulfide metathesis polymerization of unsaturated l‐cystine based macrocycles produces high‐molar‐mass heterofunctional poly(disulfide)s, i.e., poly(ester‐disulfide‐alkene) and poly(amide‐disulfide‐alkene); Mwapp = 44–60 kDa, Ð > 1.7. The polymerization is fast and reaches equilibrium within 1–5 minutes (monomer conversion 70–90%) in polar aprotic solvents such as N,N‐dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, or γ‐valerolactone. Thiol‐terminated polymers are stable in bulk or when dissolved in weakly polar solvents, but rapidly depolymerize in dilute polar solution.
Preserving a patent DIEP pedicle to facilitate salvage breast reconstruction with a second free flap: A case report
Authors: Reissis Dimitris , Butler Daniel P. , Henry Francis P. , Wood Simon H.
Published: January 2018

Surgeons performing free flap breast reconstruction need to have a range of techniques in their armamentarium to successfully salvage cases of flap failure. We present a case of 47‐year‐old patient who suffered near‐total right breast deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap failure 3 days post‐bilateral immediate breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps. At debridement, the DIEP pedicle was noted to be patent with preserved perfusion to a small segment of tissue around the origin of the pedicle. This tissue and the DIEP pedicle itself were therefore preserved to facilitate subsequent breast reconstruction using stacked transverse upper gracilis flaps anastomosed end‐to‐end to the original DIEP pedicle. Post‐operatively, both flaps remained viable with no further complications and symmetrical aesthetic result maintained at 2 months follow‐up post‐salvage procedure. This case emphasizes the importance of exercising caution during initial debridement for free flap failure to preserve viable tissue in the flap and pedicle, particularly in circumstances where vascular flow in the pedicle is maintained, to facilitate successful salvage reconstruction.
How can we maximize the diagnostic utility of uroflow?: ICI‐RS 2017
Authors: Gammie Andrew , Rosier Peter , Li Rui , Harding Chris
Published: January 2018

Aims

To gauge the current level of diagnostic utility of uroflowmetry and to suggest areas needing research to improve this.

Methods

A summary of the debate held at the 2017 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society, with subsequent analysis by the authors.

Results

Limited diagnostic sensitivity and specificity exist for maximum flow rates, multiple uroflow measurements, and flow‐volume nomograms. There is a lack of clarity in flow rate curve shape description and uroflow time measurement.

Conclusions

There is a need for research to combine uroflowmetry with other non‐invasive indicators. Better standardizations of test technique, flow‐volume nomograms, uroflow shape descriptions, and time measurements are required.
A comparison of 2‐hydroxyglutarate detection at 3 and 7 T with long‐TE semi‐LASER
Authors: Berrington Adam , Voets Natalie L. , Larkin Sarah J. , de Pennington Nick , Mccullagh James , Stacey Richard , Schofield Christopher J. , Jezzard Peter , Clare Stuart , Cadoux‐Hudson Tom , Plaha Puneet , Ansorge Olaf , Emir Uzay E.
Published: January 2018

Abnormally high levels of the ‘oncometabolite’ 2‐hydroxyglutarate (2‐HG) occur in many grade II and III gliomas, and correlate with mutations in the genes of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) isoforms. In vivo measurement of 2‐HG in patients, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), has largely been carried out at 3 T, yet signal overlap continues to pose a challenge for 2‐HG detection. To combat this, several groups have proposed MRS methods at ultra‐high field (≥7 T) where theoretical increases in signal‐to‐noise ratio and spectral resolution could improve 2‐HG detection. Long echo time (long‐TE) semi‐localization by adiabatic selective refocusing (semi‐LASER) (TE = 110 ms) is a promising method for improved 2‐HG detection in vivo at either 3 or 7 T owing to the use of broad‐band adiabatic localization. Using previously published semi‐LASER methods at 3 and 7 T, this study directly compares the detectability of 2‐HG in phantoms and in vivo across nine patients. Cramér–Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) of 2‐HG fitting were found to be significantly lower at 7 T (6 ± 2%) relative to 3 T (15 ± 7%) (p = 0.0019), yet were larger at 7 T in an IDH wild‐type patient. Although no increase in SNR was detected at 7 T (77 ± 26) relative to 3 T (77 ± 30), the detection of 2‐HG was greatly enhanced through an improved spectral profile and increased resolution at 7 T. 7 T had a large effect on pairwise fitting correlations between γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 2‐HG (p = 0.004), and resulted in smaller coefficients. The increased sensitivity for 2‐HG detection using long‐TE acquisition at 7 T may allow for more rapid estimation of 2‐HG (within a few spectral averages) together with other associated metabolic markers in glioma.
A two‐phase strategy for control constrained elliptic optimal control problems
Authors: Song Xiao‐Liang , Yu Bo
Published: January 2018

Elliptic optimal control problems with pointwise box constraints on the control are considered. To numerically solve elliptic optimal control problems with pointwise box constraints on the control, an inexact alternating direction method of multipliers (iADMM) is first proposed on the continuous level with the aim of solving discretized problems with moderate accuracy. Then, the standard piecewise linear finite element is employed to discretize the related subproblems appearing in each iteration of the iADMM algorithm. Such approach will give us the freedom to discretize two inner subproblems of the iADMM algorithm by different discretized scheme, respectively. More importantly, it should be emphasized that the discretized version of the iADMM algorithm can be regarded as a modification of the inexact semiproximal ADMM (isPADMM) algorithm. In order to obtain more accurate solution, the primal‐dual active set method is used as a postprocessor of the isPADMM. Numerical results not only show that the isPADMM and the two‐phase strategy are highly efficient but also show the mesh independence of the isPADMM.
On the Euler implicit/explicit iterative scheme for the stationary Oldroyd fluid
Authors: Guo Yingwen , He Yinnian
Published: January 2018

In this article, we consider the stationary Oldroyd fluid equations from the large time behavior research of the nonstationary equations. Thus, to obtain its numerical solution, we first solve the nonstationary Oldroyd fluid equations via the Euler implicit/explicit finite element method with the integral term discretized by the right‐hand rectangle rule, then increase the total time (i.e., number of time steps) to approximate the solution of the original stationary equations. Under a new uniqueness condition (A2), we prove the exponential stability of the solution pair for the stationary equations and the almost unconditional stability of the numerical method. Furthermore, we also obtain the uniform optimal and error estimates in time integral . Finally, several numerical experiments are provided to verify our theoretical results.
Determining the excited‐state substituent constants of furyl and thienyl groups
Authors: Qu Junyan , Cao Chao‐Tun , Cao Chenzhong
Published: January 2018

Six series of styrene derivatives XCH═CHArY (total of 65) containing the styrene parent molecular skeleton were synthesized (here, Y is OMe, Me, H, F, Cl, CF3, CN, and NO2, and X is 2‐furyl, 3‐furyl, 2′‐methyl‐2‐furyl, 2‐thienyl, 3‐thienyl, and 2′‐methyl‐2‐theniyl). Their ultraviolet absorption spectra were measured in anhydrous ethanol, and their wavelength of absorption maximum λmax was recorded. For the wavenumber νmax (cm−1, νmax = 1/λmax) of the obtained λmax, a quantitative correlation analysis was performed, and 6 excited‐state substituent constants
of groups X were obtained by means of curve‐fitting method. Taking the νmax values of total 90 compounds of styrene derivatives as a data set (including 25 compounds from reference and 65 compounds of this work), a quantitative correlation analysis was performed, and the reliability of the obtained
was verified. In addition, 12 samples of disubstituted Schiff bases (XCH═NArY) involving the above groups X were synthesized, and their νmax values were recorded. Using these 12 νmax together with the 14 νmax values of Schiff bases taken from reference (total of 26 compounds), it was further verified that the
values are reliable by means of quantitative correlation method.
Bis‐substituted thiophene‐containing oxime sulfonates photoacid generators for cationic polymerization under UV–visible LED irradiation
Authors: Sun Xin , Jin Ming , Wu Xingyu , Pan Haiyan , Wan Decheng , Pu Hongting
Published: January 2018

Three novel types of thiophene‐containing oxime sulfonates with a big π‐conjugated system were reported as non‐ionic photoacid generators. The irradiation of the newly synthesized photoacid generators using near UV–visible light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) (365–475 nm) results in the cleavage of two weak NO bonds in single molecules, which lead to the generation of different sulfonic acids in good quantum and chemical yields. The mechanism for the NO bond cleavage for acid generation was supported by the UV–visible spectra and real‐time 1H NMR spectra. They are developed as high‐performance photoinitiators without any additives for the cationic polymerization of epoxide and vinyl ether upon exposure to near‐UV and visible LEDs (365–475 nm) at low concentration. In the field of photopolymerization, especially visible light polymerization, it has great potential for application. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 776–782
Studying Crosslinker Chemical Structure Effect on the Tuning Properties of HTPB‐Based Polyurethane
Authors: Yarmohammadi Masoud , Komeili Saied , Shahidzadeh Mansour
Published: January 2018

Hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene based polyurethanes with various crosslinker compounds have been prepared to investigate the effect of crosslinker content and structure on polyurethanes mechanical properties. Three various crosslinkers have been used in this study, including trimethylolpropane, triethanolamine, and boron trifluoride triethanolamine complex. The results established that increasing crosslinker content increased the polyurethane strength. Moreover, boron trifluoride triethanolamine complex showed better ability in making network polyurethanes. The tensile test revealed that using boron trifluoride triethanolamine complex as crosslinker led to increasing chemical crosslinking bonds in comparison to two other crosslinkers via catalyzing side reaction like chain coupling. Swelling test and dynamical‐mechanical analysis confirmed this result, too.
Quantum Gates to Other Universes
Authors: Bachas Constantin , Lavdas Ioannis
Published: January 2018

We present a microscopic model of a bridge connecting two large Anti‐de‐Sitter Universes. The Universes admit a holographic description as three‐dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories based on large linear quivers, and the bridge is a small rank‐n gauge group that acts as a messenger. On the gravity side, the bridge is a piece of a highly‐curved AdS5 × S5 throat carrying n units of five‐form flux. We derive a universal expression for the mixing of the two massless gravitons: , where M is the mass splitting of the gravitons, are the effective gravitational couplings of the AdS4 Universes, and n is the quantized charge of the gate. This agrees with earlier results based on double‐trace deformations, with the important difference that the effective coupling is quantized. We argue that the apparent non‐localities of holographic double‐trace theories are resolved by integrating‐in the (scarce) degrees of freedom of the gate.
Pesticides and passive dispersal: acaricide‐ and starvation‐induced take‐off of the predatory mite Neoseiulus baraki
Authors: Monteiro Vaneska Barbosa , Silva Vanessa Farias , Lima Debora Barbosa , Guedes Raul Narciso Carvalho , Gondim Manoel Guedes Correa
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

An understanding of the causes and consequences of dispersal is vital for managing populations. Environmental contaminants, such as pesticides, provide potential environmental context‐dependent stimuli for dispersal of targeted and non‐targeted species, which may occur not only for active but also for passive dispersal, although such a possibility is frequently neglected. Here, we assessed the potential of food deprivation and acaricides to interfere with the take‐off for passive (wind) dispersal of the predatory mite Neoseiulus baraki.

RESULTS

Wind tunnel bioassays indicated that starvation favoured the take‐off for wind dispersal by the mite predator, which also varied with wind velocity, and dispersal increased at higher velocities within the 1–7 (m s−1) range tested. For the acaricides tested, particularly the biopesticide azadirachtin but also abamectin and fenpyroximate, the rate of predator take‐off for dispersal increased, and further increased with wind velocity up to 7 m/s. Such responses were associated with changes in the predator behavioural preparation for wind‐mediated passive dispersal, with a greater incidence of the standing posture that permitted take‐off.

CONCLUSION

The rate of take‐off for passive dispersal by N. baraki increased with food deprivation and exposure to the residues of agricultural acaricides. Azadirachtin exposure resulted in a particularly strong response, although abamectin and fenpyroximate also stimulated dispersal. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Coexistence of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)‐transgenic and conventional rice affects insect abundance and plant fitness in fields
Authors: Liang Yuyong , Liu Fang , Li Junsheng , Cheng Zhengxin , Chen Hongfan , Wang Xuming , Xiao Nengwen , Liu Yongbo
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

As genetically modified (GM) crops are cultivated worldwide, concerns are emerging about the ecological consequences of the coexistence of transgenic and non‐transgenic crops in fields. We first conducted field experiments using insect‐resistant transgenic rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt‐transgenic rice) and its counterpart conventional rice (Oryza sativa L.) with or without insecticide spraying in 2013 and 2014. In 2015 and 2016, Bt‐transgenic and conventional rice plants were employed in pure and mixed cages, with an infestation of the target insect (Chilo suppressalis) and with insecticide spraying as the control treatment to prevent target insect infestation.

RESULTS

The presence of Bt‐transgenic rice decreased the abundance of target insects but did not affect non‐target insects and predators in fields. Compared with conventional rice, Bt‐transgenic rice showed more empty seeds but comparable seed production in cages. The infestation of target insects significantly decreased the plant fitness of conventional rice in pure cages, but did not affect its fitness when conventional rice coexisted with Bt‐transgenic rice. In mixed cages, the presence of Bt‐transgenic rice decreased the abundance of target insects and the percentage of dead sheaths in conventional rice.

CONCLUSION

The presence of Bt‐transgenic rice benefits the growth and reproduction of non‐transgenic rice in fields because of a decreased abundance of target insects. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐Power Microwave GaN/AlGaN HEMTs and MMICs on SiC and Silicon Substrates for Modern Radio Communication
Authors: Quay Rüdiger , Schwantuschke Dirk , Ture Erdin , van Raay Friedbert , Friesicke Christian , Krause Sebastian , Müller Stefan , Breuer Steffen , Godejohann Birte , Brückner Peter
Published: January 2018

In this paper the recent use AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and integrated circuits on both semi‐insulating silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon substrates for radio communication in the microwave and mm‐wave frequency range is described. AlGaN/GaN monolithically microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) are extremely useful for point‐to‐point (P2P)‐links in the backbones of the 4th and upcoming 5th generation of mobile communication networks as power amplifiers, as they provide a great amount of linear power. At the same time GaN‐based power conversion electronics has driven the advancement of the growth of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures on conductive silicon (111) substrates. This again has indirectly led to advancements in the growth capabilities of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures on highly‐resistive (HR) silicon substrates. The paper gives examples of transistors and microstrip transmission‐line‐based MMICs realized in a direct comparison of GaN on s.i. SiC and GaN on HR‐silicon. Constraints and performances for highly‐efficient MMICs are discussed up to mm‐wave frequencies beyond 100 GHz.
Effect of NH4OH Treatment on Plasma‐Assisted InP/Al2O3/SOI Direct Wafer Bonding
Authors: Gong Kewei , Sun Changzheng , Xiong Bing , Han Yanjun , Hao Zhibiao , Wang Jian , Wang Lai , Li Hongtao
Published: January 2018

The effect of NH4OH treatment on InP/Al2O3/SOI direct wafer bonding is investigated. The atomic force microscope (AFM) and water contact angle (CA) results reveal a decrease in root‐mean‐square (RMS) surface roughness and CA of the NH4OH‐treated InP wafer. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis is carried out to ascertain the chemical composition of the bonding surfaces. It is found that NH4OH treatment followed by plasma activation increases the content of oxides on the surface of InP wafer. Based on these results, it is concluded that NH4OH treatment helps increase hydrophilicity and contact area of the bonding surface, thus contributing to the success of plasma‐assisted InP/Al2O3/SOI wafer bonding.
Impedimetric Sensing of DNA with Silicon Nanowire Transistors as Alternative Transducer Principle
Authors: Schwartz Miriam , Nguyen Thanh Chien , Vu Xuan Thang , Wagner Patrick , Thoelen Ronald , Ingebrandt Sven
Published: January 2018

Silicon nanowires (SiNW) are highly sensitive to biomolecules. In some publications, changes of SiNW conductance in relation to their concentration levels are displayed. Upon binding, biomolecule charges change the surface potential and, thereby, the SiNW conductance. We discussed earlier that SiNWs can be regarded as long‐channel, ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistors (ISFETs). The choice of a stable working point is important and defines the SiNW conductance. The common detection principle is based on the shift in threshold voltage. Regardless of conductance change or threshold voltage shift, relative values are related to biomolecule concentrations. However, potentiometric detection suffers from Debye screening of biomolecule charges by counter ions of the test solution. This makes biosensing in physiological buffer solutions difficult if not impossible. In this report, a method for impedance sensing with SiNWs, which was earlier used for ISFET devices is introduced. This method gains comparable results to potentiometric sensing. The change of interface impedance is indirectly linked with the biomolecule charges. In addition, the dielectric property of the interface layer plays an important role. At elevated frequencies, our method can be regarded as an alternative mechanism similar to dielectric spectroscopy at low frequencies. Thereby, Debye screening does no longer dominate the recordings.
SNOM Imaging of a Crypt‐Like Feature in Adenocarcinoma Associated with Barrett's Oesophagus
Authors: Craig Timothy , Smith Andrew D. , Holder Gareth M. , Ingham James , Smith Caroline I. , Varro Andrea , Pritchard D. Mark , Barrett Steve D. , Martin David S. , Harrison Paul , Wolski Andrzej , Cricenti Antonio , Luce Marco , Surman Mark , Chattopadhyay Swapan , Weightman Peter , Siggel‐King Michele R. F.
Published: January 2018

The development of more accurate and sensitive diagnostic techniques is a key factor in efforts to improve cancer survival rates. The technique of infrared aperture fibre scanning near‐field optical microscopy (IR‐SNOM), together with radiation from the infrared free‐electron laser (IR‐FEL) on ALICE at Daresbury Laboratory (UK), has been used to obtain IR images of a crypt‐like feature and the surrounding tissue; the tissue was taken from a patient with oesophageal adenocarcinoma and with a history of Barrett's oesophagus. We have shown that the DNA signal is enhanced relative to other contributions in the region of the crypt, and the glycoprotein signal shows a less pronounced increase in the region of the crypt. The Amide II signal is found to be anti‐correlated with the DNA and glycoprotein profiles. The absorbance of the Amide II signal is found to differ for three different types of cancer tissue. High‐resolution IR images of the crypt reveal additional structure that would not be resolved in diffraction‐limited techniques.
EPR Study of Porous Si:C and SiO2:C Layers
Authors: Savchenko Dariya , Vasin Andrii , Muto Shunsuke , Kalabukhova Ekaterina , Nazarov Alexei
Published: January 2018

Initial porous silicon (por‐Si), carbonized porous silicon (por‐Si:C), and carbon‐incorporated porous silicon oxide (por‐SiO2:C) layers are studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at T = 10–13 K. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss (EEL) spectroscopy show that por‐Si:C and por‐SiO2:C layers have a highly disordered structure with mixing sp2 and sp3 CC bonds. In the por‐SiO2:C layers, the peak of the oxygen bonded to carbon in the form of hydroxyl groups is found in the EEL spectrum of the C K‐edge region. Low‐intensity signals of Lorentzian lineshape are detected in the EPR spectrum of por‐Si, por‐Si:C, por‐SiO2:C layers. One of them is attributed to the Pb0 defect at the Si/SiO2 interface of nanocrystalline grain and the second to the silicon dangling bonds (SiDB) localized in nanocrystalline Si. The carbonization of por‐Si layers and subsequent oxidation of por‐Si:C gives rise to the appearance of additional EPR signals of high intensity at g = 2.0035(3) in por‐Si:C and at g = 2.0030(3) in por‐SiO2:C, which are assigned to carbon‐related defects (CRD) and carbon clusters, correspondingly. It was found that predominant defect types in por‐Si:C and por‐SiO2:C layers are CRD and carbon clusters, respectively, while the spin concentration of Pb0 interface defects and SiDB is low.
Seeking excellence: An evaluation of 235 international laboratories conducting water isotope analyses by isotope‐ratio and laser‐absorption spectrometry
Authors: Wassenaar L.I. , Terzer‐Wassmuth S. , Douence C. , Araguas‐Araguas L. , Aggarwal P.K. , Coplen T.B.
Published: January 2018

Rationale

Water stable isotope ratios (δ2H and δ18O values) are widely used tracers in environmental studies; hence, accurate and precise assays are required for providing sound scientific information. We tested the analytical performance of 235 international laboratories conducting water isotope analyses using dual‐inlet and continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometers and laser spectrometers through a water isotope inter‐comparison test.

Methods

Eight test water samples were distributed by the IAEA to international stable isotope laboratories. These consisted of a core set of five samples spanning the common δ‐range of natural waters, and three optional samples (highly depleted, enriched, and saline). The fifth core sample contained unrevealed trace methanol to assess analyst vigilance to the impact of organic contamination on water isotopic measurements made by all instrument technologies.

Results

For the core and optional samples ~73 % of laboratories gave acceptable results within 0.2 ‰ and 1.5 ‰ of the reference values for δ18O and δ2H, respectively; ~27 % produced unacceptable results. Top performance for δ18O values was dominated by dual‐inlet IRMS laboratories; top performance for δ2H values was led by laser spectrometer laboratories. Continuous‐flow instruments yielded comparatively intermediate results. Trace methanol contamination of water resulted in extreme outlier δ‐values for laser instruments, but also affected reactor‐based continuous‐flow IRMS systems; however, dual‐inlet IRMS δ‐values were unaffected.

Conclusions

Analysis of the laboratory results and their metadata suggested inaccurate or imprecise performance stemmed mainly from skill‐ and knowledge‐based errors including: calculation mistakes, inappropriate or compromised laboratory calibration standards, poorly performing instrumentation, lack of vigilance to contamination, or inattention to unreasonable isotopic outcomes. To counteract common errors, we recommend that laboratories include 1–2 'known' control standards in all autoruns; laser laboratories should screen each autorun for spectral contamination; and all laboratories should evaluate whether derived d‐excess values are realistic when both isotope ratios are measured. Combined, these data evaluation strategies should immediately inform the laboratory about fundamental mistakes or compromised samples.
Development and validation of an assay to analyze atazanavir in human hair via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Phung Nhi , Kuncze Karen , Okochi Hideaki , Louie Alexander , Benet Leslie Z. , Ofokotun Igho , Haas David W. , Currier Judith S. , Chawana Tariro D. , Sheth Anandi N. , Bacchetti Peter , Gandhi Monica , Horng Howard
Published: January 2018

Rationale

Assays to quantify antiretrovirals in hair samples are increasingly used to monitor adherence and exposure in both HIV prevention and treatment studies. Atazanavir (ATV) is a protease inhibitor used in combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). We developed and validated a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)‐based method to quantify ATV in human hair, per the NIH Division of AIDS Clinical Pharmacology Quality Assurance (CPQA) program and the FDA bioanalytical method validation guidelines.

Methods

ATV was extracted from hair using optimized methods and the extracts were injected onto a BDS C‐18 column (5 μm, 4.6 × 100 mm), followed by isocratic elution via a mobile phase composed of 55% acetonitrile, 45% water, 0.15% acetic acid, and 4 mM ammonium acetate, at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min prior to analysis by MS/MS. Levels were quantified using positive electrospray ionization by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for the transitions MH+ m/z 705.3 to m/z 168.0 and MH+ m/z 710.2 to m/z 168.0 for ATV and ATV‐d5 (internal standard), respectively.

Results

Our assay demonstrated a linear standard curve (r = 0.99) over the concentration range of 0.0500 ng ATV/mg hair to 20.0 ng/mg hair. The inter‐ and intraday accuracy of ATV quality control (QC) samples was −1.33 to 4.00% and precision (% coefficient of variation (%CV)) was 1.75 to 6.31%. The %CV for ATV levels in hair samples from highly adherent patients (incurred samples) was less than 10%. No significant endogenous peaks or crosstalk were observed in the specificity test with other HIV drugs. The overall extraction efficiency of ATV from incurred hair samples was greater than 95%.

Conclusions

This highly sensitive, highly specific and validated assay can be considered for therapeutic drug monitoring for HIV‐infected patients on ATV‐based ART.
Bank net interest margins, the yield curve, and the 2007–2009 financial crisis
Authors: Egly Peter V. , Johnk David W. , Mollick André Varella
Published: January 2018

Using quarterly call report data from 2000 to 2016, we reexamine the relationship between net interest margins (NIM) and the yield curve for more than 5,500 U.S. commercial banks. In the full sample, yield curve and RGDP growth have positive effects on NIM, while inflation and deposit‐to‐loan ratios (D/L) have negative effects. Splitting the sample around the 2007–2009 crisis, we show the impact of yield curve and RGDP growth on NIM increasing during the “recovery” (2009Q3 to 2016Q4), and inflation and D/L changing signs. Positive effects of yield curve on profits vary with bank size and change over time.
Concise Review: Fabrication, Customization, and Application of Cell Mimicking Microparticles in Stem Cell Science
Authors: Labriola Nicholas R. , Azagury Aharon , Gutierrez Robert , Mathiowitz Edith , Darling Eric M.
Published: January 2018

Stem and non-stem cell behavior is heavily influenced by the surrounding microenvironment, which includes other cells, matrix, and potentially biomaterials. Researchers have been successful in developing scaffolds and encapsulation techniques to provide stem cells with mechanical, topographical, and chemical cues to selectively direct them toward a desired differentiation pathway. However, most of these systems fail to present truly physiological replications of the in vivo microenvironments that stem cells are typically exposed to in tissues. Thus, cell mimicking microparticles (CMMPs) have been developed to more accurately recapitulate the properties of surrounding cells while still offering ways to tailor what stimuli are presented. This nascent field holds the promise of reducing, or even eliminating, the need for live cells in select, regenerative medicine therapies, and diagnostic applications. Recent, CMMP-based studies show great promise for the technology, yet only reproduce a small subset of cellular characteristics from among those possible: size, morphology, topography, mechanical properties, surface molecules, and tailored chemical release to name the most prominent. This Review summarizes the strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications of micro/nanoparticle fabrication and customization methods relevant to cell mimicking and provides an outlook on the future of this technology. Moving forward, researchers should seek to combine multiple techniques to yield CMMPs that replicate as many cellular characteristics as possible, with an emphasis on those that most strongly influence the desired therapeutic effects. The level of flexibility in customizing CMMP properties allows them to substitute for cells in a variety of regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and diagnostic systems.
Grain Orientation Dependence of the Residual Lattice Strain in a Cold Rolled Interstitial‐Free Steel
Authors: Xie Qingge , Gorti Sarma , Sidor Jurij J. , An Yu Guo , Wang Yan Dong , Lian Junhe , Lan Haoyu , An Ke
Published: January 2018

The experimentally measured grain‐orientation‐dependent residual lattice strains, evolved in an interstitial‐free steel after 70% cold rolling reduction, are studied by means of crystal elastic visco‐plastic finite element simulations, which provides a very satisfactory prediction of deformation texture. The calculated residual lattice strain pole figure matches well with the experimentally measured counterpart within the highest density regions of major texture components observed. Both experimental evidence and results of modeling clearly indicate that the residual lattice strain is orientation dependent, based on comprehensive information on the evolution of residual lattice strain in various crystallographic orientations during plastic deformation. It appears that in a cold rolled material, there is a general correlation between the stresses developed just prior to unloading and the residual lattice strains in particular directions. It is also shown that the cumulative plastic shear does not reveal a clear correlation with the components of residual lattice strain while presented in the normal correlation plot, however, this relationship can be better understood by means of the orientation distribution function of residual lattice strain, which can be derived from the neutron or X‐ray diffraction experiments.
Precise Synthesis of Well‐Defined Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Particles
Authors: Shiba Kota , Ogawa Makoto
Published: January 2018

Synthesis of hybrid particles toward precisely designed hierarchical nanoarchitectures is summarized. In order to satisfy the demands for a variety of materials’ performances, the selection of materials, composition and synthesis is carefully done. Flow reactors are one of the useful synthetic means to prepare hybrid materials, especially those with hierarchically and precisely designed multi‐components hybrid particles, owing to the efficient mixing and heat exchange in the reactor as well as its connectable (both parallel and sequential) feature. In this review article, after the summary of the preparation of hybrids based on oxides and organics through conventional batch reactors, the application of flow reactors to the preparation of various hybrid particles is introduced to highlight the present status and future possibility of the flow reactor synthesis.
Osthole induces human nasopharyngeal cancer cells apoptosis through Fas–Fas ligand and mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Liu Pei‐Ying , Chang Dun‐Cheng , Lo Yu‐Sheng , Hsi Yi‐Ting , Lin Chia‐Chieh , Chuang Yi‐Ching , Lin Shu‐Hui , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Chen Mu‐Kuan
Published: January 2018

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Southern China and Southeast Asia. The present study investigated the activity of osthole in suppressing NPC along with the underlying mechanism. Cell growth inhibition was measured using the MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected through 4ʹ,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining and flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to identify the signaling pathway. Osthole markedly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in the NPC cell line. Western blotting results revealed the increased activation of caspases 3, 8, and 9 and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase. Osthole treatment significantly reduced the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2 and increased the expression of the proapoptotic proteins Bax, Bak, BimL, BimS, and t‐Bid. Osthole treatment also increased the expression of Fas, FADD, TNF‐R1, TNF‐R2, DcR2, RIP, and DR5. In addition, osthole treatment significantly increased the expression levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and JNK1/2. These results suggested that osthole exerts cytotoxic effects on NPC cell lines mainly through apoptosis mediated by the Fas–Fas ligand and mitochondrial pathway. Osthole could be a potential anticancer agent for NPC.
Say It in Your Language: Supporting Translanguaging in Multilingual Classes
Authors: Rowe Lindsey W.
Published: January 2018

Emergent bilingual students draw on their linguistic repertoires, moving fluidly between named languages and varieties to meet communicative ends. However, these translanguaging abilities are often not supported in English‐dominant school settings. The author proposes six design principles that educators can use to create instructional strategies that support emergent bilinguals’ translanguaging in the classroom. The author then describes an instructional activity that was created and implemented following the design principles. During this activity, second‐grade emergent bilingual students used tablets to record and share multilingual e‐books. As a result, not only were students’ translanguaging abilities supported, but students were also able to create bilingual written texts and develop strategies to effectively translate for one another.
A work‐for‐food enrichment program increases exploration and decreases stereotypies in four species of bears
Authors: Wagman Jason D. , Lukas Kristen E. , Dennis Patricia M. , Willis Mark A. , Carroscia Joe , Gindlesperger Curt , Schook Mandi W.
Published: January 2018

Zoo‐housed bears are prone to exhibiting stereotypic behaviors, generally considered indicators of negative welfare. We explored the effects of a variable‐time feeding enrichment schedule on behavioral indicators of welfare in four bear species at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. We distributed the diets of eight bears in one of five enrichment items, for two consecutive days each, and monitored behavior throughout the day. In Experiment 1, we compared variable‐time to fixed‐time presentation of enrichment over two, 10‐day periods. Overall, bears performed more exploratory behavior when enriched (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, variable‐time enrichment was associated with a greater increase in exploratory behavior than fixed‐time enrichment when compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Both fixed‐time (punadjusted <0.05, padjusted = 0.07) and variable‐schedule (punadjusted <0.05, padjusted = 0.09) enrichment were also associated with similar decreases in abnormal behavior compared to baseline. For Experiment 2, we tested habituation to enrichment over 30 days using multiple items and a semi‐variable presentation schedule. Again during the enrichment period, bears exhibited increased exploratory behavior (p < 0.0001) and decreased abnormal behaviors compared to baseline (punadjusted = 0.05, padjusted = 0.09). We observed no habituation during the 30‐day sustained enrichment period for these behaviors. Collectively, these results suggest that daily, variable‐schedule feeding enrichment, with intermittent presentation of unique enrichment items, increases behavioral indicators of positive welfare and decreases behavioral indicators of negative welfare.
Long-term reduction of seclusion and forced medication on a hospital-wide level: Implementation of an open-door policy over 6 years
Authors: Hochstrasser L. , Fröhlich D. , Schneeberger A.R. , Borgwardt S. , Lang U.E. , Stieglitz R.-D. , Huber C.G.
Published: January 2018

Background

Psychiatric inpatient treatment is increasingly performed in settings with locked doors. However, locked wards have well-known disadvantages and are ethically problematic. In addition, recent data challenges the hypothesis that locked wards provide improved safety over open-door settings regarding suicide, absconding and aggression. Furthermore, there is evidence that the introduction of an open-door policy may lead to short-term reductions in involuntary measures. The aim of this study was to assess if the introduction of an open-door policy is associated with a long-term reduction of the frequency of seclusion and forced medication.

Method

In this 6-year, hospital-wide, longitudinal, observational study, we examined the frequency of seclusion and forced medication in 17,359 inpatient cases admitted to the Department of Adult Psychiatry, Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken (UPK) Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland. In an approach to enable a less restrictive policy, six previously closed psychiatric wards were permanently opened beginning from August 2011. During this process, a systematic change towards a more patient-centered and recovery-oriented care was applied. Statistical analysis consisted of generalized estimating equations (GEE) models.

Results

In multivariate analyses controlling for potential confounders, the implementation of an open-door policy was associated with a continuous reduction of seclusion (from 8.2 to 3.5%; ηp2 = 0.82; odds ratio: 0.88) and forced medication (from 2.4 to 1.2%; ηp2 = 0.70; odds ratio: 0.90).

Conclusion

This underlines the potential of the introduction of an open-door policy to attain a long-term reduction in involuntary measures.
A cross-continental analysis of weight gain, psychiatric diagnoses and medication use during inpatient psychiatric treatment. The international study on physical illness in mentally ill
Authors: Engelke Christina , Lange-Asschenfeldt Christian , Peter Stephanie , Kahl Kai G. , Frasch Karel , Larsen Jens I. , Bickel Graziella G. , Bork Bernhard , Jacobsen Bent A. , Wallenstein-Jensen Signe O. , Lauber Christoph , Mogensen Birthe , Nielsen Jørgen A. , Rössler Wulf , Tsuchiya Kenji J. , Toftegaard Kristian L. , Andersen Ulla A. , Uwakwe Richard , Munk-Jørgensen Povl , Cordes Joachim
Published: January 2018

Weight gain among psychiatric inpatients is a widespread phenomenon. This change in body mass index (BMI) can be caused by several factors. Based on recent research, we assume the following factors are related to weight gain during psychiatric inpatient treatment: psychiatric medication, psychiatric diagnosis, sex, age, weight on admission and geographic region of treatment.

876 of originally recruited 2328 patients met the criteria for our analysis. Patients were recruited and examined in mental health care centres in Nigeria (N=265), Japan (N=145) and Western-Europe (Denmark, Germany and Switzerland; N=466).

There was a significant effect of psychiatric medication, psychiatric diagnoses and geographic region, but not age and sex, on BMI changes. Geographic region had a significant effect on BMI change, with Nigerian patients gaining significantly more weight than Japanese and Western European patients. Moreover, geographic region influenced the type of psychiatric medication prescribed and the psychiatric diagnoses. The diagnoses and psychiatric medication prescribed had a significant effect on BMI change.

In conclusion, we consider weight gain as a multifactorial phenomenon that is influenced by several factors. One can discuss a number of explanations for our findings, such as different clinical practices in the geographical regions (prescribing or admission strategies and access-to-care aspects), as well as socio-economic and cultural differences.
America and the Individual: The Hairy Ape and Machinal at the Moscow Kamerny Theatre
Authors: Posner Dassia N.
Published: January 2018

Between 1926 and 1934 the Moscow Kamerny Theatre staged a cycle of six American plays: Eugene O’Neill's The Hairy Ape, Desire under the Elms, and All God's Chillun Got Wings; Sophie Treadwell's Machinal; Rosita, a stage adaptation of a Hollywood film; and John Dos Passos's Fortune Heights. In this article Dassia N. Posner analyzes and contextualizes two of these productions: The Hairy Ape (1926) and Machinal (1933). By the mid-1920s, Kamerny Theatre director Alexander Tairov was under intense pressure to stage work that aligned with the Soviet Union's political goals. A significant portion of the Kamerny's repertoire had long consisted of foreign plays that celebrated the individual's struggle against oppression. The Hairy Ape and Machinal provided Tairov with a unique opportunity to combine artistic, political, and human relevance in a way he had not achieved before, using the artistic language of the theatre's earlier stylistic and acting innovations. Drawing on rich archival sources, Posner illuminates ways in which stylistic juxtaposition allowed these productions to address a specific political context while also reflecting on oppression more broadly as it relates to class, gender, national origin, artistic freedom, and individual thought. Dassia N. Posner is Associate Professor of Theatre and Slavic Languages and Literatures at Northwestern University. Her books include The Director's Prism: E. T. A. Hoffmann and the Russian Theatrical Avant-Garde and The Routledge Companion to Puppetry and Material Performance.