bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Persistent Median Arteries in the Pediatric Population on Ultrasonography
Authors: Carry Patrick M. , Nguyen Amy K. , Merritt Glenn R. , Ciarallo Christopher , Chatterjee Debnath , Park Jung , Miller Nancy H. , Scott Frank A.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To use real‐time ultrasonography to estimate the prevalence of persistent median arteries in a cohort of pediatric orthopedic patients.

Methods

With Institutional Review Board approval, patients between the ages of 3 months and 19 years were recruited for this cross‐sectional study. Variables of interest included demographics, underlying diagnoses, and the presence of a Doppler‐confirmed median artery. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on both upper extremities by a single investigator. Patient‐ and limb‐level analyses were performed. A multivariable generalized logistic regression analysis was used to test the association between the prevalence of limb‐specific persistent median arteries and age. A generalized estimating equation was used to adjust for the inclusion of multiple limbs from the same patient.

Results

A total of 135 patients (270 limbs) were evaluated. The patient‐specific prevalence rate (persistent median arteries present in 1 or both limbs) was 26.7%. Among these patients (n = 36), a persistent median artery was present bilaterally in 55.6% (n = 20). The limb‐specific prevalence rate (proportion of limbs with a persistent median artery) was 20.7%. After adjusting for race, for every 1‐year increase in age, the odds of a persistent median artery decreased by 4.4%. After adjusting for age, African Americans were significantly more likely to present with a persistent median artery (odds ratio, 3.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–11.48).

Conclusions

Ultrasonography can effectively visualize anatomic variants, such as persistent median arteries, in the pediatric population. The prevalence of persistent median arteries was higher than anticipated, especially among African American patients.
Hierarchical, multi‐grain rendezvous site selection by wolves in southern Italy
Authors: Ciucci Paolo , Boitani Luigi , Falco Matteo , Maiorano Luigi
Published: February 2018

Fine‐scale knowledge of how anthropogenic effects may alter habitat selection by wolves (Canis lupus) is important to inform conservation management, especially where wolf populations are expanding into more populated areas or where human activity and development are increasingly encroaching on formerly pristine environments. From 1999 to 2003, we documented rendezvous sites (n = 31) used by wolves (n = 6 packs) in a previously unstudied wolf population in the southern Apennines, Italy (Pollino National Park [PNP]), where conditions are ideal to unveil behavioral adaptations of wolves living in human‐dominated landscapes. We adopted a hierarchical, multi‐scale habitat selection approach by using a set of environmental, topographic, and anthropogenic factors within multi‐grain resource selection functions (MRSFs) at the landscape and the territory extent. Habitat selection by wolves was scale‐dependent and different habitat components affected wolves at different grains. When establishing a territory at the landscape scale, wolves avoided areas featuring high densities of humans, paved roads, and trails, and they preferentially located territories where higher forest cover and rough terrain enhanced concealment and ensured reduced accessibility by humans. Concurrently, wolves also selected open areas and, at coarse grain, areas of high density of dirt roads and trails to enhance hunting and traveling efficiency. When selecting rendezvous sites within territories, wolves still selected for forest cover and lessened avoidance of anthropogenic features apparent at the lower order of selection. When choosing rendezvous sites, wolves also avoided low‐use anthropogenic linear features and rough terrain, unveiling trade‐offs in selection decisions across different spatial and temporal scales. Our results reinforce the notion that occurrence of wolves in human‐modified landscapes is shaped by avoidance of anthropogenic pressure, but they also indicate that rendezvous site selection by wolves conform to a hierarchical decision‐making process that is extent‐ and grain‐dependent. Spatially explicit models of rendezvous site selection such as the one we developed for PNP enhance management effectiveness for strategies such as regulating human access and activity during the pup rearing seasons, preventing human persecution, mitigating livestock depredations, and designing cost‐effective monitoring programs. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Manioc losses by terrestrial vertebrates in western Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Abrahams Mark I. , Peres Carlos A. , Costa Hugo C. M.
Published: February 2018

Tropical biodiversity benefits humanity. However, the costs of conserving topical biodiversity are largely borne by local communities. The damage caused by wild animals to human‐cultivated plants (crop‐raiding) in tropical ecosystems directly affects the livelihoods of local agriculturalists, which erodes their support for conserving biodiversity. We used data collected between 2013 and 2015 from 132 camera‐trap stations and responses from 157 interviewees representing 47 semi‐subsistence communities to quantify and contextualize terrestrial vertebrate crop‐raiding damage to manioc (Manihot esculenta) agricultural fields (i.e., roçados) in the Médio‐Juruá region of western Brazilian Amazonia. The 5 vertebrate species identified by respondents as the most damaging crop raiders were agoutis (Dasyprocta fuliginosa), collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu), pacas (Cuniculus paca), red brocket deer (Mazama americana), and spiny rats (family Echimyidae). These species were frequently detected by camera traps in early‐successional forests. Respondents reported mean manioc stem losses to crop raiders of 7.3%/roçado. Proportional losses of more palatable manioc varieties were approximately 3 times higher than more phytochemically defended varieties, further constraining crop choice. Respondents estimated that in the absence of active crop‐raider suppression, overall losses would have been 73.9%/respondent/annum, and therefore invested substantial effort in crop protection. Small communities, already economically disadvantaged by isolation from the material, service, and information monopoly of urban centers, were most affected by crop raiding. Although, the most damaging crop raiders are ideal candidates for sustainable subsistence hunting, we found only weak evidence of positive opportunities for agriculturalists to hunt crop raiders to compensate for crop losses. Our study indicated that crop raiding may continue to exacerbate the challenges inherent in tropical agriculture and represents a significant forest ecosystem disservice. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Unilateral radiotherapy treatment for p16/human papillomavirus–positive squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary in the head and neck
Authors: Tiong Albert , Rischin Danny , Young Richard J. , Herschtal Alan , Solomon Ben , D'Costa Ieta , Fua Tsien , Liu Chen , Coleman Andrew , Kleid Stephen , Dixon Benjamin J. , Corry June
Published: February 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

The outcomes of unilateral radiotherapy treatment for patients with p16/HPV‐positive squamous cell carcinomas of unknown primary (SCCUP) affecting cervical lymph nodes are under‐reported. Compared to radiating large volumes of the pharyngeal axis (the more common approach), this is potentially a much less toxic treatment for a good prognosis group.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We identified patients with SCCUP who were treated radically at our center and did not have parotid or isolated level IV or V nodal involvement. Failure‐free and overall survivals were calculated using Kaplan‐Meier methods.

Results

From 2004 to 2012, there were 49 radically treated patients with SCCUP. Fourteen patients had bilateral neck treatment (they had bilateral nodal disease or suspected lesions in the base of tongue, though not proven with biopsy), two had surgery alone, whereas 33 had unilateral radiotherapy (after neck dissection, excisional biopsy, or definitively with concurrent chemotherapy). Of the 33 patients, 21 tested positive to p16/HPV and had median follow‐up of 57 months. In this group, no isolated contralateral neck failures or putative primaries emerged. There was 1/21 (4.3%) ipsilateral neck failure, 1/21 (4.3%) concurrent contralateral neck and distant failure, and 1/21 (4.3%) patient with distant failure. The 5‐year freedom from failure was 78% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56%‐100%) and overall survival was 90% (95% CI: 79%‐100%).

Conclusions

With no emergence of putative primaries and no isolated contralateral neck failures, this single‐institution experience in p16/HPV‐positive SCCUP patients suggests that unilateral radiotherapy may be an underutilized management strategy.

Levels of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 128:2076–2083, 2018
Aggregation Behavior of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) in Solvent Mixtures: Linear Solvation Energy Relationship (LSER) Modeling and COSMO‐RS Calculations
Authors: Sapolsky Marni , McFaddin John , Boucher David
Published: February 2018

The solubility and self‐assembly behavior of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) in solvent mixtures, and the dominant intermolecular forces related to these attributes, have only been partially scrutinized. In this work, the extent of aggregation of amorphous P3HT and the structural order of P3HT aggregates (Mn ≈ 20 kDa and Mn ≈ 75 kDa) are investigated in 54 solvent mixtures of chloroform with acetone, acetonitrile, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and n‐hexane. Correlations between the molecular mass, the extent of aggregation, the structural order of the aggregates, and the nature of the solvent‐P3HT interactions are studied using a (1) linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) modeling and (2) solubility parameter‐based Flory–Huggins interaction parameters, χ. In addition, COSMO‐RS calculations are used to assess correlations between the extent of aggregation and the activity coefficients, γ, of P3HT. The results reveal that the extent of aggregation and the structural order of the P3HT aggregates are governed by different solvent–P3HT interactions. LSER modeling shows that the nucleophilicity and polarity of the solvent blends are the principal determinant of the structural order of P3HT aggregates. This result, which is based on an independent experimental method, supports previous computational results using COSMO‐RS σ‐profiles to assess the nucleophilicity and polarity of the solvent.
Reversible Supramolecular Polylactides Gels Obtained via Stereocomplexation
Authors: Michalski Adam , Socka Marta , Brzeziński Marek , Biela Tadeusz
Published: February 2018

In this paper, stereocomplexation is used as a driving force for the formation of 3D polymer networks by hydrogen bonding cross‐linking between complementary enantiomeric polylactides (PLAs). Thus, the formation of the gels after the mixing of equimolar solutions of l‐ and d‐star‐shaped PLAs in the biocompatible N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) is observed. The utility of star‐shaped polymers facilitates the cross‐linking of macromolecules by increasing the number of functional end groups. Moreover, the well‐established reaction with succinic anhydride is used to functionalize the star‐shaped PLAs with carboxylic functions. These end groups have a significant impact on the viscosity and stability of the resulting PLA gels. Importantly, the formation of the supramolecular gel is reversible, and it can return to sol upon heating. These results demonstrate that the gel formation is a result of a synergic interaction of the PLA functional end groups and stereocomplexation. These novel stereocomplex gels have potential for biomedical applications due to the biocompatibility of both components: PLA and NMP.
Horizontal Dendritic Stacking of Methanofullerene Single Crystals upon Diffusion‐Limited Aggregation
Authors: Wu Ching‐Feng , Lo Jui‐Hsien , Wang Chen‐An , Ruan Jrjeng
Published: February 2018

Within the binary amorphous homogeneous mixtures of conjugated polyalkylfluorene and methanofullerene, the annealing‐induced nucleation and growth of methanofullerene single crystals under the influences of molecular supply and mixing tendency have been studied in this research. As the molecular supply is satisfactory at selected annealing temperatures, the crystallization of methanofullerene is identified to advance mainly via the concurrent growth of board‐like crystals. When the diffusion is relatively limited, the local self‐aggregation of methanofullerene retards the further growth of preexistent crystals. Consequently, the successive nucleation of new single crystals on preexistent crystals emerges as the dominant mechanism of crystallization. With the advance of horizontal stacking of single crystals, the fractal‐like stacking patterns are able to evolve with long‐range continuity and facilitate the charge transportation. Nevertheless, upon the increase of annealing temperature and side‐chain length, the mixing tendency is enhanced, declining the tendency of self‐aggregation and thus successive horizontal stacking of single crystals.
X‐ray‐induced acoustic computed tomography for 3D breast imaging: A simulation study
Authors: Tang Shanshan , Yang Kai , Chen Yong , Xiang Liangzhong
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of x‐ray‐induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) for early breast un‐palpable microcalcification (μCa) detection in three dimensions (3D). The proposed technique provides the true 3D imaging for breast volume which overcomes the disadvantage of the tissue superposition in mammography.

Methods

A 3D breast digital phantom was rendered from two‐dimensional (2D) breast CT slices. Three different tissue types, including the skin, adipose tissue, and glandular tissue, were labeled in the 3D breast phantom. μCas were manually embedded in different locations inside the breast phantom. For each tissue type, the initial pressure rise caused by the x‐ray‐induced acoustic (XA) effect was calculated according to its themoacoustic properties. The XA wave's propagation from the point of generation and its detection by ultrasound detector array were simulated by Matlab K‐Wave toolbox. The 3D breast XACT volume with μCa was acquired without tissue superposition, and the system was characterized by μCas placed at different locations.

Results

The simulation results illustrated that the proposed breast XACT system has the ability to show the μCa cluster in 3D without any tissue superposition. Meanwhile, μCa as small as 100 μm in size can be detected with high imaging contrast, high signal to noise ratio (SNR), and high contrast to noise ratio (CNR). The dose required by the proposed XACT configuration was calculated to be 0.4 mGy for a 4.5 cm‐thick compressed breast. This is one‐tenth of the dose level of a typical two‐view mammography for a breast with the same compression thickness.

Conclusions

The initial exploration for the feasibility of 3D breast XACT has been conducted in this study. The system feasibility and characterization were illustrated through a 3D breast phantom and simulation works. The 3D breast XACT with the proposed system configuration has great potential to be applied as a low‐dose screening and diagnostic technique for early un‐palpable lesion in the breast.
Gradient waveform pre‐emphasis based on the gradient system transfer function
Authors: Stich Manuel , Wech Tobias , Slawig Anne , Ringler Ralf , Dewdney Andrew , Greiser Andreas , Ruyters Gudrun , Bley Thorsten A. , Köstler Herbert
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The gradient system transfer function (GSTF) has been used to describe the distorted k‐space trajectory for image reconstruction. The purpose of this work was to use the GSTF to determine the pre‐emphasis for an undistorted gradient output and intended k‐space trajectory.

Methods

The GSTF of the MR system was determined using only standard MR hardware without special equipment such as field probes or a field camera. The GSTF was used for trajectory prediction in image reconstruction and for a gradient waveform pre‐emphasis. As test sequences, a gradient‐echo sequence with phase‐encoding gradient modulation and a gradient‐echo sequence with a spiral read‐out trajectory were implemented and subsequently applied on a structural phantom and in vivo head measurements.

Results

Image artifacts were successfully suppressed by applying the GSTF‐based pre‐emphasis. Equivalent results are achieved with images acquired using GSTF‐based post‐correction of the trajectory as a part of image reconstruction. In contrast, the pre‐emphasis approach allows reconstruction using the initially intended trajectory.

Conclusion

The artifact suppression shown for two sequences demonstrates that the GSTF can serve for a novel pre‐emphasis. A pre‐emphasis based on the GSTF information can be applied to any arbitrary sequence type.
The importance of sector‐stereotypical images in relation to job pursuit intentions
Authors: Peiffer Mathieu , Habibpour Mohammad Mahdi , Jegers Marc , Pepermans Roland
Published: February 2018

This study broadens the concept of employer image and demonstrates the relevance of applicants’ sector image when looking for employment in either nonprofit or for‐profit organizations. We apply the Stereotype Content Model to conceptualize image through perceived competence and warmth and use multilevel analyses on data from final‐year Master’s students. Results show the importance of the sector‐stereotypical image and are partially in line with our hypotheses. Job pursuit intentions for specific organizations are predicted by both the organizations’ as well as the respective sectors’ perceived warmth and competence. Pursuit intentions for the for‐profit sector are predicted only by the image of that sector. However, the intention to pursue employment in the nonprofit sector is predicted by both its competence and warmth as well as by the perceived warmth of its organizations. These findings are discussed in view of a trickle‐down effect and compared to previous findings on sector image among consumers.
Are nonprofit prisons an alternative? Some experiences in the Netherlands
Authors: Wassenaar Mattheus , Gradus Raymond , Molleman Toon
Published: February 2018

Outsourcing of detention is complex due to quality risks from incomplete contracts, the public responsibility for sentencing and execution, and related social opinions. In the Netherlands, prison services are extensively outsourced—particularly for juvenile detention and internal forensic psychiatric care—to nonprofit organizations. In the Dutch experience, we have not found differences between public and nonprofit execution with respect to the type of contract, costs, performance indicators such as escapes and violence against personnel. The Dutch experience shows that outsourcing to nonprofit organizations can be an alternative to outsourcing to private entrepreneurs.
N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex of stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rat/Ezo as a rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Shikanai Hiroki , Oshima Nobuhiro , Kawashima Hidekazu , Kimura Shin‐ichi , Hiraide Sachiko , Togashi Hiroko , Iizuka Kenji , Ohkura Kazue , Izumi Takeshi
Published: February 2018

Aim

We previously reported that stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rat/Ezo (SHRSP/Ezo) has high validity as an attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) animal model, based on its behavioral phenotypes, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Fronto‐cortical dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of AD/HD. In this study, we investigated prefrontal cortex (PFC) function in SHRSP/Ezo rats by electrophysiological methods and radioreceptor assay.

Methods

We recorded excitatory postsynaptic potential in layer V pyramidal neurons in the PFC by intracellular recording method to assess synaptic plasticity in the form of long‐term potentiation (LTP). We also performed N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate acid (NMDA) receptor binding assay in the PFC and hippocampus using radiolabeled NMDA receptor antagonist [3H]MK‐801.

Results

Theta‐burst stimulation induced LTP in the PFC of genetic control, WKY/Ezo, whereas failed to induce LTP in that of SHRSP/Ezo. The Kd value of [3H]MK‐801 binding for NMDA receptors in the PFC of SHRSP/Ezo was higher than in the WKY/Ezo. Neither the Bmax nor Kd of [3H]MK‐801 binding in the SHRSP/Ezo hippocampus was significantly different to WKY/Ezo.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the AD/HD animal model SHRSP/Ezo has NMDA receptor dysfunction in the PFC.
Improving the antifouling property of polypropylene hollow fiber membranes by in situ ultrasonic wave‐assisted polymerization of styrene and maleic anhydride
Authors: Shao Huiju , Wei Fujian , Luo Dajun , Zhang Kaizhou , Liang Songmiao , Tian Qin , Qin Shuhao , Yu Jie
Published: February 2018

For the purpose of enhancing the hydrophilicity and antifouling property, styrene‐maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) was successfully introduced on the surface of polypropylene hollow fiber membranes via in situ ultrasonic wave‐assisted polymerization. It was shown that how to avoid the hydrolysis and esterification of anhydride groups was the key for improving the hydrophilicity and antifouling property of membranes. Some factors were studied in detail, such as solvent, concentration of solution as well as time and temperature of ultrasonic treatment. Results showed that acetone and ethanol as solvents performed different functions during the process of the polymerization, and ethanol, a polar solvent, reacted with anhydride groups to hinder the formation of SMA and improvement of antifouling property. The modified membranes (PPM1 and PPM5) exhibit both high water flux and strong antifouling capability. Besides, antifouling property of modified membranes was very stable, which proved that they can work in reality. This study supplied a new approach to fabricate highly efficient polymeric membranes applicable to wastewater purification. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E51–E58, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
2‐Alkyl‐3‐methoxypyrazines are potent attractants of florivorous scarabs (Melolonthidae, Cyclocephalini) associated with economically exploitable Neotropical palms (Arecaceae)
Authors: Maia Artur Campos Dália , Santos Geanne Karla Novais , Gonçalves Eduardo Gomes , Navarro Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz , Nuñez‐Avellaneda Luis Alberto
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

2‐Alkyl‐3‐methoxypyrazines (MPs) are naturally occurring aromatic compounds involved in insect chemical communication as both pheromones and allelochemicals. Although rarely characterized in floral scents, they have been identified as major constituents in headspace samples from palm inflorescences and evidence pointed towards their function as attractive cues for scent‐oriented pollinators, as well as florivores. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of MPs in economically exploitable palms belonging to Acrocomia and Attalea through headspace floral scent analysis and assessed their role in the selective attraction of flower‐feeding cyclocephaline scarabs (Melolonthidae, Cyclocephalini) in field bioassays conducted in Brazil and Colombia.

RESULTS

Three different MPs were identified among floral headspace samples of Acrocomia aculeata, Acr. intumescens, Attalea butyracea and Att. insignis: 2‐isopropyl‐3‐methoxypyrazine (IPMP), 2‐isobutyl‐3‐methoxypyrazine (IBMP) and 2‐(sec‐butyl)‐3‐methoxypyrazine (SBMP). Their combined estimated total scent emissions per inflorescence ranged from 246 μg h−1 to 6.2 mg h−1. Scented traps, individually baited with either IPMP or SBMP, resulted in species‐selective and high yield captures of Cyclocephala amazona and C. distincta, known florivores associated with over 20 different species of Neotropical palms.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of MPs as potent kairomones could prove instrumental in integrated pest management plans for these insects in emerging oil‐yielding crops in South America, including those of the wine palm (Att. butyracea) and macaw palms (Acrocomia spp.). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Understand role of Title IX in misconduct involving students with autism
Authors: Brown Jane Thierfeld , Wolf Lorraine E. , Sullivan Linda
Published: February 2018

As the number of students on the autism spectrum continues to rise, college campuses must increase their knowledge of this population. Conduct issues remain an area in which campuses still struggle. Most students with autism spectrum disorder will have few (if any) conduct issues, but for others, challenging behaviors can emerge on campus and in class. This is often due to inherent difficulty with communication, including processing verbal and nonverbal cues, understanding and anticipating social situations (“reading between the lines”), and identifying and extrapolating information/directions that are both implicit and explicit in nature. In class, students with ASD may ask too many questions, hold rigid or inflexible opinions, correct the professor, and/or monopolize the discussion. Elsewhere on campus, interpersonal challenges and violation of behavioral and conduct codes can arise from lack of awareness of social norms, poor social skills, and social anxiety.
Phosphorescence “Turn‐On” Sensing of Anions by Rhenium(I) Schiff‐Base Complexes
Authors: Ramdass Arumugam , Sathish Veerasamy , Velayudham Murugesan , Thanasekaran Pounraj , Rajagopal Seenivasan
Published: February 2018

Monometallic rhenium(I) polypyridine complexes (1‐4) having imine functionalized phenol moieties based on 2,2’‐bipyridine ligands L1‐L4 have been used as phosphorescent turn‐on sensors for anions. These complexes showed various degrees of response to F–, CN–, CH3COO– and H2PO4– anions in the UV‐vis absorption spectra and displayed a phosphorescence “turn‐on” sensor for F–, CN–, CH3COO– and H2PO4– anions with different sensitivities. There is a substantial increase in emission intensity, quantum yield and luminescence lifetime is observed through deprotonation of the phenolic OH proton in 1–4 upon the addition of these anions. The signaling mechanism relies on the formation of acid‐base equilibrium through a set of well‐defined isosbestic points between 1–4 and anions, giving high equilibrium constants in the order F–>CN–>CH3COO–>H2PO4– with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. The selectivity and sensitivity towards F− were explained in terms of H‐bonding interaction between 1–4 and F−, then deprotonation of 1–4 by 1H NMR titration analysis. The excellent selectivity of 1–4 for F– is ascribed to the fitness in the acidity of its phenolic OH‐group, which is able to discern the subtle difference in the affinity of F–, CN–, CH3COO– and H2PO4–ions to OH proton of phenolic group.
Review of Carbon Materials for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Shanshan , Jin Bo , Zhai Xiaojie , Li Huan , Jiang Qing
Published: February 2018

Lithium‐sulfur battery as one of the most promising and attractive candidate among the emerging electrical energy storage has attracted enormous attentions. It has superior characteristics of high specific energy density (2600 Wh kg−1) and high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh g−1), which is equal to 3–5 times of lithium‐ion batteries, and more closed to the requirement of the pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Furthermore, sulfur element is inexpensive, naturally abundant, and environmentally friendly. However, the commercial application of lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) still faces some major technical obstacles such as the low electrical conductivity of sulfur, the shuttle effect of polysulfides, and the drastic volume expansion during charge/discharge process. In this review paper, we focus on some of the effective strategies in boosting the electrochemical performance of LSBs through the development of sulfur/carbon composite electrode materials, including the use of porous carbons, carbon nanotubes/fibers, and graphene. The integration of carbon materials and sulfur can efficiently improve the utilization of active materials, enhance the conductivity of cathode materials, and provide a polysulfides barrier. Simultaneously, the challenges and prospects on LSBs in the near future are also presented and discussed.
Efficient Catalyst‐Free Trans Sulfonamidation/Sulfonamide Metathesis under Mild Conditions
Authors: Ramkumar Rajagopal , Chandrasekaran Srinivasan
Published: February 2018

An efficient, catalyst‐free chemo selective protocol for the N‐tosyl metathesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles/ N‐tosyl heteroaromatic compounds with various amines at room temperature is reported. This effective procedure would be useful for the detosylation of 1,2,3‐triazoles/ N‐tosyl heteroaromatic compounds as well as N‐tosylation of amines.
Direct Visualization of Ligands Exchange on the Surfaces of Quantum Dots by a Two‐Phase Approach
Authors: Nie Xiaobo , Zhang Ying , Wang Xiaojuan , Ren Chunguang , Gao Shu‐Qin , Lin Ying‐Wu
Published: February 2018

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have a wide range of applications owing to their uniquely photoelectric performance. It is helpful to modify QDs with desired polymer chains for improving their steric stabilization and compatibilization. Although various strategies have been successfully developed to graft polymer chains onto the surfaces of QDs, few methods can directly monitor the process of grafting. In this study, we took advantages of the color labels of QDs and developed a simple and convenient “grafting‐to” method by ligand exchange, which occurred in a two‐phase system with direct visualization. Briefly, cadmium selenide@cadmium sulphide core‐shell QDs capped by n‐trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO‐CdSe@CdS QDs), dispersed in n‐hexane, and amino/thiol terminated polystyrene (PS‐NH2/PS‐SH), dissolved in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), were mixed to form a novel two‐phase system. A direct visualization of the QDs from n‐hexane to DMF confirmed the ligand exchange on the surfaces of QDs. Further evidences for the ligand exchange were provided by both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) studies, as well as by the grafting density of the PS on the surface of QDs. The PS‐grafted QDs can improve the compatibility with the polymers chemically or structurally similar to PS, which makes them useful as functional additives in the polymer matrix to construct nanocomposites with desired optical and mechanical properties.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Voltage‐Gated Human Kv11.1 Potassium Channels Interact through a Novel Mechanism
Authors: Piscopo Stefania , Brown Euan R.
Published: February 2018

Membrane–nanoparticle interactions are important in determining the effects of manufactured nanomaterials on cell physiology and pathology. Here, silica, titanium, zinc, and magnesium oxide nanoparticles are screened against human hERG (Kv11.1) voltage‐gated potassium channels under a whole‐cell voltage clamp. 10 µg mL−1 ZnO uniquely increases the amplitude of the steady‐state current, decreases the rate of hERG current inactivation during steady‐state depolarization, accelerates channel deactivation during resurgent tail currents, and shows no significant alteration of current activation rate or voltage dependence. In contrast, ZnCl2 causes increased current suppression with increasing concentration and fails to replicate the nanoparticle effect on decreasing inactivation. The results show a novel class of nanoparticle–biomembrane interaction involving channel gating rather than channel block, and have implications for the use of nanoparticles in biomedicine, drug delivery applications, and nanotoxicology.
Unravelling the Elusive Antiferromagnetic Order in Wurtzite and Zinc Blende CoO Polymorph Nanoparticles
Authors: Roca Alejandro G. , Golosovsky Igor V. , Winkler Elin , López‐Ortega Alberto , Estrader Marta , Zysler Roberto D. , Baró María Dolors , Nogués Josep
Published: February 2018

Although cubic rock salt‐CoO has been extensively studied, the magnetic properties of the main nanoscale CoO polymorphs (hexagonal wurtzite and cubic zinc blende structures) are rather poorly understood. Here, a detailed magnetic and neutron diffraction study on zinc blende and wurtzite CoO nanoparticles is presented. The zinc blende‐CoO phase is antiferromagnetic with a 3rd type structure in a face‐centered cubic lattice and a Néel temperature of TN (zinc‐blende) ≈225 K. Wurtzite‐CoO also presents an antiferromagnetic order, TN (wurtzite) ≈109 K, although much more complex, with a 2nd type order along the c‐axis but an incommensurate order along the y‐axis. Importantly, the overall magnetic properties are overwhelmed by the uncompensated spins, which confer the system a ferromagnetic‐like behavior even at room temperature.
A Monolithic Force‐Sensitive 3D Microgripper Fabricated on the Tip of an Optical Fiber Using 2‐Photon Polymerization
Authors: Power Maura , Thompson Alex J. , Anastasova Salzitsa , Yang Guang‐Zhong
Published: February 2018

Microscale robotic devices have myriad potential applications including drug delivery, biosensing, cell manipulation, and microsurgery. In this work, a tethered, 3D, compliant grasper with an integrated force sensor is presented, the entirety of which is fabricated on the tip of an optical fiber in a single‐step process using 2‐photon polymerization. This gripper can prove useful for the interrogation of biological microstructures such as alveoli, villi, or even individual cells. The position of the passively actuated grasper is controlled via micromanipulation of the optical fiber, and the microrobotic device measures approximately 100 µm in length and breadth. The force estimation is achieved using optical interferometry: high‐dimensional spectral readings are used to train artificial neural networks to predict the axial force exerted on/by the gripper. The design, characterization, and testing of the grasper are described and its real‐time force‐sensing capability with an accuracy below 2.7% of the maximum calibrated force is demonstrated.
Fatty Acid/Phospholipid Blended Membranes: A Potential Intermediate State in Protocellular Evolution
Authors: Jin Lin , Kamat Neha P. , Jena Siddhartha , Szostak Jack W.
Published: February 2018

Prior to the evolution of membrane proteins, intrinsic membrane stability and permeability to polar solutes are essential features of a primitive cell membrane. These features are difficult to achieve simultaneously in model protocells made of either pure fatty acid or phospholipid membranes, raising the intriguing question of how the transition from fatty acid to phospholipid membranes might have occurred while continuously supporting encapsulated reactions required for genomic replication. Here, the properties of a blended membrane system composed of both oleic acid (OA), a monoacyl fatty acid, and 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POPC), a diacyl phospholipid are described. This hybrid vesicle system exhibits high stability to divalent cations (Mg2+), while simultaneously maintaining its permeability to small charged molecules such as nucleotides and divalent ions such as Mg2+. This combination of features facilitates key reactions expected to occur during a transition from primitive to modern cells, including nonenzymatic RNA replication, and is also compatible with highly evolved functions such as the ribosomal translation of a protein. The observations support the hypothesis that the early transition from fatty acid to phospholipid membranes could be accomplished through intermediate states in which membranes are composed of amphiphile mixtures, and do not require protein transporters.
Electric Power Generation through the Direct Interaction of Pristine Graphene‐Oxide with Water Molecules
Authors: Xu Tong , Ding Xiaoteng , Shao Changxiang , Song Long , Lin Tengyu , Gao Xue , Xue Jiangli , Zhang Zhipan , Qu Liangti
Published: February 2018

Converting ubiquitous environmental energy into electric power holds tremendous social and financial interests. Traditional energy harvesters and converters are limited by the specific materials and complex configuration of devices. Herein, it is presented that electric power can be directly produced from pristine graphene oxide (GO) without any pretreatment or additives once encountering the water vapor, which will generate an open‐circuit‐voltage of up to 0.4–0.7 V and a short‐circuit‐current‐density of 2–25 µA cm−2 on a single piece of GO film. This phenomenon results from the directional movement of charged hydrogen ions through the GO film. The present work demonstrates and provides an extremely simple method for electric energy generation, which offers more applications of graphene‐based materials in green energy converting field.
Individual‐Based Modeling of Delta Smelt Population Dynamics in the Upper San Francisco Estuary III. Effects of Entrainment Mortality and Changes in Prey
Authors: Kimmerer Wim J. , Rose Kenneth A.
Published: February 2018

We used an individual‐based model, developed previously for the endangered, endemic Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus, to investigate two factors widely believed to affect its abundance in the San Francisco Estuary: entrainment in large water diversion facilities and declines and species shifts in their zooplankton prey. Previous analyses suggested that these factors had substantial effects on the Delta Smelt population, although evidence is accumulating that other factors, such as contaminants and predation, are also having effects. Simulations were performed for 1995–2005 with either entrainment mortality set to zero or zooplankton biomasses replaced with values sampled from pre‐decline years. The detailed individual‐based and spatial model output was summarized as the annual finite population growth rate (λ). Eliminating entrainment mortality increased the geometric mean λ by 39% through increased survival of larvae and adults. Substituting historical food for present‐day food resulted in variable annual λ values with a geometric mean that was 41% greater than the baseline value (14–81% across 10 alternative food scenarios). Historical food caused higher juvenile consumption and growth rates, leading to larger recruits, earlier maturity, and higher individual fecundity. These results were robust to four sets of simulations using alternative formulations for density dependence, mortality, maturity, and larval growth.
Nonsalmonid versus Salmonid Passage at Nature‐Like and Pool‐and‐Weir Fishways in Atlantic Canada, with Special Attention to Rainbow Smelt
Authors: Landsman Sean J. , McLellan Nic , Platts Jonathan , van den Heuvel Michael R.
Published: February 2018

In recent years, fish passage efforts have begun shifting away from targeting salmonids and instead toward passing entire fish communities, including nonsalmonids. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of a nature‐like fishway and a pool‐and‐weir fishway at passing Rainbow SmeltOsmerus mordax(2014 and 2016) and Brook TroutSalvelinus fontinalis(2015 and 2016). Both fishways are located at the same dam on the Glenfinnan River, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Fish werePIT‐tagged, and their movements were tracked using stationaryPITantennas. Results indicated that passage efficiency at the pool‐and‐weir fishway was 0% for Rainbow Smelt in both years. In contrast, 100% and 99.2% of Brook Trout passed the pool‐and‐weir fishway in 2015 and 2016, respectively. At the nature‐like fishway, the highest passage efficiency measured for Rainbow Smelt was 28.6% (2016) and was not significantly different between years. In comparison, 100% and 91.7% of Brook Trout passed the nature‐like fishway in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, attempts to improve attraction efficiency at the nature‐like fishway by directing more water toward the fishway's entrance and removing instream debris were made in 2015, but attraction efficiency did not differ between 2014 and 2016. Finally, Rainbow Smelt were also observed spawning throughout the nature‐like fishway. This study adds to the growing evidence that fishways designed specifically for salmonids can be inappropriate for nonsalmonids. Data indicate that although some passage of Rainbow Smelt was noted at the nature‐like fishway relative to the pool‐and‐weir fishway, overall passage was low. Future efforts directed at improving passage should focus on adjusting the entrance location of the nature‐like fishway. Despite low overall passage for Rainbow Smelt, the presence of spawning adults within the nature‐like fishway suggests that the fishway itself provides suitable spawning habitat and that fishway performance evaluation should take this into consideration.
Niclosamide, an oral antihelmintic drug, exhibits antimetastatic activity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through downregulating twist‐mediated CD10 expression
Authors: Chien Ming‐Hsien , Ho Yung‐Chuan , Yang Shun‐Fa , Yang Yi‐Chieh , Lai Szu‐Yu , Chen Wan‐Shen , Chen Ming‐Jenn , Yeh Chao‐Bin
Published: February 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world, especially, in eastern Asia, and its prognosis is poor once metastasis occurs. Niclosamide, a US Food and Drug Administration‐approved antihelmintic drug, was shown to inhibit the growth of various cancers including HCC, but the effect of niclosamide on cell motility and the underlying mechanism have not yet been completely defined. The present study demonstrated that niclosamide, at 0–40 nM, concentration‐dependently inhibited wound closure and the migratory/invasive capacities of human Huh7 and SK‐Hep‐1 HCC cells without exhibiting cytotoxicity. A protease array analysis showed that CD10 was dramatically downregulated in Huh7 cells after niclosamide treatment. Western blot and flow cytometric assays further demonstrated that CD10 expression was concentration‐dependently downregulated in Huh7 and SK‐Hep‐1 cells after niclosamide treatment. Mechanistic investigations found that niclosamide suppressed Twist‐mediated CD10 transactivation. Moreover, knockdown of CD10 expression by CD10 small interfering RNA in HCC cells suppressed cell migratory/invasive abilities and overexpression of CD10 relieved the migration inhibition induced by niclosamide. Taken together, our results indicated that niclosamide could be a potential agent for inhibiting metastasis of HCC, and CD10 is an important target of niclosamide for suppressing the motility of HCC cells.
Zielgruppenspezifische Darstellung von Hochwassergefahren und -risiko
Authors: Wenk Martin , Neuhold Clemens , Fuchs Sven
Published: February 2018

Mittels der Richtlinie 2007/60/EG über die Bewertung und das Management von Hochwasserrisiken soll der Übergang vom Hochwasserschutz hin zum Hochwasserrisikomanagement in den Ländern der Europäischen Union forciert werden. Die Erstellung von Hochwassergefahren- und Hochwasserrisikokarten folgt dabei der Zielsetzung, einerseits eine weitgehend homogene Darstellung von Hochwassergefahren und Hochwasserrisiken als Planungsgrundlage für die Mitgliedstaaten hervorzugbringen und andererseits ein Instrument zur Information der Bevölkerung über die individuelle Hochwassersituation zu etablieren. Als Informationsmedium sollen die Karten zur Bewusstseinsbildung in der Bevölkerung beitragen und Entscheidungsträgerinnen und -trägern eine Grundlage für Entschlüsse liefern. Bezüglich der Ausgestaltung der Hochwassergefahren- und Risikokarten bietet die Umsetzung der Hochwasserrichtlinie Flexibilität, da die Richtlinie entsprechend dem Subsidiaritätsprinzip den Mitgliedstaaten nur wenige spezifische Vorgaben und mehrheitlich einen Rahmen für die Darstellung der Inhalte vorgibt. Im folgenden Beitrag wird deshalb anhand der Situation in Österreich aufgezeigt, dass verschiedene Endnutzer unterschiedliche Bedürfnisse an Karteninhalte haben, und wie diese unterschiedlichen Bedürfnisse bei der Kartenerstellung berücksichtigt werden können. Abschließend finden sich Empfehlungen für eine zielgruppenspezifische Optimierung der für die Republik Österreich vorhandenen Karteninhalte und -darstellungen.
Disorders of spermatogenesis
Authors: Tüttelmann Frank , Ruckert Christian , Röpke Albrecht
Published: February 2018

Infertility is a common condition estimated to affect 10–15% of couples. The clinical causes are attributed in equal parts to the male and female partners. Diagnosing male infertility mostly relies on semen (and hormone) analysis, which results in classification into the two major phenotypes of oligo- and azoospermia. The clinical routine analyses have not changed over the last 20 years and comprise screening for chromosomal aberrations and Y‑chromosomal azoospermia factor deletions. These tests establish a causal genetic diagnosis in about 4% of unselected men in infertile couples and 20% of azoospermic men. Gene sequencing is currently only performed in very rare cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and the CFTR gene is routinely analysed in men with obstructive azoospermia. Still, a large number of genes have been proposed to be associated with male infertility by, for example, knock-out mouse models. In particular, those that are exclusively expressed in the testes are potential candidates for further analyses. However, the genome-wide analyses (a few array-CGH, six GWAS, and some small exome sequencing studies) performed so far have not lead to improved clinical diagnostic testing. In 2017, we started to routinely analyse the three validated male infertility genes: NR5A1, DMRT1, and TEX11. Preliminary analyses demonstrated highly likely pathogenic mutations in these genes as a cause of azoospermia in 4 men, equalling 5% of the 80 patients analysed so far, and increasing the diagnostic yield in this group to 25%. Over the past few years, we have observed a steep increase in publications on novel candidate genes for male infertility, especially in men with azoospermia. In addition, concerted efforts to achieve progress in elucidating genetic causes of male infertility and to introduce novel testing strategies into clinical routine have been made recently. Thus, we are confident that major breakthroughs concerning the genetics of male infertility will be achieved in the near future and will translate into clinical routine to improve patient/couple care.