bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Carbon Xerogels in the Production of Environmentally Friendly Urea Formaldehyde‐Bagasse Composites
Authors: Basta Altaf H. , El‐Saied Houssni , Baraka Amin M. , Lotfy Vivian F.
Published: March 2017

This work deals with evaluating the ability of new synthesized xerogel‐based activated carbons (XACs) to provide a low toxic urea‐formaldehyde adhesive system, as well as good quality bagasse‐composites. The xerogels were synthesized from resorcinol and different chain length aliphatic aldehydes. A preliminarily study was carried out to evaluate the adsorption capacity of formaldehyde by these investigated XACs. Differential scanning calorimetry, non‐isothermal thermogravimetric analysis, infra‐red spectra, gel time, and bond strength tests were carried out to evaluate the performance of XAC‐UF adhesive systems, in comparison with commercial UF. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bond strength, thickness swelling, and free‐HCHO of board were also examined to evaluate the quality of final bagasse‐composites. The results show that, the investigated XACs had a positive effect on the adsorption of formaldehyde. The HCHO‐adsorption capacities of XACs ranged from 111 to 200 mg/g XAC. However, butyraldehyde‐based XAC had higher formaldehyde adsorption capacity. Moreover, XACs led to an increase in thermal stability of the UF adhesive system and improved properties of the resulted bagasse composite. Greater improvement was noticed by applying butyraldehyde‐based XAC‐UF adhesive system. Its MOR (26.6 MPa) and MOE (4082 MPa) that exceeded the ANSI standard requirements for wood particleboard of class H‐3; while, its IB value (0.44 MPa) exceeded the M‐2 grade. Applying the butyraldehyde‐based XAC adhesive system also led to reduction of the free‐HCHO of the produced bagasse composite by approximately 38%.
Target Deconvolution Efforts on Wnt Pathway Screen Reveal Dual Modulation of Oxidative Phosphorylation and SERCA2
Authors: Casás‐Selves Matias , Zhang Andrew X. , Dowling James E. , Hallén Stefan , Kawatkar Aarti , Pace Nicholas J. , Denz Christopher R. , Pontz Timothy , Garahdaghi Farzin , Cao Qing , Sabirsh Alan , Thakur Kumar , O'Connell Nichole , Hu Jun , Cornella‐Taracido Iván , Weerapana Eranthie , Zinda Michael , Goodnow Robert A. , Castaldi M. Paola
Published: March 2017

Wnt signaling is critical for development, cell proliferation and differentiation, and mutations in this pathway resulting in constitutive signaling have been implicated in various cancers. A pathway screen using a Wnt‐dependent reporter identified a chemical series based on a 1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐5‐carboxamide (TDZ) core with sub‐micromolar potency. Herein we report a comprehensive mechanism‐of‐action deconvolution study toward identifying the efficacy target(s) and biological implication of this chemical series involving bottom‐up quantitative chemoproteomics, cell biology, and biochemical methods. Through observing the effects of our probes on metabolism and performing confirmatory cellular and biochemical assays, we found that this chemical series inhibits ATP synthesis by uncoupling the mitochondrial potential. Affinity chemoproteomics experiments identified sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+‐dependent ATPase (SERCA2) as a binding partner of the TDZ series, and subsequent validation studies suggest that the TDZ series can act as ionophores through SERCA2 toward Wnt pathway inhibition.
Specific and spatial labeling of P0‐Cre versus Wnt1‐Cre in cranial neural crest in early mouse embryos
Authors: Chen Guiqian , Ishan Mohamed , Yang Jingwen , Kishigami Satoshi , Fukuda Tomokazu , Scott Greg , Ray Manas K. , Sun Chenming , Chen Shi‐You , Komatsu Yoshihiro , Mishina Yuji , Liu Hong‐Xiang
Published: March 2017

P0‐Cre and Wnt1‐Cre mouse lines have been widely used in combination with loxP‐flanked mice to label and genetically modify neural crest (NC) cells and their derivatives. Wnt1‐Cre has been regarded as the gold standard and there have been concerns about the specificity of P0‐Cre because it is not clear about the timing and spatial distribution of the P0‐Cre transgene in labeling NC cells at early embryonic stages. We re‐visited P0‐Cre and Wnt1‐Cre models in the labeling of NC cells in early mouse embryos with a focus on cranial NC. We found that R26‐lacZ Cre reporter responded to Cre activity more reliably than CAAG‐lacZ Cre reporter during early embryogenesis. Cre immunosignals in P0‐Cre and reporter (lacZ and RFP) activity in P0‐Cre/R26‐lacZ and P0‐Cre/R26‐RFP embryos was detected in the cranial NC and notochord regions in E8.0–9.5 (4–19 somites) embryos. P0‐Cre transgene expression was observed in migrating NC cells and was more extensive in the forebrain and hindbrain but not apparent in the midbrain. Differences in the Cre distribution patterns of P0‐Cre and Wnt1‐Cre were profound in the midbrain and hindbrain regions, that is, extensive in the midbrain of Wnt1‐Cre and in the hindbrain of P0‐Cre embryos. The difference between P0‐Cre and Wnt1‐Cre in labeling cranial NC may provide a better explanation of the differential distributions of their NC derivatives and of the phenotypes caused by Cre‐driven genetic modifications.
Improving the assessment of predator functional responses by considering alternate prey and predator interactions
Authors: Chan K. , Boutin S. , Hossie T. J. , Krebs C. J. , O'Donoghue M. , Murray D. L.
Published: March 2017

To improve understanding of the complex and variable patterns of predator foraging behavior in natural systems, it is critical to determine how density‐dependent predation and predator hunting success are mediated by alternate prey or predator interference. Despite considerable theory and debate seeking to place predator–prey interactions in a more realistic context, few empirical studies have quantified the role of alternate prey or intraspecific interactions on predator–prey dynamics. We assessed functional responses of two similarly sized, sympatric carnivores, lynx (Lynx canadensis) and coyotes (Canis latrans), foraging on common primary (snowshoe hares;Lepus americanus) and alternate (red squirrels;Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) prey in a natural system. Lynx exhibited a hyperbolic prey‐dependent response to changes in hare density, which is characteristic of predators relying primarily on a single prey species. In contrast, the lynx–squirrel response was found to be linear ratio dependent, or inversely dependent on hare density. The coyote–hare and coyote–squirrel interactions also were linear and influenced by predator density. We explain these novel results by apparent use of spatial and temporal refuges by prey, and the likelihood that predators commonly experience interference and lack of satiation when foraging. Our study provides empirical support from a natural predator–prey system that (1) predation rate may not be limited at high prey densities when prey are small or rarely captured; (2) interference competition may influence the predator functional response; and (3) predator interference has a variable role across different prey types. Ultimately, distinct functional responses of predators to different prey types illustrates the complexity associated with predator–prey interactions in natural systems and highlights the need to investigate predator behavior and predation rate in relation to the broader ecological community.
Robustness of metacommunities with omnivory to habitat destruction: disentangling patch fragmentation from patch loss
Authors: Liao Jinbao , Bearup Daniel , Wang Yeqiao , Nijs Ivan , Bonte Dries , Li Yuanheng , Brose Ulrich , Wang Shaopeng , Blasius Bernd
Published: March 2017

Habitat destruction, characterized by patch loss and fragmentation, is a major driving force of species extinction, and understanding its mechanisms has become a central issue in biodiversity conservation. Numerous studies have explored the effect of patch loss on food web dynamics, but ignored the critical role of patch fragmentation. Here we develop an extended patch‐dynamic model for a tri‐trophic omnivory system with trophic‐dependent dispersal in fragmented landscapes. We found that species display different vulnerabilities to both patch loss and fragmentation, depending on their dispersal range and trophic position. The resulting trophic structure varies depending on the degree of habitat loss and fragmentation, due to a tradeoff between bottom‐up control on omnivores (dominated by patch loss) and dispersal limitation on intermediate consumers (dominated by patch fragmentation). Overall, we find that omnivory increases system robustness to habitat destruction relative to a simple food chain.
Integrating count and detection–nondetection data to model population dynamics
Authors: Zipkin Elise F. , Rossman Sam , Yackulic Charles B. , Wiens J. David , Thorson James T. , Davis Raymond J. , Grant Evan H. Campbell
Published: March 2017

There is increasing need for methods that integrate multiple data types into a single analytical framework as the spatial and temporal scale of ecological research expands. Current work on this topic primarily focuses on combining capture–recapture data from marked individuals with other data types into integrated population models. Yet, studies of species distributions and trends often rely on data from unmarked individuals across broad scales where local abundance and environmental variables may vary. We present a modeling framework for integrating detection–nondetection and count data into a single analysis to estimate population dynamics, abundance, and individual detection probabilities during sampling. Our dynamic population model assumes that site‐specific abundance can change over time according to survival of individuals and gains through reproduction and immigration. The observation process for each data type is modeled by assuming that every individual present at a site has an equal probability of being detected during sampling processes. We examine our modeling approach through a series of simulations illustrating the relative value of count vs. detection–nondetection data under a variety of parameter values and survey configurations. We also provide an empirical example of the model by combining long‐term detection–nondetection data (1995–2014) with newly collected count data (2015–2016) from a growing population of Barred Owl (Strix varia) in the Pacific Northwest to examine the factors influencing population abundance over time. Our model provides a foundation for incorporating unmarked data within a single framework, even in cases where sampling processes yield different detection probabilities. This approach will be useful for survey design and to researchers interested in incorporating historical or citizen science data into analyses focused on understanding how demographic rates drive population abundance.
Habitat size modulates the influence of heterogeneity on species richness patterns in a model zooplankton community
Authors: Schuler Matthew S. , Chase Jonathan M. , Knight Tiffany M.
Published: March 2017

Habitat heterogeneity is a primary mechanism influencing species richness. Despite the general expectation that increased heterogeneity should increase species richness, there is considerable variation in the observed relationship, including many studies that show negative effects of heterogeneity on species richness. One mechanism that can create such disparate results is the predicted trade‐off between habitat area and heterogeneity, sometimes called the area‐heterogeneity‐trade‐off (AHTO) hypothesis. The AHTO hypothesis predicts positive effects of heterogeneity on species richness in large habitats, but negative effects in small habitats. We examined the interplay between habitat size and habitat heterogeneity in experimental mesocosms that mimic freshwater ponds, and measured responses in a species‐rich zooplankton community. We used the AHTO hypothesis and related mechanisms to make predictions about how heterogeneity would affect species richness and diversity in large compared to small habitats. We found that heterogeneity had a positive influence on species richness in large, but not small habitats, and that this likely resulted because habitat specialists were able to persist only when habitat size was sufficiently large, consistent with the predictions of the AHTO hypothesis. Our results emphasize the importance of considering context (e.g., habitat size in this case) when investigating the relative importance of ecological drivers of diversity, like heterogeneity.
Improved sensitivity by post‐column chemical environment modification of CE‐ESI‐MS using a flow‐through microvial interface
Authors: Risley Jessica May , Chen David Da Yong
Published: March 2017

Post‐column chemical environment modification can affect detection sensitivity and signal appearance when capillary electrophoresis is coupled through electrospray ionization to mass spectrometry (CE‐ESI‐MS). In this study, changes in the signal intensity and peak shape of N‐Acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) were examined when the modifier solution used in a flow‐through microvial interface for CE‐ESI‐MS was prepared using an acidic or basic background electrolyte (BGE) composition. The use of a basic modifier resulted in improved detection compared to the results obtained when an acidic modifier was used in negative ion mode. Increased sensitivity and more symmetrical peak shape were obtained. Using an acidic modifier, the LOD of Neu5Ac was 47.7 nM, whereas for a basic modifier, the LOD of Neu5Ac was 5.20 nM. The calculated asymmetry factor at 100 nM of Neu5Ac ranged from 0.71 to 1.5 when an acidic modifier was used, while the factor ranged from 1.0 to 1.1 when a basic modifier was used. Properly chosen post‐column chemical modification can have a significant effect on the performance of the CE‐MS system.
An Improved Multievaporator Adsorption Desalination Cycle for Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad W. , Ng Kim C.
Published: March 2017

In Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, cogeneration‐based desalination processes consume almost 25 % of the total annual energy, and this number increases annually by 2.2 %. The high demand for fresh water can be attributed to the high gross domestic product growth rate, 24 %, and high water languishes, which are more than 10 %. Over the past two decades, GCC countries have spent tens of billions of dollars to expand their present and planned desalination capacities. It is foreseeable that with a business‐as‐usual scenario, the domestic oil consumption of Saudi Arabia may exceed its production capacity by 2040. Innovative and sustainable water production solutions are urgently needed for future water supplies without an environment impact. In this paper, a hybrid desalination cycle is proposed by integrating a cascade evaporator (CE) system with an adsorption (AD) cycle. In this new innovative cycle, desorbed vapors from the AD are supplied to the CE to exploit the latent condensation energy within the evaporators arranged in both pressure and temperature cascades to improve the performance ratio of the cycle. Water production is improved more than tenfold with the hybrid cycle relative to that observed for the conventional AD cycle owing to a synergetic effect. This concept is demonstrated in a laboratory pilot plant with a cascade of three evaporators and simulation of eight evaporators.
Three‐Component Functional Additive in a LiPF6‐Based Carbonate Electrolyte for a High‐Voltage LiCoO2/Graphite Battery System
Authors: Pang Chunguang , Xu Gaojie , An Weizhong , Ding Guoliang , Liu Xiaochen , Chai Jingchao , Ma Jun , Liu Haisheng , Cui Guanglei
Published: March 2017

The effectiveness of multicomponent functional additives on the performances of lithium ion batteries has received increasing attention. Tris(2H‐hexafluoroisopropyl) borate (THFPB) additive can totally suppress the appearance of a crystallized complex between LiPF6 and adiponitrile (ADN). Herein, ADN, THFPB, and cyclohexylbenzene are demonstrated to be an effective three‐component functional additive in LiPF6‐based carbonate electrolyte that improves the cyclability and rate capabilities of LiCoO2/graphite full cells charged to 4.4, 4.45, and 4.5 V, respectively. By systematic characterization, it is demonstrated rationally that, with the help of the three‐component functional additive, the electrolyte is stabilized and new types of less resistant, thinner, more protective solid–electrolyte interfaces are constructed simultaneously on the surfaces of both electrodes.
Hydrogen sulfide removal via appropriate metal ions dosing in anaerobic digestion
Authors: Lin Hongjian , King Amelia , Williams Nicholas , Hu Bo
Published: March 2017

The presence of high levels of sulfate and metal ions (e.g., iron and copper), introduced with substrate feeding or by chemical or electrochemical pretreatment, may impose complex chemical and biological interactions in anaerobic digestion. To effectively investigate the effects of those ions on anaerobic digesters, this study used dairy manure as the model substrate and applied response surface methodology for design and data analysis. The response variables evaluated in this study included H2S concentration and production, biomethane and carbon dioxide production, and acetate and total volatile fatty acids in digestate. Ferrous was found effective in controlling H2S concentration, while cupric lost its effectiveness at the end of 45 days digestion. It was found that copper and sulfate exerted severe inhibition to overall microbial activities as well as methane generation. Ferrous showed slight inhibition on methane generation at baseline concentrations of the other additives, but stimulated methane production when VS (dairy manure fiber) content was high. Co‐digestion of feedstock introducing sulfate and copper components should be cautiously done in order to maintain high performance of digester. To the contrary, Fe can be effective both in sulfide control and methane production stimulation, and is recommended for use in anaerobic digestion that requires sulfide control when digestion substrate contains high levels of lignocellulosic biomass. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1405–1416, 2017
Development of the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0
Authors: Schulte Erica M. , Gearhardt Ashley N.
Published: March 2017

The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) operationalizes indicators of addictive‐like eating, originally based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition Text Revision (DSM‐IV‐TR) criteria for substance‐use disorders. The YFAS has multiple adaptations, including a briefer scale (mYFAS). Recently, the YFAS 2.0 was developed to reflect changes to diagnostic criteria in the DSM‐5. The current study developed a briefer version of the YFAS 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) using the participant sample from the YFAS 2.0 validation paper (n = 536). Then, in an independent sample recruited from Mechanical Turk, 213 participants completed the mYFAS 2.0, YFAS 2.0, and measures of eating‐related constructs in order to evaluate the psychometric properties of the mYFAS 2.0, relative to the YFAS 2.0. The mYFAS 2.0 and YFAS 2.0 performed similarly on indexes of reliability, convergent validity with related constructs (e.g. weight cycling), discriminant validity with distinct measures (e.g. dietary restraint) and incremental validity evidenced by associations with frequency of binge eating beyond a measure of disinhibited eating. The mYFAS 2.0 may be an appropriate choice for studies prioritizing specificity when assessing for addictive‐like eating or when a briefer measurement of food addiction is needed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Narrow‐band imaging in transoral laser surgery for early glottic cancer in relation to clinical outcome
Authors: Plaat Boudewijn E. C. , Zwakenberg Manon A. , van Zwol Joost G. , Wedman Jan , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M. , Halmos György B. , Dikkers Frederik G.
Published: March 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to validate the prognostic value of adding narrow‐band imaging (NBI) during transoral laser surgery (TLS) for early glottic cancer.

Methods

In 84 patients, 93 transoral laser resections were performed for carcinoma in situ (Tcis), T1, or T2 glottic cancer. TLS was preceded by intraoperative evaluation using traditional white‐light imaging (WLI) in 51 cases. In 42 cases, NBI was used in addition to WLI. Local recurrence rate and recurrence‐free survival were retrospectively compared between both groups.

Results

Local recurrences developed in 14% of the 93 cases: 12 of 51 patients (24%) were treated by TLS based on WLI alone, and in 1 of 42 patients (2%) in the NBI group (P < .01). Two‐year recurrence‐free survival was 82% in the WLI group and 98% in the NBI group (P < .05).

Conclusion

Additional use of NBI during TLS for early glottic cancer significantly improves clinical outcome.
Endocavitary sonography of early oral cavity malignant tumors
Authors: Angelelli Giuseppe , Moschetta Marco , Limongelli Luisa , Albergo Annamaria , Lacalendola Emanuela , Brindicci Francesco , Favia Gianfranco , Maiorano Eugenio
Published: March 2017

Background

Preoperative staging is crucial for oral cancer management. The purpose of this study was to assess the tumor thickness using ultrasound and to correlate the level of histological infiltration with the tumor superficial extension and lesion thickness.

Methods

Thirty‐two subjects affected by oral cavity carcinoma were prospectively evaluated with intraoral ultrasound. The ultrasound sensitivity, the correlation between the ultrasound level of infiltration, and lesion diameters and thickness were assessed.

Results

A 91% ultrasound sensitivity was found with no significant correlation between tumor diameter and level of histological infiltration (P >.05). A thickness of <2 mm was associated to tumor extension to the lamina propria, a value of >6 mm to muscular layer infiltration. Lymph adenopathies were identified in 21% of cases, associated to muscular layer infiltration in all cases.

Conclusion

In the study of early oral cavity tumors, ultrasound is accurate for demonstrating the level of tumor infiltration and contributes to the therapeutic choice.
Role of mucosal high‐risk human papillomavirus types in head and neck cancers in central India
Authors: Gheit Tarik , Anantharaman Devasena , Holzinger Dana , Alemany Laia , Tous Sara , Lucas Eric , Prabhu Priya Ramesh , Pawlita Michael , Ridder Ruediger , Rehm Susanne , Bogers Johannes , Maffini Fausto , Chiocca Susanna , Lloveras Belén , Kumar Rekha Vijay , Somanathan Thara , de Sanjosé Silvia , Castellsagué Xavier , Arbyn Marc , Brennan Paul , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Pillai Madhavan Radhakrishna , Gangane Nitin , Tommasino Massimo ,   the HPV‐AHEAD study group
Published: March 2017

Mucosal high‐risk (HR) human papillomaviruses (HPV) cause a subset of head and neck cancers (HNC). The HPV‐attributable fraction of HNC varies substantially between countries. Although HNC has a very high incidence in the Indian subcontinent, information on the contribution of HPV infection is limited. Here, we evaluated the HPV‐attributable fraction in HNC (N = 364) collected in a central region of India. HNC from three different anatomical subsites were included, namely, oral cavity (n = 252), oropharynx (n = 53) and hypopharynx/larynx (n = 59). In this retrospective study, HPV‐driven HNC were defined by presence of both viral DNA and RNA. Overexpression of p16INK4a was also evaluated. HR‐HPV DNA was detected in 13.7% of the cases; however, only 2.7% were positive for both HPV DNA and RNA. The highest percentage of HPV DNA/RNA double positivity was found in oropharynx (9.4%), followed by larynx (1.7%) and oral cavity (1.6%) (p = 0.02). More than half of HPV DNA/RNA‐positive cases were p16INK4a‐negative, while a considerable number of HPV RNA‐negative cases were p16INK4a‐positive (17.9%). HPV16 was the major type associated with HNC (60.0%), although cases positive for HPV18, 35 and 56 were also detected. Our data indicate that the proportion and types of mucosal HR‐HPV associated with HNC in this central Indian region differ from those in other (developed) parts of the world. This may be explained by differences in smoking and/or sexual behaviour compared with North America and northern Europe. Moreover, we show that p16INK4a staining appeared not to be a good surrogate marker of HPV transformation in the Indian HNC cases.
BPS804 Anti-Sclerostin Antibody in Adults With Moderate Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Results of a Randomized Phase 2a Trial
Authors: Glorieux Francis H , Devogelaer Jean-Pierre , Durigova Michaela , Goemaere Stefan , Hemsley Sarah , Jakob Franz , Junker Uwe , Ruckle Jon , Seefried Lothar , Winkle Peter J
Published: March 2017

This 21-week, open-label, phase 2a trial aimed to evaluate the pharmacodynamics and safety of multiple, escalating infusions of BPS804, a neutralizing, anti-sclerostin antibody, in adults with moderate osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Patients received BPS804 (three escalating doses each separated by 2 weeks [5, 10, and 20 mg/kg]) or no treatment (reference group). The primary efficacy endpoints were mean changes from baseline to day 43 in: procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), procollagen type 1 C-terminal propeptide (P1CP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), osteocalcin (OC), and type 1 collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX-1). Mean change from baseline to day 141 in lumbar spine areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was also assessed. BPS804 safety and tolerability were assessed every 2 weeks. Overall, 14 adults were enrolled (BPS804 group: n = 9, mean age 30.7 years, mean aBMD Z-score –2.6; reference group, n = 5, mean age 27.4 years, mean aBMD Z-score –2.2). In the BPS804 group, P1NP, P1CP, BSAP, and OC were increased by 84% (p < 0.001), 53% (p = 0.003), 59% (p < 0.001), and 44% (p = 0.012), respectively, versus baseline (reference: P1NP, +6% [p = 0.651]; P1CP, +5% [p = 0.600]; BSAP, –13% [p = 0.582]; OC, –19% [p = 0.436]). BPS804 treatment downregulated CTX-1 by 44% from baseline (reference: –7%; significance was not tested for this biomarker), and increased aBMD by 4% (p = 0.038; reference group: +1%; p = 0.138). BPS804 was generally well tolerated. There were 32 adverse events reported in nine patients; none was suspected to be treatment-related. There were no treatment-related fractures. BPS804 stimulates bone formation, reduces bone resorption, and increases lumbar spine aBMD in adults with moderate OI. This paves the way for a longer-term, phase 3 trial into the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of BPS804 in patients with OI. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Quality evaluation of ultra‐thin samples: Application to graphene
Authors: Cui K. , Bosnick K. , Indoe R. , Malac M. , Mcleod R. A.
Published: March 2017

Many new materials emerging are strictly two dimensional (2D), often only one or two monolayers thick. They include transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS2, and graphene. Graphene in particular appears to have many potential applications. Typically the crystalline film without contamination is of interest. Therefore, a reliable method is needed to routinely evaluate the quality of the synthesized samples. Here, we present one such candidate method that utilizes standard electron diffraction and low/medium magnification imaging in a rudimentary transmission electron microscope. The electron irradiation dose is very low thus reducing electron irradiation damage of the investigated samples. As an example, the method was applied to the evaluation of as‐grown graphene sample quality and a study on heating‐induced change in graphene. It can be used to evaluate the volume and areal ratio of crystalline to noncrystalline component. The method is amiable to automated film quality evaluation.
Percutaneous and endoscopic gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis: international multicenter comparative study using propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Itoi Takao , Takada Tadahiro , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Endo Itaru , Akazawa Kohei , Miura Fumihiko , Chen Miin‐Fu , Jan Yi‐Yin , Ker Chen‐Guo , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Gomi Harumi , Yokoe Masamichi , Kiriyama Seiki , Wada Keita , Yamaue Hiroki , Miyazaki Masaru , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: March 2017

Background

Tokyo Guideline 2013 (TG13) proposed three drainage techniques for the treatment of acute cholecystitis. We evaluated the clinical efficacy and adverse events between percutaneous transhepatic intervention (PTGBI) including percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration (PTGBA) and endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (EGBD).

Methods

A cohort study was performed using propensity score matching to reduce treatment selection bias. This involved the analysis of collected data for 1,764 patients who underwent PTGBI and EGBD.

Results

Propensity score matching extracted 330 pairs of patients. The difference in the clinical success rate within 3 days between PTGBI and EGBD were 62.5% and 69.8%, respectively (P = 0.085). The differences in the suboptimal clinical success rates within 7 days between PTGBI and EGBD were 87.6% and 89.2% (P = 0.579). The differences in the complication rate between PTGBI and EGBD were 4.8% and 8.2% (P = 0.083). The differences in the complication rate among PTGBD, PTGBA and EGBD were 5.6%, 1.6% and 8.2% (P = 0.11). Median required days of PTGBD (3.0 days) was significantly longer than those of PTGBA and EGBD (1.5 and 2.0 days, respectively) (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The current study showed the PTGBI showed similar clinical efficacy compared with EGBD without significant discrepancy of complication rate for the treatment of acute cholecystitis.
Morphological novelty and modest developmental truncation in Barboides, Africa's smallest vertebrates (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: Conway Kevin W. , Kubicek Kole M. , Britz Ralf
Published: March 2017

Miniaturization, the evolution of extremely small adult body size, is widespread amongst animals and commonly associated with novel ecological, physiological, and morphological attributes. The phenotypes of miniaturized taxa are noteworthy because they combine reductions and structural simplifications with novel traits not developed in their larger relatives. Previous research on miniature cyprinid fishes (focused predominantly on South and South East Asian taxa of a single subfamily) has identified two distinct classes of miniature taxa: proportioned dwarves and developmentally truncated miniatures. Miniaturization has also occurred independently in the subfamily Cyprininae, particularly in African lineages. We investigate the skeletal anatomy of Barboides, a genus of miniature African cyprinids that includes Africa's smallest known species of vertebrates, to assess whether miniaturization has resulted in similar organismal outcomes in different lineages of the Cyprinidae. The skeleton of Barboides is characterized by the complete absence of a number of dermal and endochondral ossifications, and marked reduction in size and/or complexity of other skeletal elements, particularly those of the dermatocranium. Absent skeletal elements in Barboides include those which develop relatively late in the ossification sequence of the non‐miniature African relative ‘Barbus’ holotaenia suggesting that their absence in Barboides can be explained by a simple scenario of developmental truncation. In contrast to this theme of loss and reduction, the os suspensorium of Barboides is enlarged and the outer arm distally trifid and associated with a novel bulbous muscle in males. An evaluation of the skeleton of Barboides provides further evidence for a link between developmental truncation and evolutionary morphological novelty in Cyprinidae. In the spectrum of miniature cyprinids ranging from proportioned dwarves with few bones missing to highly progenetic taxa with dozens of missing bones, the two species of Barboides range roughly in the middle showing that the extremes are connected by intermediate levels of truncatedness.
Controllable Synthesis of Multiarm Star‐Shaped Copolymers Composed of Phosphoester Chains and Their Application on Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhang Li , Shi Dongjian , Shi Chunling , Dong Liangliang , Li Xiaojie , Chen Mingqing
Published: March 2017

Novel biodegradable polymers with specific properties, structures, and tailorable designs or modifications are in great demand. Poly(phosphoester)s with good biocompatibility and degradability, as well as other adjustable properties have been studied widely because of their potential in biomedical applications. To meet more versatile and diverse biomedical applications, a novel multiarm star‐shaped phosphorester triblock copolymer poly(amido amine)‐block‐poly(2‐butynyl phospholane)‐block‐poly(2‐methoxy phospholane) (PAMAM‐PBYP‐PMP) is synthesized via organo‐catalyzed sequential ring‐opening polymerization. Supramolecular micelles with good architectural stability are self‐assembled into uniform spherical morphology in aqueous solution. Doxorubicin (DOX) can be encapsulated into the micelles with efficient loading capacity. A slow and sustained release in the environment of simulated intracellular lysosome (pH 5.0 with phosphodiesterase I) is observed. In addition, the copolymers and DOX‐loaded supramolecular micelles exhibit low cell‐toxicity and excellent anticancer activity toward HeLa cells. As a consequence, this multiarm star‐shaped PAMAM‐PBYP‐PMP has great potential in drug delivery system for tumor treatment.

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Physicochemical Characterization of the Shell Composition of PBCA‐Based Polymeric Microbubbles
Authors: Appold Lia , Shi Yang , Rütten Stephan , Kühne Alexander , Pich Andrij , Kiessling Fabian , Lammers Twan
Published: March 2017

Microbubbles (MB) are routinely used as contrast agents for ultrasound (US) imaging. In recent years, MB have also attracted interest as drug delivery systems. Soft‐shelled lipidic MB tend to be more advantageous for US imaging, while hard‐shelled polymeric MB appear to be more suitable for drug delivery purposes because of their thicker shell and the resulting higher drug loading capacity. The physicochemical composition of the shell of polymeric MB, however, remains largely unknown. This study sets out to evaluate the molecular weight and polydispersity of the building blocks constituting the shell of poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) MB. Several different PBCA MB were synthesized, varying preparation parameters such as pH, surfactant, stirring speed, and stirring time. Using gel permeation chromatography, it is found that the number average molecular weight (M
n) of the polymer chains in the shell of PBCA MB is 4 kDa, and that >99% of the polymer chains are below 40 kDa. This demonstrates that virtually all polymeric building blocks in the shell of PBCA MB have a size which allows for renal excretion, thereby supporting their use for drug delivery applications.

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Synthesis of Syndiotactic Macrocyclic Poly(methyl methacrylate) via Transformation of the Growing Terminal in Stereospecific Anionic Polymerization
Authors: Usuki Naoya , Satoh Kotaro , Kamigaito Masami
Published: March 2017

In this study, the synthesis of well‐defined cyclic syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (st‐PMMA) is investigated by transformation of the growing terminal in stereospecific anionic polymerization. st‐PMMA is first synthesized by living syndiospecific anionic polymerization in tetrahydrofuran at a low temperature, which is started with a protected‐alkyne initiator prepared in situ by metal‐halogen exchange reaction of an α‐haloester bearing a pendent protected‐alkyne with 1,1‐diphenylhexyl lithium. The anionic polymerization is terminated with halogenation of the growing enolate terminal by CBrCl3. The terminal halogen of the obtained st‐PMMA is further converted into azide group, which is subsequently employed in the intramolecular copper‐catalyzed click reaction in high dilution with the alkyne‐initiating terminal after deprotection. The macrocyclic st‐PMMA is confirmed by 1H NMR, size exclusion chromatography, and MALDI‐TOF MS analyses.

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Bandgap‐Tuning in Triple‐Chalcogenophene Polymer Films by Thermal Annealing
Authors: González Daniel Moseguí , Raftopoulos Konstantinos N. , He Gang , Papadakis Christine M. , Brown Alex , Rivard Eric , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter
Published: March 2017

The authors study adjustable bandgap properties of the novel triple chalcogenophene‐based polymer poly‐(3‐hexyl‐2(3‐(4‐hexylthiophene‐2‐yl)‐4,5‐butylselenophene‐1‐yl)‐5‐(4,5‐butyltellurophene‐1‐yl)thiophene) through a combination of morphological, spectroscopic, and computational techniques. The bandgap can be tuned after polymerization by means of mild temperature annealing, which will allow for a partnership with a broader range of donor/acceptor molecules, a property that makes it potentially suitable for organic photovoltaic implementation. The bandgap is modified by selection of the annealing temperatures, and the process is arguably related to the aggregation of tellurophene units, as similar effects are observed in polytellurophenes. Moreover, adequate chemistry engineering ensures easy solution processability and attainment of homogeneous films, which is also essential for applications.

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Optimal division of inventory between depot and bases
Authors: Amrani Hadar , Khmelnitsky Eugene
Published: March 2017

We consider a problem of optimal division of stock between a logistic depot and several geographically dispersed bases, in a two‐echelon supply chain. The objective is to minimize the total cost of inventory shipment, taking into account direct shipments between the depot and the bases, and lateral transshipments between bases. We prove the convexity of the objective function and suggest a procedure for identifying the optimal solution. Small‐dimensional cases, as well as a limit case in which the number of bases tends to infinity, are solved analytically for arbitrary distributions of demand. For a general case, an approximation is suggested. We show that, in many practical cases, partial pooling is the best strategy, and large proportions of the inventory should be kept at the bases rather than at the depot. The analytical and numerical examples show that complete pooling is obtained only as a limit case in which the transshipment cost tends to infinity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 64: 3–18, 2017
Noninvasive evaluation of renal pH homeostasis after ischemia reperfusion injury by CEST‐MRI
Authors: Longo Dario Livio , Cutrin Juan Carlos , Michelotti Filippo , Irrera Pietro , Aime Silvio
Published: March 2017

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice caused by sustained ischemia followed by reperfusion is associated with acute tubular necrosis and renal dysfunctional blood flow. Although the principal role of the kidney is the maintenance of acid–base balance, current imaging approaches are unable to assess this important parameter, and clinical biomarkers are not robust enough in evaluating the severity of kidney damage. Therefore, novel noninvasive imaging approaches are needed to assess the acid–base homeostasis in vivo. This study investigates the usefulness of MRI‐chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) pH imaging (through iopamidol injection) in characterizing moderate and severe AKI in mice following unilateral ischemia reperfusion injury. Moderate (20 min) and severe (40 min) ischemia were induced in Balb/C mice, which were imaged at several time points thereafter (Days 0, 1, 2, 7). A significant increase of renal pH values was observed as early as one day after the ischemia reperfusion damage for both moderate and severe ischemia. MRI‐CEST pH imaging distinguished the evolution of moderate from severe AKI. A recovery of normal renal pH values was observed for moderate AKI, whereas a persisting renal pH increase was observed for severe AKI on Day 7. Renal filtration fraction was significantly lower for clamped kidneys (0.54–0.57) in comparison to contralateral kidneys (0.84–0.86) following impairment of glomerular filtration. The severe AKI group showed a reduced filtration fraction even after 7 days (0.38 for the clamped kidneys). Notably, renal pH values were significantly correlated with the histopathological score. In conclusion, MRI‐CEST pH mapping is a valid tool for the noninvasive evaluation of both acid–base balance and renal filtration in patients with ischemia reperfusion injury.
Boys have caught up, family influences still continue: Influences on executive functioning and behavioral self‐regulation in elementary students in Germany
Authors: Gunzenhauser Catherine , Saalbach Henrik , von Suchodoletz Antje
Published: March 2017

The development of self‐regulation is influenced by various child‐level and family‐level characteristics. Previous research focusing on the preschool period has reported a female advantage in self‐regulation and negative effects of various adverse features of the family environment on self‐regulation. The present study aimed to investigate growth in self‐regulation (i.e., executive functioning and behavioral self‐regulation) over 1 school year during early elementary school and to explore the influences of child sex, the level of home chaos, and family educational resources on self‐regulation. Participants were 263 German children (51% boys; mean age 8.59 years, SD = 0.56 years). Data were collected during the fall and spring of the school year. A computer‐based standardized test battery was used to assess executive functioning. Caregiver ratings assessed children's behavioral self‐regulation and information on the family's home environment (chaotic home environment and educational resources). Results suggest growth in elementary school children's executive functioning over the course of the school year. However, there were no significant changes in children's behavioral self‐regulation between the beginning and the end of Grade 3. Sex differences in executive functioning and behavioral self‐regulation were found, suggesting an advantage for boys. Educational resources in the family but not chaotic family environment were significantly related to self‐regulation at both time‐points. Children from families with more educational resources scored higher on self‐regulation measures compared to their counterparts from less advantaged families. We did not find evidence for child‐level or family‐level characteristics predicting self‐regulation growth over time. Findings suggest that the male disadvantage in self‐regulation documented in previous studies might be specific to characteristics of the sample and the context in which the data were collected. Adequate self‐regulation skills should be fostered in both girls and boys. Results also add to the importance of supporting self‐regulation development in children from disadvantaged family backgrounds early in life.
Cognitive self‐regulation and social functioning among French children: A longitudinal study from kindergarten to first grade
Authors: Hubert Blandine , Guimard Philippe , Florin Agnès
Published: March 2017

This study adds to the body of research examining the links between two components of cognitive self‐regulation (inhibitory control and verbal working memory) and social functioning (social integration, social problem solving, and prosocial skills) and focuses on children's sex as a moderator of the association between cognitive self‐regulation and social functioning. The participants (N = 131) were French schoolchildren followed from kindergarten (Mage = 68.36 months, SD = 3.33 months) through Grade 1. Using hierarchical regression analyses, three major findings were revealed: (1) inhibitory control was a better predictor than verbal working memory of prosocial skills assessed by peers using the sociometric technique as well as by teachers using questionnaires, after controlling for sex, mother's education, and verbal and non‐verbal IQ; (2) the prosocial skills assessed by teachers in kindergarten contributed more to explaining the prosocial skills and peer acceptance assessed in Grade 1 than cognitive self‐regulation; and (3) sex did not moderate the relationship between cognitive self‐regulation and social functioning. These results suggest that developing strong cognitive self‐regulation, especially inhibitory control and prosocial skills, in young children schooled in France could be beneficial for their social development.
Incorporating Copper Nanoclusters into Metal‐Organic Frameworks: Confinement‐Assisted Emission Enhancement and Application for Trinitrotoluene Detection
Authors: Wang Zhenguang , Chen Rui , Xiong Yuan , Cepe Klara , Schneider Julian , Zboril Radek , Lee Chun‐Sing , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: March 2017

Herein, a strategy for improving both the stability and the emission intensity of Cu nanoclusters based on their entrapment into metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) is demonstrated. The latter effect reaches 20 times and is ascribed to a confinement‐assisted emission enhancement similar to the aggregation induced emission of fluorescent species in solution, evidenced by the prolonged emission lifetime. Cu nanoclusters are distributed homogeneously over the entire MOFs structure, as confirmed by combination of structural and elemental mapping studies. Toward potential applications of Cu nanocluster/MOF composites as chemical sensors, the authors demonstrate the selective quenching of their emission by 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene attributed to specific electron‐withdrawing interactions with glutathione ligands on Cu clusters.
Impact of the amino acid sequence on the conformation of side chain lactam‐bridged octapeptides
Authors: Neukirchen Saskia , Krieger Viktoria , Roschger Cornelia , Schubert Mario , Elsässer Brigitta , Cabrele Chiara
Published: March 2017

Synthetic helical peptides are valuable scaffolds for the development of modulators of protein–protein interactions involving helical motifs. Backbone‐to‐side chain or side chain‐to‐side chain constraints have been and still are intensively exploited to stabilize short α‐helices. Very often, these constraints have been combined with backbone modifications induced by Cα‐tetrasubstituted, β‐, or γ‐amino acids, which facilitate the α‐peptide or α/β/γ‐peptide adopting an α‐helical conformation. In this work, we investigated the helical character of octapeptides that were cyclized by a Lys‐Asp‐(i,i + 4)‐lactam bridge. We started with two sequences extracted from the helix–loop–helix region of the Id proteins, which are inhibitors of cell differentiation during development and in cancer. Nineteen analogs containing the lactam bridge at different positions and displaying different amino acid core triads (i + 1,2,3) as well as outer residues were prepared by solid‐phase methodology. Their conformation in water and water/2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol mixtures was investigated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The cyclopeptides could be grouped in helix‐prone and non‐helix‐prone structures. Both the amino acid core triad (i + 1,2,3) and the pendant residues positively or negatively affected the formation of a helical structure. Computational studies based on the NMR‐derived helical structure of a cyclopeptide containing Aib at position (i + 2) of the triad were generally in agreement with the secondary structure propensity of the cyclopeptides observed by CD spectroscopy. In conclusion, the Lys‐Asp‐(i,i + 4)‐lactam bridge may succeed or fail in the stabilization of short helices, depending on the primary structure. Moreover, computational methods may be valuable tools to discriminate helix‐prone from non‐helix‐prone peptide‐based macrolactams. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.