bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sella Turcica: An Important Aid in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Authors: Ravindranath VK , Karandikar Girish
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to describe and measure the size of sella turcica in subjects with different skeletal types. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 120 individuals (60 males and 60 females) with an age range of 11 to 26 years were taken and distributed according to skeletal classification: 40 class I (ANB: 20–40), 40 class II (ANB: >40), and 40 class III (ANB: <20). The sella turcica on each radiograph was analyzed and measured to determine the linear dimensions of length, depth, and diameter. Student's t-test was used to calculate differences in linear dimensions, while a one-way analysis of variance was performed to study the relationship between skeletal type and sella size. No significant differences in linear dimensions between genders could be found. When age was evaluated, significant differences were found between the older (15 years or more) and the younger (11–14 years) age groups at the 0.01 and 0.001 levels for length, depth, and diameter. Sella size of the older age group was larger than in the younger age group. When skeletal type was compared with sella size, a significant difference was found in the diameter of sella between the classes II and III subjects (p < 0.01). Larger diameter values were present in the skeletal class III subjects, while smaller diameter sizes were apparent in class II subjects (multiple comparison tests). When gender, age, and skeletal type were all compared with the size of the sella (regression analyses), age was significantly related to a change of length (p < 0.01) and diameter (p < 0.001).

How to cite this article

Zanke PN, Patni V, Sonawane M, Karandikar G, Ravindranath VK, Maskarenj M. Sella Turcica: An Important Aid in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. J Contemp Dent 2016;6(3):181-183.
Management of a Flared Root Canal with an Iatrogenically Widened Apex
Authors: Bolli Rashmi V , Agrawal Aanchal M
Published: December 2016

Overinstrumentation during root canal treatment is one of the causes for iatrogenic enlargement of the root apex. It also leads to unwarranted coronal third widening, which results in thinning of the dentinal walls and makes the tooth susceptible to fracture. Another difficulty arises during control of obturation material within the canal. Such cases can be managed with obturation using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) followed by of root reinforcement for the weakened dentinal walls. In the present case, a 5mm MTA plug was placed and root reinforcement was done with the help of Giomer. Postendodontic restoration was done with a cast post and a full coverage porcelain fused to a metal crown was cemented in place.

How to cite this article

Agrawal AM, Shenoy VU, Sumanthini MV, Bolli RV. Management of a Flared Root Canal with an Iatrogenically Widened Apex. J Contemp Dent 2016;6(3):200-207.
Management of Anterior Ridge Defect with Andrew's Bridge
Authors: Ram Sabita M , Nadgere Jyoti B , Shah Naisargi P , Nigam Ankita A
Published: December 2016

Residual ridge deformity after tooth loss is an expected outcome. The treatment of a patient with a history of trauma with loss of teeth and ridge defect is a significant challenge. This article presents a case of Seibert's class III ridge defect in the maxillary anterior region, which was treated with a fixed-removable system, the Andrew's bridge, for economical and time constraints. It requires a castable bar and sleeve attachment, which provides precision and retention while seating. It is primarily indicated where abutments are capable of supporting a fixed partial denture, but residual ridge shows severe loss.

How to cite this article

Ram SM, Nigam AA, Nadgere JB, Shah NP. Management of Anterior Ridge Defect with Andrew's Bridge. J Contemp Dent 2016;6(3):208-213.
Risco de integridade da pele prejudicada: avaliação e conduta de enfermagem frente às úlceras por pressão (UPP) em pacientes em terapia intensiva
Authors: Sousa Rafael Gomes de , Santana Allison Barros
Published: December 2016

O trabalho buscou identificar o instrumento mais apropriado para avaliação do risco de úlcera por pressão (UPP) nos pacientes em terapia intensiva. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Foram selecionados artigos primários, disponíveis na íntegra, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol no período de 2000 a 2014, obtidos nas bases de dados ScIELO, MEDLINE, LILACS e IBECS, utilizando os DeCS “úlcera por pressão” and “unidades de terapia intensiva” and “fator de risco”. Aplicou-se o teste Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) para avaliar a qualidade metodológica, sendo os artigos selecionados classificados quanto ao nível de evidência, segundo Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Obtiveram-se 10 artigos, todos apresentando nível de evidência quatro com boa qualidade metodológica e viés reduzido. Diante dos resultados encontrados, sugere-se a necessidade de novos estudos que correlacione as diversas escalas de avaliação de risco para UPP em pacientes críticos, para que se possa determinar com precisão o melhor instrumento para avaliação dessas feridas.
Análise eletromiográfica dos membros inferiores em cinco posições de ciclismo indoor
Authors: Mota Marcio Rabelo , Chaves Sandro Nobre , Lima Filipe Dinato de , Botelho Adriano Laboissieire , Oliveira Ricardo Jacó de
Published: December 2016

Da evolução das bicicletas, surgiu a bicicleta estacionária, ou chamada cicloergômetros, que são voltadas para uso em salas de avaliação física. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a ativação dos músculos vasto lateral (VL), vasto medial (VM) e reto femoral (RF) em cinco diferentes posições de ciclismo indoor, por meio da eletromiografia (EMG). A amostra foi composta por 10 indivíduos do sexo masculino. As atividades elétricas dos músculos foram coletadas durante o movimento de pedalada em bicicleta específica de ciclismo estacionário, tendo os participantes se posicionado em cinco posições diferentes, para avaliação do VL, VM e RF. De acordo com as posições corporais foram observadas diferenças nas respostas EMG para cada um dos músculos estudados. Da análise das respostas EMG dos membros inferiores em cinco diferentes posições em ciclistas indoor foram encontradas diferenças significativas no músculo RF.
Critical Discourse Analysis of Adjectives Used with the Word Multiculturalism in British Print Media
Authors: Abcha Sadok
Published: December 2016

The present paper critically analyses the ideological uses of the adjectives used to describe multiculturalism in opinion articles published by two British quality newspapers, The Telegraph and The Times, which politically lean to The Right. Methodologically, the sample on which this study is based has been retrieved from the websites of the two dailies by means of the Key Word In Context (KWIC) technique, which has been used to look for comment articles published between July 2005 and December 2015, and in which the search word, multiculturalism used with an adjective featured. Using Fairclough’s theoretical framework of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the study pinpoints the ideological underpinnings of the adjectives used with the word multiculturalism in the editorials. The study found out that all the adjectives are used in a derogative way to describe multiculturalism as being unreasonable, harmful and unsuccessful. Significantly, this paper provides critical insight into the peculiar uses of derogative adjectives in comment articles dealing with multiculturalism and avers that negative adjectives are not simply linguistic elements, but most importantly, ideological tools.
Metonymies in Textbooks Intended for Teaching German for Specific Purpose at the Faculty of Food Technology
Authors: Saric Antonija
Published: December 2016

Traditional figures of speech (metaphors, metonymies, synecdoche) play an important role in everyday language. Moreover, they are used when discussing complex scientific, political, and social issues in the entire world. The aim of this paper is to determine if metonymies play an important role in the area of food technology too, i.e. if they are significantly represented in the textbooks intended for teaching German for specific purposes at the Faculty of food technology. By classifying metonymies, light will be shed on the most prevailing types used in three German textbooks. Even though metonymies are commonly used to produce rhetorical effects such as in humour, jargon, literature, persuasion, this paper will determine if they can be found in the scientific field of food technology.
Metabolic Profiling of Wastes from Raw and Ripe Mango Seeds to Comprehend Its Beneficial Medicinal and Cosmetic Properties for Commercialization
Authors: Tank Jagruti , U. Ukale Dattatraya , Mapare Vidhyashri , Dhamangaonkar Bela , Cukkemane Nivedita , Cukkemane Abhishek A.
Published: December 2016

Mango (Mangifera indica) is a widely popular tropical fruit. When ripe, it is consumed either as fruit or juice, while raw mangoes are used in pickles, juice and curries. Apart from these, the seed kernels of ripe mangoes are in great demand by cosmetic and confectionary industries, while those from raw mangoes are used for medicinal purposes in traditional households of India. Although, the seed kernels have been used for various beneficial purposes, the inconsumable mango seed largely poses as a waste and biological pollutant. Therefore, it is pertinent to highlight the detailed composition and benefits of butter from various stages of mango kernel to highlight its commercial relevance. By using a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy based metabolic profiling, we studied the biochemical composition of different stages of mango kernel extract. We observed predominance of various types of fatty acids in all types of mango kernel with the ripe version showing the largest amount. The unripe versions though showed presences of a variety of aromats and antioxidants albeit at lower amounts. Our findings highlight that the unripe mango kernel extracts contains various aromats that have antimicrobial effects. India produces up to 23 million tonnes of mangoes every year and it has been estimated that it can produce up to 2.3 million tonnes of mango butter. Along with the fatty acids, these antimicrobials can be extracted as butter for commercial relevance thereby adding value to the seed kernel waste which otherwise pose as bio-pollutant.
The Relationship between Blue-Girdled Angelfish (Pomacanthus Navarchus) Exploitation and Availability for a Sustainable Fishery in South Sulawesi
Authors: Kasmi Mauli , Karma Asriany,
Published: December 2016

Blue-girdled angelfish, Pomacanthus navarchus is marine, expensive ornamental fish and is gaining popularity to be traded globally from which the social welfare increases. The study aims to (1) analyze exploitation status of fish regarding fish stock sustainability in South Sulawesi water, and (2) find out fish availability and demand in terms of exploitation level. Making the estimation of exploitation level, it applies optimum effort (Eopt) using FOX model; and making the prediction of fish demand and supply, it applies least square method. The findings indicate the exploitation status of fish in South Sulawesi water has been, in general, far above the total allowable catch (TAC), while the backward bending curve of fish availability indicates decreasing supply yet increasing fish price.
A Comparative Study of State Social Policies on Education and Its Shadow in South Korea and Iran
Authors: Arani Abbas Madandar , Kim Young Chun , Malek Mohammad Jafari
Published: December 2016

Education and private tutoring activities particularly are under influence of state social policies. The paper uses term “social policy” to show macro social and political attitudes of each state toward education. This paper compares social policies concerning education and its shadow in six states of South Korea with their four counterparts in Iran from 1980 to 2010. An overview of each state’s policy in both countries provides two main similarities. First, during the last three decades, policies did not control the rapid expansion of the shadow education system. Second, the state policies indicated a contradictory situation which simultaneously limited and accelerated the expansion of private tutoring activities. Despite these similarities, state policies necessarily did not lead to the same results. While, change and transformation in the political structure in South Korea (i.e., from a totalitarian toward a neoliberal system) presumably has redefined the role of the shadow education system as a tool in the service of social and economic development of the country; In Iran, however, the political system, through a cyclical policy process (i.e., closed to semi-open to closed), seems to have accelerated a “brain drain” phenomenon as the outcome of private tutoring activities.
2016/51 Separate discrimination claims relating to an unlawful dismissal now possible (PL)
Authors: Wujczyk Marcin
Published: December 2016

2016/51 Separate discrimination claims relating to an unlawful dismissal now possible (PL)

It is possible to make a claim for unlawful discrimination in respect of termination of an employment contract even if no claims has been made for unlawful termination.
2016/53 Landmark decision by Austrian Supreme Court: Face veil ban for employees is lawful (AT)
Authors: Laimer Hans Georg , Wieser Lukas
Published: December 2016

2016/53 Landmark decision by Austrian Supreme Court: Face veil ban for employees is lawful (AT)

The Austrian Supreme Court has ruled that the general prohibition of Muslim face veils by an employer does not constitute unlawful discrimination. In this landmark decision, Austria’s Supreme Court expresses the view that an uncovered face is a prerequisite to proper communication. Thus, termination of employment by reason of an employee’s refusal to come to work unless she can wear a face veil is not unlawful under the Austrian Equal Treatment Act. Whether this rule also applies to other religious clothing such as headscarves remains to be seen.
2016/55 New Supreme Court decision on the distinction between independent contractors and employees (NO)
Authors: Jenum Hotvedt Marianne , Engan Anne-Beth
Published: December 2016

2016/55 New Supreme Court decision on the distinction between independent contractors and employees (NO)

EU employment protection is usually limited to “employees”, meaning that independent contractors are not covered. However, EU law often leaves it to Member States to determine the meaning of employee. The directives regulating transfers of undertakings, collective redundancies, written working conditions, information and consultation, part-time work, temporary agency workers etc. are all examples of protection covering only ‘employees’ as defined by each Member State.

Consequently, the interpretation of ‘employee’ at the national level determines whether protection in EU law applies. This case report concerns the distinction between an independent contractor and employee. The question was whether a support worker for a child needing extra care and support should be considered as employed by Ålesund municipality. The majority (4-1) found that the support worker was an employee. The case illustrates how the notion of employee in Norwegian law adapts to new ways of organising work and may be of interest in other jurisdictions.
2016/61 The court awards for victimisation resulting from sexual harassment, even though the claim for sexual harassment itself was time-barred (CY)
Authors: Praxitelous Anna
Published: December 2016

2016/61 The court awards for victimisation resulting from sexual harassment, even though the claim for sexual harassment itself was time-barred (CY)

The Industrial Disputes Court considered certain substantive and procedural issues in the context of a claim for sexual harassment and victimisation. This case provides a good illustration of the principles the tribunals apply when examining sexual harassment cases and how these are interpreted by Cypriot employment courts.
Sucrose fatty esters from underutilized seed oil of Terminalia catappa as potential steel corrosion inhibitor in acidic medium
Authors: Adewuyi Adewale , Bello Omolade Rahman , Oderinde Rotimi A.
Published: December 2016

Corrosion of metals is a common problem which requires definite attention. In response to this, the oil was extracted from the seed of Terminalia catappa and used to synthesize sucrose fatty esters via simple reaction mechanism which was considered eco-friendly and sustainable. The corrosion inhibition capacity of sucrose fatty esters for mild steel in 1 M HCl was studied using the weight loss method. It was shown that sucrose fatty ester inhibited corrosion process of mild steel and obeyed Langmuir isotherm. Corrosion rate and inhibition efficiency of sucrose fatty esters were found to reduce with increase of immersion time. The study presented sucrose fatty ester as a promising inhibitor of mild steel corrosion in acidic medium.
Ellipsometric measurement of thickness of tin oxides grown by voltammetry in phosphate solution of pH 8.7
Authors: Costa Tiago Brandão , Nogueira Tania Maria Cavalcanti , Da Silva Ladário
Published: December 2016

The voltammetry induced growth of tin oxides on tin in the buffer solution of 0.18 mol L-1 Na2H2PO4 and 0.18 mol L-1 KH2PO4 (pH 8.7) has been studied. Ex-situ ellipsometric mea­surements were made in an order to determine thicknesses of the grown oxides. From these results the film volume per charge unit, Vf, was calculated for different charge den­sities of the film. This parameter was used to calculate the variable ionic resistivity of the film, ρf, considered by the Ohmic model for the case of voltammetric growth of oxides on metals having a previously existing continuous film. Tin oxide films grown at 2 mV s-1 showed to be less dense for values of charge density below 50 C m-2, having Vf near
 5.7x10-10 m3 C-1. For higher values of charge density, tin oxide films become denser, having Vf near 0.5x10-10 m3 C-1. The calculated values of the variable ionic resistivity of the film during voltammetric growth showed that ρf passes through a minimum (justifying the maximum in current densities). This behavior was also found by other authors in the cases of Zn, Nb, Ni and galvanized steel sheets.
Application of the quadratic logistic differential equation for the rationalization of methanol electrooxidation dynamics
Authors: Heli Hossein , Gobal Fereydoon
Published: December 2016

The electrooxidation of methanol in both acidic and alkaline media on poly-crystalline platinum under the regime of cyclic voltammetry is analyzed by application of quadratic logistic equation. The current-charge curves in the anodic cycles fit the logistic differential equation reasonably well and are accounted on the basis of the non-linearity of the kinetics and the effect of positive feedback. In the reverse cycle however, no fit is observed, presumably due to the lack of correlation between the net faradaic current and the surface charge of adsorbates.
The School as an Influencing Factor of Truancy
Authors: Baier Dirk
Published: December 2016

As previous research has shown, truants have a higher risk of becoming delinquent. However, the causes of truancy are only seldom analyzed in criminological research. Since truancy is a school related behavior, it can be assumed that school factors play a major role in causing it. Using a German wide representative sample of almost 40,000 pupils of the ninth grade (mean age: 15 years; 50.3 percent male) from 1,200 schools several school factors and their relationship with truancy are tested. These factors are theoretical derived from a push-and-pull-model. Push factors are for instance teacher bullying or violent schoolmates, pull factors are responsive teachers and positive relationships with schoolmates. The results show that teacher bullying and low teacher control significantly increase truancy. Compared with individual risk factors like self-control or school achievement school factors are of lower importance. Additional analyses reveal that there are interaction effects between individual and school level variables: A high level of teacher bullying particularly increases truancy of pupils with bad grades.
Focused hydrocarbon‐migration in shallow sediments of a pockmark cluster in the Niger Delta (Off Nigeria)
Authors: de Prunelé Alexis , Ruffine Livio , Riboulot Vincent , Peters Carl A. , Croguennec Claire , Guyader Vivien , Pape Thomas , Bollinger Claire , Bayon Germain , Caprais Jean‐Claude , Germain Yoan , Donval Jean‐Pierre , Marsset Tania , Bohrmann Gerhard , Géli Louis , Rabiu Abdulkarim , Lescanne Marc , Cauquil Eric , Sultan Nabil
Published: December 2016

The Niger Delta is one of the largest hydrocarbon basin offshore Africa and it is well known for the presence of active pockmarks on the seabed. During the Guineco‐MeBo cruise in 2011, long cores were taken from a pockmark cluster in order to investigate the state of its current activity. Gas hydrates, oil, and pore‐water were sampled for geochemical studies. The resulting dataset combined with seismic data reveal that shallow hydrocarbon migration in the upper sedimentary section was focused exclusively within the pockmarks. There is a clear tendency for gas migration within the hydrate‐bearing pockmarks, and oil migration within the carbonate‐rich one. This trend is interpreted as a consequence of hydrate dissolution followed by carbonate precipitation in the course of the evolution of these pockmarks. We also demonstrate that Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane (AOM) is the main process responsible for the depletion of pore‐water sulfate, with depths of the Sulfate‐Methane Transition Zone (SMTZ) ranging between 1.8 and 33.4 m. In addition, a numerical transport‐reaction model was used to estimate the age of hydrate‐layer formation from the present‐day sulfate profiles. The results show that the sampled hydrate‐layers were formed between 21 and 3750 years before present. Overall, this work shows the importance of fluid flow on the dynamics of pockmarks, and the investigated cluster offers new opportunities for future cross‐site comparison studies. Our results imply that sudden discharges of gas can create hydrate layers within the upper sedimentary column which can affect the seafloor morphology over few decades.
Dawsonite occurrences related to the age and origin of CO2 influx in sandstone reservoirs: A case study in the Songliao Basin, NEChina
Authors: Li Fulai , Li Wenshuai , Yu Zhichao , Liu Na , Yang Huidong , Liu Li
Published: December 2016

Dawsonite is often associated with CO2‐rich gas reservoirs, and it is regarded as a “trace mineral” for recording migration and accumulation of CO2. Following accepted petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical principles, we used several methods (described herein) to study the Cretaceous dawsonite‐bearing sandstone reservoirs in the Songliao Basin, China. We used the ideas of “sequencing” and “timing” to verify the influx stages of CO2 and hydrocarbons, dividing their influx sequence pattern and building a CO2‐influx timeframe. First, we determined the stable isotopic ratios of dawsonite and CO2 in gas and oil reservoirs, and found that the CO2 in? dawsonite is of a mantle‐derived magma origin. Second, we differentiated an early/late‐stage oil and gas influx and a midmantle source influx through the study of diagenetic paragenetic sequences, formation water, and fluid inclusions in the dawsonite‐bearing sandstones. Combining burial/thermal‐history curves and illite K‐Ar dates from the study area, we determined that the early‐stage oil and gas influx, late oil and gas influx, and medium CO2 influx occurred at 85–58.8 Ma, 41–20 Ma, and 58.8–41 Ma (Paleocene and Eocene), respectively. Finally, we observed a coupling relationship between CO2 influx and Shuangliao volcanic activities and material compositions, as constrained by volcanic activity history in the basin since the Late Cretaceous.
Trade winds drive pronounced seasonality in carbonate chemistry in a tropical Western Pacific island cave—Implications for speleothem paleoclimatology
Authors: Noronha Alexandra L. , Hardt Benjamin F. , Banner Jay L. , Jenson John W. , Partin Judson W. , James Eric W. , Lander Mark A. , Bautista Kaylyn K.
Published: December 2016

Carbon dioxide concentrations in caves are a primary driver of rates of carbonate dissolution and precipitation, exerting strong control on speleothem growth rate and geochemistry. Long‐term cave monitoring studies in midlatitude caves have observed seasonal variability in cavepCO2,whereby airflow is driven by temperature contrasts between the surface and subsurface. In tropical settings, where diurnal temperature cycles are larger than seasonal temperature cycles, it has been proposed that caves will ventilate on daily time scales, preventing cavepCO2from increasing substantially above atmosphericpCO2. By contrast, the relatively small temperature difference between the surface and subsurface may be insufficient to drive complete ventilation of tropical caves. Here we present results of an 8 year cave monitoring study, including observations of cavepCO2and carbonate chemistry, at Jinapsan Cave, Guam (13.4°N, 144.5°E). We find that cavepCO2in Jinapsan Cave is both relatively high and strongly seasonal, with cavepCO2ranging from 500 to 5000 ppm. The seasonality of cavepCO2cannot be explained by temperature contrasts, instead we find evidence that seasonal trade winds drive cave ventilation and modulate cavepCO2. Calcite deposition rates at seven drip sites in Jinapsan Cave are shown to be seasonally variable, demonstrating that speleothem growth rates in Jinapsan Cave are strongly affected by seasonal variations in cavepCO2. These results highlight the importance that advection can have on cave ventilation processes and carbonate chemistry. Seasonality in carbonate chemistry and calcite deposition in this cave affect the interpretation of speleothem‐based paleoclimate records.
Fabrication of Lead Borate Single Crystal Nanosheets for Attenuating Both Neutron and Gamma Radiations
Authors: Zhang Quan‐Ping , Sun Nan , Zheng Jian , Wang Shi‐Wei , Wu You , Luo De‐Li , Zhou Yuan‐Lin
Published: December 2016

In this work, Pb3B10O16[OH]4 single crystal nanosheets are fabricated by a solvothermal process. Its structure is determined in detail by XRD, SEM, and TEM. The nanosheets display a good ability to attenuate both neutron and gamma radiations. In particular, it provides a distinct advantage to attenuate the gamma radiation with low energy from 59 to 105 keV. Notably, the lead borate single crystals with 2D nanostructures impliy other benefits, such as mechanical enhancement and high thermal conductivity. Thus, the lead borate nanosheets can be applied to the fabrication of multifunctional integrated composites for the radiation protection of complex conditions.
In Situ Reversible Ionic Control for Nonvolatile Magnetic Phases in a Donor/Acceptor Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: Taniguchi Kouji , Narushima Keisuke , Sagayama Hajime , Kosaka Wataru , Shito Nanami , Miyasaka Hitoshi
Published: December 2016

Reversible magnetic control by electrical means, which is highly desired from the viewpoint of fundamentals and technological applications such as data storage devices, has been a challenging topic. In this study, the authors demonstrate in situ magnetic phase switching between the ferrimagnetic and paramagnetic states of an electron‐donor/‐acceptor metal‐organic framework (D/A‐MOF) using band‐filling control mediated by the Li+‐ion migration that accompanies redox reactions, i.e., “magneto‐ionic control”. By taking advantage of the rechargeability of lithium‐ion battery systems, in which Li+‐ions and electrons are simultaneously inserted into/extracted from a cathode material, the reversible control of nonvolatile magnetic phases in a D/A‐MOF has been achieved. This result demonstrates that the combination of a redox‐active MOF with porous flexibility and ion‐migration capability enables the creation of new pathways toward magneto‐electric coupling devices in the field of ionics.
Soft Actuators for Small‐Scale Robotics
Authors: Hines Lindsey , Petersen Kirstin , Lum Guo Zhan , Sitti Metin
Published: December 2016

This review comprises a detailed survey of ongoing methodologies for soft actuators, highlighting approaches suitable for nanometer‐ to centimeter‐scale robotic applications. Soft robots present a special design challenge in that their actuation and sensing mechanisms are often highly integrated with the robot body and overall functionality. When less than a centimeter, they belong to an even more special subcategory of robots or devices, in that they often lack on‐board power, sensing, computation, and control. Soft, active materials are particularly well suited for this task, with a wide range of stimulants and a number of impressive examples, demonstrating large deformations, high motion complexities, and varied multifunctionality. Recent research includes both the development of new materials and composites, as well as novel implementations leveraging the unique properties of soft materials.
Bouncing of a bubble at a liquid–liquid interface
Authors: Singh K. K. , Gebauer F. , Bart H.‐J.
Published: December 2016

Significant industrial relevance of gas–liquid–liquid flows calls for understanding of their various aspects. This study focusing on one of the aspects, i.e., interaction of a single bubble with a liquid–liquid interface, is aimed at providing the experimental evidence of a hitherto unreported phenomenon of conditional bouncing of a bubble at the interface between two immiscible, initially quiescent liquids. Bouncing of the bubble is observed for two of the six pairs of the immiscible liquids used in the experiments. The data, obtained by conducting experiments with different pairs of the lighter and heavier liquid bubble diameters and rise heights, suggest that a bubble crossing a liquid–liquid interface is expected to bounce when its average velocity is less than a threshold value that depends on the interfacial tension between the two liquids and the viscosity of the heavier liquid. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3150–3157, 2017
Depositing lignin on membrane surfaces for simultaneously upgraded reverse osmosis performances: An upscalable route
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wu Yaping , Li Weixing , Xing Weihong , Wang Yong
Published: December 2016

Reverse osmosis (RO) have been widely used to produce clean water and there is a strong need to enhance their permeability at no sacrifice of their other performances, e.g., selectivity. We deposit low‐cost biopolymer, lignin, onto the surface of RO membranes by a simple filtration method. Lignin is deposited to the membrane surface via both hydrogen bonding and π‐π interaction. Lignin deposition reduces the surface roughness of the membrane and enhances its negatively charging, while the surface hydrophilicity is maintained. Surprisingly, water permeation, salt rejection, and fouling resistance of the lignin‐deposited membranes are simultaneously improved. More importantly, we demonstrate that this deposition method can be easily extended to modify commercial RO membrane modules, indicating the excellent upscalability of this method. We use the lignin‐deposited membranes to treat real effluents of dyeing and papermaking and they perform much better than the virgin, unmodified membranes. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 2221–2231, 2017
Direct silanization of polyurethane foams for efficient selective absorption of oil from water
Authors: Xiong Sen , Zhong Zhaoxiang , Wang Yong
Published: December 2016

Absorption is an effective method to collect oil spills and solvent leakages from water. However, the currently used oil absorbents are still suffering from high cost, tedious preparation, and low recyclability. In this work, we report an extremely simple and low‐cost strategy to produce oil absorbents by directly coupling alkoxysilane onto the surface of polyurethane (PU) foams. Such direct silanization renders the initially amphiphilic foams a strong hydrophobicity and consequently a water‐repelling and oil‐absorptive functionality. The silanized foams exhibit highest absorption capacities as well as best recyclability among all PU‐based oil absorbents. More practically, the silanized PU foams can be used to recover crude oil spills with an absorption capacity of higher than 75 times of their own weight, and maintain 90% of the initial absorption capacity after eight times reusage. Interestingly, we invent portable oil suckers for continuous oil absorption from water by filling vacuum cleaners with the silanized foams. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 2232–2240, 2017
Emerging therapies and challenges in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Farrar Michelle A. , Park Susanna B. , Vucic Steve , Carey Kate A. , Turner Bradley J. , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Swoboda Kathryn J. , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: December 2016

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease with severity ranging from progressive infantile paralysis and premature death (type I) to limited motor neuron loss and normal life expectancy (type IV). Without disease‐modifying therapies, the impact is profound for patients and their families. Improved understanding of the molecular basis of SMA, disease pathogenesis, natural history, and recognition of the impact of standardized care on outcomes has yielded progress toward the development of novel therapeutic strategies and are summarized. Therapeutic strategies in the pipeline are appraised, ranging from SMN1 gene replacement to modulation of SMN2 encoded transcripts, to neuroprotection, to an expanding repertoire of peripheral targets, including muscle. With the advent of preliminary trial data, it can be reasonably anticipated that the SMA treatment landscape will transform significantly. Advancement in presymptomatic diagnosis and screening programs will be critical, with pilot newborn screening studies underway to facilitate preclinical diagnosis. The development of disease‐modifying therapies will necessitate monitoring programs to determine the long‐term impact, careful evaluation of combined treatments, and further acceleration of improvements in supportive care. In advance of upcoming clinical trial results, we consider the challenges and controversies related to the implementation of novel therapies for all patients and set the scene as the field prepares to enter an era of novel therapies. Ann Neurol 2017;81:355–368
Rapid Room‐Temperature, Chemoselective C−C Coupling of Poly(pseudo)halogenated Arenes Enabled by Palladium(I) Catalysis in Air
Authors: Kalvet Indrek , Magnin Guillaume , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: December 2016

While chemoselectivities in Pd0‐catalyzed coupling reactions are frequently non‐intuitive and a result of a complex interplay of ligand/catalyst, substrate, and reaction conditions, we herein report a general method based on PdI that allows for an a priori predictable chemoselective C
−C
coupling at C−Br in preference to C−OTf and C−Cl bonds, regardless of the electronic or steric bias of the substrate. The C−C bond formations are extremely rapid (<5 min at RT) and are catalyzed by an air‐ and moisture‐stable PdI dimer under open‐flask conditions.
Effect of PEG Architecture on the Hybridization Thermodynamics and Protein Accessibility of PEGylated Oligonucleotides
Authors: Jia Fei , Lu Xueguang , Tan Xuyu , Wang Dali , Cao Xueyan , Zhang Ke
Published: December 2016

PEGylation is an attractive approach to modifying oligonucleotides intended for therapeutic purposes. PEG conjugation reduces protein interactions with the oligonucleotide, and helps to overcome their intrinsic biopharmaceutical shortcomings, such as poor enzymatic stability, rapid body clearance, and unwanted immunostimulation. However, the effect of PEG architecture and the manner in which the PEG component interferes with the hybridization of the oligonucleotide remain poorly understood. In this study, we systematically compare the hybridization thermodynamics and protein accessibility of several DNA conjugates involving linear, Y‐shaped, and brush‐type PEG. It is found that PEGylated DNA experiences two opposing effects: local excluded volume effect and chemical interactions, the strengths of which are architecture‐dependent. Notably, the brush architecture is able to offer significantly greater protein shielding capacity than its linear or Y‐shaped counterparts, while maintaining nearly identical free energy for DNA hybridization compared with free DNA.
Transient Helicity: Fuel‐Driven Temporal Control over Conformational Switching in a Supramolecular Polymer
Authors: Dhiman Shikha , Jain Ankit , George Subi J.
Published: December 2016

Synthetic manifestations of supramolecular chirality have extensively drawn inspiration from naturally occurring systems. Even though in biological systems conformational changes are dissipative, synthetic systems that change conformation under non‐equilibrium conditions have still not been established. Herein, we attempt to alleviate this scenario by reporting a synthetic supramolecular system that undergoes temporal changes in its helical conformation as an active system at the expense of a biologically relevant chemical fuel, ATP. Use of enzymes working in tandem provides transient and switchable helices with modular lifetime and stereomutation rates.
Synthesis, characterization and biological applications of new copper(II) complexes of aryl hydrazones
Authors: Tummalapalli Kiran , C. S. Vasavi , Munusami Punnagai , Pathak Madhvesh , M. M. Balamurali
Published: December 2016

On treatment of copper(II) acetate with aryl hydrazone ligands, four new solid derivatives of copper(II) were produced in appreciable yields. Various characterization techniques including infrared, UV–visible, NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance and mass spectroscopies, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis revealed a tetra‐coordination in all the mononuclear crystalline complexes with high thermal stability. Further, significant interaction of these novel complexes with calf thymus DNA via intercalative mode of binding was revealed by electronic absorption spectroscopy. The chemical nuclease activity of the complexes on pBR322 DNA was investigated in the presence and absence of oxidizing agent (H2O2). A potent nuclease activity was observed only in the presence of H2O2. Further, antibacterial and antifungal studies of the new ligands and complexes revealed that the latter possessed comparatively better activity.
Irresponsible vendors: Non‐native, invasive and threatened animals offered for garden pond stocking
Authors: Patoka Jiří , Bláha Martin , Kalous Lukáš , Kouba Antonín
Published: December 2016

The pet trade has been responsible for many introductions of non‐native species. Freshwater ornamental plants and animals originating from the pet trade are stocked to garden ponds. The present survey focused on awareness and responsible behaviour related to biological invasion risks of companies that designed, built, and stocked garden ponds.

A representative number (n = 124) of companies (commercial garden pond architects and builders) in the Czech Republic were surveyed regarding the offer of non‐native, invasive and threatened native species. The survey was conducted over the entire warm period (from 1 May 2015 to 31 September 2015) while using personal visits, correspondence and interviews to list the species on offer.

‘Traditional’ ornamental species were offered by 39.1% of surveyed vendors, non‐traditional ‘marginal’ species by 5.6%, common native species by 6.5% and threatened native species by 2.4%.

The findings of this study support the hypothesis that ‘garden pond’ vendors offer non‐native species with a risk of biological invasion; moreover, threatened native animals were also on sale. It is probable that a similar situation exists in other countries. It is important for the conservation of native aquatic biota to raise awareness of the need to reduce risk through responsible behaviour of those involved in the pet trade. It is also essential to prohibit stocking of potential invaders and to enforce the illegal capture and sale of native species.
Silyl‐ and Disilanyl‐BODIPYs: Synthesis via Catalytic Dehalosilylation and Spectroscopic Properties
Authors: Wang Sisi , Lu Hua , Wu Yanping , Xiao Xuqiong , Li Zhifang , Kira Mitsuo , Shen Zhen
Published: December 2016

We describe herein the first synthesis of silyl‐ and disilanyl‐BODIPYs through transition‐metal‐catalyzed dehalosilylation of iodo‐BODIPYs using a Pd(P(tBu)3)2/Et3N/toluene system. Various mono‐ and bis‐silyl‐BODIPYs, mono‐ and bis‐disilanyl‐BODIPYs and bis‐BODIPYs linked by silylene and SiOSi groups were synthesized by using this straightforward method. Silyl‐ and disilanyl‐substitution significantly modifies the spectroscopic properties of the BODIPY, in which the fluorescence quantum yields of the silyl‐BODIPYs are remarkably increased, whereas the emission spectra of disilanyl‐BODIPYs are red‐shifted due to effective σ(SiSi)–π(BODIPY) conjugation.
Modal Kalman Filter
Authors: Mohammaddadi Gh. , Pariz N. , Karimpour A.
Published: December 2016

In the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), only the first‐order term of the Taylor series is employed. Hence, the nonlinearities in the system dynamics are not fully considered. In the proposed method, to overcome this drawback, the higher‐order terms of the Taylor series are considered and a new filter, based on the Modal series, is designed. In this paper, based on the Modal series and careful approximations, a nonlinear filter is converted to a series of linear filters, and the extracted filter is named the Modal Kalman Filter (MKF). The efficiency and advantage of MKF are analytically proven and its applicability examined with some simulations.
Prioritizing pharmacokinetic drug interaction precipitants in natural products: application to OATP inhibitors in grapefruit juice
Authors: Johnson Emily J. , Won Christina S. , Köck Kathleen , Paine Mary F.
Published: December 2016

Natural products, including botanical dietary supplements and exotic drinks, represent an ever‐increasing share of the health‐care market. The parallel ever‐increasing popularity of self‐medicating with natural products increases the likelihood of co‐consumption with conventional drugs, raising concerns for unwanted natural product–drug interactions. Assessing the drug interaction liability of natural products is challenging due to the complex and variable chemical composition inherent to these products, necessitating a streamlined preclinical testing approach to prioritize precipitant individual constituents for further investigation. Such an approach was evaluated in the current work to prioritize constituents in the model natural product, grapefruit juice, as inhibitors of intestinal organic anion‐transporting peptide (OATP)‐mediated uptake. Using OATP2B1‐expressing MDCKII cells (Madin‐Darby canine kidney type II) and the probe substrate estrone 3‐sulfate, IC50s were determined for constituents representative of the flavanone (naringin, naringenin, hesperidin), furanocoumarin (bergamottin, 6′,7′‐dihydroxybergamottin) and polymethoxyflavone (nobiletin and tangeretin) classes contained in grapefruit juice. Nobiletin was the most potent (IC50, 3.7 μm); 6′,7′‐dihydroxybergamottin, naringin, naringenin and tangeretin were moderately potent (IC50, 20–50 μm); and bergamottin and hesperidin were the least potent (IC50, >300 μm) OATP2B1 inhibitors. Intestinal absorption simulations based on physiochemical properties were used to determine the ratios of unbound concentration to IC50 for each constituent within enterocytes and to prioritize in order of pre‐defined cut‐off values. This streamlined approach could be applied to other natural products that contain multiple precipitants of natural product–drug interactions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of cyclic peptidotriazoles derived from BPC194 as novel agents for plant protection
Authors: Güell Imma , Vilà Sílvia , Badosa Esther , Montesinos Emilio , Feliu Lidia , Planas Marta
Published: December 2016

The search for novel antimicrobial agents to be used for plant protection has prompted us to design analogues incorporating non‐natural amino acids. Herein, we designed and synthesized cyclic peptidotriazoles derived from the lead antimicrobial cyclic peptide c(Lys‐Lys‐Leu3‐Lys‐Lys5‐Phe‐Lys‐Lys‐Leu‐Gln) (BPC194). In particular, Leu3 and Lys5 were replaced by a triazolyl alanine, a triazolyl norleucine or a triazolyl lysine. These peptides were screened for their antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria, Erwinia amylovora, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, for their hemolysis and for their phytotoxicity. Results showed that the type of triazolyl amino acid and the substituent present at the triazole influenced the antibacterial and hemolytic activities. Moreover, the position of this residue was also crucial for the hemolysis. The lead compounds BPC548 and BPC550 exhibited high antibacterial activity (MIC of 3.1 to 25 μM), low hemolysis (19 and 26% at 375 μM, respectively) and low phytotoxicity. Therefore, these analogues could be used as new leads for the development of effective agents to control pathogenic bacteria responsible for plant diseases of economic importance.
MicroRNA‐210 is increased and it is required for dedifferentiation of osteosarcoma cell line
Authors: Zhang Haixia , Mai Qing , Chen Juntao
Published: December 2016

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor and is prevalent in adolescents. In clinical studies, miR‐210 has been reported to be tightly correlated to the poor prognosis of OS. Nevertheless, its roles in OS have not been fully elucidated. In view of the central role played by OS stem cells (OSCs) in the malignant progression of OS, this study investigated the influence of miR‐210 on the formation of OSCs. Our previous findings suggested that the microenvironment of bone, abundant TGF‐β1 and hypoxia, could induce OS cells to dedifferentiate into OSCs. In this study, we found that miR‐210 participated in the dedifferentiation of OS cells into OSCs, and inhibiting it significantly suppressed the formation of OSCs. Further results suggested that miR‐210 promoted the expression of TGF‐β1 and its downstream effectors Snail1 and Slug which were highly elevated in the process of OS dedifferentiation. Additionally, the target gene of miR‐210 was also investigated. It was found that NFIC was significantly reduced by miR‐210 treatment and also during OS dedifferentiation. Therefore, this study suggested that miR‐210 promoted OS cells dedifferentiation and uncovered its role in the malignant progress of OS.
Function Calculation: A Simple Way to Predict the Geometry Parameters of Self‐Organized Titania Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Chen Yan‐Xin , Jacob Timo
Published: December 2016

TNTAs were grown by anodization of titanium in mixed electrolytes consisting of water, ethylene‐glycol and NH4F. With this electrolyte composition, the obtained nanotube layers show a high level of flexibility towards controllable tube geometries. We carefully investigated the internal relationship between the synthesis parameters and the resulting TNTA morphology, deriving a set of relations to link the preparation parameters with the geometric dimensions of the obtained TNTAs. We show that the nanotube outer diameter not only increases linearly with the applied anodization voltage, but also relates to the water content in the electrolyte, and that both the water content and fluoride content determines the kinetics of the tube growth. Thus, by adjusting the electrolyte composition and optimizing the anodization procedure, a wide range of pre‐defined morphologies can be realized.