bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arpin deficiency increases actomyosin contractility and vascular permeability
Authors: Montoya-Garcia Armando , Guerrero-Fonseca Idaira M , Chanez-Paredes Sandra D , Hernandez-Almaraz Karina B , Leon-Vega Iliana I , Silva-Olivares Angelica , Betanzos Abigail , Mondragon-Castelan Monica , Mondragon-Flores Ricardo , Salinas-Lara Citlaltepetl , Vargas-Robles Hilda , Schnoor Michael
Published: September 2024

Arpin was discovered as an inhibitor of the Arp2/3 complex localized at the lamellipodial tip of fibroblasts, where it regulated migration steering. Recently, we showed that arpin stabilizes the epithelial barrier in an Arp2/3-dependent manner. However, the expression and functions of arpin in endothelial cells (EC) have not yet been described. Arpin mRNA and protein are expressed in EC and downregulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Arpin depletion in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells causes the formation of actomyosin stress fibers leading to increased permeability in an Arp2/3-independent manner. Instead, inhibitors of ROCK1 and ZIPK, kinases involved in the generation of stress fibers, normalize the loss-of-arpin effects on actin filaments and permeability. Arpin-deficient mice are viable but show a characteristic vascular phenotype in the lung including edema, microhemorrhage, and vascular congestion, increased F-actin levels, and vascular permeability. Our data show that, apart from being an Arp2/3 inhibitor, arpin is also a regulator of actomyosin contractility and endothelial barrier integrity.
Mechanism of barotaxis in marine zooplankton
Authors: Bezares Calderón Luis Alberto , Shahidi Réza , Jékely Gáspár
Published: September 2024

Hydrostatic pressure is a dominant environmental cue for vertically migrating marine organisms but the physiological mechanisms of responding to pressure changes remain unclear. Here, we uncovered the cellular and circuit bases of a barokinetic response in the planktonic larva of the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii. Increased pressure induced a rapid, graded, and adapting upward swimming response due to the faster beating of cilia in the head multiciliary band. By calcium imaging, we found that brain ciliary photoreceptors showed a graded response to pressure changes. The photoreceptors in animals mutant for ciliary opsin-1 had a smaller sensory compartment and mutant larvae showed diminished pressure responses. The ciliary photoreceptors synaptically connect to the head multiciliary band via serotonergic motoneurons. Genetic inhibition of the serotonergic cells blocked pressure-dependent increases in ciliary beating. We conclude that ciliary photoreceptors function as pressure sensors and activate ciliary beating through serotonergic signalling during barokinesis.
De pårørendes stemme
Authors: Hellstrand Ingvil , Gjerstad Brita , Bruheim Jensen Ida , Ramvi Ellen
Published: September 2024

Dagens helse- og omsorgssektor kjennetegnes av økt teknologibruk. Artikkelen diskuterer funn fra en intervjustudie om erfaringer og forventninger pårørende har til teknologiens rolle i samspillet mellom pårørende, beboere på sykehjem og helsepersonell. Datamaterialet består av åtte semistrukturerte intervju med pårørende i ulike omsorgsrelasjoner til sykehjemsbeboere. Selv om myndighetene anerkjenner pårørende som en brukergruppe for velferdsteknologi, finner vi at pårørende ikke opplever å bli involvert i spørsmål om teknologibruk på sykehjem. De pårørende fungerer likevel som pådrivere og har konkrete forslag til teknologiske løsninger i sykehjemmet. Samtidig understreker de at teknologibruk ikke må gå på bekostning av trygge og gode omsorgstilbud. De pårørende trekker frem manglende kommunikasjon og samarbeid, lav bemanning og varierende kompetanse blant helsepersonell som barrierer for å nyttiggjøre seg av velferdsteknologi. Våre funn viser at pårørende er en ubenyttet ressurs i utvikling og implementering av teknologi, men også at teknologi kan påvirke forståelser av hva (god) omsorg kan og skal være.
TechMark: a framework for the development, engagement, and motivation of software teams in IT organizations based on gamification
Authors: Obaid Iqra , Farooq Muhammad Shoaib
Published: September 2024

In today’s fast-moving world of information technology (IT), software professionals are crucial for a company’s success. However, they frequently experience low motivation as a result of competitive pressures, unclear incentives, and communication gaps. This underscores the critical need to handle these internal marketing challenges such as employee motivation, development, and engagement in IT organizations. Internal marketing practices aiming at attracting, engaging, and inspiring employees to use excellent services have become increasingly important. Internal marketing is attracting, engaging, and motivating employees as internal customers to utilize their quality services. Gamification has emerged as a significant trend over recent years. Despite the expanding use of gamification in the workplace, there is still a lack of focus on internal marketing tactics that incorporate gamification approaches. Thus, addressing the challenges related to employee motivation, development, and engagement is crucial. Therefore, as a principal contribution, this research presents a comprehensive framework designed to implement gamified solutions for software teams of IT organizations. This framework has been tailored to effectively address the challenges posed by internal marketing by optimizing motivation, development, and engagement. Moreover, the framework is applied to design and implement a gamified work portal (GWP) through a systematic process, including the design of low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes. Additionally, the GWP is validated through a quasi-experiment involving IT professionals from different IT organizations to authenticate the effectiveness of framework. Finally, the outclass results obtained by the gamification-based GWP highlight the effectiveness of the proposed gamification approach in enhancing development, motivation, and engagement while fostering ongoing knowledge of the employees.
Bacterial co-infection in COVID-19: a call to stay vigilant
Authors: Liu Shengbi , Yu Chao , Tu Qin , Zhang Qianming , Fu Zuowei , Huang Yifeng , He Chuan , Yao Lei
Published: September 2024

Co-infection with diverse bacteria is commonly seen in patients infected with the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. This type of co-infection significantly impacts the occurrence and development of novel coronavirus infection. Bacterial co-pathogens are typically identified in the respiratory system and blood culture, which complicates the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of COVID-19, and even exacerbates the severity of disease symptoms and increases mortality rates. However, the status and impact of bacterial co-infections during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been properly studied. Recently, the amount of literature on the co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria has gradually increased, enabling a comprehensive discussion on this type of co-infection. In this study, we focus on bacterial infections in the respiratory system and blood of patients with COVID-19 because these infection types significantly affect the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Furthermore, the progression of COVID-19 has markedly elevated the antimicrobial resistance among specific bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, in clinical settings including intensive care units (ICUs). Grasping these resistance patterns is pivotal for the optimal utilization and stewardship of antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones. Our study offers insights into these aspects and serves as a fundamental basis for devising effective therapeutic strategies. We primarily sourced our articles from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We queried these databases using specific search terms related to COVID-19 and its co-infections with bacteria or fungi, and selectively chose relevant articles for inclusion in our review.
Pattern of Adverse Drug Reactions at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Kerala, India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sruthi S , Nair Manju K , Reshma S
Published: September 2024

Introduction: With the rising use of medications, Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have emerged as a significant public health issue. Therefore, establishing a robust pharmacovigilance system across the nation has become imperative. The present study focussed to analyse the trends and frequency of ADRs to enhance the safety of drug prescriptions and ensure public health protection. Aim: To assess the pattern of adverse effects, drugs implicated, causality, severity, and outcomes of ADRs reported to the ADR monitoring centre in the Department of Pharmacology, Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 262 ADRs reported to the Department of Pharmacology, Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India from May 2022 to April 2023 were analysed for patient demographics, drug and ADR characteristics, and the outcomes of the ADR. Causality and severity assessments of these ADRs were performed using the World Health Organisation (WHO)-Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) scale and the modified Hartwig and Siegel’s scale, respectively. Data were tabulated using Microsoft Excel and expressed as mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage as appropriate, with the help of descriptive statistics using Epi Info 7 software. Results: A total of 262 ADRs were analysed. The mean age of the patients was 47.4±20.1 years. The majority were females 160 (61.1%). The intravenous route was the most common route involved in ADRs 158 (59.8%), followed by the oral route 91 (34.5%). Skin reactions accounted for more than half of the ADRs 151 (53.2%), followed by blood dyscrasias 48 (16.9%). Antibiotics were the most common group of implicated drugs 124 (44.9%), followed by anticancer drugs 43 (15.6%) and antitubercular drugs 34 (12.3%). Among antibiotics, cephalosporins (36.3%) were the most frequently encountered, followed by penicillins (30.6%). A total of 148 patients (56.5%) had recovered by the day of reporting, 146 (55.7%) ADRs were found to be ‘possible’ using the WHO-UMC causality scale, and 144 (54.9%) ADRs were classified as moderate severity. Conclusion: The study identified a widespread occurrence of ADRs, some of which increased healthcare costs due to prolonged hospital stays. The high incidence of ADRs from antimicrobials is concerning, as it contributes to antimicrobial resistance. This underscores the urgent need for prudent antimicrobial usage. The present study emphasises the importance of ADR reporting among healthcare workers and the necessity for hospitals to establish ADR reporting strategies for optimal patient care.
Perceived stress and burnout syndrome in chiropractic students at a South African university during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wagner Tayla , Yelverton Christopher
Published: September 2024

Objective

Higher stress levels may be associated with decreased academic success and physical and psychological well-being in chiropractic students. This study aimed to determine the perceived stress and burnout of chiropractic students at the University of Johannesburg during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a quantitative, exploratory study utilizing a self-administered online questionnaire distributed to chiropractic students (n = 246) at the university. The questionnaire consisted of 3 main components: demographics, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS). Data were analyzed utilizing exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach alpha for reliabilities, and descriptive statistics for mean scores being interpreted using subscales pertaining to the 2 survey tools.

Results

The response rate was 63.82% (n = 157) with the PSS-10 indicating participants obtained a total mean score of 25.08 (average stress). For the MBI-SS categories, participants scored 18.96 out of 30 for exhaustion, 10.31 out of 30 for cynicism, and 22.46 out of 36 for professional efficiency; higher scores of exhaustion and cynicism and lower scores of professional efficiency are indicative of higher degrees of burnout. Statistically significant differences for both tools were noted in relation to age and academic year with higher values indicated with increased age and progression in the program.

Conclusion

The results indicate that chiropractic students experienced moderate levels of stress but higher burnout than other health sciences student populations when compared to current literature. Age and progression in the program appear to have a negative influence on both these factors.
Unveiling the Hidden Enemies: Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Pod Rot Pathogens in Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) in India
Authors: R Sahana , K Viswanath , Manjula  , P Nagamani , B. R Archana , Kalpana
Published: September 2024

Pod rot of groundnut is a complex disease caused by multiple pathogens causes significant economic losses. Present study was undertaken to know the pathogens associated with the disease. In Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, roving survey against pod rot of groundnut revealed association of three fungal species: Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia bataticola and Fusarium spp. Molecular analysis with modified CTAB method and performing PCR using ITS1 and ITS4 primers yielded DNA bands of 650-700 bp, 550-600 bp, and 500-600 bp for Sclerotium, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium species, respectively. Sequencing of the rDNA ITS region confirmed the identities of the pathogens as Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia bataticola, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium keratoplasticum, based on similarity with NCBI reference sequences. This study confirms that Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia bataticola and Fusarium spp. are the primary causal agents of pod rot disease in Andhra Pradesh.
Independent Domination Topology of the Friendship Graph and Its Line Graph
Authors: Sambaan Carmelle Ezrah N. , Lausa Bhea B. , Balingit Cherry Mae R.
Published: September 2024

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Effect of Nano Urea on Growth, Yield and Nutrient uptake of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)
Authors: Soundarya.  , Gaddi. Ashok Kumar , H. Veeresh, , S Ravi, , D. K. Srinivasa, , M. Y Ajaya Kumar,
Published: September 2024

Aim: The foliar application of nano urea is aimed at reducing the soil application of conventional urea. Nano fertilizers enhance crop growth and yield while enhancing nutrient uptake and reducing costs. They provide precise nutrient management, match crop growth stages, and offer an increased surface area for metabolic reactions. This boosts photosynthesis, leading to higher dry matter production and crop yield. Foliar application of nano urea (liquid) at tillering and booting stages in finger millet fulfills the nitrogen requirement and reflects higher crop productivity. Higher productivity of crops in a sustainable manner could be achieved by applying an appropriate combination of conventional fertilizers and nano fertilizers.   
Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split design with three replications.
Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted in deep black soils at Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa, during kharif 2022.
Methodology: There were sixteen treatment combinations, consisting of different doses of nitrogen (no nitrogen, 50% RDN, 75% RDN and 100% RDN) with different concentrations of nano urea and conventional urea sprayed at tillering and booting stages for HR-13 variety of finger millet.
Results: Application of 100% RDN has recorded significantly higher plant height, tillers plant-1, total dry matter accumulation, grain yield and straw yield (129.82 cm, 10.10, 36.17 g plant-1, 36.87 q ha-1 and 71.72 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to no nitrogen and 50% RDN. However, 75% RDN (123.04 cm, 9.61, 34.02 g plant-1, 34.84 q ha-1 and 68.01 q ha-1, respectively) found on par with 100% RDN. Among foliar nitrogen, spray of nano urea @ 4 ml L-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (121.59 cm), tillers plant-1 (9.37), total dry matter accumulation (33.16 g plant-1), grain yield (31.97 q ha-1) and straw yield (65.52 q ha-1) compared to 0.5% and 1% conventional urea. However, nano urea @ 2 ml L-1 was on par with 4 ml L-1 nano urea and 1% conventional urea. Similar trend was recorded with regard to nutrient uptake by finger millet.
Conclusion: Foliar application of nano urea reduced the dosage of conventional urea by 25 per cent.
Evaluating the Environmental Impact of Reusing Baghouse Dust in Asphalt Concrete: A Sustainable Approach
Authors: I Tanimola Joshua. , Apata A. C. , Dawodu Praise Onimisi
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to assess the environmental impact of reusing baghouse dust in asphalt concrete production. Baghouse dust, a byproduct of asphalt creation, presents natural removal challenges; nonetheless, its true capacity reuse in asphalt concrete could give an economical solution. This study aims to survey and align the environmental and ecological implications of utilizing varying extents of baghouse dust in asphalt mix combinations. This research review starts by describing the physical and chemical properties of baghouse dust. In this way, substantial samples were ready and prepared with various percentage rates of baghouse residue to examine the effect on the mechanical properties of the mix. The discoveries demonstrate that consolidating baghouse dust into asphalt cement mostly decreases peak stress and strength qualities characteristics. As far as the environmental and ecological effect, the investigation analysis shows that utilizing baghouse residue can decrease in general energy utilization and discharge emissions. The energy utilization rate diminished from 500 MJ/ton for ordinary conventional asphalt to 400 MJ/ton for asphalt with 20% baghouse residue, and CO2 emanations decreased from 120 kg/ton to 80 kg/ton for a similar correlation. Also, the squander and waste decrease was huge, with 200 tons/year saved at 10% baghouse dust and 400 tons/year at 20%.
Asset resources proficiency likewise improved, with raw unrefined material savings investment funds of 150 tons/year at 10% baghouse dust and 300 tons/year at 20%. Notwithstanding this decrease, the mechanical properties stay within ranges for specific applications, proposing that baghouse dust residue can be effectively and successfully utilized in non-basic underlying structural layers of asphalts.
Metabolic traits of pathogenic streptococci
Authors: Willenborg Jörg , Goethe Ralph
Published: July 2016

Invasive and noninvasive diseases caused by facultative pathogenic streptococci depend on their equipment with virulence factors and on their ability to sense and adapt to changing nutrients in different host environments. The knowledge of the principal metabolic mechanisms which allow these bacteria to recognize and utilize nutrients in host habitats is a prerequisite for our understanding of streptococcal pathogenicity and the development of novel control strategies. This review aims to summarize and compare the central carbohydrate metabolic and amino acid biosynthetic pathways of a selected group of streptococcal species, all belonging to the naso‐oropharyngeal microbiome in humans and/or animals. We also discuss the urgent need of comprehensive metabolomics approaches for a better understanding of the streptococcal metabolism during host–pathogen interaction.
Global MHD simulations of Neptune's magnetosphere
Authors: Mejnertsen L. , Eastwood J. P. , Chittenden J. P. , Masters A.
Published: July 2016

A global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation has been performed in order to investigate the outer boundaries of Neptune's magnetosphere at the time of Voyager 2's flyby in 1989 and to better understand the dynamics of magnetospheres formed by highly inclined planetary dipoles. Using the MHD code Gorgon, we have implemented a precessing dipole to mimic Neptune's tilted magnetic field and rotation axes. By using the solar wind parameters measured by Voyager 2, the simulation is verified by finding good agreement with Voyager 2 magnetometer observations. Overall, there is a large‐scale reconfiguration of magnetic topology and plasma distribution. During the “pole‐on” magnetospheric configuration, there only exists one tail current sheet, contained between a rarefied lobe region which extends outward from the dayside cusp, and a lobe region attached to the nightside cusp. It is found that the tail current always closes to the magnetopause current system, rather than closing in on itself, as suggested by other models. The bow shock position and shape is found to be dependent on Neptune's daily rotation, with maximum standoff being during the pole‐on case. Reconnection is found on the magnetopause but is highly modulated by the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and time of day, turning “off” and “on” when the magnetic shear between the IMF and planetary fields is large enough. The simulation shows that the most likely location for reconnection to occur during Voyager 2's flyby was far from the spacecraft trajectory, which may explain the relative lack of associated signatures in the observations.
Variation of the topside ionosphere during the last solar minimum period studied with multisatellite measurements of electron density and temperature
Authors: Ryu Kwangsun , Kwak Youngsil , Kim Yong Ha , Park Jaeheung , Lee Junchan , Min Kyoungwook
Published: July 2016

Using the ionospheric measurements of CHAMP, DEMETER, and DMSP F15, the seasonal and spatial variations of the topside ionosphere during the last solar minimum period were investigated and compared with ionospheric models. In all the satellite measurements, equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) shows clearly longitudinal asymmetry with wave number −3 or −4 patterns. Anomalous increases of Ne in the nighttime surpassing daytime Ne, known as the Weddell Sea anomaly (WSA) or midlatitude summer nighttime anomaly (MSNA), were also observed in the global Ne distribution with differences in detailed geometry of the geomagnetic field according to the altitude. In the nighttime ionosphere, the reduced Te in the equatorial region at the DMSP altitude, identified as the equatorial plasma temperature anomaly (EPTA), was ascribed to the leftover of the prereversal enhancement of the upward plasma drift. Though the EIA, WSA, MSNA, and EPTA are all associated with the upward plasma movement, the difference in the thermal evolution is ascribable to the geometry of drift in which the plasma moves across the geomagnetic field line for the EIA and the EPTA, while along the field line for the WSA and the MSNA.
Progress on upwelling studies in the China seas
Authors: Hu Jianyu , Wang Xiao Hua
Published: July 2016

East Asian marginal seas surrounding China exhibit rich ocean upwelling, mostly in response to the southwesterly summer monsoon. Upwelling in the China seas, namely, the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, the East China Sea, the Yellow Sea, and the Bohai Sea, has become increasingly important because the potential changes in the upwelling may have dramatic ecosystem, socioeconomic, and climate impacts. This paper reviews the progress of upwelling studies in the China seas since the year 2000, by presenting the principal characteristics and new understanding of 12 major upwelling regions in the China seas. Upwelling exhibits long‐term variability at intraseasonal to multidecadal scales as well as short‐term variability frequently caused by tropical cyclones. It is also associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, local environmental variation, and biogeochemical factors. The coastal upwelling around Hainan Island and the upwelling or cold dome northeast of Taiwan Island are specifically highlighted because they have attracted great interest for decades. This paper summarizes upwelling mechanisms in terms of wind, topography, tide, stratification, and background flow, with applications mostly to the China seas. Finally, we propose some topics for future upwelling research, i.e., potential intensification of coastal upwelling under global climate change, downwelling, intrusion of upwelling into coastal embayments, and the influence of upwelling on fishery and biogeochemical processes.
Enhanced accumulation and storage of mercury on subtropical evergreen forest floor: Implications on mercury budget in global forest ecosystems
Authors: Wang Xun , Lin Che‐Jen , Lu Zhiyun , Zhang Hui , Zhang Yiping , Feng Xinbin
Published: July 2016

Forest ecosystems play an important role in the global cycling of mercury (Hg). In this study, we characterized the Hg cycling at a remote evergreen broadleaf (EB) forest site in southwest China (Mount Ailao). The annual Hg input via litterfall is estimated to be 75.0 ± 24.2 µg m−2 yr−1 at Mount Ailao. Such a quantity is up to 1 order of magnitude greater than those observed at remote temperate/boreal (T/B) forest sites. Production of litter biomass is found to be the most influential factor causing the high Hg input to the EB forest. Given their large areal coverage, Hg deposition through litterfall in EB forests is appropriately 9 ± 5 Mg yr−1 in China and 1086 ± 775 Mg yr−1 globally. The observed wet Hg deposition at Mount Ailao is 4.9 ± 4.5 µg m−2 yr−1, falling in the lower range of those observed at 49 T/B forest sites in North America and Europe. Given the data, the Hg deposition flux through litterfall is approximately 15 times higher than the wet Hg deposition at Mount Ailao. Steady Hg accumulation in decomposing litter biomass and Hg uptake from the environment were observed during 25 months of litter decomposition. The size of the Hg pool in the organic horizon of EB forest floors is estimated to be up to 2–10 times the typical pool size in T/B forests. This study highlights the importance of EB forest ecosystems in global Hg cycling, which requires further assessment when more data become available in tropical forests.
Improving Formability of Mg–Ca–Zr Sheet Alloy by Microalloying of Zn
Authors: Bian Ming Zhe , Zeng Zhuo Ran , Xu Shi Wei , Zhu Su Ming , Zhu Yu Man , Davies Christopher Huw John , Birbilis Nick , Nie Jian Feng
Published: July 2016

Addition of 0.1 at% Zn to the Mg–0.5Ca–0.1Zr alloy is found to significantly improve the stretch formability and ductility. The remarkable improvement in the stretch formability and ductility is attributable to the enhanced grain boundary cohesion and weakened texture. The as‐annealed Mg–0.5Ca–0.1Zr–0.1Zn alloy sheet shows a 0.2% proof strength of ≈134 MPa along the rolling direction, which is lower than that of as‐annealed AZ31 alloy sheet (≈147 MPa). However, by post‐forming ageing, the 0.2% proof strength of the Mg–0.5Ca–0.1Zr–0.1Zn alloy sheet is considerably increased to ≈201 MPa, exceeding that for the annealed AZ31 alloy sheet.
Toward High‐Output Organic Vertical Field Effect Transistors: Key Design Parameters
Authors: Kwon Hyukyun , Kim Mincheol , Cho Hyunsu , Moon Hanul , Lee Jongjin , Yoo Seunghyup
Published: July 2016

The performance of C60‐based organic vertical field‐effect transistors (VFETs) is investigated as a function of key geometrical parameters to attain a better understanding of their operation mechanism and eventually to enhance their output current for maximal driving capability. To this end, a 2D device simulation is performed and compared with experimental results. The results reveal that the output current scales mostly with the width of its drain electrode, which is in essence equivalent to the channel width in conventional lateral‐channel transistors, but that of the source electrode and the thickness of C60 layers underneath the source electrode also play subtle but important roles mainly due to the source contact‐limited behavior of the organic VFETs under study. With design strategies acquired from this study, a VFET with an on/off ratio of 5.5 × 105 and on‐current corresponding to a channel length of near 1 μm in a conventional lateral‐channel organic field‐effect transistor (FET) is demonstrated, while the drain width of the VFET and the channel width of the lateral‐channel organic FET are the same.
Capacity Fade Analysis of Sulfur Cathodes in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yan Jianhua , Liu Xingbo , Li Bingyun
Published: July 2016

Rechargeable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are receiving ever‐increasing attention due to their high theoretical energy density and inexpensive raw sulfur materials. However, their rapid capacity fade has been one of the key barriers for their further improvement. It is well accepted that the major degradation mechanisms of S‐cathodes include low electrical conductivity of S and sulfides, precipitation of nonconductive Li2S2 and Li2S, and poly‐shuttle effects. To determine these degradation factors, a comprehensive study of sulfur cathodes with different amounts of electrolytes is presented here. A survey of the fundamentals of Li–S chemistry with respect to capacity fade is first conducted; then, the parameters obtained through electrochemical performance and characterization are used to determine the key causes of capacity fade in Li–S batteries. It is confirmed that the formation and accumulation of nonconductive Li2S2/Li2S films on sulfur cathode surfaces are the major parameters contributing to the rapid capacity fade of Li–S batteries.
College Campus Community Readiness to Address Intimate Partner Violence Among LGBTQ+ Young Adults: A Conceptual and Empirical Examination
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Littleton Heather L. , Sylaska Kateryna M. , Crossman Annie L. , Craig Meghan
Published: July 2016

This paper provides an overview of a conceptual model that integrates theories of social ecology, minority stress, and community readiness to better understand risk for and outcomes of intimate partner violence (IPV) among LGBTQ+ college students. Additionally, online survey data was collected from a sample of 202 LGBTQ+ students enrolled in 119 colleges across the United States to provide preliminary data on some aspects of the proposed model. Results suggested that students generally thought their campuses were low in readiness to address IPV; that is, students felt that their campuses could do more to address IPV and provide IPV services specific to LGBTQ+ college students. Perceptions of greater campus readiness to address IPV among LGBTQ+ college students was significantly and positively related to a more favorable LGBTQ+ campus climate and a greater sense of campus community. Additionally, IPV victims were more likely to perceive higher levels of campus community readiness than non‐IPV victims. There was no association between IPV perpetration and perceptions of campus community readiness. Greater sense of community was marginally and inversely related to IPV victimization and perpetration. Sense of community and LGBTQ+ campus climate also varied to some extent as a function of region of the country and type of institution. Implications for further development and refinement of the conceptual model, as well as future research applying this model to better understand IPV among sexual minority students are discussed.
Enol and Ynol Surrogates: Promising Substrates for Hypervalent Iodine Chemistry
Authors: Lauriers Antoine Jobin‐Des , Legault Claude Y.
Published: July 2016

In numerous iodine(III)‐mediated methodologies that involve ketone compounds, the enol tautomer is expected to be the reactive species. In this context, the exploration of enol and ynol surrogates as substrates is of great interest. Activated π‐systems have been shown to exhibit interesting and highly exploitable behavior toward hypervalent iodine reagents. This has led to the development of numerous useful oxidative transformations. Enamines, enamides, enol derivatives, haloalkenes, and haloalkynes are all enol or ynol surrogates that are reactive towards the most popular iodanes and iodonium salts. This Focus Review will describe past and on‐going research involving these substrates to gain insight into the similarities and disparities observed in their reactivity profiles.
Synthesis of 1 α‐ and 1 β‐amino‐25‐hydroxyvitamin D3
Authors: Akagi Yusuke , Usuda Kosuke , Tanami Tomoe , Yasui Koji , Asano Lisa , Uesugi Motonari , Nagasawa Kazuo
Published: July 2016

1α‐Amino‐25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 is of interest because of its low calcemic effect in vivo compared to 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its characteristic inhibitory activity towards sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP), a regulator of lipogenesis. Here we describe the construction of a novel A‐ring synthon bearing an allylic amine, in which the key reaction is an Ichikawa rearrangement of allyl cyanate generated from an allylic alcohol, which was derived from l‐malic acid. The diastereomers were separated by silica‐gel chromatography, and a palladium‐catalyzed coupling reaction of each diastereomer with the CD‐ring synthon afforded 1α‐amino‐25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1β‐amino‐25‐hydroxyvitamin D3, respectively.
Magnetic Cobalt Ferrite Nanocrystals For an Energy Storage Concentration Cell
Authors: Dai Qilin , Patel Ketan , Donatelli Greg , Ren Shenqiang
Published: July 2016

Energy‐storage concentration cells are based on the concentration gradient of redox‐active reactants; the increased entropy is transformed into electric energy as the concentration gradient reaches equilibrium between two half cells. A recyclable and flow‐controlled magnetic electrolyte concentration cell is now presented. The hybrid inorganic–organic nanocrystal‐based electrolyte, consisting of molecular redox‐active ligands adsorbed on the surface of magnetic nanocrystals, leads to a magnetic‐field‐driven concentration gradient of redox molecules. The energy storage performance of concentration cells is dictated by magnetic characteristics of cobalt ferrite nanocrystal carriers. The enhanced conductivity and kinetics of redox‐active electrolytes could further induce a sharp concentration gradient to improve the energy density and voltage switching of magnetic electrolyte concentration cells.
Wide Band‐Gap Bismuth‐based p‐Dopants for Opto‐Electronic Applications
Authors: Pecqueur Sébastien , Maltenberger Anna , Petrukhina Marina A. , Halik Marcus , Jaeger Arndt , Pentlehner Dominik , Schmid Günter
Published: July 2016

Ten new efficient p‐dopants for conductivity doping of organic semiconductors for OLEDs are identified. The key advantage of the electrophilic tris(carboxylato) bismuth(III) compounds is the unique low absorption of the resulting doped layers which promotes the efficiency of OLED devices. The combination of these features with their low fabrication cost, volatility, and stability, make these materials very attractive as dopants in organic electronics.
SLC9A9Co‐expression modules in autism‐associated brain regions
Authors: Patak Jameson , Hess Jonathan L. , Zhang‐James Yanli , Glatt Stephen J. , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: July 2016

SLC9A9is a sodium hydrogen exchanger present in the recycling endosome and highly expressed in the brain. It is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Little research concerning its gene expression patterns and biological pathways has been conducted. We sought to investigate its possible biological roles in autism‐associated brain regions throughout development. We conducted a weighted gene co‐expression network analysis on RNA‐seq data downloaded from Brainspan. We compared prenatal and postnatal gene expression networks for three ASD‐associated brain regions known to have highSLC9A9gene expression. We also performed an ASD‐associated single nucleotide polymorphism enrichment analysis and a cell signature enrichment analysis. The modules showed differences in gene constituents (membership), gene number, and connectivity throughout time.SLC9A9was highly associated with immune system functions, metabolism, apoptosis, endocytosis, and signaling cascades. Gene list comparison with co‐immunoprecipitation data was significant for multiple modules. We found a disproportionately high autism risk signal among genes constituting the prenatal hippocampal module. The modules were enriched with astrocyte and oligodendrocyte markers.SLC9A9is potentially involved in the pathophysiology of ASDs. Our investigation confirmed proposed functions forSLC9A9, such as endocytosis and immune regulation, while also revealing potential roles in mTOR signaling and cell survival.. By providing a concise molecular map and interactions, evidence of cell type and implicated brain regions we hope this will guide future research onSLC9A9.Autism Res2017, 10: 414–429. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pathological nociceptors in two patients with erythromelalgia‐like symptoms and rare genetic Nav 1.9 variants
Authors: Kleggetveit Inge P. , Schmidt Roland , Namer Barbara , Salter Hugh , Helås Tormod , Schmelz Martin , Jørum Ellen
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The sodium channel Nav 1.9 is expressed in peripheral nociceptors and has recently been linked to human pain conditions, but the exact role of Nav 1.9 for human nociceptor excitability is still unclear.

Methods

C‐nociceptors from two patients with late onset of erythromelalgia‐like pain, signs of small fiber neuropathy, and rare genetic variants of Nav 1.9 (N1169S, I1293V) were assessed by microneurography.

Results

Compared with patients with comparable pain phenotypes (erythromelalgia‐like pain without Nav‐mutations and painful polyneuropathy), there was a tendency toward more activity‐dependent slowing of conduction velocity in mechanoinsensitive C‐nociceptors. Hyperexcitability to heating and electrical stimulation were seen in some nociceptors, and other unspecific signs of increased excitability, including spontaneous activity and mechanical sensitization, were also observed.

Conclusions

Although the functional roles of these genetic variants are still unknown, the microneurography findings may be compatible with increased C‐nociceptor excitability based on increased Nav 1.9 function.
Novel (−)‐β‐Pinene‐Derived Triazolium Salts: Synthesis and Application in the Asymmetric Stetter Reaction
Authors: Rafiński Zbigniew
Published: July 2016

A series of novel chiral triazolium salts derived from (−)‐β‐pinene were synthesized and found to be highly efficient precatalysts for the enantioselective intramolecular Stetter reaction. The triazolium salts prepared from a single precursor, (−)‐β‐pinene, react with antipodal enantiofacial selectivity in the Stetter reaction to afford mono‐, di‐, and trisubstituted chromanones in excellent yields with excellent stereoselectivity.
Base‐free Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes Catalyzed by Micro‐mesoporous Iron Oxide
Authors: Datta Kasibhatta J. , Rathi Anuj K. , Gawande Manoj B. , Ranc Vaclav , Zoppellaro Giorgio , Varma Rajender S. , Zboril Radek
Published: July 2016

The front cover artwork for Issue 14/2016 is provided by Dr. Gawande and Prof. Zboril, from the Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Palacky University, Olomouc (Czech Republic). The image shows an efficient protocol for the transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes using flower‐shaped micro‐mesoporous iron oxide nanocatalysts with formic acid as the reducing agent to obtain good to excellent yields of the respective amines. See the Full Paper itself at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201600296.
Kinetic Studies on an Algal Biofilm Reactor for Raw Sewage Water Treatment
Authors: Gera Gayatri S. , Yewalkar Swati N. , Nene Sanjay , Kulkarni Bhaskar D. , Kamble Sanjay
Published: July 2016

A packed‐bed algae biofilm reactor was developed using porous and nonporous dual packings. The biofilm was cultivated on reticulated polyurethane foam cubes. The nonporous glass Raschig rings were taken as bed support that helps to remove generated gas from the system. The effect of variables such as column length‐to‐diameter ratio, catalyst cube dimension, and feed flow rate on the treatment of sewage water was studied. The reaction kinetics indicates that the nutrients uptake rate is dependent on both pore and film diffusion. The kinetics of uptake of nutrients follows a pseudo first‐order reaction. From the pseudo reaction rate constant, Thiele modulus and effectiveness factor were calculated and a kinetic model equation for fractional nutrient uptake was developed in terms of operating variables. The model can predict the reaction rate with low deviation. The results obtained may be valuable for large‐scale treatment of sewage water.
The Role of Biosorbents in the Removal of Arsenic from Water
Authors: Sahmoune Mohamed Nasser
Published: July 2016

Arsenic contamination in water causes many diseases. Therefore, various biosorbent materials have been tested for their ability to remove the two inorganic arsenic species commonly found in water, namely, arsenite As(III) and arsenate As(V). The arsenic biosorption is influenced by the pH value of the aqueous phase, arsenic concentration, presence of competing ions, and arsenic speciation. The biosorption kinetics of As(III) and As(V) has been reported to be rapid, with more than 80 % biosorption occurring during the first hour, followed by a second step which may take up to several hours. The pseudo‐second‐order model provided the best fit, which corresponds to a chemisorption process. The Langmuir model indicated that most arsenic ions are adsorbed in monolayer form and removal is better for As(III) than for As(V).
Transferring Electrochemical CO2 Reduction from Semi‐Batch into Continuous Operation Mode Using Gas Diffusion Electrodes
Authors: Kopljar Dennis , Wagner Norbert , Klemm Elias
Published: July 2016

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 is a promising method for its conversion which still suffers from important challenges that have to be solved before industrial realization becomes attractive. The optimization of gas diffusion electrodes is described with respect to catalyst dispersion and mass transport limitations allowing solubility issues to be circumvented and current densities to be increased to industrially relevant values. The transfer of the promising results from semi‐batch experiments into continuous mode of operation is demonstrated, and it is indicated how the energetic efficiency can be significantly improved by the choice of electrolyte, in terms of concentration and type. Thereby ohmic losses can be decreased and the intrinsic activity be improved.
Catalytic Methane Combustion on a Pt Gauze: Laser‐Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Species Profiles, and Simulations
Authors: Schwarz Heiner , Dong Ying , Horn Raimund
Published: July 2016

Profile measurements in a catalytic gauze reactor are conducted for catalytically assisted methane combustion over platinum. The reactor combines a capillary sampling technique with a novel fiber‐optic laser‐induced fluorescence spectroscopy method for the detection and quantification of gas phase OH• radicals serving as indicator species for gas phase reactions. Experimental profiles are compared with three‐dimensional numerical reactor simulations including flow, mass transport, heat transport, and microkinetic models for both surface and gas phase chemistry. The results provide insights into the interaction of chemistry and transport upstream of, at, and downstream of the catalytic gauze, and the interaction of surface and gas phase reactions by exchange of heat and radicals released from the catalyst surface.
Effects of Functionalized Electrodes and Gold Nanoparticle Carrier Signal Amplification on an Electrochemical DNA Sensing Strategy
Authors: Zhang Yi , Qian Chen , Zeng Guang Ming , Tang Lin , Zhang Chang , Zhu Yuan , Feng Chong Ling , Liu Yuan Yuan
Published: July 2016

An electrochemical DNA sensing experiment based on four kinds of functionalized electrodes and a gold nanoparticle (nanoAu) carrier signal amplification strategy is designed to investigate the effects on the current response (I) by square wave voltammetry. Four kinds of electrodes and a methyl blue labeled DNA signal probe with or without the nanoAu carrier amplification strategy are involved in this work. In comparison with the effect of the signal amplification strategy, the capacity of electronic conduction (EC) of the functionalized electrodes are dominant in changes to I in the sensing system. The improvement in EC of the sensing unit has a decisive impact on increasing I and, under similar EC conditions, the specific surface area of the sensing unit plays an important role, as also illustrated by the derivation mechanism.
Quantitative Resolution of Monomer‐Dimer Populations by Inversion Modulated DEER EPR Spectroscopy
Authors: Schmidt Thomas , Ghirlando Rodolfo , Baber James , Clore G. Marius
Published: July 2016

A simple method, based on inversion modulated double electron–electron resonance electron paramagnetic resonance (DEER EPR) spectroscopy, is presented for determining populations of monomer and dimer in proteins (as well as any other biological macromolecules). The method is based on analysis of modulation depth versus electron double resonance (ELDOR) pulse flip angle. High accuracy is achieved by complete deuteration, extensive sampling of a large number of ELDOR pulse flip angle values, and combined analysis of differently labeled spin samples. We demonstrate the method using two different proteins: an obligate monomer exemplified by the small immunoglobulin binding B domain of protein A, and the p66 subunit of HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase which exists as an equilibrium mixture of monomer and dimer species whose relative populations are affected by glycerol content. This information is crucial for quantitative analysis of distance distributions involving proteins that may exist as mixtures of monomer, dimer and high order multimers under the conditions of the DEER EPR experiment.
A Chitosan Derivative Containing Both Carboxylic Acid and Quaternary Ammonium Moieties for the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Besse Vincent , Illy Nicolas , David Ghislain , Caillol Sylvain , Boutevin Bernard
Published: July 2016

Chitosan, a renewable feedstock, is modified and used as a catalytic support in the presence of potassium iodide. The system is highly efficient towards the incorporation of carbon dioxide (CO2) into epoxides. It demonstrates very good thermal stability and is recyclable more than five times without loss of activity. The optimal reaction conditions were determined using allylglycidyl ether as a model and extended to a wide range of other epoxides. Cyclic carbonates were obtained with very high yield in a few hours under mild conditions (2–7 bar≈0.2–0.7 MPa, 80 °C) and no solvent.