bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matching Charge Extraction Contact for Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lin Yuze , Chen Bo , Zhao Fuwen , Zheng Xiaopeng , Deng Yehao , Shao Yuchuan , Fang Yanjun , Bai Yang , Wang Chunru , Huang Jinsong
Published: May 2017

Efficient wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells are needed to boost the efficiency of silicon solar cells to beyond Schottky–Queisser limit, but they suffer from a larger open circuit voltage (VOC) deficit than narrower bandgap ones. Here, it is shown that one major limitation of VOC in WBG perovskite solar cells comes from the nonmatched energy levels of charge transport layers. Indene‐C60 bisadduct (ICBA) with higher‐lying lowest‐unoccupied‐molecular‐orbital is needed for WBG perovskite solar cells, while its energy‐disorder needs to be minimized before a larger VOC can be observed. A simple method is applied to reduce the energy disorder by isolating isomer ICBA‐tran3 from the as‐synthesized ICBA‐mixture. WBG perovskite solar cells with ICBA‐tran3 show enhanced VOC by 60 mV, reduced VOC deficit of 0.5 V, and then a record stabilized power conversion efficiency of 18.5%. This work points out the importance of matching the charge transport layers in perovskite solar cells when the perovskites have a different composition and energy levels.
Micro‐ and Nano‐Structured Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5) for Electrodes of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yue Yuan , Liang Hong
Published: May 2017

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) has played important roles in lithium‐ion batteries due to its unique crystalline structure. To assist researchers understanding the roles this material plays, a comprehensive and critical review is conducted based on about 250 publications. Here, we report basics and applications of micro‐ and nano‐materials of V2O5 and V2O5‐based composites. The comparative and statistical analysis leads to the discovery of several interesting phenomena. The V2O5 electrodes with two lithium ions have a favorable capacity performance with reversible phase formation. The excellent capacity retention is displayed in the V2O5 electrodes with one lithium ion inserted. In the case of three lithium ions insertion, it was found that the irreversible formation of the phase ω in LixV2O5 leads to its control. In addition, effects of additives on electrode performance, circuitry models of performance, as well as reaction routes are studied. Two unprecedented concepts of the “high capacity band” and “empirical total capacity retention” are proposed though the comprehensive statistical analysis of the reviewed data. This review provides a comprehensive collection of information of state‐of‐the‐art and recent advancement in V2O5 and V2O5‐based composite materials for electrodes. Researchers could use the information to design and develop advanced electrodes for future batteries.
Early prediction of coma recovery after cardiac arrest with blinded pupillometry
Authors: Solari Daria , Rossetti Andrea O. , Carteron Laurent , Miroz John‐Paul , Novy Jan , Eckert Philippe , Oddo Mauro
Published: May 2017

Objective

Prognostication studies on comatose cardiac arrest (CA) patients are limited by lack of blinding, potentially causing overestimation of outcome predictors and self‐fulfilling prophecy. Using a blinded approach, we analyzed the value of quantitative automated pupillometry to predict neurological recovery after CA.

Methods

We examined a prospective cohort of 103 comatose adult patients who were unconscious 48 hours after CA and underwent repeated measurements of quantitative pupillary light reflex (PLR) using the Neurolight‐Algiscan device. Clinical examination, electroencephalography (EEG), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), and serum neuron‐specific enolase were performed in parallel, as part of standard multimodal assessment. Automated pupillometry results were blinded to clinicians involved in patient care. Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) at 1 year was the outcome endpoint.

Results

Survivors (n = 50 patients; 32 CPC 1, 16 CPC 2, 2 CPC 3) had higher quantitative PLR (median = 20 [range = 13–41] vs 11 [0–55] %, p < 0.0001) and constriction velocity (1.46 [0.85–4.63] vs 0.94 [0.16–4.97] mm/s, p < 0.0001) than nonsurvivors. At 48 hours, a quantitative PLR < 13% had 100% specificity and positive predictive value to predict poor recovery (0% false‐positive rate), and provided equal performance to that of EEG and SSEP. Reduced quantitative PLR correlated with higher serum neuron‐specific enolase (Spearman r = −0.52, p < 0.0001).

Interpretation

Reduced quantitative PLR correlates with postanoxic brain injury and, when compared to standard multimodal assessment, is highly accurate in predicting long‐term prognosis after CA. This is the first prognostication study to show the value of automated pupillometry using a blinded approach to minimize self‐fulfilling prophecy. Ann Neurol 2017;81:804–810
The Unique Electronic Structure of Mg2Si: Shaping the Conduction Bands of Semiconductors with Multicenter Bonding
Authors: Mizoguchi Hiroshi , Muraba Yoshinori , Fredrickson Daniel C. , Matsuishi Satoru , Kamiya Toshio , Hosono Hideo
Published: May 2017

The electronic structures of the antifluorite‐type compound Mg2Si is described in which a sublattice of short cation–cation contacts creates a very low conduction band minimum. Since Mg2Si shows n‐type conductivity without intentional carrier doping, the present result indicates that the cage defined by the cations plays critical roles in carrier transport similar to those of inorganic electrides, such as 12 CaO⋅7 Al2O3:e− and Ca2N. A distinct difference in the location of conduction band minimum between Mg2Si and the isostructural phase Na2S is explained in terms of factors such as the differing interaction strengths of the Si/S 3s orbitals with the cation levels, with the more core‐like character of the S 3s leading to a relatively low conduction band energy at the Γ point. Based on these results and previous research on electrides, approaches can be devised to control the energy levels of cation sublattices in semiconductors.
Web citations in patents: Evidence of technological impact?
Authors: Orduna‐Malea Enrique , Thelwall Mike , Kousha Kayvan
Published: May 2017

Patents sometimes cite webpages either as general background to the problem being addressed or to identify prior publications that limit the scope of the patent granted. Counts of the number of patents citing an organization's website may therefore provide an indicator of its technological capacity or relevance. This article introduces methods to extract URL citations from patents and evaluates the usefulness of counts of patent web citations as a technology indicator. An analysis of patents citing 200 US universities or 177 UK universities found computer science and engineering departments to be frequently cited, as well as research‐related webpages, such as Wikipedia, YouTube, or the Internet Archive. Overall, however, patent URL citations seem to be frequent enough to be useful for ranking major US and the top few UK universities if popular hosted subdomains are filtered out, but the hit count estimates on the first search engine results page should not be relied upon for accuracy.
Nickel Hydroxide Supercapacitor with a Theoretical Capacitance and High Rate Capability Based on Hollow Dendritic 3D‐Nickel Current Collectors
Authors: Kim Sung‐Wook , Kim Ik‐Hee , Kim Sun‐I , Jang Ji‐Hyun
Published: May 2017

A straightforward way to attain the theoretical capacitance and high rate capability of nickel hydroxide supercapacitors, by utilizing a mesoporous hollow dendritic three‐dimensional‐nickel (3D‐Ni) current collector is proposed. A facile electrodeposition method employing a hydrogen bubble template was chosen for rapid fabrication of the dendritic 3D‐nickel structure. After nickel hydroxide was deposited on the hollow 3D‐nickel current collector, it exhibited a highest capacitance of 3637 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, and retained 97 % of capacitance at a high current density of 100 A g−1 with a cycle stability of over 80 % after 10 000 cycles. The enhanced performance could be attributed to the large surface area and high conductivity of the moss‐like dendritic 3D‐Ni current collector, which allowed direct contact between the active materials and the current collector, and reduced diffusion resistance between the surface of the active materials and the electrolyte. These results not only confirmed a facile fabrication method for high‐performance 3D metal nanostructures, but also offer a promising solution for state‐of‐the‐art energy storage systems.
Metal Oxide Nanostructures Generated from In Situ Sacrifice of Zinc in Bimetallic Textures as Flexible Ni/Fe Fast Battery Electrodes
Authors: Huang Tianyi , Liu Zhifang , Zhang Zitong , Xiao Bangqing , Jin Yong
Published: May 2017

An “in situ sacrifice” process was devised in this work as a room‐temperature, all‐solution processed electrochemical method to synthesize nanostructured NiOx and FeOx directly on current collectors. After electrodepositing NiZn/FeZn bimetallic textures on a copper net, the zinc component is etched and the remnant nickel/iron are evolved into NiOx and FeOx by the “in situ sacrifice” activation we propose. As‐prepared electrodes exhibit high areal capacities of 0.47 mA h cm−2 and 0.32 mA h cm−2, respectively. By integrating NiOx as the cathode, FeOx as the anode, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)‐KOH gel as the separator/solid‐state electrolyte, the assembled quasi‐solid‐state flexible battery delivers a volumetric capacity of 6.91 mA h cm−3 at 5 mA cm−2, along with a maximum energy density of 7.40 mWh cm−3 under a power density of 0.27 W cm−3 and a maximum tested power density of 3.13 W cm−3 with a 2.17 mW h cm−3 energy density retention. Our room‐temperature synthesis, which only consumes minute electricity, makes it a promising approach for large‐scale production. We also emphasize the in situ sacrifice zinc etching process used in this work as a general strategy for metal‐based nanostructure growth for high‐performance battery materials.
Management for Sustainable Development and Its Impact on Firm Value in the SME Context: Does Size Matter?
Authors: López‐Pérez Mª Eugenia , Melero Iguácel , Javier Sese F
Published: May 2017

With the increasing demands from society towards sustainable and social responsible business practices, management for sustainable development has become a cornerstone to understand the success of many firms in the current competitive context. This article investigates corporate social responsibility (CSR) and examines the links between CSR practices and business outcomes – both financial and non‐financial (i.e. image and corporate reputation) – for small‐to‐medium sized enterprises (SMEs). In addition, we also attempt to determine whether the impact of such relationships is moderated by firm size.

To this end, we carry out a quantitative study using PLS techniques to analyze a sample of SME owners and managers, with a view to test the proposed model in the light of social capital theory. In this sense, our study is pioneering in that it aims to determine – from a quantitative viewpoint – the degree to which firm size has a moderating impact on a series of relevant CSR‐driven outcomes. The data suggest that, in SME contexts, CSR impacts corporate reputation, brand image and financial value of the company. Importantly, we find that the larger the firm, the greater the intensity of the relationships linking CSR and business outcomes. Hence, our findings have important implications for CSR implementation in SME contexts. Finally, we provide a series of guidelines aimed at maximizing the effectiveness of CSR‐based business practices. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Inkjet Printing of GaPd2 into Micro‐Channels for the Selective Hydrogenation of Acetylene
Authors: Siebert Martin , Zimmermann René R. , Armbrüster Marc , Dittmeyer Roland
Published: May 2017

Drop‐on‐demand inkjet printing was used to apply nanoparticulate GaPd2 catalyst as thin and uniform wall coatings for micro‐channels. Several inks were formulated and evaluated concerning their stability and printability. Three different printing approaches were investigated and the obtained layers were examined regarding their homogeneity, adhesion, and catalytic performance. After a specific catalyst activation step, semi‐hydrogenation of acetylene was conducted at 523 K and a feed gas composition of 0.5 vol % C2H2, 5 vol % H2, 50 vol % C2H4 in He. Printed GaPd2/α‐Al2O3 showed the best catalytic results and a selectivity of 76 % for the hydrogenation to ethylene with a high activity of 480 mol(C2H2) mol(Pd)−1 h−1.
Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Propylene Absorption Using Membrane Contactors
Authors: Sadeghi Arash , Hemmati Alireza , Ghadiri Mehdi , Shirazian Saeed
Published: May 2017

Separation of light olefin‐paraffin mixtures having the same carbon number is one of the most energy‐intensive separation processes in petrochemical industry. Gas‐liquid membrane contactors as an alternative to conventional processes have gained increasing interest due to low energy consumption. A 2D comprehensive model was developed to predict the transport and chemical absorption of propylene in a cocurrent microporous membrane contactor. Formations of a complex between propylene and silver ion and dissolution of silver nitrate were considered. With increasing gas flow rate the system efficiency decreases due to the reduction of propylene residence time inside the contactor. As the absorbent amount increases in the tube, both propylene and complex penetrate more deeply into the liquid and a diffusion layer is formed near the gas‐liquid interface.
Control of Polymorphism and Particle Size of Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane in Drowning‐Out Crystallization
Authors: Lim Chaeho , Kim Hyoun-Soo , Kim Kwang-Joo
Published: May 2017

Polymorphism and the crystal size of 2,4,6,8,10‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) were simultaneously controlled in drowning‐out crystallization. The effect of antisolvent to solvent ratio on solubility and polymorphism was studied. Polymorph transformation, interfacial tension, maximum supersaturation, and scaling up of crystallization were investigated. To crystallize the small ε form of HNIW, the supersaturation level was studied by using the solvents isopropanol and acetone. The polymorphic β and ε forms were selected by controlling the supersaturation and mass fraction of the solvent mixture. By controlling the concentration, temperature, and solvent/antisolvent ratio, a micron‐sized ε form was recrystallized. In this study, the optimal conditions to prepare 4–60 μm sized ε form were established on a laboratory scale. Based on laboratory experiments, a commercial‐scale process was performed successfully.
Gallium Modified HUSY Zeolite as an Effective Co‐support for NiMo Hydrodesulfurization Catalyst and the Catalyst's High Isomerization Selectivity
Authors: Zhou Wenwu , Zhou Yasong , Wei Qiang , Du Lin , Ding Sijia , Jiang Shujiao , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Qing
Published: May 2017

The effects of metal‐modified acidic co‐supports on the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity and isomerization selectivity of highly refractory organosulfur compounds such as 4,6‐dimethyldibenzothiophene have been investigated. Y zeolite crystals with high Si/Al ratios and small crystallite sizes were successfully synthesized by a new hydrothermal synthesis approach. The synthesized Y zeolite crystals were ion‐exchanged and stabilized. The prepared samples were then modified with different gallium contents using an impregnation method to adjust their acidity properties, and these modified samples were used as co‐supports for NiMo sulfide HDS catalysts. The catalyst containing 10 wt.% zeolite Y modified by 2 wt.% gallium (NiMo/2GaY‐ASA‐A) exhibited the highest HDS activity, with 4,6‐dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6‐DMDBT) conversion nearly double the rate of the catalyst without zeolite at 563 K, 4.0 MPa and liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) of 40 h−1. NiMo/2GaY‐ASA‐A also exhibited superior isomerization ability, with 3,4′‐DMBP, 4,4′DMBP, and 3,6‐DMDBT as the main products, indicating that the isomerization pathway was the main reaction route over NiMo/2GaY‐ASA‐A. The superior catalytic performance is related to the synergistic effect of the proper amount of medium and strong Brønsted acid sites. The compounds 3,6‐DMDBT and 3,7‐DMDBT (isomers of 4,6‐DMDBT) and 3,4,6‐TMDBT and tetra‐methyl‐DBT (transmethyl products) were detected simultaneously in the HDS product of 4,6‐DMDBT for the first time over NiMo/GaY‐ASA‐A catalysts. Finally, a new reaction network over NiMo/2GaY‐ASA‐A was proposed.
Hydrogen Evolution at Liquid|Liquid Interfaces Catalyzed by 2D Materials
Authors: Hirunpinyopas Wisit , Rodgers Andrew N. J. , Worrall Stephen D. , Bissett Mark A. , Dryfe Robert A. W.
Published: May 2017

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) plays a crucial role in clean energy production in hydrogen fuel cells. In order to utilize this process effectively, new catalysts are required that are cheap, non‐toxic and efficient. In this context, 2D materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., MoS2) should offer the desired properties but have so far proven difficult to manufacture into useful devices. In this work, liquid|liquid interfaces are used for the assembly and testing of the catalytic efficiency of a number of 2D materials and their composites, exploiting the ability of the materials to self‐assemble at these interfaces and be tested electrochemically in situ. MoS2, WS2, and graphene were developed for hydrogen evolution at the water|1,2‐dichlorobenzene (DCB) interface. The exfoliation process was carried out in DCB and resulted in multi‐layer MoS2, few‐layer WS2 and graphene; when assembled at the water|DCB interface, these materials acted as efficient HER catalysts. HER was investigated using voltammetry, with bulk reaction kinetics monitored by in situ UV‐visible spectroscopy at a constant potential. MoS2 exhibited the highest performance of the catalysts examined, with an average rate constant of 0.0132±0.063 min−1 at an applied Galvani potential of +0.5 V. This is ascribed to the sulfur edge sites of MoS2, which are known to be active for hydrogen evolution predominantly.
Analyzing ozone concentration by Bayesian spatio‐temporal quantile regression
Authors: Das P. , Ghosal S.
Published: May 2017

Ground‐level ozone is 1 of the 6 common air pollutants on which the Environmental Protection Agency has set national air quality standards. In order to capture the spatio‐temporal trend of 1‐ and 8‐hr average ozone concentration in the United States, we develop a method for spatio‐temporal simultaneous quantile regression. Unlike existing procedures, in the proposed method, smoothing across different sites is incorporated within modeling assumptions. This allows borrowing of information across locations, which is an essential step when the number of samples in each location is low. The quantile function has been assumed to be linear in time and smooth over space, and at any given site is given by a convex combination of 2 monotone increasing functions ξ1 and ξ2 not depending on time. A B‐spline basis expansion with increasing coefficients varying smoothly over the space is used to put a prior and a Bayesian analysis is performed. We analyze the average daily 1‐hr maximum and 8‐hr maximum ozone concentration level data of the United States and the state of California during 2006–2015 using the proposed method. It is noted that in the last 10 years, there is an overall decreasing trend in both 1‐hr maximum and 8‐hr maximum ozone concentration level over most parts of the US. In California, an overall a decreasing trend of 1‐hr maximum ozone level is observed whereas no particular overall trend has been observed in 8‐hr maximum ozone level.
Characterization of aroma compositions in different Chinese congou black teas using GC–MS and GC–O combined with partial least squares regression
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , Wang Hongling , Niu Yunwei , Liu Qiang , Zhu Jiancai , Chen Hexing , Ma Ning
Published: May 2017

To characterise the volatile aroma compositions of Chinese congou black teas, four types were analysed by quantitative descriptive sensory analysis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O). The aroma of Chinese congou black tea was described using six sensory terms: ‘Roasted’, ‘Sweet’, ‘Malty’, ‘Green grassy’, ‘Floral’ and ‘Woody’. A total of 64 compounds including alcohols (20), aldehydes (12), ketones (12), esters and lactones (9), pyrazines (7) and other compounds (4) were identified and quantified in four Chinese black tea samples. The highest amount of volatile aroma compounds was found in Tanyang congou black tea (TY) (29.8 mg/kg), followed by Dianhong congou black tea (DH) (29.4 mg/kg), Keemun congou black tea (KM) (24.1 mg/kg) and Yixing congou black tea (YH) (23.6 mg/kg). Through aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) on the black tea extract, the flavour dilution factor (FD factor) ranged from 41 to 46. Trans‐linalool oxide in DH, geraniol in TY, DH and KM were identified with the highest flavour dilution (FD = 4096) factors. The relationship between tea samples, sensory attributes and aroma‐active compounds was modelled by partial least squares regression (PLSR), and the PLSR analysis revealed that pentanal showed a significant and positive correlation with the ‘Malty’ attribute, (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol showed a significant and negative correlation with the ‘Green grassy’ attribute, 2‐methylpyrazine showed a significant and negative correlation with the ‘Floral’ attribute, cis‐linalool oxide, trans‐linalool oxide and nerolidol showed a significant and positive correlation with the ‘Woody’ attribute, cis‐6‐nonen‐1‐ol and 2‐methylpyrazine showed a significant and negative correlation with the ’Woody‘ attribute.
Formulation and nutritional evaluation of a healthy vegetable soup powder supplemented with soy flour, mushroom, and moringa leaf
Authors: Farzana Tasnim , Mohajan Suman , Saha Trissa , Hossain Md. Nur , Haque Md. Zahurul
Published: May 2017

The research study was conducted to develop a healthy vegetables soup powder supplemented with soy flour, mushroom, moringa leaf and compare its nutritional facts with locally available soup powders. Proximate analysis and sensory evaluation were done by standard method. In this study, moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, and energy content were ranged from 2.83% to 5.46%, 9.39% to 16.48%, 6.92% to 16.05%, 4.22% to 6.39%, 0.22% to 1.61%, 58.81% to 75.41%, and 337.42 to 386.72 kcal/100 g, respectively. Highest content of vitamin D, minerals, protein, and fiber and lowest content of moisture, fat, and carbohydrate were found in the presently developed soy–mushroom–moringa soup powder compare to locally available soup powders. Vitamin C was also found significantly higher than locally available soup powders S1, S2, and S3. Heavy metals were not found in any of the soup powders. On the sensory and microbiological point of view, the presently developed soup powder was found highly acceptable up to 6 months. So, the developed soy–mushroom–moringa soup powder is nutritionally superior to locally available soup powders and sufficient to meet day‐to‐day nutritional requirements as a supplement.
Stimulation of vascularization of a subcutaneous scaffold applicable for pancreatic islet‐transplantation enhances immediate post‐transplant islet graft function but not long‐term normoglycemia
Authors: Smink Alexandra M. , Li Shiri , Swart Daniël H. , Hertsig Don T. , de Haan Bart J. , Kamps Jan A. A. M. , Schwab Leendert , van Apeldoorn Aart A. , de Koning Eelco , Faas Marijke M. , Lakey Jonathan R. T. , de Vos Paul
Published: May 2017

The liver as transplantation site for pancreatic islets is associated with significant loss of islets, which can be prevented by grafting in a prevascularized, subcutaneous scaffold. Supporting vascularization of a scaffold to limit the period of ischemia is challenging and was developed here by applying liposomes for controlled release of angiogenic factors. The angiogenic capacity of platelet‐derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), and basic FGF were compared in a tube formation assay. Furthermore, the release kinetics of different liposome compositions were tested. aFGF and L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol liposomes were selected to support vascularization. Two dosages of aFGF‐liposomes (0.5 and 1.0 μg aFGF per injection) were administered weekly for a month after which islets were transplanted. We observed enhanced efficacy in the immediate post‐transplant period compared to the untreated scaffolds. However, on the long‐term, glucose levels of the aFGF treated animals started to increase to diabetic levels. These results suggest that injections with aFGF liposomes do improve vascularization and the immediate restoration of blood glucose levels but does not facilitate the long‐term survival of islets. Our data emphasize the need for long‐term studies to evaluate potential beneficial and adverse effects of vascularization protocols of scaffolds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2533–2542, 2017.
Syntheses, Structures, and Properties of Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complexes Containing N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands
Authors: Shiu Ler‐Chun , Hung Shin , Chang I‐Jy , Shiu Kom‐Bei
Published: May 2017

The organic salts 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylbenzimidazolium halide (pm‐RbH+X−) and 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylimidazolium halide (pm‐R′iH+X′−) were prepared (where R = 4‐, 3‐, 2‐fluorobenzyl (4f, 3f, and 2f, respectively), 4‐, 3‐, 2‐chlorobenzyl (4c, 3c, and 2c, respectively); 4‐methoxybenzyl (4mo); 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl (f5); benzyl (b); and methyl (m)); X = Cl and Br; R′ = benzyl (b) and methyl (m); and X′ = Cl and I. From these salts, heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes containing one N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand [Ir(κ2‐ppy)2(κ2‐(pm‐Rb))]PF6 (R = 4f, 1(PF6); 3f, 2(PF6); 2f, 3(PF6); f5b, 4(PF6); 4c, 5(PF6); 3c, 6(PF6); 2c, 7(PF6); 4mo, 8(PF6); b, 9(PF6); m, 10(PF6)) and [Ir(κ2‐ppy)2(κ2‐(pm‐R′i))]PF6 (R = b, 11(PF6); m, 12(PF6)), were synthesized, and the crystal structures of 1(PF6), 2(PF6), 3(PF6), 5(PF6), 6(PF6), 7(PF6), 9(PF6), 10(PF6), and 12(PF6) were determined by X‐ray diffraction. The neutral NHC ligands 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylbenzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (pm‐Rb) and 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (pm‐R′i) of all cations were found to be involved in the intermolecular π−π stacking interactions with the surrounding cations in the solid state, thereby probably influencing the photophysical behavior in the solid state and in solution. The absorption and emission properties of all the complexes show only small variations.
Evidence of the sterility of allotetraploid Cobitis loaches (Teleostei, Cobitidae) using testes ultrastructure
Authors: Juchno Dorota , Pecio Anna , Boroń Alicja , Leska Anna , Jablonska Olga , Cejko Beata Irena , Kowalski Radosław Kajetan , Judycka Sylwia , Przybylski Mirosław
Published: May 2017

The diploid–polyploid populations of Cobitis distributed in Poland are usually composed of the spined loach Cobitis taenia or, less often, the Danubian loach C. elongatoides and their triploid (females) and tetraploid hybrids (females and males). The aim of this study was to determine whether tetraploid males participate in the reproduction process by analyzing their testis ultrastructure and the process of spermatogenesis in comparison with diploid males of both parental species. Tetraploid loaches were obtained from three different diploid–polyploid populations distributed in Poland. The structure of Cobitis testes are typical for most Teleostei fish with cystic‐type spermatogenesis. The successive stages of developing germ cells are enclosed within cysts formed by the Sertoli cells. This paper morphologically describes the different germ cell stages of spermatogenesis (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa) of C. taenia and C. elongatoides and provides a pioneering ultrastructural analysis of tetraploid Cobitis testes which reveals their unusual structure for the first time. Thus, cysts with normal spermatogonia and spermatocytes (pachyten or leptoten stages) containing synaptonemal complexes were present and no spermatids or spermatozoa were observed. Moreover, in contrast to previously analyzed diploid species, single cells or all of the cells within the cysts displayed chromatin condensation and/or chromatin fragmentation. The obtained results clearly demonstrated that tetraploid males are sterile and diploids are fertile and are the only sperm donors in the reproduction processes of diploid–polyploid Cobitis populations.
Age may contribute to the increased frequency of axonal Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Hawkes Maximiliano A. , Wilken Miguel , Vázquez Gabriel , Farez Mauricio F.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

The frequency of axonal Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) varies among countries. Previous studies supporting the high frequency of axonal GBS in South America have been carried out with pediatric populations. We seek to determine the frequency of axonal GBS in both children and adults in South America.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who were diagnosed with GBS between January 2006 and December 2013 in a neurological center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Adults and children with a diagnosis of GBS were included and classified by applying Ho and colleagues' criteria1 for axonal GBS.

Results

The study included 105 patients with GBS. Among 58 adults, only 5 individuals were classified as axonal GBS compared with 16 of 47 children. The frequency of axonal GBS was significantly higher in children than in adults (34% vs. 8.6%, P = 0.0001).

Discussion

As shown in a cohort of South American patients, age may impact the frequency of axonal GBS. Muscle Nerve 56: 1311–1313, 2017
How to switch the motor on: RNA polymerase initiation steps at the single‐molecule level
Authors: Marchetti M. , Malinowska A. , Heller I. , Wuite G.J.L.
Published: May 2017

RNA polymerase (RNAP) is the central motor of gene expression since it governs the process of transcription. In prokaryotes, this holoenzyme is formed by the RNAP core and a sigma factor. After approaching and binding the specific promoter site on the DNA, the holoenzyme‐promoter complex undergoes several conformational transitions that allow unwinding and opening of the DNA duplex. Once the first DNA basepairs (∼10 bp) are transcribed in an initial transcription process, the enzyme unbinds from the promoter and proceeds downstream along the DNA while continuously opening the helix and polymerizing the ribonucleotides in correspondence with the template DNA sequence. When the gene is transcribed into RNA, the process generally is terminated and RNAP unbinds from the DNA. The first step of transcription–initiation, is considered the rate‐limiting step of the entire process. This review focuses on the single‐molecule studies that try to reveal the key steps in the initiation phase of bacterial transcription. Such single‐molecule studies have, for example, allowed real‐time observations of the RNAP target search mechanism, a mechanism still under debate. Moreover, single‐molecule studies using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) revealed the conformational changes that the enzyme undergoes during initiation. Force‐based techniques such as scanning force microscopy and magnetic tweezers allowed quantification of the energy that drives the RNAP translocation along DNA and its dynamics. In addition to these in vitro experiments, single particle tracking in vivo has provided a direct quantification of the relative populations in each phase of transcription and their locations within the cell.
External force estimation and implementation in robotically assisted minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Sang Hongqiang , Yun Jintian , Monfaredi Reza , Wilson Emmanuel , Fooladi Hadi , Cleary Kevin
Published: May 2017

Background

Robotically assisted minimally invasive surgery can offer many benefits over open surgery and laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery. However, currently, there is no force sensing and force feedback.

Methods

This research was implemented using the da Vinci research kit. An external force estimation and implementation method was proposed based on dynamics and motor currents. The dynamics of the Patient Side Manipulator was modeled. The dynamic model was linearly parameterized. The estimation principle of external force was derived. The dynamic parameters were experimentally identified using a least squares method.

Results

Several experiments including dynamic parameter identification, joint torque estimation, and external force estimation were performed. The results showed that the proposed method could implement force estimation without using a force sensor.

Conclusions

The force estimation method was proposed and implemented and experimental results showed the method worked and was feasible. This method could be used for force sensing in minimally invasive surgical robotics in the future.
Winner‐take‐all or long tail? A behavioral model of markets with increasing returns
Authors: Lamberson P.J.
Published: May 2017

This paper develops a model of consumer choice that demonstrates why some markets with increasing returns converge to a winner‐take‐all outcome while many others have a power law market share distribution with a “long tail” of small‐share products. The model takes the standard winner‐take‐all model of increasing returns and adds a simple behavioral assumption: when faced with complex choices, decision makers first quickly eliminate many of the available options using a simple heuristic before selecting from the remaining feasible set. We examine the market‐level consequences of this model using an agent‐based simulation. Under a wide range of parameters the model produces a power law share distribution. But when consumers have very large feasible sets the market converges to a winner‐take‐all outcome, and when consumers have very small feasible sets the model produces an evenly split market. Copyright © 2017 System Dynamics Society
Cardiac remodeling and pre‐eclampsia: an overview of microRNA expression patterns
Authors: Mohseni Z. , Spaanderman M. E. A. , Oben J. , Calore M. , Derksen E. , Al‐Nasiry S. , de Windt L. J. , Ghossein‐Doha C.
Published: May 2017

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is strongly associated with heart failure (HF) later in life. During PE pregnancy, the left ventricle undergoes concentric remodeling which often persists after delivery. This aberrant remodeling can induce a molecular signature that can be evaluated in terms of microRNAs (miRNAs) and which may help to explain the associated increased risk of HF. For this review, we performed a literature search of PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information), identifying studies on miRNA expression in concentric remodeling and on miRNA expression in PE. The miRNA data were stratified based on origin (isolated from humans or animals and from tissue or the circulation) and both datasets compared in order to generate a list of miRNA expression patterns in concentric remodeling and in PE. The nine miRNAs identified in both concentric remodeling and PE‐complicated pregnancy were: miR‐1, miR‐18, miR‐21, miR‐29b, miR‐30, miR‐125b, miR‐181b, miR‐195 and miR‐499‐5p. We found five of these miRNAs (miR‐18, miR‐21, miR‐125b, miR‐195 and miR‐499‐5p) to be upregulated in both PE pregnancy and cardiac remodeling and two (miR‐1 and miR‐30) to be downregulated in both; the remaining two miRNAs (miR‐29b and miR‐181b) showed upregulation during PE but downregulation in cardiac remodeling. This innovative approach may be a step towards finding relevant biomarkers for complicated pregnancy and elucidating their relationship with remote cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Spatio‐temporal patterns of grassland evapotranspiration and water use efficiency in arid areas
Authors: Huang Xiaotao , Luo Geping , Lv Nana
Published: May 2017

Understanding spatio‐temporal patterns of grassland evapotranspiration (ET) and water use efficiency (WUE) in arid areas is important for livestock production and ecological conservation. Xinjiang, China, was used as an example in the Biome‐BGC model to explore spatio‐temporal patterns of grassland ET and WUE from 1979 to 2012 in arid areas. The ET ranked from high to low as follows: among seasons, summer (142.4 mm), spring (49.7 mm), autumn (45.9 mm) and winter (7.7 mm); among regions, the Tianshan Mountains (357.9 mm), northern Xinjiang (221.3 mm) and southern Xinjiang (183.2 mm); among grassland types, mid‐mountain meadow (387.7 mm), swamp meadow (358.3 mm), typical grassland (343.9 mm), desert grassland (236.2 mm), alpine meadow (229.7 mm), and saline meadow (154.7 mm). The WUE ranked from high to low as follows: among seasons, summer (0.60 g C kg H2O−1), autumn (0.48 g C kg H2O−1) and spring (0.43 g C kg H2O−1); among regions, northern Xinjiang (0.73 g C kg H2O−1), the Tianshan Mountains (0.69 g C kg H2O−1) and southern Xinjiang (0.26 g C kg H2O−1); among grassland types, mid‐mountain meadow (0.86 g C kg H2O−1), typical grassland (0.84 g C kg H2O−1), swamp meadow (0.77 g C kg H2O−1), saline meadow (0.52 g C kg H2O−1), alpine grassland (0.37 g C kg H2O−1) and desert grassland (0.34 g C kg H2O−1). In Xinjiang grasslands, the spatio‐temporal ET patterns were more strongly influenced by precipitation than by temperature, whereas most high WUE values occurred when precipitation and temperature were relatively conducive to grass growth.
Peripheral complement interactions with amyloid β peptide: Erythrocyte clearance mechanisms
Authors: Brubaker William D. , Crane Andrés , Johansson Jenny U. , Yen Kevin , Garfinkel Kristina , Mastroeni Diego , Asok Priya , Bradt Bonnie , Sabbagh Marwan , Wallace Tanya L. , Glavis‐Bloom Courtney , Tenner Andrea J. , Rogers Joseph
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Although amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is cleared from the brain to cerebrospinal fluid and the peripheral circulation, mechanisms for its removal from blood remain unresolved. Primates have uniquely evolved a highly effective peripheral clearance mechanism for pathogens, immune adherence, in which erythrocyte complement receptor 1 (CR1) plays a major role.

Methods

Multidisciplinary methods were used to demonstrate immune adherence capture of Aβ by erythrocytes and its deficiency in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Results

Aβ was shown to be subject to immune adherence at every step in the pathway. Aβ dose‐dependently activated serum complement. Complement‐opsonized Aβ was captured by erythrocytes via CR1. Erythrocytes, Aβ, and hepatic Kupffer cells were colocalized in the human liver. Significant deficits in erythrocyte Aβ levels were found in AD and mild cognitive impairment patients.

Discussion

CR1 polymorphisms elevate AD risk, and >80% of human CR1 is vested in erythrocytes to subserve immune adherence. The present results suggest that this pathway is pathophysiologically relevant in AD.
Computed tomography findings predicting the success of silodosin for medical expulsive therapy of ureteral stones
Authors: Celik Serdar , Akdeniz Firat , Yildirim Muge Afsar , Bozkurt Ozan , Bulut Merve Gursoy , Hacihasanoglu Mehmet Levent , Demir Omer
Published: May 2017

Aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between non‐contrast computed tomography (NCCT) findings and stone expulsion rate with medical expulsive therapy (MET) using silodosin for ureteral stones in male adults. Between January 2014 and June 2015, we retrospectively reviewed the patient charts with uncomplicated ureteral stones on NCCT images, who were treated with silodosin for MET. Stone diameter, volume and hounsfield units (HU) measured by NCCT and treatment findings were noted at the end of treatment. Patients were divided into three groups according to the localization as distal, mid and proximal ureteral stones. NCCT and treatment findings were compared between MET success and failure groups in different localizations. Stone expulsion rate was 81.3% for 134 distal, 45.5% for 22 mid and 27.7% for 47 proximal stones. Stone diameter, volume, and HU were significantly lower for success groups with distal and proximal stones (p < 0.05). In ROC analysis the cut‐off values for stone volume and HU were detected as 48.7 mm3 and 598 HU for success group with proximal stones. Stone expulsion rate was found to be 24 times more (OR = 24; p = 0.001) in patients with <598 HU and 14 times more (OR = 14; p = 0.002) in patients with <48.7 mm3 proximal stones. Lower stone diameter, volume and HU were significant predictors of success with silodosin for MET for ureteral stones. Patients with <598 HU and/or <48.7 mm3 proximal stones may be prescribed silodosin for MET.
Sedentary behavior as a risk factor for cognitive decline? A focus on the influence of glycemic control in brain health
Authors: Wheeler Michael J. , Dempsey Paddy C. , Grace Megan S. , Ellis Kathryn A. , Gardiner Paul A. , Green Daniel J. , Dunstan David W.
Published: May 2017

Cognitive decline leading to dementia represents a global health burden. In the absence of targeted pharmacotherapy, lifestyle approaches remain the best option for slowing the onset of dementia. However, older adults spend very little time doing moderate to vigorous exercise and spend a majority of time in sedentary behavior. Sedentary behavior has been linked to poor glycemic control and increased risk of all‐cause mortality. Here, we explore a potential link between sedentary behavior and brain health. We highlight the role of glycemic control in maintaining brain function and suggest that reducing and replacing sedentary behavior with intermittent light‐intensity physical activity may protect against cognitive decline by reducing glycemic variability. Given that older adults find it difficult to achieve current exercise recommendations, this may be an additional practical strategy. However, more research is needed to understand the impact of poor glycemic control on brain function and whether practical interventions aimed at reducing and replacing sedentary behavior with intermittent light intensity physical activity can help slow cognitive decline.
Adenoma adrenocortical ectópico parahiliar renal, en paciente con síndrome de Cushing independiente de ACTH. Abordaje laparoscópico. Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Hernández Carlos , Ulloa José , Pizza Sara , Moreno Mauricio
Published: May 2017

Objetivos El adenoma adrenocortical ectópico es el producto de la transformación de tejido adrenal ectópico embriológico en adenoma funcionante. Su asociación con síndrome de Cushing corresponde a menos del 2% de los casos. El presente es el noveno caso reportado en la literatura, por lo tanto se pretende recalcar la manera de realizar un adecuado abordaje diagnóstico multidisciplinario logrando el enfoque quirúrgico que permite el mejor tratamiento.

Materiales y métodos Búsqueda en bases de datos Pubmed, Lilacs, Embase. Revisión de la historia clínica y seguimiento postoperatorio.

Resultados Paciente femenina de 28 años quien presentó un aborto en primer trimestre de embarazo, asociado a hipertensión arterial, facies de luna llena y obesidad centrípeta. Se encuentra masa pararrenal izquierda. Se realiza abordaje laparoscópico para la resección de la misma, con patología que informa adenoma cortical adrenal. Resolución de sintomatología después del procedimiento.

Conclusiones Es un caso de baja frecuencia, donde es importante identificar la sintomatología temprana, así como realizar un abordaje multidisciplinario con el fin de realizar un correcto abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico.
The Developmental Scientist's Companion
Authors: Reznick J. Steven
Published: May 2017

Written by one of developmental science's foremost methodologists, The Developmental Scientist's Companion provides an engaging and accessible guide to the scientific techniques that have been devised to investigate human development. Adopting an original approach to what can be a dry yet essential topic, Reznick enlivens his coverage of key issues in developmental methodology - measuring psychological phenomena, assessing reliability and validity, experimental design, interviews and surveys, data collection and analysis and interpreting research results - with discussion of his own experiences of those various techniques, gained over a substantial research career. The Companion concludes with practical tips for improving the field and navigating a path to professional success. Reznick's 'behind-the-scenes' view of empirical research and career progression, told with wit, wisdom and insight, is essential reading for students and young researchers launching their careers in developmental science.
Emotional Lives
Authors: McCarthy E. Doyle
Published: May 2017

Emotional Lives explores the changes in emotional cultures that have taken place during the last half century and continue to affect people's identities today. These changes are driven by the culture of consumerism in contemporary post-industrial society and by the emergence of new ideas about public and private life in a time when media culture generates new forms of social relationships and deep personal attachments to celebrity figures. McCarthy shows that people are drawn to public life, not only for entertainment and pleasure but also for its dramas, for memorializing events like disasters, acts of violence, and victimhood. McCarthy's cultural-sociological approach provides new insights about emotions as 'social things' and reveals how today's mass media is an important force for cultural change, including changes in people's relationships, identities, and emotions.
Loss Coverage
Authors: Thomas Guy
Published: May 2017

Most academic and policy commentary represents adverse selection as a severe problem in insurance, which should always be deprecated, avoided or minimised. This book gives a contrary view. It details the exaggeration of adverse selection in insurers' rhetoric and insurance economics, and presents evidence that in many insurance markets, adverse selection is weaker than most commentators suggest. A novel arithmetical argument shows that from a public policy perspective, 'weak' adverse selection can be a good thing. This is because a degree of adverse selection is needed to maximise 'loss coverage', the expected fraction of the population's losses which is compensated by insurance. This book will be valuable for those interested in public policy arguments about insurance and discrimination: academics (in economics, law and social policy), policymakers, actuaries, underwriters, disability activists, geneticists and other medical professionals.
Interpretation of Emergency Head CT
Authors: Holmes Erskine J. , Misra Rakesh R.
Published: May 2017

This easy-to-read Handbook offers clinicians a practical system for interpreting emergency head CT. This image driven book covers a wide spectrum of conditions likely to be encountered in everyday clinical practice. Practical tips for recognizing subtle pathology, through to the more obvious, are supplemented by easy-to-interpret diagrams. New topics have been added since the first edition, including trauma CT cervical spine interpretation, and an up-to-date section on acute stroke. In addition to the clinical chapters, this Handbook provides simplified technical details, and a brief historical background, making it an excellent reference manual and learning aide for all clinicians with an interest in emergency CT head interpretation.