bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the President: Entitled to the Facts: A Fact-Checking Role for Librarians
Authors: LeBeau Chris
Published: December 2017

Just three weeks after our new president took office in 2017, New York Times columnist David Brooks reflected on the new administration and referred to a “rising tide of conflict and incivility.”1 While many agree that the levels of incivility have risen like a swollen river in 2017, with no one sure where the river will crest, Americans struggle with an inability to discuss political differences, even among friends and relatives. Feeling like we have backpedaled to a new low in our history, perhaps we forget incivilities from our past such as the famous canning of Senator Charles Sumner on the Senate floor in 1856. Those historical events seem unfathomable in our purportedly more sophisticated day and age.
Readers' Advisory: Readers’ Services: One is the Loneliest Number
Authors: Tarulli Laurel
Published: December 2017

When we talk of readers’ advisory services in libraries, we often we talk in terms of departments and teams. Those of us who work in public libraries are fortunate to have colleagues with us at the desk or just around the corner in the workroom with whom we can consult on challenging readers’ advisory (RA) questions. But as column editor Laurel Tarulli points out, librarians in small libraries or in schools often are operating completely on their own, which can present a challenge in terms of RA work.—Barry Trott, RUSQ editor
Outstanding Business Reference Sources 2017
Authors: BRASS Business Reference Sources Committee BRASS
Published: December 2017

Each year, the Business Reference Sources Committee of BRASS selects the outstanding business reference sources published since May of the previous year. This year, the committee reviewed nine entries; of these, two were designated as “Outstanding,” six as “Notable,” and one as a “Notable New Edition.” To qualify for these designations, each title must meet the conventional definition of reference: a work compiled specifically to supply information on a certain subject or group of subjects in a form that will facilitate its ease of use. The works are examined for the following: authority and reputation of the publisher, author, or editor; accuracy; appropriate bibliography; organization; comprehensiveness; value of the content; currency; unique addition; ease of use for the intended purpose; quality and accuracy of index; and quality and usefulness of graphics and illustrations. Each year, more electronic reference titles are being published. Criteria for evaluating electronic reference titles include the following: accuracy of links, search features, stability of content, and graphic design. Selected works must also be suitable for medium and large academic and public libraries.
Book Review: The First-Year Experience Cookbook
Authors: Valencia Kyndra
Published: December 2017

In any university library, the first-year experience is an essential component of capturing students’ interest and engagement from the very beginning and of publicizing what the library offers them. However, it is always a struggle to determine how exactly to capture freshmen’s attention and disseminate information about the library’s various resources. Coming up with fresh, relevant ideas on top of an already busy schedule is enough to stress almost any librarian. Pun and Houlihan’s book attempts to alleviate this stress by presenting a “cookbook” of ideas, activities, and lesson plans that librarians across the nation have found effective in engaging first-year students, giving library staff a wealth of options to consider, duplicate, or alter according to their own needs. The book itself is divided into four sections—orientations, library instruction, programs, and assessment. Each section’s activities and lesson plans are detailed and well described, offering excellent variety as well as suggestions for accommodating a wide range of program sizes, budget constraints, and time and staffing requirements. Many of the included projects also feature photographs of the activities or reproducible versions of handouts, increasing the ease of replicability for interested librarians.
Book Review: Mobile Technology and Academic Libraries: Innovative Services for Research & Learning
Authors: Gottschalk George
Published: December 2017

Mobile technologies’ application in libraries is an area still ripe in potential. Despite mobile technologies’ prevalence in the lives of most libraries’ users, libraries often remain reactive, at best, to the implementation of mobile technologies to provide library services. As many of the chapters in this edited volume underscore, mobile technologies reach people from a wider range of socioeconomic levels than traditional web-enabled technologies. Thus, there are both logistical and moral motivations for libraries to adopt mobile technologies.
Book Review: Practical Tips for Developing Your Staff
Authors: Escobar Hector
Published: December 2017

Libraries whose staff are engaged with outcomes stemming from professional development are poised to do great things. This seems to be the intention captured in Practical Tips for Developing Your Staff, a handbook that readers can consult to find suitable development opportunities for themselves or for people they supervise. The book draws upon various existing tools and resources and ties them together with practical ideas for developing or strengthening one’s skills and abilities.
Book Review: Reading, Research, and Writing: Teaching Information Literacy with Process-Based Research Assignments
Authors: Agee Ann
Published: December 2017

Research papers are ubiquitous in college, as common for freshmen as they are for seniors. To support these assignments, librarians typically have been limited to “go-here-click-that” one-shot sessions. Frequently, the results are faculty who are unhappy with the quality of student papers and librarians who are frustrated that they cannot contribute more to student learning and success. Reading, Research, and Writing takes scholarship from psychology, education, library science, and rhetoric and communication and, in six concise chapters, demonstrates that focusing on the messy process of research, rather than its product, leads to better learning outcomes. To keep the spotlight firmly on this untidy process, the phrase “writing from sources” rather than “research paper” is used throughout the book.
Book Review: Sex, Brains & Video Games: Information and Inspiration for Youth Services Librarians, 2nd ed.
Authors: Cheek Leanne
Published: December 2017

In this book, Jennifer Burek Pierce focuses on many aspects of young adult development, from their mental and emotional processes to the many influences that affect them in their day-to-day lives. She asserts the importance of making a place for this unique group in libraries’ spaces, programs, and staff, noting that adolescence is an incredibly difficult transitional period and that, in the words of Sari Feldman, libraries “are a lifeline for people at every key transition in their lives” (xii). This book does not contain step-by-step guides for serving this age group, but it presents clear reasoning for how to approach this age group and describes what a librarian might experience while working with today’s teens.
Book Review: Interpreting Our World: 100 Discoveries that Revolutionized Geography
Authors: Hurley Joseph A.
Published: December 2017

Advances within the discipline of geography have changed the way that we understand and engage with the world. Joseph J. Kerski’s Interpreting our World: 100 Discoveries that Revolutionized Geography focuses on some of the most important discoveries in geography that have changed the discipline of geography and society’s understanding of the world. Interpreting our World is a single-volume encyclopedia that contains an introduction essay, six regional maps that depict the geographic locations of the volume’s entries, a selected chronology of key events, one hundred alphabetically arranged entries, and an index.
Book Review: Musicals in Film: A Guide to the Genre
Authors: Mittenberg Valerie
Published: December 2017

“You ain’t heard nothing yet!” (43) exclaimed Al Jolson before belting out “Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye” in The Jazz Singer, the 1927 film considered to be the first movie musical. Over the next century, the movie musical has continued to enthrall audiences with new performance and production styles. The long list of movies in which characters sing is matched only by the lavish number of books that have been published about the topic, the majority of which were written for Hollywood musical buffs. These books typically include movie stills, plot synopses, score credits, and fascinating anecdotes. Clive Hirschhorn’s 1981 comprehensive chronicle, The Hollywood Musical (Crown, 1981), is a successful example of this formula.
Modern methods of design, analysis, optimization and implementation of conventional control algorithms for processes with finite and infinite degrees of freedom
Authors: Šekara Tomislav
Published: December 2017

This paper presents characterization methods for a large class of industrial processes using a critical experiment as well asmodern methods of design, analysis, optimization and implementation of conventional control algorithms. Special attention is set to theprocess characterization methods using relay techniques and phase-locked loops in order to form a general process model which servesas a base for adequate controller design. This general process model adequately approximates processes which behaviour can bedescribed with linear mathematical models with finite and infinite degrees of freedom including conventional finite dimension systems,time-delay systems, systems whose behaviour is dominated by a wave and transport problems such as mass and energy transfer,systems described with fractional differential equations etc. Based on characterization, an important accent is also put on the design ofPI/PID controller due to their large application in industry which exceeds 93% compared to all the other controllers according toHoneywell's surveys. In order to illustrate validity of characterization model and effectiveness of presented design method, the paperprovides an example of optimal PID controller designed under constraints on robustness and sensitivity to the measurement noise.Digital implementation is considered for both the controllers with rational and those with non-rational transfer functions. At the end,controller analytical design methods are elaborated and analytical formulae for PI/PID controllers tuning are presented.
Efficient Control of IGBT Transistor as Part of Overvoltage Protection
Authors: Jovančić Nenad , Hadžimejlić Nijaz , Ćeklić Pero
Published: December 2017

The paper analyzes the phenomena of appearance of overvoltage during the switching-off of the IGBT transistor which arecaused by the presence of parasitic inductance in the switching circuit. This problem can be solved in two ways – by preventing thecause of the overvoltage, or by limiting the overvoltage level. Therefore, the characteristics of good PCB design have been noted, andthe typical snubber’s circuits have been listed. The paper focuses on solving the problem of IGBT transistor overvoltages on a specificpower electronics converter. A computerized model of power electronics converter has been created in order to analyze the influenceof parasitic inductance on the overvoltage level. A special analysis was performed on the simulation results which indicate that thecontrol of the IGBT transistor turning-off process can provide a lower overvoltage level. The paper also describes the design and theimplementation of the overvoltage protection elements on a developed power electronics converter prototype. The driver circuit TD350which performs intelligent control of IGBT transistors in order to control overvoltages has been described in detail. The efficiency ofthis driver is based on the idea of two-level turn-off, where the intermediate level and its duration can be set according to the specificconditions in the IGBT transistor circuit. This way, the speed of current change is reduced, which directly affects the overvoltage levelon the transistor switching. Finally, within experimental results, the waveforms of control signals, as well as the overvoltage waveformshave been shown at different input voltage levels.
Improved single-phase PLL structure with DC-SOGI block on FPGA board implementation
Authors: Ristović Krstić Milica , Lubura Slobodan , Nikolić Tatjana
Published: December 2017

Synchronization block which is used as a part of photovoltaic (PV) inverters control structure has a key impact on connectinginverters with grid. One of the most important parameters in the point of connection PV inverter and grid is phase angle between gridvoltage and inverter current. This angle determines the energy transfer between inverter and grid. Synchronization algorithms havedeveloped for very long time. At first, they were based on zero crossing grid voltage detection, while today complexed synchronizationalgorithms implemented on high performance digital board have been used. One of these synchronization structures is Phase LockedLoop – PLL. In this paper implementation of improved PLL structure is presented. This improved structure is special while it haspossibility of grid parameters estimation even if grid voltage has noise or DC offset. This DC offset from the grid in PLL structureusually entered via measurement and A/D conversion processor or may be generated due to temporary system faults. Appearance ofDC offset in measured grid voltage on the one hand prevents any estimation process of grid parameters and on the other hand alsodegrades reference sine signal at the output of PLL structure in PV inverters. This improved structure is designed in digital form andimplemented on FPGA digital board and experimental results of this implementation are presented. Obtained experimental resultsshow that the proposed PLL structure successfully solves important issue such is presence of DC offset in measured grid voltage.
Retrieval of Compositional End‐Members From Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity Observations in a Soil‐Filled Fracture in Marathon Valley, Endeavour Crater Rim
Authors: Stein N. T. , Arvidson R. E. , O'Sullivan J. A. , Catalano J. G. , Guinness E. A. , Politte D. V. , Gellert R. , VanBommel S. J.
Published: December 2017

The Opportunity rover investigated a gentle swale on the rim of Endeavour crater called Marathon Valley where a series of bright planar outcrops are cut into polygons by fractures. A wheel scuff performed on one of the soil‐filled fracture zones revealed the presence of three end‐members identified on the basis of Pancam multispectral imaging observations covering ~0.4 to 1 μm: red and dark pebbles, and a bright soil clod. Multiple overlapping Alpha Particle X‐ray Spectrometer (APXS) measurements were collected on three targets within the scuff zone. The field of view of each APXS measurement contained various proportions of the Pancam‐based end‐members. Application of a log maximum likelihood method for retrieving the composition of the end‐members using the 10 APXS measurements shows that the dark pebble end‐member is compositionally similar to average Mars soil, with slightly elevated S and Fe. In contrast, the red pebble end‐member exhibits enrichments in Al and Si and is depleted in Fe and Mg relative to average Mars soil. The soil clod end‐member is enriched in Mg, S, and Ni. Thermodynamic modeling of the soil clod end‐member composition indicates a dominance of sulfate minerals. We hypothesize that acidic fluids in fractures leached and oxidized the basaltic host rock, forming the red pebbles, and then evaporated to leave behind sulfate‐cemented soil.
The Electric Storm of November 1882
Authors: Love Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2017

In November 1882, an intense magnetic storm related to a large sunspot group caused widespread interference to telegraph and telephone systems and provided spectacular and unusual auroral displays. The (ring current) storm time disturbance index for this storm reached maximum −Dst ≈ 386 nT, comparable to Halloween storm of 29–31 October 2003, but from 17 to 20 November the aa midlatitude geomagnetic disturbance index averaged 214.25 nT, the highest 4 day level of disturbance since the beginning of aa index in 1868. This storm contributed to scientists' understanding of the reality of solar‐terrestrial interaction. Past occurrences of magnetic storms, like that of November 1882, can inform modern evaluations of the deleterious effects that a magnetic superstorm might have on technological systems of importance to society.
A Vesicular Stomatitis Virus‐Inspired DNA Nanocomplex for Ovarian Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yang Yuping , Song Lingling , Kang Tianyi , Du Ting , Wu Yujiao , Xiong Meimei , Luo Li , Long Jianlin , Men Ke , Zhang Lan , Chen Xiaoxin , Huang Meijuan , Gou Maling
Published: December 2017

Gene therapy provides a novel method for cancer therapy. This study shows a DNA nanocomplex that is inspired from vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) for ovarian cancer therapy. This DNA nanocomplex consists of a cationized monomethoxy poly (ethylene glycol)‐poly (d,l‐lactide) (MPEG‐PLA) nanoparticle and a plasmid encoding the matrix protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSVMP) that plays a critical role in the VSV‐induced apoptosis of cancer cells. The cationized MPEG‐PLA nanoparticle that is self‐assembled by MPEG‐PLA copolymer and N‐[1‐(2,3‐dioleoyloxy) propyl]‐N,N,N‐trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP) has low cytotoxicity and high transfection efficiency (>80%). Intraperitoneal administration of the pVSVMP nanocomplex remarkably inhibits the intraperitoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer and does not cause significant systemic toxicity. The apoptosis induction and anti‐angiogenesis are involved in the anticancer mechanism. This work demonstrates a VSV‐inspired DNA nanocomplex that has potential application for the treatment of intraperitoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer.
Crystal Imperfection Modulation Engineering for Functionalization of Wide Band Gap Semiconductor Radiation Detector
Authors: Ji Xu , Chen Liang , Xu Mengxuan , Dong Mei , Yan Kun , Cheng Shuang , Kong Xueqian , Wang Tongyao , Liu Jiandang , Gu Bingchuan , Wang Huanhua , Liu Zhiyong , Wang Shuao , Huang Feng , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: December 2017

Controllable and repeatable crystal imperfection modulation engineering (CIME) is important for the development of semiconductor science and technology. However, for wide band gap semiconductors (WBGSs), there still lacks universal and reliable CIME. Here, based on the general idea of chemical composition complete expression design, a well‐designed, repeatable, and feasible CIME for ZnO is introduced, making free modulation of carrier in WBGS become possible. Briefly, this extraordinary CIME is dominated by two innovative procedures: an electrochemical doping and a strong oxidizing atmosphere annealing. The proposed CIME is a repeatable and universal carrier modulation project, which holds technological promise for various WBGS‐based semiconductor devices. Benefiting from this CIME, an α particle detector which operating at a high electric field of 107 V cm−1 can be fabricated successfully.
Semiconductor:Insulator Blends for Speed Enhancement in Organic Photodiodes
Authors: Strobel Noah , Eckstein Ralph , Lehr Jonathan , Lemmer Uli , Hernandez‐Sosa Gerardo
Published: December 2017

Organic photodiodes (OPDs) have been studied intensively for a number of years, as they enable low‐cost fabrication of sensor systems for imaging, medical, or industrial applications. While the device performance in terms of responsivity and detectivity is continuously improving, detection speed still lags behind. One of the major limiting factors is the large transit times of the charges. In this work, an approach of blending insulating polymers into a poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) and [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester bulk heterojunction system, which has already shown beneficial effects on the transport properties in organic field effect transistors or organic solar cells, is followed. Starting from a basic morphological study using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with different molecular weights, both the steady‐state and dynamic characteristics of the OPDs are examined. Transient photocurrent measurements show that the inclusion of PMMA results in an increase of the −3 dB cut‐off frequency without adversely affecting the device steady‐state performance under illumination or in the dark. This increase is attributed to a reduced transit time in the active layer when PMMA is present.
Low Boiling Point Solvent Additives for Improved Photooxidative Stability in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Holliday Sarah , Luscombe Christine K.
Published: December 2017

The efficiency of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells is rapidly increasing. However, many of the highest performance OPV devices are also the most unstable, including the two widely used benzodithiophene‐co‐thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene polymers, PTB7 and PTB7‐Th. Here it is shown that both the choice of pendant side chain, and solvents used for film deposition, have an important effect on active layer stability. Specifically, polymers with alkylthienyl side chains are found to be less stable than polymers with alkoxy side chains. Secondly, high boiling point solvent additives such as 1,8‐diiodooctane are found to dramatically accelerate photooxidation unless they are removed fully during device processing, which may be attributed to increased oxygen diffusion in films containing residual solvent. Replacing these higher boiling point solvent additives with lower boiling additives can greatly enhance the polymer stability without requiring high vacuum treatment, making these systems more scalable and compatible with roll‐to‐roll printing. Based on this finding, the non‐halogenated solvent system o‐xylene with 2% N‐methylpyrrolidone is explored as a route to achieving higher active layer stability, while maintaining the favorable, intermixed morphology achieved with higher boiling point, halogenated solvent additives. This result offers a promising way forward in the development of scalable, stable, and high‐efficiency organic solar cells.
Centrifugation‐free washing: A novel approach for removing immunoglobulin A from stored red blood cells
Authors: Vörös Eszter , Piety Nathaniel Z. , Strachan Briony C. , Lu Madeleine , Shevkoplyas Sergey S.
Published: December 2017

Washed red blood cells (RBCs) are indicated for immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficient recipients. Centrifugation‐based cell processors commonly used by hospital blood banks cannot consistently reduce IgA below the recommended levels, hence double washing is frequently required. Here, we describe a prototype of a simple, portable, disposable system capable of washing stored RBCs without centrifugation, while reducing IgA below 0.05 mg/dL in a single run. Samples from RBC units (n = 8, leukoreduced, 4‐6 weeks storage duration) were diluted with normal saline to a hematocrit of 10%, and then washed using either the prototype washing system, or via conventional centrifugation. The efficiency of the two washing methods was quantified and compared by measuring several key in vitro quality metrics. The prototype of the washing system was able to process stored RBCs at a rate of 300 mL/hour, producing a suspension of washed RBCs with 43 ± 3% hematocrit and 86 ± 7% cell recovery. Overall, the two washing methods performed similarly for most measured parameters, lowering the concentration of free hemoglobin by >4‐fold and total free protein by >10‐fold. Importantly, the new washing system reduced the IgA level to 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/mL, a concentration 5‐fold lower than that produced by conventional centrifugation. This proof‐of‐concept study showed that centrifugation may be unnecessary for washing stored RBCs. A simple, disposable, centrifugation‐free washing system could be particularly useful in smaller medical facilities and resource limited settings that may lack access to centrifugation‐based cell processors.
Total Synthesis of (±)‐Phomoidride D
Authors: Leung Joyce C. , Bedermann Aaron A. , Njardarson Jón T. , Spiegel David A. , Murphy Graham K. , Hama Naoto , Twenter Barry M. , Dong Ping , Shirahata Tatsuya , McDonald Ivar M. , Inoue Munenori , Taniguchi Nobuaki , McMahon Travis C. , Schneider Christopher M. , Tao Nancy , Stoltz Brian M. , Wood John L.
Published: December 2017

Described herein is a synthetic strategy for the total synthesis of (±)‐phomoidride D. This highly efficient and stereoselective approach provides rapid assembly of the carbocyclic core by way of a tandem phenolic oxidation/intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition. A subsequent SmI2‐mediated cyclization cascade delivers an isotwistane intermediate poised for a Wharton fragmentation that unveils the requisite bicyclo[4.3.1]decene skeleton and sets the stage for synthesis completion.
Enzymatic Electrosynthesis of Alkanes by Bioelectrocatalytic Decarbonylation of Fatty Aldehydes
Authors: Abdellaoui Sofiene , Macazo Florika C. , Cai Rong , De Lacey Antonio L. , Pita Marcos , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: December 2017

An enzymatic electrosynthesis system was created by combining an aldehyde deformylating oxygenase (ADO) from cyanobacteria that catalyzes the decarbonylation of fatty aldehydes to alkanes and formic acid with an electrochemical interface. This system is able to produce a range of alkanes (octane to propane) from aldehydes and alcohols. The combination of this bioelectrochemical system with a hydrogenase bioanode yields a H2/heptanal enzymatic fuel cell (EFC) able to simultaneously generate electrical energy with a maximum current density of 25 μA cm−2 at 0.6 V and produce hexane with a faradaic efficiency of 24 %.
Utilization and Short‐Term Outcomes of Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in the United States and Canada
Authors: Cram Peter , Landon Bruce E. , Matelski John , Ling Vicki , Stukel Therese A. , Paterson J. Michael , Gandhi Rajiv , Hawker Gillian A. , Ravi Bheeshma
Published: December 2017

Objective

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) are common and effective surgical procedures. This study sought to compare utilization and short‐term outcomes of primary TKA and THA in adjacent regions of Canada and the United States.

Methods

The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary TKA or THA, comparing administrative data from New York and Ontario in 2012–2013. Demographic features of the TKA and THA patients, per capita utilization rates, and short‐term outcomes were compared between the jurisdictions.

Results

A higher percentage of New York hospitals performed TKA compared to Ontario hospitals (75.7% versus 42.1%; P < 0.001), and the mean annual procedural volume for TKAs was lower in New York hospitals (mean 179 versus 327 in Ontario hospitals; P < 0.001). After direct standardization, utilization was significantly lower in New York compared to Ontario, both for TKA (16.1 TKAs versus 21.4 TKAs per 10,000 population per year; P < 0.001) and for THA (10.5 THAs versus 11.5 THAs per 10,000 population per year; P < 0.001). For those who underwent TKA, the length of stay in Ontario hospitals was significantly longer (mean 3.7 days versus 3.4 days in New York hospitals; P < 0.001). A smaller percentage of New York patients were discharged directly home (46.2% versus 90.9% of Ontario patients; P < 0.001), but 30‐day and 90‐day readmission rates were higher in New York compared to Ontario (30‐day rates, 4.6% versus 3.9% [P < 0.001]; 90‐day rates, 8.4% versus 6.7% [P < 0.001]). For the THA cohorts, the results with regard to length of stay, discharge disposition, and readmission rates were similar to those for TKA.

Conclusion

Ontario has higher utilization of total joint arthroplasty than New York but has a smaller percentage of hospitals performing these procedures. Patients are more likely to be discharged home and less likely to be readmitted in Ontario. Our results suggest areas where each jurisdiction could improve.
Cytochrome cCatalyzes the Hydrogen Peroxide‐Assisted Oxidative Desulfuration of 2‐Thiouridines in Transfer RNAs
Authors: Sierant Małgorzata , Kulik Katarzyna , Sochacka Elzbieta , Szewczyk Rafal , Sobczak Milena , Nawrot Barbara
Published: December 2017

The 5‐substituted 2‐thiouridines (R5S2Us) present in the first (wobble) position of the anticodon of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) contribute to accuracy in reading mRNA codons and tuning protein synthesis. Previously, we showed that, under oxidative stress conditions in vitro, R5S2Us were sensitive to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and that their oxidative desulfuration produced 5‐substituted uridines (R5Us) and 4‐pyrimidinone nucleosides (R5H2Us) at a ratio that depended on the pH and an R5 substituent. Here, we demonstrate that the desulfuration of 2‐thiouridines, either alone or within an RNA/tRNA chain, is catalyzed by cytochrome c(cyt c). Its kinetics are similar to those of Fenton‐type catalytic 2‐thiouridine (S2U) desulfuration. Cyt c/H2O2‐ and FeII‐mediated reactions deliver predominantly 4‐pyrimidinone nucleoside (H2U)‐type products. The pathway of the cyt c/H2O2‐peroxidase‐mediated S2U→H2U transformation through uridine sulfenic (U‐SOH), sulfinic (U‐SO2H), and sulfonic (U‐SO3H) intermediates is confirmed by LC–MS. The cyt c/H2O2‐mediated oxidative damage of S2U‐tRNA may have biological relevance through alteration of the cellular functions of transfer RNA.
Iron(III) Amine Bis(phenolate) Complex Immobilized on Silica‐Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Highly Efficient Catalyst for the Oxidation of Alcohols and Sulfides
Authors: Karimpour Touraj , Safaei Elham , Karimi Babak , Lee Yong‐Ill
Published: December 2017

We aimed to immobilize a complex of iron(III) amine bis(phenolate) on silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles as a new magnetically recoverable catalyst (Fe3O4@SiO2‐APTES‐FeLGDC). Both the chemical nature and the structure of catalyst were confirmed by using field‐emission transmission electron microscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XRD, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. This sustainable catalyst leads to the efficient oxidation of a wide range of alcohols and sulfides with excellent conversion and selectivity under a mild conditions to their corresponding oxidized products, acids (or ketones) and sulfoxides, respectively. Furthermore, the stability of the structure and morphology of our efficient recyclable system was investigated, and all of the data proved that the complex was anchored firmly to the magnetite nanoparticles.
Presence of Anthropogenic Markers in Water: A Case Study of the Guaporé River Watershed, Brazil
Authors: Camotti Bastos Marilia , Rheinheimer dos Santos Danilo , Monteiro de Castro Lima José A. , le Guet Thibaut , Santanna dos Santos Maria A. , Zanella Renato , Aubertheau Elodie , Mondamert Leslie , Caner Laurent , Labanowski Jérôme
Published: December 2017

Southern Brazil is an agricultural region that is experiencing strong growth in both cereal and animal production. The intensification of agricultural practices, as well as the growing urbanization in this region, also generates strong anthropogenic pressures on the aquatic environment. In Brazil, the lack of sewage treatment and the wide use of waste (liquid or solid) for the fertilization of soils are likely to favor the spread of pharmaceuticals in the surrounding environment. Considering the benefits of the determination of anthropogenic markers in the environment, the study aimed to monitor the presence of carbamazepine (CBZ) and sucralose (SCR) in the Guaporé River, representative of a southern Brazilian rural watershed. Both carbamazepine and sucralose are measured in water by polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) (CBZ: lower than limit of detection (< LOD) to 746 μg g−1 and SCR: <LOD) and in the river biofilms (CBZ: <LOD to 3.6 ng g−1 and SCR: <LOD to 139.3 ng g−1) to give an overview of the level of aquatic contamination. The use of sucralose and carbamazepine as tracers of anthropogenic activity proved promising, as was the use of biofilms and POCIS as samplers. Biofilm and POCIS are two complementary techniques. Biofilms are able to identify contaminated environment sites by the capture of SCR as a human marker and POCIS are capable to capture the CBZ compounds with higher efficiency in polluted sites than biofilms.
Comparison of Changes in the Lipid Profiles of Eastern Chinese Postmenopausal Women With Early‐Stage Breast Cancer Treated With Different Aromatase Inhibitors: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tian Wei , Wu Miaowei , Deng Yongchuan
Published: December 2017

Cardiovascular morbidity is closely associated with serum lipid level. We aimed to investigate the effects of different aromatase inhibitors, including letrozole, anastrozole, and exemestane, on the lipid profile of eastern Chinese breast cancer patients. We evaluated a retrospective cohort of eastern Chinese postmenopausal women with early‐stage breast cancer who received aromatase inhibitors. A total of 116 postmenopausal women with early‐stage breast cancer without prior cardiovascular disease were included. Lipid changes at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were compared across the endocrine therapy categories. Our data demonstrated that exemestane treatment significantly decreased triglyceride level compared with letrozole after 24 months. However, the aromatase inhibitors had almost equivalent impacts on high‐density liportein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride after long‐term aromatase inhibitor treatment. As a small‐size retrospective study, our data do not support a judgment about whether one AI or another carries more or less risk in terms of lipid disorders in eastern Chinese breast cancer patients. The exact effects need further randomized, controlled trials to investigate.
Biobanks in the Era of Digital Medicine
Authors: Jacobs Gunnar , Wolf Andreas , Krawczak Michael , Lieb Wolfgang
Published: December 2017

Digitalization is currently permeating virtually all sectors of modern societies, including biomedical research and medical care. At the same time, biobanks engaged in the long‐term storage of biological samples that are fit for purpose have become key drivers in both fields. The present article highlights some of the challenges and opportunities that biobanking is facing in the current proverbial “era of digitalization.”
Internal rulers to assess fluorescent protein photoactivation efficiency
Authors: Renz Malte , Wunder Christian
Published: December 2017

Photoactivatable fluorescent proteins (PA‐FPs) have been widely used to assess the dynamics of cell biological processes. In addition, PA‐FPs enabled single‐molecule based super‐resolution imaging (photoactivated localization microscopy) and thereby provided unprecedented structural insight. For the lack of tools, however, the fraction of PA‐FPs that is, actually being switched on to fluoresce, that is, the photoactivation efficiency, has been difficult to assess. Uncertainty about photoactivation efficiency has hampered an understanding of the absolute amount of PA‐FPs, that is, being examined. Here, we present internal rulers to assess photoactivation efficiencies of photoactivatable proteins. These internal rulers comprise a PA‐FP that is genetically directly coupled to a spectrally distinct always‐on fluorescent protein. Thus, these fluorescent proteins will be expressed in the bacterial and mammalian cell in a one‐to‐one ratio. With these tools, we describe photoactivation efficiencies of PA‐GFP and PA‐Cherry in intensity‐based ratiometric ensemble studies and on the single‐molecule level. In ratiometric ensemble studies, we show that photoactivation efficiency depends on how the PA‐FPs are exposed to 405 nm light. Using a laser‐scanning microscope, hundreds of iterative low‐level exposures are up to four times more efficient than a short high‐power exposure. Using wide‐field illumination, photoactivation was similarly efficient and instantaneous. These findings suggest that the repetitive or stochastic exposure to photons of 405 nm light results in more efficient photoactivation than a continuous flow of photons. Because of the differential photoactivation efficiency, it is crucial to assess photoactivation efficiency for any given experimental set‐up. The tools we provide can be applied to any genetically encoded photoactivatable protein. Determination of photoactivation efficiency is essential for an understanding of absolute molecule numbers in ensemble studies and, most importantly, quantitative superresolution imaging. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Spatial and temporal genetic dynamics of the grasshopper Oedaleus decorus revealed by museum genomics
Authors: Schmid Sarah , Neuenschwander Samuel , Pitteloud Camille , Heckel Gerald , Pajkovic Mila , Arlettaz Raphaël , Alvarez Nadir
Published: December 2017

Analyzing genetic variation through time and space is important to identify key evolutionary and ecological processes in populations. However, using contemporary genetic data to infer the dynamics of genetic diversity may be at risk of a bias, as inferences are performed from a set of extant populations, setting aside unavailable, rare, or now extinct lineages. Here, we took advantage of new developments in next‐generation sequencing to analyze the spatial and temporal genetic dynamics of the grasshopper Oedaleus decorus, a steppic Southwestern‐Palearctic species. We applied a recently developed hybridization capture (hyRAD) protocol that allows retrieving orthologous sequences even from degraded DNA characteristic of museum specimens. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in 68 historical and 51 modern samples in order to (i) unravel the spatial genetic structure across part of the species distribution and (ii) assess the loss of genetic diversity over the past century in Swiss populations. Our results revealed (i) the presence of three potential glacial refugia spread across the European continent and converging spatially in the Alpine area. In addition, and despite a limited population sample size, our results indicate (ii) a loss of allelic richness in contemporary Swiss populations compared to historical populations, whereas levels of expected heterozygosities were not significantly different. This observation is compatible with an increase in the bottleneck magnitude experienced by central European populations of O. decorus following human‐mediated land‐use change impacting steppic habitats. Our results confirm that application of hyRAD to museum samples produces valuable information to study genetic processes across time and space.
Structural and Thermal Properties of Air‐Stable [Mg(1‐methylimidazole)6][N(SO2CF3)2]2
Authors: Wang Yushen , Veryasov Gleb , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Hagiwara Rika
Published: December 2017

An air‐stable Mg salt, [Mg(MIm)6][TFSA]2 [MIm = 1‐methylimidazole; TFSA = bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide], was obtained by recrystallization from the MIm solution of Mg[TFSA]2. This compound melts at 481 K under sealed conditions, whereas it loses MIm at elevated temperatures (448 K, 5 % weight loss) under unsealed conditions. The crystal structure of [Mg(MIm)6][TFSA]2 was determined by X‐ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P21/c) with a = 8.2062(7) Å, b = 11.3185(10) Å, c = 24.454(2) Å, β = 90.229(2)°, V = 2271.3(3) Å3, and Z = 2. The Mg2+ cation is octahedrally surrounded by six non‐methylated N atoms of MIm ligands to form the [Mg(MIm)6]2+ complex cation, in which three imidazolium rings are crystallographically independent. The interplanar angles between two imidazolium rings, which are close to 90° in an ideal model, are 64.01(14), 72.86(18), and 81.91(17)° owing to the interaction of the [Mg(MIm)6]2+ cations with the TFSA– anions. The TFSA anion is completely isolated from the Mg2+ core and adopts the energetically favorable trans conformation. Raman spectroscopic measurements revealed the octahedral coordination of MIm to Mg2+ in crystalline [Mg(MIm)6][TFSA]2 and MIm solutions of Mg[TFSA]2.
Zum Schutze aller – im Interesse aller!
Authors: Dzwonnek Dorothee
Published: December 2017

Gute wissenschaftliche Praxis: Nicht erst die Ereignisse dieses Jahres lassen über die grundlegenden Empfehlungen der DFG neu nachdenken. Wie können von Vorwürfen betroffene Wissenschaftler besser geschützt werden? Und wie ist ihr Schutz in Einklang zu bringen mit dem von Hinweisgebern und dem Interesse der Wissenschaft an Aufklärung? Erste Überlegungen
„De knabe, de mädhen, de kokonuss“
Authors: Maitz Péter , König Werner , Lindenfelser Siegwalt , Götze Angelika , Lipfert Salome , Neumeier Katharina
Published: December 2017

„Unserdeutsch“ – das Kreoldeutsch aus den ehemaligen Südseekolonien und dem heutigen Papua‐Neuguinea wird erstmals sprachwissenschaftlich dokumentiert und erforscht. Die Zeit drängt, denn die weltweit einzige und lange nicht beachtete deutschbasierte Kreolsprache steht nach einer wechselvollen Geschichte vor dem Aussterben.
Kernel machine methods for integrative analysis of genome‐wide methylation and genotyping studies
Authors: Zhao Ni , Zhan Xiang , Huang Yen‐Tsung , Almli Lynn M , Smith Alicia , Epstein Michael P. , Conneely Karen , Wu Michael C.
Published: December 2017

Many large GWAS consortia are expanding to simultaneously examine the joint role of DNA methylation in addition to genotype in the same subjects. However, integrating information from both data types is challenging. In this paper, we propose a composite kernel machine regression model to test the joint epigenetic and genetic effect. Our approach works at the gene level, which allows for a common unit of analysis across different data types. The model compares the pairwise similarities in the phenotype to the pairwise similarities in the genotype and methylation values; and high correspondence is suggestive of association. A composite kernel is constructed to measure the similarities in the genotype and methylation values between pairs of samples. We demonstrate through simulations and real data applications that the proposed approach can correctly control type I error, and is more robust and powerful than using only the genotype or methylation data in detecting trait‐associated genes. We applied our method to investigate the genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression in response to stressful life events using data that are collected from the Grady Trauma Project. Within the kernel machine testing framework, our methods allow for heterogeneity in effect sizes, nonlinear, and interactive effects, as well as rapid P‐value computation.
Behavioural consequences of vaccination recommendations: An experimental analysis
Authors: Böhm Robert , Meier Nicolas W. , Korn Lars , Betsch Cornelia
Published: December 2017

Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza. However, globally, the recommendations vary from country to country, ranging from universal recommendations, risk‐group‐specific recommendations, to no recommendation at all. Due to high diversity both in recommendation practice and country‐specific preconditions, it is difficult to determine the effect of different recommendations on vaccine uptake. This incentivised laboratory experiment (N = 288) tests the behavioural consequences of different recommendations in a repeated interactive vaccination game. The participants are part of heterogeneous groups, comprised of low‐ and high‐risk type of players. They receive either a universal, risk‐group‐specific or no recommendation prior to their vaccination decisions. Results show that individuals are sensitive to the recommendations. In detail, a risk‐group‐specific recommendation increases vaccine uptake of high‐risk types. However, at the same time, it decreases vaccine uptake of low‐risk types. The results imply that when the proportion of low‐risk types in a population is considerably larger than the high‐risk group, a risk‐group‐specific (vs. universal) recommendation comes at the cost of decreased social benefit of vaccination due to the overall lower vaccine uptake. Policy decision‐making should therefore complement epidemiological considerations with potential positive and negative behavioural consequences of vaccination recommendations.
Computer‐aided system for diagnosing thyroid nodules on ultrasound: A comparison with radiologist‐based clinical assessments
Authors: Gao Luying , Liu Ruyu , Jiang Yuxin , Song Wenfeng , Wang Ying , Liu Jia , Wang Juanjuan , Wu Dongqian , Li Shuai , Hao Aimin , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic efficiency of a thyroid ultrasound computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) system with that of 1 radiologist.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 342 surgically resected thyroid nodules from July 2013 to December 2013 at our center. The nodules were assessed on typical ultrasound images using the CAD system and reviewed by 1 experienced radiologist. The radiologist stratified the risk of malignancy using the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines.

Results

The radiologist, using TI‐RADS and ATA guidelines, performed better than the CAD system (P < .01). The sensitivity of the CAD system was similar to that of an experienced radiologist (P > .05; P < .01; and P > .05). However, we found that the CAD system had lower specificity (P < .01).

Conclusion

The sensitivity of a thyroid ultrasound CAD system in differentiating nodules was similar to that of an experienced radiologist. However, the CAD system had lower specificity.
Impact of alcohol dehydrogenase‐aldehyde dehydrogenase polymorphism on clinical outcome in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Avinçsal Mehmet Ozgur , Shinomiya Hirotaka , Teshima Masanori , Kubo Mie , Otsuki Naoki , Kyota Naomi , Sasaki Ryohei , Zen Yoh , Nibu Ken‐ichi
Published: December 2017

Background

The purpose of this research was to investigate the association between alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) polymorphisms and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) survival.

Methods

We genotyped ADH1B (rs1229984) and ALDH2 (rs671) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 85 Japanese male patients with hypopharyngeal SCC. The independent prognostic values of ADH1B‐ALDH2 genotypes were analyzed by univariate and multivariate proportional hazard Cox regression, taking well‐known clinical risk factors into account.

Results

Heavy drinkers with ALDH2*2 allele resulted in significantly worse overall survival (OS; P = .028) and disease‐free survival (DFS; P = .029) compared with other patients. Heavy drinkers with ALDH2*2 allele remained statistically significant in multivariate analysis for OS and DFS, indicating independent poor prognostic factor (hazard ratio [HR] 2.251; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.018‐4.975 and HR 2.261; 95% CI 1.021‐5.006, respectively).

Conclusion

We conclude that heavy drinkers with the ALDH2*2 allele are associated with poor outcome in hypopharyngeal SCC.