bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese Secondary EFL Learners’ and Teachers’ Preferences for Types of Written Corrective Feedback
Authors: Li Haishan , He Qingshun
Published: February 2017

How learners perceive written corrective feedback (CF) associates with its effectiveness in language learning. This research investigates students’ preferences for three types of written CF, i.e., direct, indirect and metalinguistic written CF, and explores the factors that encourage the teachers to employ these CFs in teaching practice. The findings include: (1) indirect written CF is preferred by most Chinese secondary EFL learners and there exist significant differences among their preferences, (2) gender difference significantly influences learners’ preference for metalinguistic written CF and proficiency differences significantly influence their preference for indirect written CF, (3) indirect written CF is most commonly used by the teachers of secondary levels and (4) there are no significant differences between learners’ preferences and teachers’ practice in Chinese secondary schools. This research thus presents a new acquaintance with learners’ preferences and teachers’ justification for their execution.
Validation of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Tests for Universal Pathogen Detection
Authors: Schlaberg Robert , Chiu Charles Y. , Miller Steve , Procop Gary W. , Weinstock George ,   the Professional Practice Committee and Committee on Laboratory Practices of the American Society for Microbiology,   the Microbiology Resource Committee of the College of American Pathologists
Published: February 2017

Context.—

Metagenomic sequencing can be used for detection of any pathogens using unbiased, shotgun next-generation sequencing (NGS), without the need for sequence-specific amplification. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated in infectious disease outbreaks of unknown causes and in patients with suspected infections but negative results for conventional tests. Metagenomic NGS tests hold great promise to improve infectious disease diagnostics, especially in immunocompromised and critically ill patients.

Objective.—

To discuss challenges and provide example solutions for validating metagenomic pathogen detection tests in clinical laboratories. A summary of current regulatory requirements, largely based on prior guidance for NGS testing in constitutional genetics and oncology, is provided.

Data Sources.—

Examples from 2 separate validation studies are provided for steps from assay design, and validation of wet bench and bioinformatics protocols, to quality control and assurance.

Conclusions.—

Although laboratory and data analysis workflows are still complex, metagenomic NGS tests for infectious diseases are increasingly being validated in clinical laboratories. Many parallels exist to NGS tests in other fields. Nevertheless, specimen preparation, rapidly evolving data analysis algorithms, and incomplete reference sequence databases are idiosyncratic to the field of microbiology and often overlooked.
COPE Requires Greater Consistency and Accountability
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: February 2017

The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) is the largest ethics-related body in the world. However, the lack of clear policy related to the ethics of self-plagiarism, its stated inability to intervene in ethics-related conflicts involving several of its members causing a relative lack of opacity when authors wish to communicate concerns with or about a COPE member, inconsistent use of ethics guidelines by all its members, and the inability to call out its members when these may appear to be violating COPE editorial guidelines all contribute to the decrease in trust that authors - who are clearly not represented by the COPE charter - have in this organization and its members. One of the key corrupting factors is money. COPE members pay annual fees to become members, but only editors and publishers can become members. Consequently authors′ rights and concerns about COPE members are rarely addressed. Authors, who already have minimal rights in the entire publishing process, and very limited recourse for self-defense or protest, are considerably marginalized should conflicts with a COPE member exist. How then, can authors and the public hold COPE members more accountable?
Libertés fondamentales et visibilité des signes religieux en France et au Québec : Entre logiques nationales et non nationales du droit?
Authors: Amiraux Valérie , Gaudreault-Desbiens Jean-François
Published: February 2017

Cet article compare la façon dont la régulation juridique du port des signes religieux se manifeste en France et au Québec. À partir de l’histoire récente de la jurisprudence dans ces deux espaces nationaux, les auteurs reviennent sur les questions soulevées par la présence publique de la diversité religieuse, telle qu’elle s’exprime en l’occurrence à travers le port de signes religieux par des individus croyants, pour réfléchir aux évolutions normatives qui, depuis les années 1990, animent des débats plus ou moins conflictuels. Le texte souligne les questionnements communs, les incertitudes quant à la définition même – objective ou subjective – de la religion, la question de la hiérarchisation des droits et libertés, de leurs restrictions, de la mise en scène dans le droit de discours touchant à la défense de « valeurs » communes dont des notions comme la laïcité ou la neutralité sont devenues des fétiches. La judiciarisation de la gouvernance publique du religieux, que l’on constate au Québec comme en France, n’emprunte pas les mêmes chemins dans les deux cas.
Les discours sur la laïcité pendant le débat sur la « Charte des valeurs de la laïcité ». Une analyse lexicométrique de la presse francophone québécoise
Authors: Dalpé Samuel , Koussens David
Published: February 2017

Alors que la crise des accommodements raisonnables (2006-2008) s’était nourrie d’ « incidents » pour construire la visibilité du religieux dans l’espace public comme problématique, la polémique suscitée par le projet de « Charte des valeurs de la laïcité » (2012-2014) a été directement initiée, puis mise en scène par le pouvoir politique alors en place, en dehors même d’« incidents » caractérisés. À partir d’une analyse lexicométrique d’articles de nouvelles et d’éditoriaux publiés dans la presse francophone québécoise au cours de ce débat, cet article propose de retracer les territoires et profils lexicaux autour desquels s’est articulée la production journalistique ayant mobilisé la notion de laïcité. Le texte souligne, à partir d’une analyse des postures éditoriales de trois grands quotidiens québécois, comment cette notion s’est essentiellement trouvée réduite, dans son traitement médiatique, aux modalités de la régulation de l’expression individuelle des convictions religieuses.
Marcel Trudel et Guy Frégault : regards sur une amitié intellectuelle
Authors: Dorais François-Olivier
Published: February 2017

Cet article retrace les fils de l’amitié intellectuelle entre Marcel Trudel et Guy Frégault, deux historiens majeurs du renouveau historiographique québécois d’après-guerre. Son but particulier consiste à montrer en quoi cette amitié, notamment mise en évidence dans leurs correspondances personnelles et certaines collaborations, a été scellée autour d’une puissante prise de conscience générationnelle et à travers l’adhésion à une même configuration historiographique, celle de l’« histoire critique », dont ils se sont tous deux fait les ardents promoteurs au cours des décennies 1940 et 1950. En explicitant les ressorts et les déterminants de cette relation d’amitié, l’analyse met à l’épreuve le schéma d’explication – commode, mais forcément réducteur – offert par la querelle des écoles historiques entre Montréal et Québec. De même, elle permet de jauger autrement la complexité des aspirations et des attentes spécifiques qui se condensent chez les jeunes historiens laïques du Québec de l’immédiat après-guerre.
Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Content of Soybean Seeds Extracts
Authors: Prvulović Dejan , Malenčić Đorđe , Miladinović Jegor
Published: February 2017

Plants are a good source of natural antioxidants and could provide protection against harmful free radicals. Phenolic compounds were found to be an important part of human diet and are considered as active principles in many medicinal and agricultural plants. Detailed information about health-promoting components of different soybean cultivars could lead to a better understanding and an increased consumption of this crop, including its use in functional foods. The objective of this study was to determine total phenolics, total tannins, total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity with different assays of five Serbian soybean cultivars (Merkur, Sava, Valjevka, Venera and Victoria) extracted with three different solvents (70% acetone, 70% ethanol and 70% methanol). Total phenolics varied among cultivars and among applied solvents. Antioxidant properties highly depended on a solvent used for extraction. Such results highlight an existing variability in soybean seeds and emphasise the need to evaluate diversity and to support conventional breeding programs to improve soybean nutritional value.
Seed Germination of Some Flower Species Under Influence of Different Light Conditions
Authors: Tkalec Monika , Mirković Тijana , Mitrović Mario , Parađiković Nada , Kraljičak Jasna , Zeljković Svjetlana , Vinković Tomislav
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to examine germination energy and seed germination rate of some flower species under influence of different light conditions. Seeds of Zinnia elegans Jacq., Dianthus caryophyllus L. and Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees that were used in the research were purchased in local store. Experiment was set up in three replicates for each light treatment and each flower species. Petri dishes with seeds were placed in growth chamber under artificial white and blue light under 12hL/12hD photoperiod. Results showed no significant difference in germination energy and total germination of investigated flower species in respect of light. Zinnia seedlings were significantly longer on white light, while Dianthus seedlings were longer on blue light. Both, length and fresh weight of Callistephus seedlings were greater on white light. The absence of significant differences between measured parameters under examined light regimes suggests that germination of Zinnia, Dianthus and Callistephus is not photosensitive.
Measurements and models of electric fields in the in vivo human brain during transcranial electric stimulation
Authors: Huang Yu , Liu Anli A , Lafon Belen , Friedman Daniel , Dayan Michael , Wang Xiuyuan , Bikson Marom , Doyle Werner K , Devinsky Orrin , Parra Lucas C
Published: February 2017

Transcranial electric stimulation aims to stimulate the brain by applying weak electrical currents at the scalp. However, the magnitude and spatial distribution of electric fields in the human brain are unknown. We measured electric potentials intracranially in ten epilepsy patients and estimated electric fields across the entire brain by leveraging calibrated current-flow models. When stimulating at 2 mA, cortical electric fields reach 0.8 V/m, the lower limit of effectiveness in animal studies. When individual whole-head anatomy is considered, the predicted electric field magnitudes correlate with the recorded values in cortical (r = 0.86) and depth (r = 0.88) electrodes. Accurate models require adjustment of tissue conductivity values reported in the literature, but accuracy is not improved when incorporating white matter anisotropy or different skull compartments. This is the first study to validate and calibrate current-flow models with in vivo intracranial recordings in humans, providing a solid foundation to target stimulation and interpret clinical trials.
Functional double dissociation within the entorhinal cortex for visual scene-dependent choice behavior
Authors: Yoo Seung-Woo , Lee Inah
Published: February 2017

How visual scene memory is processed differentially by the upstream structures of the hippocampus is largely unknown. We sought to dissociate functionally the lateral and medial subdivisions of the entorhinal cortex (LEC and MEC, respectively) in visual scene-dependent tasks by temporarily inactivating the LEC and MEC in the same rat. When the rat made spatial choices in a T-maze using visual scenes displayed on LCD screens, the inactivation of the MEC but not the LEC produced severe deficits in performance. However, when the task required the animal to push a jar or to dig in the sand in the jar using the same scene stimuli, the LEC but not the MEC became important. Our findings suggest that the entorhinal cortex is critical for scene-dependent mnemonic behavior, and the response modality may interact with a sensory modality to determine the involvement of the LEC and MEC in scene-based memory tasks.
The golden mimicry complex uses a wide spectrum of defence to deter a community of predators
Authors: Pekár Stano , Petráková Lenka , Bulbert Matthew W , Whiting Martin J , Herberstein Marie E
Published: February 2017

Mimicry complexes typically consist of multiple species that deter predators using similar anti-predatory signals. Mimics in these complexes are assumed to vary in their level of defence from highly defended through to moderately defended, or not defended at all. Here, we report a new multi-order mimicry complex that includes at least 140 different putative mimics from four arthropod orders including ants, wasps, bugs, tree hoppers and spiders. All members of this mimicry complex are characterised by a conspicuous golden body and an ant Gestalt, but vary substantially in their defensive traits. However, they were similarly effective at deterring predators - even mildly defended mimics were rarely eaten by a community of invertebrate and vertebrate predators both in the wild and during staged trials. We propose that despite the predominance of less defended mimics the three predatory guilds avoid the mimics because of the additive influence of the various defensive traits.
Phosphorylation of β-arrestin2 at Thr383 by MEK underlies β-arrestin-dependent activation of Erk1/2 by GPCRs
Authors: Cassier Elisabeth , Gallay Nathalie , Bourquard Thomas , Claeysen Sylvie , Bockaert Joël , Crépieux Pascale , Poupon Anne , Reiter Eric , Marin Philippe , Vandermoere Franck
Published: February 2017

In addition to their role in desensitization and internalization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), β-arrestins are essential scaffolds linking GPCRs to Erk1/2 signaling. However, their role in GPCR-operated Erk1/2 activation differs between GPCRs and the underlying mechanism remains poorly characterized. Here, we show that activation of serotonin 5-HT2C receptors, which engage Erk1/2 pathway via a β-arrestin-dependent mechanism, promotes MEK-dependent β-arrestin2 phosphorylation at Thr383, a necessary step for Erk recruitment to the receptor/β-arrestin complex and Erk activation. Likewise, Thr383 phosphorylation is involved in β-arrestin-dependent Erk1/2 stimulation elicited by other GPCRs such as β2-adrenergic, FSH and CXCR4 receptors, but does not affect the β-arrestin-independent Erk1/2 activation by 5-HT4 receptor. Collectively, these data show that β-arrestin2 phosphorylation at Thr383 underlies β-arrestin-dependent Erk1/2 activation by GPCRs.
ERG-28 controls BK channel trafficking in the ER to regulate synaptic function and alcohol response in C. elegans
Authors: Oh Kelly H , Haney James J , Wang Xiaohong , Chuang Chiou-Fen , Richmond Janet E , Kim Hongkyun
Published: February 2017

Voltage- and calcium-dependent BK channels regulate calcium-dependent cellular events such as neurotransmitter release by limiting calcium influx. Their plasma membrane abundance is an important factor in determining BK current and thus regulation of calcium-dependent events. In C. elegans, we show that ERG-28, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, promotes the trafficking of SLO-1 BK channels from the ER to the plasma membrane by shielding them from premature degradation. In the absence of ERG-28, SLO-1 channels undergo aspartic protease DDI-1-dependent degradation, resulting in markedly reduced expression at presynaptic terminals. Loss of erg-28 suppressed phenotypic defects of slo-1 gain-of-function mutants in locomotion, neurotransmitter release, and calcium-mediated asymmetric differentiation of the AWC olfactory neuron pair, and conferred significant ethanol-resistant locomotory behavior, resembling slo-1 loss-of-function mutants, albeit to a lesser extent. Our study thus indicates that the control of BK channel trafficking is a critical regulatory mechanism for synaptic transmission and neural function.
Geochemistry of Zr, Hf, and REE in a wide spectrum of Eh and water composition: The case of Dead Sea Fault system (Israel)
Authors: Censi P. , Raso M. , Yechieli Y. , Ginat H. , Saiano F. , Zuddas P. , Brusca L. , D'Alessandro W. , Inguaggiato C.
Published: February 2017

Along the Jordan Valley‐Dead Sea Fault area several natural waters in springs, wells, and catchments occur. The chemical‐physical characters of the studied waters allowed for the first time the investigation of the Zr and Hf geochemical behavior, apart from REE, extended to a wide range of Eh, temperature, salinity, and pH conditions. The results of this study indicate that the dissolved Zr and Hf distribution in natural waters is strongly influenced by redox conditions since these in turn drive the deposition of Fe‐oxyhydroxides or pyrite. In oxidizing waters saturated or oversaturated in Fe‐oxyhydroxides (Group 1), superchondritic Zr/Hf values are measured. On the contrary, in waters where Eh < 0 values occur (Group 2), chondritic Zr/Hf values are found. Superchondritic Zr/Hf values are produced by the preferential Hf scavenging onto Fe‐oxyhydroxides that is inhibited under reducing conditions consistent with the water oversaturation relative to pyrite. Redox conditions also influence the amplitude of Ce and Eu anomalies. Oxidized Group‐1 waters show negative Ce anomalies related to the oxidative Ce scavenging as CeO2 onto Fe‐oxyhydroxide. Reduced Group‐2 waters show positive Eu anomaly values consistent with the larger Eu2+ concentration relative to Eu3+ in these waters suggested by model calculations. The higher stability of Eu2+ with respect to its trivalent neighbors along the REE series can explain the above mentioned positive Eu anomaly values. The middle‐REE enrichment observed in shale‐normalized REE patterns of studied waters can be ascribed to carbonate and/or gypsum dissolution.
Microscale characteristics of homogeneous freezing events in cirrus clouds
Authors: KÄrcher B. , Jensen E. J.
Published: February 2017

We investigate homogeneous freezing of aqueous aerosol particles, a fundamental ice formation process in cirrus clouds. We estimate freezing time scales and vertical extensions of freezing layers, demonstrating that such freezing events are highly transient and localized. While time scales decrease with increasing vertical velocity driving ice nucleation, layer depths are weak functions of the vertical velocity. Our results are used to discuss possible effects of turbulent diffusion and entrainment‐mixing on homogeneous freezing in cirrus. Large turbulent diffusivity acts to broaden water vapor‐depleted freezing layers and facilitate sedimentation of freshly nucleated ice crystals out of them into ice‐supersaturated air. Homogeneous freezing events could be affected by microscale turbulence in episodes of intense turbulence dissipation rates, although such episodes are rare. We conjecture that freezing layers are broader in the case of heterogeneous ice nucleation and effects of sedimentation on nucleation increase in importance. Our findings point to the difficulty of inferring nucleated cirrus ice crystal numbers from measurements and place tight constraints on cirrus models with regard to spatial and temporal resolution.
Calculating travel times and arrival speeds of CMEs to Earth: An analytic tool for space weather forecasting
Authors: Corona‐Romero P. , Gonzalez‐Esparza J. A. , Perez‐Alanis C. A. , Aguilar‐Rodriguez E. , de‐la‐Luz V. , Mejia‐Ambriz J. C.
Published: February 2017

Coronal mass ejections (CME) are one of the most important phenomena derived from solar activity that potentially perturb space weather of Earth. In this work we present a semiempirical arrival forecasting tool for Earth‐directed halo CMEs. This tool combines the piston shock model and an empirical relationship to estimate in situ arrivals of halo CMEs. The empirical relationship uses the initial conditions of CMEs to calculate the value of free parameter of the piston shock model, a parameter which is closely related to the initial inertia of CMEs. Such a value will let the model to simultaneously approximate the travel time and arrival speed of CMEs (i.e., CME arrivals). We test the forecasting capabilities of our model and its empirical relationship by calculating the arrivals of 40 halo CMEs detected during the period of 1995–2015. Our results indicate that, together, the piston shock model and its empirical relationship approximate CME arrivals with average errors of 7 h for travel times, and 100 km s−1 for arrival speeds. Our results show that our model is suitable for arrival forecasting of isolated events propagating through quiet interplanetary medium.
An Eulerian equation for snow accumulation downstream of an object
Authors: Ohara Noriaki
Published: February 2017

This study investigated the form of the governing equation for the particle distribution by focusing on the particle motion processes rather than flow regime and particle characteristics. A linear erosion term for a fetch‐eddy effect was introduced to the advection dispersion equation. The equation formulated in this paper described most of the particle deposit patterns behind an object including porous and solid snow fences, and a tree. This theory may enable us to estimate particle motion parameters, such as diffusion, drift, and erosion coefficients, from field observed particle distributions. Snow stratigraphy observed by ground penetrating radar (GPR) was used verify to result of the modeled theoretical snow redistribution. These analyses confirmed the effectiveness of the linear erosion term at explaining the particle deposition patterns due to eddies around a porous snow fence.
Is there a stratospheric pacemaker controlling the daily cycle of tropical rainfall?
Authors: Sakazaki T. , Hamilton K. , Zhang C. , Wang Y.
Published: February 2017

Rainfall in the tropics exhibits a large, 12 h Sun‐synchronous variation with coherent phase around the globe. A long‐standing, but unproved, hypothesis for this phenomenon is excitation by the prominent 12 h atmospheric tide, which itself is significantly forced remotely by solar heating of the stratospheric ozone layer. We investigated the relative roles of large‐scale tidal forcing and more local effects in accounting for the 12 h variation of tropical rainfall. A model of the atmosphere run with the diurnal cycle of solar heating artificially suppressed below the stratosphere still simulated a strong coherent 12 h rainfall variation (~50% of control run), demonstrating that stratospherically forced atmospheric tide propagates downward to the troposphere and contributes to the organization of large‐scale convection. The results have implications for theories of excitation of tropical atmospheric waves by moist convection, for the evaluation of climate models, and for explaining the recently discovered lunar tidal rainfall cycle.
A Versatile Plasma Membrane Engineered Cell Vehicle for Contact‐Cell‐Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Shi‐Ying , Qiu Wen‐Xiu , Cheng Hong , Gao Fan , Cao Feng‐Yi , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a plasma membrane engineering approach is reported for tumor targeting drug delivery and contact‐cell‐enhanced photodynamic therapy (“CONCEPT”) by anchoring functionalized conjugates to cell vehicles. The membrane anchoring conjugates are comprised of a positively charged tetra‐arginine peptide sequence, a palmitic‐acid‐based membrane insertion moiety, and a lysine linker whose ε‐amine is modified with camptothecin (CPT), protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), or fluorescein (FAM). The amphipathic CPT, PpIX, or FAM conjugates (short as aCPT, aPpIX, or aFAM, respectively) can easily and steadily anchor or coanchor on the cell membrane of RAW264.7 cells (short as RCs), red blood cells, or mesenchymal stem cells. After anchoring aPpIX in RC cells, the tumor targeting ability and therapeutic effect of aPpIX‐anchored RC cells (short as aPRCs) is demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, aPRCs exhibit the “CONCEPT” effect, which can enhance the therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects at the single cell level. Due to the good tumor‐targeting ability, aPRCs can efficiently inhibit the tumor growth with no systemic toxicity after photoirradiation by photodynamic therapy.
Nanostructured Metal Oxides and Sulfides for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Xue , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Qiang , Mai Liqiang
Published: February 2017

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with high energy density and long cycle life are considered to be one of the most promising next‐generation energy‐storage systems beyond routine lithium‐ion batteries. Various approaches have been proposed to break down technical barriers in Li–S battery systems. The use of nanostructured metal oxides and sulfides for high sulfur utilization and long life span of Li–S batteries is reviewed here. The relationships between the intrinsic properties of metal oxide/sulfide hosts and electrochemical performances of Li–S batteries are discussed. Nanostructured metal oxides/sulfides hosts used in solid sulfur cathodes, separators/interlayers, lithium‐metal‐anode protection, and lithium polysulfides batteries are discussed respectively. Prospects for the future developments of Li–S batteries with nanostructured metal oxides/sulfides are also discussed.
Factors Affecting Changes in Managerial Decisions
Authors: Woodard Joshua D. , Chiu Leslie Verteramo , Power Gabriel , Vedenov Dmitry , Klose Steven
Published: February 2017

It is commonly held that revealed managerial decisions depend on the interaction of risk attitudes and preferences, as well as market and firm conditions. In agriculture, production plans can have a horizon of a few months to several years. However, it is not always the case that managers follow through on their plans once established. The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that contribute to changes between managers’ planned decisions and eventual actions. A unique dataset consisting of farm financial data, consultant generated production plans, and a follow‐up producer survey was constructed with participants in the Texas FARM‐Assistance program. We evaluate the effects of managers’ behavioral attributes, farm financial indicators, and production characteristics on the decision to follow through on business plans. Our findings provide new insights into the decision‐making and planning processes of managers under risky market conditions, and the interactions of same with behavioral characteristics. [EconLit citations: Q12; Q13; Q14; D22; G02].
Developing a CHARGE syndrome checklist: Health supervision across the lifespan (from head to toe)
Authors: Trider Carrie‐Lee , Arra‐Robar Angela , van Ravenswaaij‐Arts Conny , Blake Kim
Published: February 2017

Health supervision and management considerations for individuals with CHARGE syndrome are often complex, and a comprehensive approach is essential. The Atlantic Canadian CHARGE syndrome team developed a checklist organized by body system and age to aid healthcare providers in their approach to the ongoing care of these individuals. The checklist was evaluated qualitatively using a modified Delphi method with widespread consultation from expert healthcare practitioners, parents, and individuals with CHARGE syndrome. These are the first comprehensive guidelines across the lifespan of CHARGE syndrome that suggest a consistent approach to medical surveillance, investigations, and management for the physician and the multi‐disciplinary team caring for these individuals. We anticipate that these guidelines will provide improvements in care by preventing missed diagnoses, allowing for anticipatory counseling, and facilitating early referral for interventions and treatments. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel disorder of sex development, characterized by progressive regression of testicular function and cystic leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Rossi Massimiliano , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Labalme Audrey , Dijoud Frédérique , Mallet‐Motak Delphine , Petcu Carmen Adina , Touraine Renaud , Vianey‐Saban Christine , Guibaud Laurent , Edery Patrick , Sanlaville Damien , Morel Yves
Published: February 2017

We report a novel syndromic disorder of sex development observed in three male siblings, presenting with the association of micropenis without hypospadias, cryptorchidism, very low level of antimüllerian hormone in the neonatal period, and no persistent müllerian duct structures, suggesting a progressive regression of testicular function. The patients described here showed a striking neurological involvement including bilateral periventricular cysts observed in the anterior part of the frontal horns prenatally and increasing in size and number over time, associated with infra and supratentorial parenchymal atrophy, dilated ventricular system, corpus callosum hypoplasia, severe intellectual disability, and epilepsy. Associated features included a distinctive facies, joint contractures, retinopathy, and hearing loss. Pathological examination was consistent with testicular dysgenesis and leukoencephalopathy with spongiosis and microcalcifications. To the best of our knowledge, this disease, characterized by a recognizable pattern of malformations, has not been previously reported. An exhaustive genetic and metabolic evaluation was normal. Autosomal recessive inheritance was considered to be likely, on the basis of SNP studies. We hope that the detailed description provided here of the clinical, radiological, and pathological findings observed in this family will help to identify further unrelated patients, and ultimately, to clarify the genetic basis of this condition. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, characterization and catalytic application of a new organometallic oligomer based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Vieira Eduardo Guimarães , Silva Rafael Oliveira , Junior Enes Furlani , Dias Filho Newton Luiz
Published: February 2017

Although homogeneous catalysts provide high performance and selectivity, the difficulty of separation and recycling of these catalysts has bothered the scientific community worldwide. Therefore, the demand for heterogeneous catalysts that possess the advantages of homogeneous ones, with ease of separation and recyclability remains a topic of major impact. The oligomeric catalyst synthesized in this work was characterized using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, 13C NMR, 29Si NMR and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis and compared to its homogeneous counterpart [W(CO)3Br2(ATC)] in the epoxidation of 1‐octene, cyclooctene, (S)‐limonene, cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, trans‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol and styrene. The results showed that the percentage conversion for the homogeneous species [W(CO)3Br2(ATC)] was slightly higher than for the oligomeric catalyst (POSS‐ATC‐[W(CO)3Br2]). Furthermore, the selectivity for epoxide of the oligomeric catalyst was greater than that of the homogeneous catalyst by about 25% when (S)‐limonene was used. Great conversions (yields) of products were obtained with a wide range of substrates and the catalyst was recycled many times without any substantial loss of its catalytic activity.
Numerical simulations on effects of ionic / nonionic surfactant on oil‐water interface using dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Wang S. , Zhao J. , Li X. , Yang S. , Wang X. , Liu Y. , Yang S. , Dong Q.
Published: February 2017

Effects of surfactants on oil/water interface are studied using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) at the mesoscopic scale. With a surfactant model, the effects of concentration of three types of surfactants, including ionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant, and the compound system of ionic and nonionic surfactant, on interfacial tension are analyzed in this study. Also, the distributions of interfacial tension and mean interfacial density are predicted. Simulated results indicate that the interfacial tension decreases with an increase of surfactant concentration. As the surfactant concentration increases to a certain value, the surfactant at the oil‐water interface is saturated, and the interfacial tension will in‐depend on surfactant concentration. It turns out to be that surfactants can be saturated just at the oil‐water interface once its concentration reaches a certain value. A proper mixed ratio of compound system can reach a prime effect. Moreover, the inorganic salts can improve the interfacial efficiency of both ionic and nonionic surfactants, and lower interfacial tension. In addition, the temperature influences on surfactant aggregation behavior at the oil‐water interface is discussed. Copyright © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid‐state microcellular high temperature vulcanized (HTV) silicone rubber foam with carbon dioxide
Authors: Yang Qian , Yu Haitao , Song Lixian , Lei Yajie , Zhang Fengshun , Lu Ai , Liu Tao , Luo Shikai
Published: February 2017

A series of microcellular high temperature vulcanized (HTV) silicone rubber foams were prepared using CO2 as a physical blowing agent. Rheological properties, gas diffusive behavior, and foaming parameters of silicone rubber were investigated. The results show that saturation pressure has a significant effect on the diffusivity of CO2 in HTV silicone rubber matrix. The gas concentration and diffusivity increase from 2.45 wt % to 3.24 wt %, and from 1.62 × 10−5 cm2/s to 7.83 × 10−5 cm2/s as the saturation pressure increases from 2 MPa to 5 MPa, respectively. The value of the gas diffusivity in HTV silicone rubber is almost 1000 times higher than that of the gas diffusivity in polyetherimide (PEI) matrix. Additionally, microcellular HTV silicone rubber foams with the smallest cell diameter of 9.8 μm and cell density exceeding 108 cells/cm3 are achieved. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44807.
Chitosan hydrogels for targeted dye and protein adsorption
Authors: Boardman Saskia J. , Lad Rajan , Green David C. , Thornton Paul D.
Published: February 2017

There is an urgent requirement to devise and develop highly‐effective materials for the purification of industrial wastewater. Colored effluents are particularly problematic due to their toxicity in plants, aquatic organisms, and animals, dictating that polymeric adsorbents are highly sought for their capture. Chitosan hydrogels are a cost‐effective substrate for the adsorption of dye molecules as they contain a biopolymeric gelator that can form hydrogels with a polymer content as low as 3% by mass. Such materials are also highly suited for use within a biomedical context as carrier vehicles for the encapsulation and delivery of protein macromolecules, due to their hydrophilic nature. We disclose the capability chitosan‐based hydrogels to noncovalently adsorb both reactive and disperse dye molecules, and a model anionic protein from aqueous solution. The materials generated offer both a platform for dye removal from industrial wastewater, and for the encapsulation and pH‐mediated release of protein macromolecules. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44846.
Imidazolium‐functionalized norbornene ionic liquid block copolymer and silica composite electrolyte membranes for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: He Xiaohui , Wang Zijie , Zhou Weihua , Jiang Xiong , Han Zhilong , Chen Defu
Published: February 2017

Imidazolium‐functionalized norbornene and benzene‐functionalized norbornene were synthesized and copolymerized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization to afford a polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) block copolymers {5‐norbornene‐2‐methyl benzoate‐block‐5‐norbornene‐2‐carboxylate‐1‐hexyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amide [P(NPh‐b‐NIm‐TFSI)]} with good thermal stability. On this basis, the solid electrolyte, P(NPh‐b‐NIm‐TFSI)–lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), through blending with LiTFSI, and the nanosilica composite electrolyte, P(NPh‐b‐NIm‐TFSI)–LiTFSI–SiO2, through blending with LiTFSI and nanosilica, were prepared. The effects of the PILs and silica compositions on the properties, morphology, and ionic conductivity were investigated. The ionic conductivity was enhanced by an order of magnitude compared to that of polyelectrolytes with lower PIL compositions. In addition, the ionic conductivity of the nanosilica composite polyelectrolyte was obviously improved compared with that of the P(NPh‐b‐NIm‐TFSI)–LiTFSI polyelectrolyte and increased progressively up to a maximum with increasing silica content when SiO2 was 10 wt % or lower. The best conductivity of the P(NPh‐b‐NIm‐TFSI)–20 wt % LiTFSI–10 wt % SiO2 composite electrolyte with 7.7 × 10−5 S/cm at 25 °C and 1.3 × 10−3 S/cm at 100 °C were obtained, respectively. All of the polyelectrolytes exhibited suitable electrochemical stability windows. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44884.
Reinforcement of styrene‐butadiene/polybutadiene rubber compounds by modified silicas with different surface and networked states
Authors: Ryu Changseok , Yang Jae‐Kyoung , Park Wonhyeong , Seo Youngjun , Jung Kim Sun , Kim Doil , Park Soonhee , Seo Gon
Published: February 2017

In this study, the reinforcement performance of the modified silicas prepared through the incorporation of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane (AP) and further reaction of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BG) to styrene‐butadiene/butadiene rubber (SBR/BR) compounds was investigated to discuss the effect of surface and networked states on the properties of silica‐filled rubber compounds. The adjustment of the ratio of BG to AP varied the surface and networked states of silica. The amino and glycidyl groups dispersed on the silica and the networks formed on/between silica particles considerably influenced the properties of SBR/BR compounds reinforced with the modified silicas. The presence of amino group increased viscosity of the rubber compounds due to the attrition between rubber chains and silica particles, while the entanglement of rubber chains with the networks successfully improve both wet traction and rolling resistance, without sacrificing the fundamental properties of the rubber compounds, even though no coupling agents were applied. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44893.
Design and Discovery of New Combinations of Mutant DNA Polymerases and Modified DNA Substrates
Authors: Rosenblum Sydney L. , Weiden Aurora G. , Lewis Eliza L. , Ogonowsky Alexie L. , Chia Hannah E. , Barrett Susanna E. , Liu Mira D. , Leconte Aaron M.
Published: February 2017

Chemical modifications can enhance the properties of DNA by imparting nuclease resistance and generating more‐diverse physical structures. However, native DNA polymerases generally cannot synthesize significant lengths of DNA with modified nucleotide triphosphates. Previous efforts have identified a mutant of DNA polymerase I from Thermus aquaticus DNA (SFM19) as capable of synthesizing a range of short, 2′‐modified DNAs; however, it is limited in the length of the products it can synthesize. Here, we rationally designed and characterized ten mutants of SFM19. From this, we identified enzymes with substantially improved activity for the synthesis of 2′F‐, 2′OH‐, 2′OMe‐, and 3′OMe‐modified DNA as well as for reverse transcription of 2′OMe DNA. We also evaluated mutant DNA polymerases previously only tested for synthesis for 2′OMe DNA and showed that they are capable of an expanded range of modified DNA synthesis. This work significantly expands the known combinations of modified DNA and Taq DNA polymerase mutants.
Fractional flow reserve and resting indices for coronary physiologic assessment: Practical guide, tips, and tricks
Authors: Picard Fabien , Pighi Michele , Ly Hung Q.
Published: February 2017

Physiologic assessment using fractional flow reserve (FFR) to guide percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) has been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes, compared to angiography‐guided PCI. Recently, resting indices such as resting Pd/Pa, “instantaneous wave‐free ratio”, and contrast medium induced FFR have been evaluated for the assessment of the functional consequences of coronary lesions. Herein, we review and discuss the use of FFR and other indices for the functional assessment of coronary lesions. This review will cover theoretical aspects, as well as practical points and common pitfalls related to coronary physiological assessment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Synthesis of Pd@Pt3–4L Core–Shell Octahedra with a Clean Surface and Thus Enhanced Activity toward Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Bao Shixiong , Vara Madeline , Yang Xuan , Zhou Shan , Figueroa‐Cosme Legna , Park Jinho , Luo Ming , Xie Zhaoxiong , Xia Younan
Published: February 2017

The front cover artwork for Issue 3/2017 is provided by the Xia group at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The artwork shows a strategy for the synthesis of Pd@Pt3‐4L core–shell octahedra with a clean surface and their transmission electron microscopy images. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201601438.
Mass Transfer Analysis of CO2 Capture by PVDF Membrane Contactor and Ionic Liquid
Authors: Gómez-Coma Lucia , Garea Aurora , Irabien Angel
Published: February 2017

Post‐combustion processes based on ionic liquids (ILs) and membrane contactors are attractive alternatives to traditional systems. Here, a gas stream composed of 15 % CO2 and 85 % N2 flowed through the lumen side of a hollow‐fiber membrane contactor containing poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐IL (PVDF‐IL) fibers. The IL 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate [emim][Ac] served as an absorbent due to its high chemical absorption and CO2 solubility. The overall mass transfer coefficient (Koverall), activation energy (Ea), and resistances of the hollow‐fiber membrane were quantified. The Koverall value was one order of magnitude higher than those reported in previous works with conventional solvents, and the Ea was lower than formerly stated values for other solvents. A theoretical simulation was conducted to estimate the operational parameters required for 90 % CO2 capture and to quantify intensification effects related to CO2 absorption in a packed column.
Dynamic Matrix Control of a Bubble‐Column Reactor for Microbial Synthesis Gas Fermentation
Authors: Fu Yao , Chang Liang , Henson Michael A. , Liu Xing Gao
Published: February 2017

A spatiotemporal metabolic model of a representative syngas bubble‐column reactor was applied to design and evaluate dynamic matrix control (DMC) schemes for regulation of the desired by‐product ethanol and the undesired by‐product acetate. This model was used to develop linear step response models for controller design and also served as the process in closed‐loop simulations. A 2 × 2 DMC scheme with manipulation of the liquid and gas feed flows to the column provided a superior performance to proportional integral (PI) control due to slow process dynamics combining the multivariable and constrained nature of the control problem. Ethanol concentration control for large disturbances was further improved by adding the flow of a pure hydrogen stream as a third manipulated variable. The advantages of DMC for syngas bubble‐column reactor control are demonstrated and a design strategy for future industrial applications is provided.
Utility of prospective pathologic evaluation to inform clinical genetic testing for hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kopp Ryan P. , Stratton Kelly L. , Glogowski Emily , Schrader Kasmintan A. , Rau‐Murthy Rohini , Russo Paul , Coleman Jonathan A. , Offit Kenneth
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Patients with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) resulting from fumarate hydratase (FH) mutations may present with skin, uterine, and renal tumors, with each having unique pathologic features. This study investigated the association between prospectively identified suspicious pathology (SP) and FH mutations when patients were referred for genetic testing.

METHODS

This was an institutional review board–approved cohort study of patients receiving FH testing from 2008 to 2013. SP was defined as a report of HLRCC histologic features identified during a prospective pathologic assessment. The association between SP and FH mutations was analyzed.

RESULTS

FH testing was performed in 29 patients with a median age of 37 years; 15 (52%) were female, and 18 (62%) were white. Pathologists reported SP from kidney tumors (11 of 18), leiomyomas (9 of 15: uterus [n = 8] and bladder [n = 1]), and metastatic tumors (3 of 6) in 23 of 39 associated specimens (59%) from 21 of the 29 patients (72%). Patients with SP were younger (35 vs 51 years; P = .010), and those with kidney tumors more often had stage pT3 or higher renal cell carcinoma than those without SP (100% vs 33%; P = .006). FH mutations were present in 8 patients with SP (38%) and in 1 patient without SP (13%; P = .37); 7 of these patients had kidney cancer (n for SP = 7), all with N1 disease. Analyzing SP by tissue type identified only SP from renal tumors as being significantly associated with positive testing for an FH mutation (P = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

SP from kidney tumors was statistically associated with FH mutations. An expert pathologic assessment of renal tumors will facilitate the clinical identification of HLRCC cases, and this will result in genetic testing and targeted cancer screening for patients and at‐risk family members. Cancer 2017;123:2452–58. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Characterizing Structural Stability of Amyloid Motif Fibrils Mediated by Water Molecules
Authors: Choi Hyunsung , Chang Hyun Joon , Lee Myeongsang , Na Sungsoo
Published: February 2017

In biological systems, structural confinements of amyloid fibrils can be mediated by the role of water molecules. However, the underlying effect of the dynamic behavior of water molecules on structural stabilities of amyloid fibrils is still unclear. By performing molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the dynamic features and the effect of interior water molecules on conformations and mechanical characteristics of various amyloid fibrils. We find that a specific mechanism induced by the dynamic properties of interior water molecules can affect diffusion of water molecules inside amyloid fibrils, inducing their different structural stabilities. The conformation of amyloid fibrils induced by interior water molecules show the fibrils’ different mechanical features. We elucidate the role of confined and movable interior water molecules in structural stabilities of various amyloid fibrils. Our results offer insights not only in further understanding of mechanical features of amyloids as mediated by water molecules, but also in the fine‐tuning of the functional abilities of amyloid fibrils for applications.