bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Learning Analytics
Authors: Zilvinskis John , Willis James , Borden Victor M. H.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this chapter is to provide administrators and faculty with an understanding of learning analytics and its relationship to existing roles and functions so better institutional decisions can be made about investments and activities related to these technologies.
List randomization for soliciting experience of intimate partner violence: Application to the evaluation of Zambia's unconditional child grant program
Authors: Peterman Amber , Palermo Tia M. , Handa Sudhanshu , Seidenfeld David ,   on behalf of the Zambia Child Grant Program Evaluation Team
Published: September 2017

Social scientists have increasingly invested in understanding how to improve data quality and measurement of sensitive topics in household surveys. We utilize the technique of list randomization to collect measures of physical intimate partner violence in an experimental impact evaluation of the Government of Zambia's Child Grant Program. The Child Grant Program is an unconditional cash transfer, which targeted female caregivers of children under the age of 5 in rural areas to receive the equivalent of US $24 as a bimonthly stipend. The implementation results show that the list randomization methodology functioned as planned, with approximately 15% of the sample identifying 12‐month prevalence of physical intimate partner violence. According to this measure, after 4 years, the program had no measurable effect on partner violence. List randomization is a promising approach to incorporate sensitive measures into multitopic evaluations; however, more research is needed to improve upon methodology for application to measurement of violence.
Therapies for advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion or metastatic disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Finn Richard S. , Zhu Andrew X. , Farah Wigdan , Almasri Jehad , Zaiem Feras , Prokop Larry J. , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Mohammed Khaled
Published: September 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex disease most commonly arising in the background of chronic liver disease. In the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in our understanding of both the clinical and molecular heterogeneity of HCC. There has been a robust increase in clinical trial activity in patients with poor prognostic factors, such as macrovascular invasion and extrahepatic spread (EHS). We aimed to synthesize the evidence for the treatment of patients with advanced HCC based on these baseline characteristics, including patients with both Child‐Pugh (CP) scores of A and B. A comprehensive search of several databases from each database inception to February 15, 2016 any language was conducted. We included 14 studies (three randomized controlled studies [RCTs] and 11 observational studies). We included studies that compared sorafenib, transarterial bland embolization/transarterial chemoembolization, yttrium‐90/radiation therapy, ablation (or combination), and no therapy. Two RCTs comparing sorafenib to best supportive care demonstrated a consistent improvement in overall survival (OS) for patients with advanced HCC and metastatic vascular invasion (MVI) and/or EHS and CP A liver disease (hazard ratio, 0.66 [95% confidence interval, 0.51‐0.87]; I2 = 0%). Several observational studies evaluated locoregional therapies alone or in combination with other treatments and were limited by very‐low‐quality of evidence. This was true for both patients with EHS and MVI. Conclusion: In patients with advanced HCC and CP A liver function, sorafenib is the only treatment that has been shown to improve OS in randomized studies. High‐quality data supporting the use of other treatment modalities in this setting, or in the setting of patients with less compensated (CP B) liver disease, are lacking. (Hepatology 2018;67:422‐435)
Transcriptomic analysis of gingival mesenchymal stem cells cultured on 3D bioprinted scaffold: A promising strategy for neuroregeneration
Authors: Gugliandolo Agnese , Diomede Francesca , Cardelli Paolo , Bramanti Alessia , Scionti Domenico , Bramanti Placido , Trubiani Oriana , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: September 2017

The combined approach of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and scaffolds has been proposed as a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, even if MSCs can promote neuronal regeneration, replacing lost neurons or secreting neurotrophic factors, many limitations still exist for their application in regenerative medicine, including the low survival and differentiation rate. The scaffolds, by mimicking the endogenous microenvironment, have shown to promote cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. In this work, gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs), isolated from healthy donors, were expanded in vitro, by culturing them adherent in plastic dishes (CTR‐GMSCs) or on a poly(lactic acid) scaffold (SC‐GMSCs). In order to evaluate the survival and the neurogenic differentiation potential, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis between CTR‐GMSCs and SC‐GMSCs by next generation sequencing. We found that SC‐GMSCs showed an increased expression of neurogenic and prosurvival genes. In particular, genes involved in neurotrophin signaling and PI3K/Akt pathways were upregulated. On the contrary, proapoptotic and negative regulator of neuronal growth genes were downregulated. Moreover, nestin and GAP‐43 protein levels increased in SC‐GMSCs, confirming the neurogenic commitment of these cells. In conclusion, the scaffold, providing a trophic support for MSCs, may promote GMSCs differentiation toward a neuronal phenotype and survival. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 126–137, 2018.
Extracellular matrix particle–glycosaminoglycan composite hydrogels for regenerative medicine applications
Authors: Beachley Vince , Ma Garret , Papadimitriou Chris , Gibson Matt , Corvelli Michael , Elisseeff Jennifer
Published: September 2017

Tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex material made up of fibrous proteins and ground substance (glycosaminoglycans, GAGs) that are secreted by cells. ECM contains important biological cues that modulate cell behaviors, and it also serves as a structural scaffold to which cells can adhere. For clinical applications, where immune rejection is a constraint, ECM can be processed using decellularization methods intended to remove cells and donor antigens from tissue or organs, while preserving native biological cues essential for cell growth and differentiation. In this study, a decellularized ECM‐based composite hydrogel was formulated by using modified GAGs that covalently bind tissue particles. These GAG–ECM composite hydrogels combine the advantages of solid decellularized ECM scaffolds and pepsin‐digested ECM hydrogels by facilitating ECM hydrogel formation without a disruptive enzymatic digestion process. Additionally, engineered hydrogels can contain more than one type of ECM (from bone, fat, liver, lung, spleen, cartilage, or brain), at various concentrations. These hydrogels demonstrated tunable gelation kinetics and mechanical properties, offering the possibility of numerous in vivo and in vitro applications with different property requirements. Retained bioactivity of ECM particles crosslinked into this hydrogel platform was confirmed by the variable response of stem cells to different types of ECM particles with respect to osteogenic differentiation in vitro, and bone regeneration in vivo. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 147–159, 2018.
Extreme reversals in successive winter season precipitation anomalies across the Western United States, 1895–2015
Authors: Marston Michael L. , Ellis Andrew W.
Published: September 2017

Extreme precipitation studies commonly link anomalies to specific episodes of drought or flooding, while studies of precipitation volatility typically employ statistical measures of variability. This study addresses the concept of an extreme precipitation reversal (EPR), defined as an unusually wet or dry period that precedes a large precipitation anomaly of opposite sign, or more specifically the difference in the percentiles of precipitation for consecutive periods. The focus of this study is EPRs over the past 121 years for the hydrologically critical winter season across the Western United States. Results show that EPR values are of a greater magnitude during the second half of the historical record than during the first half, indicating increased volatility in extreme winter‐to‐winter precipitation. Historically, the direction of reversals (wet‐to‐dry or dry‐to‐wet) corresponds to a similar reversal in the nature of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, although EPRs are not systematically aligned with extreme ENSO reversals. While a greater frequency and intensity of winter season EPRs in recent years is potentially problematic for water managers, the relationship with ENSO may afford proactive management and mitigation of the impacts.
A multi‐year time‐series of N2O dynamics in a seasonally anoxic fjord: Saanich Inlet, British Columbia
Authors: Capelle David W. , Hawley Alyse K. , Hallam Steven J. , Tortell Philippe D.
Published: September 2017

We present an 8‐yr time‐series of monthly water column N2O measurements from Saanich Inlet, a seasonally anoxic fjord in southern British Columbia. We document seasonal and inter‐annual variability in N2O concentrations driven by physical and biological forcing, and examine the relationship between N2O and O2 concentrations across the redoxcline in this system. Near‐surface N2O concentrations were typically supersaturated, and increased with depth to a maximum near the oxic‐anoxic transition. Genes associated with both the nitrification and denitrification pathways were widely distributed throughout the water column, suggesting the potential for simultaneous N2O production from nitrification and incomplete denitrification. Maximum N2O concentrations in Saanich Inlet were similar to other anoxic basins, but lower than those previously documented in coastal upwelling and open ocean oxygen minimum zones. N2O and O2 were inversely correlated throughout the water column, except below 10 μmol O2 L−1 where net N2O consumption appears to occur. In surface waters, maximum N2O concentrations and sea–air fluxes occurred during late summer/early fall, when O2 levels in the oxycline were low. Annual deep basin renewals often persisted over multiple months, supplying O2,
, and N2O to the deep basin, with N2O subsequently declining to undetectable levels (< 0.4 nmol N2O L−1) by late spring. An unusually weak renewal was observed during 2009, possibly linked to reduced upwelling off the coast of British Columbia during El Niño. Our results can be used as a baseline to identify the effect of longer‐term changes in Saanich Inlet, such as deoxygenation and its effect on N2O concentrations.
Grazing on cyanobacteria and transfer of diazotrophic nitrogen to zooplankton in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Motwani Nisha H. , Duberg Jon , Svedén Jennie B. , Gorokhova Elena
Published: September 2017

Nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria (NFC) are important primary producers in many freshwater and marine systems, including the Baltic Sea. In this system, NFC circumvent summer nitrogen limitation, while also generating a supply of novel combined nitrogen and thus supporting food webs. Using field observations on zooplankton and phytoplankton development during a growth season in the northern Baltic Proper, we show that cyanobacterial nitrogen is assimilated and transferred to zooplankton via both direct grazing on NFC and indirectly through grazing on picoplankton, such as picocyanobacteria. The key findings supporting these conclusions are: (1) all zooplankton grazers were found to ingest NFC (Nodularia spumigena) and picocyanobacteria (Synechococcus spp.); (2) ingestion of both NFC and picocyanobacteria measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was highly correlated with ambient stocks of the respective cyanobacteria; (3) consumption of NFC and picocyanobacteria translated into decreased δ15N signature of zooplankton indicative of diazotrophic nitrogen input; (4) growth and reproduction indices in zooplankters were significantly positively related to NFC and picocyanobacteria; and (5) zooplankton biomass was positively related to the increasing nitrogen content of particulate organic matter (POM < 10 μm) and was highest at low POM δ15N values; the latter reflected overlap in zooplankton production and diazotroph seasonal dynamics. These findings provide empirical evidence that both NFC and picoplankton are readily ingested and assimilated by zooplankton, albeit with differential effects on growth and recruitment.
Seeking a better landscape for therapy development in neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Larkindale Jane , Porter John D.
Published: September 2017

Although the neuromuscular field has seen accelerated approval of a drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and full approval of one for spinal muscular atrophy, these experiences have shown that objective data and an adequate level of effect are essential for drug approval and reimbursement. The appropriateness and validity of biomarkers and clinically meaningful endpoints and an understanding of disease progression rates all played essential roles in the levels of evidence for these drugs. Such tools are best developed through integration of clinical data. The siloing of clinical data for rare neuromuscular diseases represents a considerable barrier to achieving better care and novel therapies for patients living with neuromuscular diseases. We discuss a data‐sharing model implemented for DMD and urge cultural changes in the ways natural history and clinical trial data are collected and shared across all neuromuscular diseases in order to benefit the primary stakeholder, the patient. Muscle Nerve 57: 16–19, 2018
Multimodal quantitative examination of nerve function in colorectal cancer patients prior to chemotherapy
Authors: Kandula Tejaswi , Farrar Michelle A. , Krishnan Arun V. , Murray Jenna , Timmins Hannah C. , Goldstein David , Lin Cindy S‐Y. , Kiernan Matthew C. , Park Susanna B.
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Given recent findings of subclinical sensory deficits in colorectal cancer patients before oxaliplatin treatment, in the current study we aimed to identify evidence of subclinical peripheral neuropathy on multimodal testing before chemotherapy commencement. Methods: Clinical, functional, and neurophysiological assessments were undertaken in 93 colorectal cancer patients before chemotherapy. Results: There was no neurophysiological evidence of neuropathy, with 92 of 93 sural sensory values within normative reference values for age and no significant abnormalities detected in nerve conduction or nerve excitability studies. Clinical neurological assessment revealed 75.9% of patients with no signs or symptoms, 10.3% with reduction in distal vibration or pinprick sensitivity, and 6.9% with reduction in ankle reflexes only. There was no difference in manual dexterity (using the 9‐hole peg‐board test) compared with normative data. Discussion: The present study has established a low likelihood of significant distal symmetrical polyneuropathy in colorectal cancer patients before initiation of chemotherapy. Muscle Nerve 57: 615–621, 2018
Autosomal dominant calpainopathy due to heterozygous CAPN3 C.643_663del21
Authors: Martinez‐Thompson Jennifer M. , Niu Zhiyv , Tracy Jennifer A. , Moore Steven A. , Swenson Andrea , Wieben Eric D. , Milone Margherita
Published: September 2017

Introduction: A calpain‐3 (CAPN3) gene heterozygous deletion (c.643_663del21) was recently linked to autosomal dominant (AD) limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy. However, the possibility of digenic disease was raised. We describe 3 families with AD calpainopathy carrying this isolated mutation. Methods: Probands heterozygous for CAPN3 c.643_663del21 were identified by targeted next generation or whole exome sequencing. Clinical findings were collected for probands and families. Calpain‐3 muscle Western blots were performed in 3 unrelated individuals. Results: Probands reported variable weakness in their 40s or 50s, with myalgia, back pain, or hyperlordosis. Pelvic girdle muscles were affected with adductor and hamstring sparing. Creatine kinase was normal to 1,800 U/L, independent of weakness severity. Imaging demonstrated lumbar paraspinal muscle atrophy. Electromyographic findings and muscle biopsies were normal to mildly myopathic. Muscle calpain‐3 expression was reduced. Discussion: This study provides further evidence for AD calpainopathy associated with CAPN3 c.643_663del21. No pathogenic variants in other genes known to cause myopathy were detected. Muscle Nerve 57: 679–683, 2018
Complex new materials from simple chemistry: Combining an amino‐substituted polysiloxane and carboxylic acids
Authors: He Yong , Zhao Hui , Yao Miao , Weiss Richard G.
Published: September 2017

Changes in rheological, adhesive, and swelling properties of quaternary salts, made by adding one of eight mono‐ or six α,ω‐alkanedioic acids (the latter with two to six or nine carbon atoms) to 6‐7PSil (a polysiloxane with 6%–7% of the monomer units contain a 3‐aminopropyl group) have been correlated with the salt structures. The simple acid‐base chemistry initiates drastic changes in the bulk properties of the materials that depend on the amount and type of the added acid. Thus, the quaternized forms of the 6‐7PSil have significantly enhanced viscoelastic and adhesive properties compared to those of the initial polysiloxane, and they can swell selectively liquids based on their polarity. Also, interpenetrating networks have been made in situ by photopolymerization of salts with vinylic carboxylic acids. DFT calculations on model systems consisting of dimethylammonium α,ω‐alkanedioate salts with two to six carbon atoms provide insights into the interactions responsible for the unexpected dependence of the properties of the 6‐7PSil salts on the chain lengths of the diacids. The potential for applying the methodologies described here to systems with other amino‐substituted polymers and other acid types is noted. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3851–3861
Oligomer‐Incorporated Polymeric Layer Framework of Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Effective Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wu Kwun‐Han , Huang Yu‐Jie , Teng Hsisheng
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a structural design of graphitic carbon nitride (CN) for use as an active photocatalyst in H2 evolution reactions. The active photocatalyst is synthesized by subjecting a CN sample to consecutive annealing and ammonia treatments. The CN sample is produced through urea condensation. The annealing treatment destroys the polymeric CN to form a defective polymeric layer framework incorporating 1,3,4,6,7,9,9b‐Heptaazaphenalene‐2,5,8‐triamine (melem) oligomers. The annealed CN exhibits a wide absorption range in visible light because the distorted structure causes conjugation of the π‐orbital with a nitrogen nonbonding state. The subsequent ammonia treatment of the annealed CN repairs the nitrogen vacancies and bridges the polymeric framework and melem oligomers. The repaired and bridged sample (N‐aCN) provides viable pathways for charge separation and transport, and active amino sites are introduced in the sample for electron injection in order to produce H2. When Pt is deposited, the CN and N‐aCN samples catalyze H2 evolution from aqueous triethanolamine solution at quantum yields of 3.7 and 17%, respectively, under 420 nm monochromatic irradiation. The high activity of N‐aCN demonstrates that the oligomer‐incorporated polymeric layer framework effectively harvests light and mediates charge transport in CN materials for photoenergy conversion.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria in cystic fibrosis: Updates and the path forward
Authors: Martiniano Stacey L. , Davidson Rebecca M. , Nick Jerry A.
Published: September 2017

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are troublesome pathogens that can cause significant pulmonary disease in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Diagnosis can be difficult in the setting of underlying CF and treatment regimens are burdensome on both patients and providers. Recent consensus guidelines for treatment of NTM in CF have provided a guide for the CF community, however research is lagging regarding accuracy of our diagnostic abilities and treatment efficacy. In this review, we provide new insights into the complexity of NTM from emerging whole genome sequencing data, a summary of current NTM diagnosis and treatment guidelines, highlight new treatment options, and discuss future research projects which aim to better define which patients to treat and timing and duration of treatment.
Mechanical Modifications of Paraffin‐based Fuels and the Effects on Combustion Performance
Authors: Tang Yue , Chen Suhang , Zhang Wei , Shen Ruiqi , DeLuca Luigi T. , Ye Yinghua
Published: September 2017

In order to enhance the mechanical properties, 6 kinds of additives of stearic acid, polyethylene wax (A−C®6A), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) were blended in the paraffin fuel. Mechanical properties of paraffin‐based fuels were investigated by mixing 5 % in mass of different additives and increasing the mass percent of A−C®6A and LDPE. In addition, the combustion performance of the so modified paraffin‐based fuels were tested by a 2D‐radial burner at Nanjing University of Science and Technology. The effects of additives on regression rate were analyzed by thermal performance test (melting point and DSC) and viscosity measurement. Overall, all the additives can improve mechanical properties and the mechanical properties are enhanced by increasing mass% of additives. A−C®6A revealed the best for improving compressive strength (64.0 % increase by blending 5 mass %), LDPE revealed the best for improving tensile strength (105.3 % increase by blending 5 mass %). For combustion performance, the regression rates of paraffin‐based fuels blended with stearic acid increased owing to the decreased melting points while the regression rates of the other five formulations decreased due to the increased melted liquid viscosity. The relationship between regression rate and viscosity is a power function which is not affected by additives at high temperature, thereby it is convenient to predict the regression rate by measuring viscosity.
Statistical learning for wind power: A modeling and stability study towards forecasting
Authors: Fischer Aurélie , Montuelle Lucie , Mougeot Mathilde , Picard Dominique
Published: September 2017

We focus on wind power modeling using machine learning techniques. We show on real data provided by the wind energy company Maïa Eolis that parametric models even following closely the physical equation relating wind production to wind speed are outperformed by intelligent learning algorithms. In particular, the CART‐Bagging algorithm gives very stable and promising results. Besides, as a step towards forecast, we quantify the impact of using deteriorated wind measures on the performances. We show also on this application that the default methodology to select a subset of predictors provided in the standard random forest package can be refined, especially when there exists among the predictors one variable, which has a major impact.
Competency‐Based Education in Low Resource Settings: Development of a Novel Surgical Training Program
Authors: McCullough Meghan , Campbell Alex , Siu Armando , Durnwald Libby , Kumar Shubha , Magee William P. , Swanson Jordan
Published: September 2017

Background

The unmet burden of surgical disease represents a major global health concern, and a lack of trained providers is a critical component of the inadequacy of surgical care worldwide. Competency‐based training has been advanced in high‐income countries, improving technical skills and decreasing training time, but it is poorly understood how this model might be applied to low‐ and middle‐income countries. We describe the development of a competency‐based program to accelerate specialty training of in‐country providers in cleft surgery techniques.

Methods

The program was designed and piloted among eight trainees at five international cleft lip and palate surgical mission sites in Latin America and Africa. A competency‐based evaluation form, designed for the program, was utilized to grade general technical and procedure‐specific competencies, and pre‐ and post‐training scores were analyzed using a paired t test.

Results

Trainees demonstrated improvement in average procedure‐specific competency scores for both lip repairs (60.4–71.0%, p < 0.01) and palate (50.6–66.0%, p < 0.01). General technical competency scores also improved (63.6–72.0%, p < 0.01). Among the procedural competencies assessed, surgical markings showed the greatest improvement (19.0 and 22.8% for lip and palate, respectively), followed by nasal floor/mucosal approximation (15.0%) and hard palate dissection (17.1%).

Conclusion

Surgical delivery models in LMICs are varied, and trade‐offs often exist between goals of case throughput, quality and training. Pilot program results show that procedure‐specific and general technical competencies can be improved over a relatively short time and demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating such a training program into surgical outreach missions.
ARE INTELLECTUAL VIRTUES TRUTH-RELEVANT?
Authors: Roeber Blake
Published: September 2017

According to attributor virtue epistemology (the view defended by Ernest Sosa, John Greco, and others), S knows that p only if her true belief that p is attributable to some intellectual virtue, competence, or ability that she possesses. Attributor virtue epistemology captures a wide range of our intuitions about the nature and value of knowledge, and it has many able defenders. Unfortunately, it has an unrecognized consequence that many epistemologists will think is sufficient for rejecting it: namely, it makes knowledge depend on factors that aren't truth-relevant, even in the broadest sense of this term, and it also makes knowledge depend in counterintuitive ways on factors that are truth-relevant in the more common narrow sense of this term. As I show in this paper, the primary objection to interest-relative views in the pragmatic encroachment debate can be raised even more effectively against attributor virtue epistemology.
DIVIDED POWER AND ΕΥΝΟΜΙΑ: DELIBERATIVE PROCEDURES IN ANCIENT SPARTA
Authors: Esu Alberto
Published: September 2017

Spartan institutions were pictured as a model of political stability from the Classical period onwards. The so-called Spartan ‘mirage’ did not involve only its constitutional order but also social and economic institutions. Xenophon begins hisConstitution of the Lacedaemoniansby associating Spartan fame with thepoliteiaset up by Lycurgus, which made the Laconian city the most powerful (δυνατωτάτη) and famous (ὀνομαστοτάτη)polisin Greece (Xen.Lac.1.1). In Aristotle'sPolitics, in which the assessment of Sparta is more complex and nuanced, one finds a critique of contemporary Spartan institutions as well as praise for Lycurgus as a great lawgiver who established the laws of Sparta (Arist.Pol.2.1269a69, 2.1273b20). Most other ancient sources often remark upon the unchangeable features of some Spartan institutions as a key aspect of Spartan εὐνομία. Thucydides maintains that, after a long period of war andstasis, the Dorians established excellent laws and Sparta employed the same constitution for more than four hundred years (Thuc. 1.18.1: τετρακόσια καὶ ὀλίγῳ πλείω ἐς τὴν τελευτὴν τοῦδε τοῦ πολέμου ἀφ᾽ οὗ Λακεδαιμόνιοι τῇ αὐτῇ πολιτείᾳ χρῶνται).
Emergence Dynamics of Kochia (Kochia scoparia) Populations from the U.S. Great Plains: A Multi-Site-Year Study
Authors: Kumar Vipan , Jha Prashant , Dille J. Anita , Stahlman Phillip W.
Published: September 2017

Evolution of kochia biotypes resistant to multiple herbicide sites of action is an increasing concern for growers across the U.S. Great Plains. This necessitates the development of integrated strategies for kochia control in this region based on improved forecasting of periodicity and patterns of kochia emergence in the field. Field experiments were conducted near Huntley, MT, in 2013 and 2014, and in Manhattan and Hays, KS, in 2013 to characterize the timing and pattern of emergence of several kochia populations collected from the U.S. Great Plains’ states. The more rapid accumulation of growing degree days (GDD) resulted in a shorter emergence duration (E90–E10) in 2014 compared with 2013 in Montana. Kochia populations exhibited an extended emergence period (early April through mid-July). Among all kochia populations, in 2013, Kansas-Garden City (KS-GC), Kansas-Manhattan (KS-MN), Oklahoma (OK), and Montana (MT) populations began to emerge earlier, with a minimum of 151 cumulative GDD to achieve 10% cumulative emergence (E10values) in Montana. The New Mexico-Los Lunas (NM-LL) population exhibited a delayed onset but a rapid emergence rate, while the North Dakota (ND) and Kansas-Colby (KS-CB) populations emerged over a longer duration (E90–E10of 556 and 547 GDD, respectively) in 2013 in Montana. In 2013 at the two locations in Kansas, kochia populations exhibited a similar emergence pattern, with no differences in the time to initiate germination (E10), rate of emergence (parameterb), or duration of emergence (E90–E10). At Hays, KS, the GDD for E50and E90were less for ND compared with KS-MN and KS-GC local populations. In 2014 the KS-MN kochia population exhibited an early (ED10value of 215 GDD) but a more gradual emergence pattern (E90–E10=526 GDD) in Montana. In contrast, OK and New Mexico-Las Cruces (NM-LC) populations had an early and a more rapid emergence pattern (E90–E10=153 and 154 GDD, respectively). Kochia in Montana exhibited two to four emergence peaks. This differential emergence pattern of kochia populations reflects the occurrence of different emergence “biotypes” and emphasizes the need to adopt more location-specific and diversified weed control tactics to manage kochia seedbanks.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Matrine derivate MASM uncovers a novel function for ribosomal protein S5 in osteoclastogenesis and postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Chen Xiao , Zhi Xin , Cao Liehu , Weng Weizong , Pan Panpan , Hu Honggang , Liu Chao , Zhao Qingjie , Zhou Qirong , Cui Jin , Su Jiacan
Published: September 2017

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (POMP) is a public health problem characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk. Over-activated osteoclastogenesis plays a vital role in POMP. Here we developed a novel bioactive compound MASM (M19) based on sophocarpine. Although it showed no significant effects on osteogenesis and adipogenesis for bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro, it could significantly inhibit RANKL/M-CSF induced osteoclastogenesis through suppressing NF-κB, MAPKs and PI3K/Akt pathways in vitro and ameliorate bone loss in ovariectomized mice in vivo. Ribosomal protein s5 (RPS5) has been identified as a target of M19 and regulates PI3K/Akt, NF-κB and MAPKs pathways in osteoclastogenesis. Overexpressions of RPS5 synergistically inhibited osteoclastogenesis with M19 while silencing RPS5 compromised M19 inhibitory effects on osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Among the three pathways, Akt plays a major role in M19 effects. The Akt activator SC79 partially reversed the inhibitory effects on osteoclastogenesis by M19 and RPS5-knocking-down. It indicates that RPS5 serves as a potential candidate target for inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and osteoporosis therapy and M19 is a promising agent for POMP treatment.
Rapid Discovery of De Novo Deleterious Mutations in Cattle Enhances the Value of Livestock as Model Species
Authors: Bourneuf E. , Otz P. , Pausch H. , Jagannathan V. , Michot P. , Grohs C. , Piton G. , Ammermüller S. , Deloche M.-C. , Fritz S. , Leclerc H. , Péchoux C. , Boukadiri A. , Hozé C. , Saintilan R. , Créchet F. , Mosca M. , Segelke D. , Guillaume F. , Bouet S. , Baur A. , Vasilescu A. , Genestout L. , Thomas A. , Allais-Bonnet A. , Rocha D. , Colle M.-A. , Klopp C. , Esquerré D. , Wurmser C. , Flisikowski K. , Schwarzenbacher H. , Burgstaller J. , Brügmann M. , Dietschi E. , Rudolph N. , Freick M. , Barbey S. , Fayolle G. , Danchin-Burge C. , Schibler L. , Bed’Hom B. , Hayes B. J. , Daetwyler H. D. , Fries R. , Boichard D. , Pin D. , Drögemüller C. , Capitan A.
Published: September 2017

In humans, the clinical and molecular characterization of sporadic syndromes is often hindered by the small number of patients and the difficulty in developing animal models for severe dominant conditions. Here we show that the availability of large data sets of whole-genome sequences, high-density SNP chip genotypes and extensive recording of phenotype offers an unprecedented opportunity to quickly dissect the genetic architecture of severe dominant conditions in livestock. We report on the identification of seven dominant de novo mutations in CHD7, COL1A1, COL2A1, COPA, and MITF and exploit the structure of cattle populations to describe their clinical consequences and map modifier loci. Moreover, we demonstrate that the emergence of recessive genetic defects can be monitored by detecting de novo deleterious mutations in the genome of bulls used for artificial insemination. These results demonstrate the attractiveness of cattle as a model species in the post genomic era, particularly to confirm the genetic aetiology of isolated clinical case reports in humans.
Spatial and temporal distribution of phase slips in Josephson junction chains
Authors: Ergül Adem , Weißl Thomas , Johansson Jan , Lidmar Jack , Haviland David B.
Published: September 2017

The Josephson effect, tunnelling of a supercurrent through a thin insulator layer between two superconducting islands, is a phenomena characterized by a spatially distributed phase of the superconducting condensate. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on Josephson junction devices particularly for the applications of quantum metrology and superconducting qubits. In this study, we report the development of Josephson junction circuit formed by serially connecting many Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices, SQUIDs. We present experimental measurements as well as numerical simulations of a phase-slip center, a SQUID with weaker junctions, embedded in a Josephson junction chain. The DC transport properties of the chain are the result of phase slips which we simulate using a classical model that includes linear external damping, terminating impedance, as well as internal nonlinear quasiparticle damping. We find good agreement between the simulated and the experimental current voltage characteristics. The simulations allow us to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of phase-slip events occurring across the chains and also the existence of travelling voltage pulses which reflect at the chain edges.
Monitoring osteoarthritis progression using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy
Authors: Afara Isaac O. , Prasadam Indira , Arabshahi Zohreh , Xiao Yin , Oloyede Adekunle
Published: September 2017

We demonstrate in this study the potential of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a tool for monitoring progression of cartilage degeneration in an animal model. Osteoarthritic degeneration was artificially induced in one joint in laboratory rats, and the animals were sacrificed at four time points: 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks (3 animals/week). NIR spectra were acquired from both (injured and intact) knees. Subsequently, the joint samples were subjected to histological evaluation and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content analysis, to assess disease severity based on the Mankin scoring system and to determine proteoglycan loss, respectively. Multivariate spectral techniques were then employed for classification (principal component analysis and support vector machines) and prediction (partial least squares regression) of the samples’ Mankin scores and GAG content from their NIR spectra. Our results demonstrate that NIR spectroscopy is sensitive to degenerative changes in articular cartilage, and is capable of distinguishing between mild (weeks 1&2; Mankin <=2) and advanced (weeks 4&6; Mankin =>3) cartilage degeneration. In addition, the spectral data contains information that enables estimation of the tissue’s Mankin score (error = 12.6%, R2 = 86.2%) and GAG content (error = 7.6%, R2 = 95%). We conclude that NIR spectroscopy is a viable tool for assessing cartilage degeneration post-injury, such as, post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Intrafascial versus interfascial nerve sparing in radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Weng Hong , Zeng Xian-Tao , Li Sheng , Meng Xiang-Yu , Shi Ming-Jun , He Da-Lin , Wang Xing-Huan
Published: September 2017

The present study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the intrafascial and interfascial nerve sparing (ITR-NS and ITE-NS) radical prostatectomy. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible studies. Meta-analysis with random-effects model was performed. Six comparative trials were selected and embraced in this research, including one randomized controlled trial, three prospective comparative trials, and two retrospective comparative trials. With regard to perioperative parameters, no significant association of operative time, blood loss, transfusion rates, duration of catheterization, and hospital stay existed between ITR-NS and ITE-NS. With respect to the functional results, ITR-NS had advantages in terms of both continence and potency recovery compared with ITE-NS. In reference to the oncologic results, the ITR-NS showed lower overall positive surgical margin (PSM) compared with ITE-NS but pT2 PSM and biochemical recurrence free rates were similar to the two surgical types. This study demonstrates that ITR-NS has better continence at 6 mo and 36 mo and better potency recovery at 6 mo and 12 mo postoperatively, regardless of the surgical technique. The cancer control of ITR-NS was also better than that of ITE-NS. This may be explained by the fact that patients in ITE-NS group present higher risk cancer than patients in ITR-NS group.
The role of various oxygen species in Mn-based layered double hydroxide catalysts in selective alcohol oxidation
Authors: Du Yiyun , Wang Qian , Liang Xiao , Yang Pengfei , He Yufei , Feng Junting , Li Dianqing
Published: September 2017

Precise identification of oxygen species in LDH-based catalysts was investigated for the first time for alcohol oxidation.
A new strategy to make an artificial enzyme: photosystem II around nanosized manganese oxide
Authors: Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi , Madadkhani Sepideh , Akbarian Somayyeh , Hołyńska Małgorzata , Kompany-Zareh Mohsen , Tomo Tatsuya , Singh Jitendra Pal , Chae Keun Hwa , Allakhverdiev Suleyman I.
Published: September 2017

A new strategy to make an artificial enzyme was reported.
Heterostructured ZnS/InP nanowires for rigid/flexible ultraviolet photodetectors with enhanced performance
Authors: Zhang Kai , Ding Jia , Lou Zheng , Chai Ruiqing , Zhong Mianzeng , Shen Guozhen
Published: September 2017

Heterostructured ZnS/InP nanowires, composed of single-crystalline ZnS nanowires coated with a layer of InP shell, were synthesized via a one-step chemical vapor deposition process.
One-step trapping of droplets and surface functionalization of sensors using gold-patterned structures for multiplexing in biochips
Authors: Dias T. M. , Fernandes E. , Cardoso S. , Monteiro G. , Freitas P. P.
Published: September 2017

A new methodology for one-step trapping of microspotted droplets and surface functionalization of sensors using gold-patterned structures for multiplexing Point-of-Care testing.
A highly efficient quantum dot light emitting diode via improving the carrier balance by modulating the hole transport
Authors: Pan Jiangyong , Chen Jing , Huang Qianqian , Wang Lixi , Lei Wei
Published: September 2017

A highly efficient solution-processed QLED device with a doped HTL has been demonstrated by the modulation of hole transport.
Carrier‐overlapping PWM‐based hybrid current control strategy applied to two‐stage grid‐connected PV inverter
Authors: Liu Jiang , Cheng Shanmei , Shen Anwen
Published: September 2017

For a wide dc input voltage range of photovoltaic (PV) array, a two‐stage grid‐connected inverter that allows input voltage regulation is required. This study proposes a topology with time‐sharing synchronous modulation in which energy transmission paths, wheeling branches and switching losses for high‐frequency switches are optimised to achieve efficiency improvement. The small‐signal model of proposed topology is analysed in detail. A hybrid current control strategy based on frequency‐amplitude domain analysis is presented. To solve further transitional problem on boost–buck mode switching, the controller uses a carrier‐overlapping pulse‐width modulation (PWM)‐based generator. Then, the effectiveness of the proposed topology and the control strategy under different experimental conditions are verified. Experimental results indicate hybrid current control strategy promotes current waveform quality and the burrs and oscillations in transition between buck mode and boost mode can be reduced.
Low‐cost automotive wireless instrumentation: is it possible?
Authors: Korol Daniel Rossi , Spengler Anderson Wedderhoff , Gracioli Giovani , Idehara Sérgio
Published: September 2017

Automotive instrumentation is an important process to guarantee quality and safety for the drivers and passengers of vehicles. At the same time, it is a time‐consuming task, because engineers must setup the system, which includes the passing of cables through the vehicle and the configuration of equipments. A wireless automotive instrumentation system can certainly help on reducing the instrumentation time and its cost. However, it may incur in errors due to the wireless communication between sensors and the base station. In this study, the authors propose a low‐cost wireless monitoring system for automotive instrumentation. They compare the proposed system with two commercial instrumentation equipments in terms of features, cost, and precision for monitoring the engine speed. The results indicate that the proposed wireless monitoring system delivers similar performance, but at a lower cost (up to 1114 times cheaper).
Traumatic Dislocation of the Pisiform Bone
Authors: Petrou Ilias , Savioz-Leissing Claire , Gray Anne
Published: September 2017

Pisiform dislocation is a rare wrist injury. The limited literature available describes this pathology in the form of case reports. An immediate closed reduction and immobilization is indicated for acute injury while there is a debate in the management of cases with delayed diagnosis or failed closed reduction. In this case, a 32-year-old, right-handed man visited the emergency department with pain at the ulnar side of his left wrist after a fall. The initial management involved immobilization, and the patient was referred to the authors’ specialized clinic 10 days later because of persistence of important ulnar wrist pain. The choice of treatment was pisiform excision without ligament reconstruction with excellent functional results.
ROS mediated malignancy cure performance of morphological, optical, and electrically tuned Sn doped CeO2 nanostructures
Authors: Abbas Fazal , Iqbal Javed , Maqbool Qaisar , Jan Tariq , Ullah Muhammad Obaid , Nawaz Bushra , Nazar Mudassar , Naqvi M. S. Haider , Ahmad Ishaq
Published: September 2017

To grapple with cancer, implementation of differentially cytotoxic nanomedicines have gained prime attention of the researchers across the globe. Now, ceria (CeO2) at nanoscale has emerged as a cut out therapeutic agent for malignancy treatment. Keeping this in view, we have fabricated SnxCe1-xO2 nanostructures by facile, eco-friendly, and biocompatible hydrothermal method. Structural examinations via XRD and FT-IR spectroscopy have revealed single phase cubic-fluorite morphology while SEM analysis has depicted particle size ranging 30-50nm for pristine and doped nanostructures. UV-Vis spectroscopy investigation explored that Sn doping significantly tuned the band gap (eV) energies of SnxCe1-xO2 nanostructures which set up the base for tremendous cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generations involved in cancer cells’ death. To observe cytotoxicity, synthesized nanostructures were found selectively more toxic to neuroblastoma cell lines as compared to HEK-293 healthy cells. This study anticipates that SnxCe1-xO2 nanostructures, in future, might be used as nanomedicine for safer cancer therapy.
Numerical investigation of air mediated droplet bouncing on flat surfaces
Authors: Shetabivash H. , Dolatabadi A.
Published: September 2017

A liquid droplet can bounce off a flat substrate independent of surface wettability if the impact occurs at low velocities, i.e., We of less than seven. In this case, the droplet spreads on a sub-micrometer air layer and rebounds subsequently without any direct contact with the surface. We have numerically investigated the process of air layer formation beneath the droplet. The numerical simulations are validated using experimental results available in the literature based on morphology of the droplet interface and thickness of the air layer. Numerical results revealed that the formation of a high pressure zone at the center of impact deforms the droplet to a kink shape at the moment of impact. The deformation leads to displacement of high pressure zone from center to kink edge of the droplet interface. Further investigation of pressure and velocity of air beneath the droplet divulged that high pressure region at the kink edge suppresses air flow at the inner region while accelerating flow at the outer region. In addition, it is demonstrated that fluid flow at the kink edge where droplet interface has the minimum distance from the substrate resembles Couette flow. It is demonstrated that the deformation of droplet along with displacement of high pressure region from the center to kink edge are responsible for stabilizing the air layer beneath the droplet and consequently spreading and receding of droplet over a thin air cushion.
FEM thermal and stress analysis of bonded GaN-on-diamond substrate
Authors: Zhai Wenbo , Zhang Jingwen , Chen Xudong , Bu Renan , Wang Hongxing , Hou Xun
Published: September 2017

A three-dimensional thermal and stress analysis of bonded GaN on diamond substrate is investigated using finite element method. The transition layer thickness, thermal conductivity of transition layer, diamond substrate thickness and the area ratio of diamond and GaN are considered and treated appropriately in the numerical simulation. The maximum channel temperature of GaN is set as a constant value and its corresponding heat power densities under different conditions are calculated to evaluate the influences that the diamond substrate and transition layer have on GaN. The results indicate the existence of transition layer will result in a decrease in the heat power density and the thickness and area of diamond substrate have certain impact on the magnitude of channel temperature and stress distribution. Channel temperature reduces with increasing diamond thickness but with a decreasing trend. The stress is reduced by increasing diamond thickness and the area ratio of diamond and GaN. The study of mechanical and thermal properties of bonded GaN on diamond substrate is useful for optimal designs of efficient heat spreader for GaN HEMT.