bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of artificial neural networks as a methodology for donor‐recipient matching for liver transplantation
Authors: Ayllón María Dolores , Ciria Rubén , Cruz‐Ramírez Manuel , Pérez‐Ortiz María , Gómez Irene , Valente Roberto , O'Grady John , de la Mata Manuel , Hervás‐Martínez César , Heaton Nigel D. , Briceño Javier
Published: September 2017

In 2014, we reported a model for donor‐recipient (D‐R) matching in liver transplantation (LT) based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) from a Spanish multicenter study (Model for Allocation of Donor and Recipient in España [MADR‐E]). The aim is to test the ANN‐based methodology in a different European health care system in order to validate it. An ANN model was designed using a cohort of patients from King's College Hospital (KCH; n = 822). The ANN was trained and tested using KCH pairs for both 3‐ and 12‐month survival models. End points were probability of graft survival (correct classification rate [CCR]) and nonsurvival (minimum sensitivity [MS]). The final model is a rule‐based system for facilitating the decision about the most appropriate D‐R matching. Models designed for KCH had excellent prediction capabilities for both 3 months (CCR–area under the curve [AUC] = 0.94; MS‐AUC = 0.94) and 12 months (CCR‐AUC = 0.78; MS‐AUC = 0.82), almost 15% higher than the best obtained by other known scores such as Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease and balance of risk. Moreover, these results improve the previously reported ones in the multicentric MADR‐E database. In conclusion, the use of ANN for D‐R matching in LT in other health care systems achieved excellent prediction capabilities supporting the validation of these tools. It should be considered as the most advanced, objective, and useful tool to date for the management of waiting lists. Liver Transplantation 24 192–203 2018 AASLD.
INFLUENTIAL LEADERSHIP IN THE AGE OF QUESTIONS
Authors: Sesno Frank
Published: September 2017

The award‐winning journalist Sesno provides detailed guidance on what constitutes a good leadership‐related question and how to formulate it. Brief case studies are presented around the examples of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ben & Jerry's, and others. Sesno describes different types of inquiries and when they are most appropriate and effective, such as mission questions. He posits that a Ben & Jerry's mission question would be What values do we bring to the enterprise? Sesno concludes that “engaged questioning, driven by focused listening, can define mission, mobilize support, connect ideas and people, and break down barriers.”
Evaluating Potential Risks of Food Allergy and Toxicity of Soy Leghemoglobin Expressed in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Jin Yuan , He Xiaoyun , Andoh‐Kumi Kwame , Fraser Rachel Z. , Lu Mei , Goodman Richard E.
Published: September 2017

Scope

The Soybean (Glycine max) leghemoglobin c2 (LegHb) gene was introduced into Pichia pastoris yeast for sustainable production of a heme‐carrying protein, for organoleptic use in plant‐based meat. The potential allergenicity and toxicity of LegHb and 17 Pichia host‐proteins each representing ≥1% of total protein in production batches are evaluated by literature review, bioinformatics sequence comparisons to known allergens or toxins, and in vitro pepsin digestion.

Methods and results

Literature searches found no evidence of allergenicity or toxicity for these proteins. There are no significant sequence matches of LegHb to known allergens or toxins. Eleven Pichia proteins have modest identity matches to minor environmental allergens and 13 Pichia proteins have significant matches to proteins from toxic sources. Yet the matched allergens and toxins have similar matches to proteins from the commonly consumed yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, without evidence of food allergy or toxicity. The demonstrated history of safe use indicates additional tests for allergenicity and toxicity are not needed. The LegHb and Pichia sp. proteins were rapidly digested by pepsin at pH 2.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that foods containing recombinant soy LegHb produced in Pichia sp. are unlikely to present an unacceptable risk of allergenicity or toxicity to consumers.
Maternal Chronic Folate Supplementation Ameliorates Behavior Disorders Induced by Prenatal High‐Fat Diet Through Methylation Alteration of BDNF and Grin2b in Offspring Hippocampus
Authors: Yan Zhonghai , Jiao Fei , Yan Xiaoshuang , Ou Hailong
Published: September 2017

Scope

Maternal consumption of a high‐fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy increases the risk of behavioral problems. Folate plays an important role in neuroplasticity and the preservation of neuronal integrity. This study aims at determining the influence of diets supplemented with folate on offspring behavior, and the mechanisms involved.

Methods and results

Female mice were fed a control diet, an HFD, control diet supplemented with folate, or an HFD supplemented with folate for 5 weeks before mating. Open field task and elevated plus maze are used to evaluate the offspring behaviors. Results showed that offspring cognitive performance and anxiety‐related behaviors, including those related to open field exploration and elevated plus maze, were significantly improved when dams were treated with folate in pregnancy. Moreover, the maternal folate supplement decreased BDNF and Grin2b methylation and upregulated their expressions in the brain of offspring, which were associated with decreasing the expression of DNA methyltransferases compared with those dams were treated only HFD in pregnancy.

Conclusion

Maternal folate supplementation ameliorates behavior disorders induced by prenatal high‐fat diet. The beneficial effects were associated with methylation and expression alteration of BDNF and Grin2b genes.
Technical Note: A simulation study on the feasibility of radiotherapy dose enhancement with calcium tungstate and hafnium oxide nano‐ and microparticles
Authors: Sherck Nicholas J. , Won You‐Yeon
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To assess the radiotherapy dose enhancement (RDE) potential of calcium tungstate (CaWO4) and hafnium oxide (HfO2) nano‐ and microparticles (NPs). A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted to gauge their respective RDE potentials relative to that of the broadly studied gold (Au) NP. The study was warranted due to the promising clinical and preclinical studies involving both CaWO4 and HfO2 NPs as RDE agents in the treatment of various types of cancers. The study provides a baseline RDE to which future experimental RDE trends can be compared to.

Methods

All three materials were investigated in silico with the software Penetration and Energy Loss of Positrons and Electrons (PENELOPE 2014) developed by Francesc Salvat and distributed in the United States by the Radiation Safety Information Computational Center (RSICC) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The work utilizes the extensively studied Au NP as the “gold standard” for a baseline. The key metric used in the evaluation of the materials was the local dose enhancement factor (DEFloc). An additional metric used, termed the relative enhancement ratio (RER), evaluates material performance at the same mass concentrations.

Results

The results of the study indicate that Au has the strongest RDE potential using the DEFloc metric. HfO2 and CaWO4 both underperformed relative to Au with lower DEFloc of 2–3 × and 4–100 ×, respectively.

Conclusions

The computational investigation predicts the RDE performance ranking to be: Au > HfO2 > CaWO4.
Rapid whole‐brain gray matter imaging using single‐slab three‐dimensional dual‐echo fast spin echo: A feasibility study
Authors: Lee Hyunyeol , Kim Eung Yeop , Sohn Chul‐Ho , Park Jaeseok
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To achieve rapid, high resolution whole‐brain gray matter (GM) imaging by developing a novel, single‐slab three‐dimensional dual‐echo fast‐spin‐echo pulse sequence and GM‐selective reconstruction.

Methods

Unlike conventional GM imaging that uses time‐consuming double‐inversion‐recovery preparation, the proposed pulse sequence was designed to have two split portions along the echo train, in which the first half was dedicated to yield short inversion recovery (IR)‐induced white matter suppression and variable‐flip‐angle‐induced two‐step GM signal evolution while the second half cerebrospinal fluid‐only signals. Multi‐step variable‐flip‐angle schedules and sampling reordering were optimized to yield high GM signals while balancing cerebrospinal fluid signals between ECHOes. GM‐selective images were then reconstructed directly from the weighted subtraction between ECHOes by solving a sparse signal recovery problem. In vivo studies were performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method over conventional double‐inversion‐recovery.

Results

The proposed method, while achieving one millimeter isotropic, whole‐brain GM imaging within 5.5 min, showed superior performance than conventional double‐inversion‐recovery in producing GM‐only images without apparent artifacts and noise.

Conclusion

We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method in achieving whole‐brain GM imaging in a clinically acceptable imaging time. The proposed method is expected to be a promising alternative to conventional double‐inversion‐recovery in clinical applications. Magn Reson Med 78:1691–1699, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Fluorescence Sensing with Cellulose‐Based Materials
Authors: Li Meng , Li Xiaoning , Xiao Hui‐Ning , James Tony D.
Published: September 2017

Cellulose‐based materials functionalized with fluorescence sensors are highly topical and are employed in many areas of functional materials, including the sensing of heavy‐metal ions and anions as well as being widely used as chemical sensors and tools for environmental applications. In this Review, we cover recent progress in the development of cellulose‐based fluorescence sensors as parts of membranes and nanoscale materials for the detection of biological analytes. We believe that this Review will be of interest to chemists, chemical engineers, and biochemists in the sensor community as well as researchers working with biological material systems.
Extreme hepatic resections for the treatment of advanced hepatoblastoma: Are planned close margins an acceptable approach?
Authors: Fonseca Adriana , Gupta Abha , Shaikh Furqan , Ramphal Raveena , Ng Vicky , McGilvray Ian , Gerstle J. Ted
Published: September 2017

Background

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is considered the standard for children with hepatoblastoma (HB) in whom complete surgical resection is not possible. However, OLT is not always available or feasible.

Objective

To describe the outcome of children with HB who were initially deemed unresectable and underwent complex hepatectomy with planned close margins, and ultimately avoided OLT.

Methods

Demographic data, surgical and pathologic details, and survival information were collected from children treated for HB between January 2010 to December 2015.

Results

Among six children (median age 12 months (3–41 months)), PRETEXT classification was III (n = 2), III/IV (n = 1), and IV (n = 3). Patients received a median of six cycles (range 4–7) of platinum‐based induction chemotherapy; five received doxorubicin. Experienced pediatric surgeons performed extended right and left hepatectomy in five and one patients, respectively, with assistance of an experienced liver transplant surgeon (n = 4). Microscopic margins were positive (n = 2) and negative but close (n = 4; 2–5 mm). Two patients required vascular reconstruction of the vena cava. At median follow‐up of 3.3 years (1.7–4.6 years), there was no evidence of local recurrence. One patient had recurrence of pulmonary disease 3 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Patients with advanced HB treated with complex surgical resections with positive or close negative margins had good outcomes without OLT. We suggest that planned positive or close microscopic margins in highly selected HB patients may spare the morbidity of OLT and offer an alternative for those ineligible for OLT. Our experience illustrates the importance of a multidisciplinary team specialized in the management of liver tumors.
Thermomechanical‐electrical properties and micromechanics modeling of linear low density polyethylene reinforced with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Georgousis George , Charitos Ilias , Kontou Evagelia , Koutsoumpis Stefanos , Terzopoulou Zoe , Bikiaris Dimitris
Published: September 2017

In the present work, the thermomechanical performance of linear low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile and electrical testing. The ball milling and melt mixing procedure, employed for the nanocomposites preparation provided improvement of the thermomechanical properties. The findings are encouraging for a wider application of linear LDPE. The nanocomposites’ elastic behaviour was further described by three different micromechanics models. It was found that the model based on the effective continuum fiber was capable of describing the Young's modulus for all CNTs concentrations, revealing also the micromorphology and the dispersion quality of the nanocomposites examined. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1118–E1128, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Revolution/rotation‐type mixing‐assisted masterbatch process for polypropylene‐based high‐impact ternary nanocomposites
Authors: Tekay Emre , Nugay Nihan , Nugay Turgut , Şen Sinan
Published: September 2017

Polypropylene (PP)/maleic anhydride grafted poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene) triblock copolymer (SEBS‐g‐MA)/halloysite nanotube (HNT) ternary nanocomposites were prepared by two methods: one‐step simultaneous melt mixing (SM) of all components; and masterbatch‐based melt mixing (MB) involving revolution/rotation‐type high shear mixing of a concentrated solution of HNT and SEBS‐g‐MA, followed by melt blending with PP. Organically modified HNTs (Org‐HNTs) with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were prepared via a special cryoscopic expansion/modification technique (C‐XP/M). The morphological structures and mechanical properties of the composites, as well as the amount of reinforcer/toughener‐compatibilizer (HNT/SEBS‐g‐MA) at a ratio of 1/3, were discussed as a function of SM and MB techniques. Morphological studies showed that the SM technique revealed microcomposite structures with large aggregates of Org‐HNTs in the matrix. In contrast, the MB technique, with the help of elastomeric phase encapsulation, resulted in the best HNT dispersion in the PP matrix, leading to improved mechanical properties. In particular, the PP‐based ternary nanocomposite with 3 wt % Org‐HNT and 9 wt % SEBS‐g‐MA prepared by the MB method exhibited ∼200% higher impact strength compared with PP, attributed to well dispersed, encapsulated, and compatibilized HNTs in the matrix, which created a good balance between stiffness and toughness. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:24–36, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fetal MRI compared with ultrasound for the diagnosis of obstructive genital malformations
Authors: Millischer Anne Elodie , Grevent David , Rousseau Véronique , O'Gorman Neil , Sonigo Pascale , Bessieres Bettina , Ville Yves , Boddaert Nathalie , Salomon Laurent J.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) to diagnose and characterize congenital obstructive genital abnormalities.

Method

Retrospective cohort of 20 fetuses who underwent a fetal MRI following a US diagnosis of obstructive urogenital malformation. We compared MRI and US findings and their correlation with the definitive diagnosis.

Result

The correct diagnosis was obtained in 6/20 (30%) cases and 19/20 cases (95%) with US and MRI, respectively. MRI revealed additional information to US in 15/20 cases (75%) and modified the prenatal management in 14 fetuses (70%). The identification rates of the most important anatomical landmarks for the diagnosis, using US and MRI, were compared. Bladder: US 17/20 (85%) vs MRI 20/20 (100%) P = 0.23; vagina: US 6/19 (31.5%) vs MRI 19/19 (100%) P < 10−4; uterus: US 11/19 (57.8%) vs MRI 19/19 (100%) P = 0.003, kidneys: US: 40/40 (100%) MRI: 40/40 (100%) P = 1, ureters: US 14/40 (35%) vs MRI 30/40 (75%) P=0.001, rectum: US 6/20 (30%) MRI 20/20 (100%) P < 10−4, and sacrum: US 20/20 (100%) vs MRI 17/20 (85%) P = 0.23.

Conclusion

In fetuses with obstructive urogenital malformations, MRI facilitates assessment of major pelvic organs and provides significant information that may alter the prenatal management.
Streptococcus pneumoniae and chronic endobronchial infections in childhood
Authors: Hare Kim M. , Leach Amanda J. , Smith‐Vaughan Heidi C. , Chang Anne B. , Grimwood Keith
Published: September 2017

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is the main cause of bacterial pneumonia worldwide and has been studied extensively in this context. However, its role in chronic endobronchial infections and accompanying lower airway neutrophilic infiltration has received little attention. Severe and recurrent pneumonia are risk factors for chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) and bronchiectasis; the latter causes considerable morbidity and, in some populations, premature death in children and adults. Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is another chronic endobronchial infection associated with substantial morbidity. In some children, PBB may progress to bronchiectasis. Although nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae is the main pathogen in PBB, CSLD and bronchiectasis, pneumococci are isolated commonly from the lower airways of children with these diagnoses. Here we review what is known currently about pneumococci in PBB, CSLD and bronchiectasis, including the importance of pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization and how persistence in the lower airways may contribute to the pathogenesis of these chronic pulmonary disorders. Antibiotic treatments, particularly long‐term azithromycin therapy, are discussed together with antibiotic resistance and the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Important areas requiring further investigation are identified, including immune responses associated with pneumococcal lower airway infection, alone and in combination with other respiratory pathogens, and microarray serotyping to improve detection of carriage and infection by multiple serotypes. Genome wide association studies of pneumococci from the upper and lower airways will help identify virulence and resistance determinants, including potential therapeutic targets and vaccine antigens to treat and prevent endobronchial infections. Much work is needed, but the benefits will be substantial.
Prediction of phosphorylation sites based on Krawtchouk image moments
Authors: Wang Xue , Xu Min Li , Li Bao Qiong , Zhai Hong Lin , Liu Jin Jin , Li Shu Yan
Published: September 2017

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most pervasive post‐translational modifications and regulates diverse cellular processes in organisms. Under the catalysis of protein kinases, protein phosphorylation usually occurred in the residues serine (S), threonine (T), or tyrosine (Y). In this contribution, we proposed a novel scheme (named KMPhos) for the theoretical prediction of protein phosphorylation sites. First, the numerical matrix was obtained from a protein sequence fragment by replacing the characters of the residues with the chemical descriptors of amino acid molecules to approximately describe the chemical environment of the protein fragment, which was turned to the grayscale image. Then the Krawtchouk image moments were calculated and used to establish the support vector machine models. The accuracies of 10‐fold cross validation for the obtained models on the training set are up to 89.7%, 88.6%, and 90.1% for the residues S, Y, and T, respectively. For the independent test set, the prediction accuracies are up to 90.7% (S), 87.8% (T), and 89.3% (Y). The results of ROC and other evaluations are also satisfactory. Compared with several specialized prediction tools, KMPhos provided the higher accuracy and reliability. An available KMPhos package is provided and can be used directly for phosphorylation sites prediction.
Anomalous Magnetotransport Properties of Bi Doped La0.67Sr0.33MnO3
Authors: Kambhala Nagaiah , Samatham S. Shanmukharao , Venkatesh R. , Ganesan V. , Angappane S.
Published: September 2017

We have studied the magnetotransport properties of La0.67−xBixSr0.33MnO3 (x = 0, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5). The x ≤ 0.3 samples show metal–insulator transitions, whereas x ≥ 0.4 samples exhibit an insulating behaviour at zero field. Notably, two low‐temperature upturns were observed for La0.37Bi0.3Sr0.33MnO3, which indicates the existence of two different mechanisms. La0.27Bi0.4Sr0.33MnO3 shows field‐induced metallic behavior due to the melting of charge ordering with applied magnetic field. A large magnetoresistance of ∼100% is observed for La0.27Bi0.4Sr0.33MnO3 at ∼90 K. On the other hand, La0.37Bi0.3Sr0.33MnO3 exhibits a nearly constant large magnetoresistance of ∼80% between ∼30 and 250 K, which decreases outside this temperature range. The observed anomalous low‐temperature magnetotransport properties of La0.67−xBixSr0.33MnO3 are shown to arise from the coexisting phases of ferromagnetic metallic and antiferromagnetic charge‐ordered insulating states.
Scopoletin Supplementation Ameliorates Steatosis and Inflammation in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Choi Ra‐Yeong , Ham Ju Ri , Lee Hae‐In , Cho Hyun Wook , Choi Myung‐Sook , Park Seok‐Kyu , Lee Jin , Kim Myung‐Joo , Seo Kwon‐Il , Lee Mi‐Kyung
Published: September 2017

Scopoletin is a bioactive component in many edible plants and fruits. This study investigated the effects of scopoletin on hepatic steatosis and inflammation in a high‐fat diet fed type 1 diabetic mice by comparison with metformin. Scopoletin (0.01%, w/w) or metformin (0.5%, w/w) was provided with a high‐fat diet to streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice for 11 weeks. Both scopoletin and metformin lowered blood glucose and HbA1c, serum ALT, TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels, glucose intolerance, and hepatic lipid accumulation compared with the diabetic control group. Scopoletin or metformin down‐regulated hepatic gene expression of triglyceride (Pparg, Plpp2, and Dgat2) and cholesterol (Hmgcr) synthesis as well as inflammation (Tlr4, Myd88, Nfkb1, Tnfa, and Il6), while it up‐regulated Cyp7a1 gene. Hepatic PPARγ and DGAT2 protein levels were also down‐regulated in scopoletin or metformin group compared with the control group. Scopoletin or metformin also inhibited hepatic fatty acid synthase and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities. These results suggest that scopoletin protects against diabetes‐induced steatosis and inflammation by inhibiting lipid biosynthesis and TLR4‐MyD88 pathways. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of endometrial thickness in premenopausal women in office gynecology
Authors: Tsuda Hiroshi , Ito Yoichi M , Todo Yukiharu , Iba Takahiro , Tasaka Keiichi , Sutou Yuji , Hirai Kozo , Dozono Koichiro , Dobashi Yoshifusa , Manabe Mami , Sakamoto Tomomi , Yamamoto Ritsu , Ueda Katsufumi , Akatsuka Moe , Kiyozuka Yasuhiko , Nagai Nobutaka , Imai Manami , Kobiki Koji , Fujita Hiromasa , Itamochi Hiroaki , Oshita Takafumi , Kawarada Takahiro , Hatae Masayuki , Yokoyama Yoshihito
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To define the median endometrial thickness (ET) in office gynecology is thought to be important for clinical practice. However, there are few reports about ET that have included the general female population on a large scale. The median ET was determined prospectively in premenopausal women who attended office gynecology for cervical cancer screening.

Methods

In total, 849 women were enrolled. The median ET was determined by using transvaginal ultrasound and the relationships between the ET and various clinical factors were analyzed.

Results

The participants' median age was 38.5 years. The median ET was 8.6 mm (90% and 95% quantiles: 13.8 and 15.8 mm). The ET was not related to their age, symptoms, obstetric history, geographical location, or risk factors for endometrial cancer. In the women with a menstrual cycle length of 28–30 days, the ET was 7 mm on days 1–6, but it increased from 5.4 mm immediately after menstruation (day 7 or 8) to 9.2 mm on days 13–14. Subsequently, the ET increased further to 11.1 mm on day 18.

Conclusion

In all the women, the upper limit of the ET was 13.8 mm and 15.8 mm in the 90% and 95% quantile, respectively, in office gynecology.
Facile Solid‐State Synthesis of Ag/g‐C3N4 Reinforced Graphene Oxide for Enhanced Electrocatalysis of Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Fuel Cell
Authors: Bhandary Nimai , Ingole Pravin P. , Basu Suddhasatwa
Published: September 2017

Here, we report a rudimentary simple solid‐state heat treatment route for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) reinforced with silver nanoparticles decorated graphitic carbon nitride (Ag/g‐C3N4) to develop an efficient Ag/g‐C3N4@GO electro‐catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The reinforcement of GO dramatically enhances the electro‐catalytic activity of the Ag/g‐C3N4 composite material by increasing the conductivity of the low conducting g‐C3N4 base material. Thorough characterization of the as prepared material by XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman, EDX and electrochemical techniques confirms that Ag nanoparticles decorated g‐C3N4 matrix is homogeneously reinforced with the GO. The electro‐catalyst demonstrate excellent ORR activity following four electron pathway with lower onset potential and higher limiting current density as compared to the several other reported Ag‐based nanostructured materials including Ag NPs supported on Vulcan carbon. The continuously decreasing Tafel slope (from 154 mV/dec for g‐C3N4 to 117 mV/dec for Ag/g‐C3N4@GO) and increasing exchange current density (from 6.46 x 10−8 Acm−2 for g‐C3N4 to 1.58 x 10−5 Acm−2 for Ag/g‐C3N4@GO) suggests the much facile electrodics on the surface of Ag/g‐C3N4@GO modified electrodes than that of g‐C3N4 and Ag/g‐C3N4. Furthermore, the catalyst shows excellent methanol tolerance activity and electrochemical stability towards long term applications.
Heterobimetallic Cu(I)/Ru(II) Acetylide Bridged Hybrid Complexes Containing Coordination and Organometallic Sites
Authors: Lolage Sanjay R. , Pawal Sandip B. , Chavan Sanjay S.
Published: September 2017

The heterobimetallic complexes [Cu(phen)(NC5H4HC=NC6H4C≡CC6H4C≡CRu(dppe)2Cl)]X (1 a‐4 a) and [Cu(bipy)(NC5H4H C=NC6H4C≡CC6H4C≡CRu(dppe)2Cl)]X (1 b‐4 b) (where X= I, ClO4, BF4, PF6; phen= 1, 10 phenanthroline, bipy= 2, 2′ bipyridine) have been prepared by the reaction of (NC5H4HC=NC6H4C≡CC6H4C≡CRu(dppe)2Cl) with copper salts in presence of phen or bipy as a coligand. Our synthetic attempts and successes are discussed in combination with spectroscopic and electronic characterization of the compounds. Comparison between phen and bipy complexes were studied by thermal and electrochemical analysis where, thermally robust complexes demonstrate quasireversible redox behaviour analogous to CuI/II/RuII/III couple. SEM of representative complexes 2 a and 2 b clarify the average size and morphology of the complexes. Room temperature luminescence influenced by varying coordinating ability of counter anions along with π‐acidic character in green‐yellow region was observed. Solvent dependant emission displays positive solvatochromism at ambient temperature. The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of the complexes was measured by Kurtz‐powder technique indicating that all complexes display the second harmonic generation (SHG) property.
Communication and attention dynamics: An attention‐based view of strategic change
Authors: Ocasio William , Laamanen Tomi , Vaara Eero
Published: September 2017

Research Summary: The attention‐based view (ABV) has highlighted the role of organizational attention in strategic decision making and adaptation. The tendency to view communication channels as “pipes and prisms” for information processing has, however, limited its ability to address strategic change. We propose a broader role for communication as a process by which actors can attend to and engage with organizational and environmental issues and initiatives and argue that such a view can significantly advance understanding of strategic change. On this basis, we offer suggestions for future research on communication practices, vocabularies, rhetorical tactics, and talk and text in shaping organizational attention in strategic change. We also maintain that this enhanced view of the ABV can help advance research on dynamic capabilities, strategy processes, strategy‐as‐practice, and behavioral strategy.

Managerial Summary: To further enhance our capabilities to manage strategic change and renewal processes in organizations, we need a better understanding of how to manage organizational attention. In this article, we highlight the importance of understanding the role of communication and discuss the use of different communication practices, vocabularies, rhetorical tactics, and talk and text as possible levers that can be used to dynamically shape organizational attention. We call for further research to advance the understanding of how these levers can be used to influence the ways in which different sets of strategic issues, initiatives, and action alternatives are handled. We believe that such an enhanced view of organizational attention can enable the development of new, improved strategy practices to manage strategic change and renewal processes.
Surrendering control to gain advantage: Reconciling openness and the resource‐based view of the firm
Authors: Alexy Oliver , West Joel , Klapper Helge , Reitzig Markus
Published: September 2017

Research Summary

Strategic openness—firms voluntary forfeiting of control over resources—seemingly challenges the premise of the resource‐based view (RBV), which posits that firms should control valuable, rare, and inimitable (VRI) resources. We reconcile this apparent paradox by formalizing whether and when firms—consisting of resource bundles and deriving competitive advantage from exploiting selected VRI resources—may maximize profitability by opening parts of their resource base. As such, our article refines RBV‐related thinking while supporting the theory's core tenets. Notably, we illustrate how a common‐pool resource can become a source of competitive advantage and how firms may use openness to shape inter‐firm competition.

Managerial Summary

Conventional wisdom holds that firms must control scarce and valuable resources to obtain competitive advantage. That being said, over the past decade, many firms—among them Computer Associates, IBM, and Nokia—embarked on open strategies and made parts of their valuable resources available for free. These decisions pose an obvious conundrum, which we solve in our article. We use a mathematical model, grounded in principles of the resource‐based view, to show why and under what conditions open strategies will succeed. Firms significantly improve their performance when (a) opening resources reduces their cost base while (b) strongly increasing demand for their still‐proprietary resource(s). We also explain how openness can reshape markets by weakening competitors, particularly in highly rivalrous environments.
Super‐Resolution Microscopy Unveils Dynamic Heterogeneities in Nanoparticle Protein Corona
Authors: Feiner‐Gracia Natalia , Beck Michaela , Pujals Sílvia , Tosi Sébastien , Mandal Tamoghna , Buske Christian , Linden Mika , Albertazzi Lorenzo
Published: September 2017

The adsorption of serum proteins, leading to the formation of a biomolecular corona, is a key determinant of the biological identity of nanoparticles in vivo. Therefore, gaining knowledge on the formation, composition, and temporal evolution of the corona is of utmost importance for the development of nanoparticle‐based therapies. Here, it is shown that the use of super‐resolution optical microscopy enables the imaging of the protein corona on mesoporous silica nanoparticles with single protein sensitivity. Particle‐by‐particle quantification reveals a significant heterogeneity in protein absorption under native conditions. Moreover, the diversity of the corona evolves over time depending on the surface chemistry and degradability of the particles. This paper investigates the consequences of protein adsorption for specific cell targeting by antibody‐functionalized nanoparticles providing a detailed understanding of corona‐activity relations. The methodology is widely applicable to a variety of nanostructures and complements the existing ensemble approaches for protein corona study.
A Cytop Insulating Tunneling Layer for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zheng Yifan , Shi Wei , Kong Jaemin , Huang Di , Katz Howard E. , Yu Junsheng , Taylor André D.
Published: September 2017

Improvement of the interface between the perovskite layer and the electron‐transport layer (ETL) is critical toward the advancement of planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). It is important to obtain a uniform and pinhole‐free ETL that can minimize film defects and thus undesirable electron–hole recombination between the perovskite layer and cathode. However, this is extremely difficult because the rough perovskite surface causes charge–carrier recombination, facilitates large leakage currents, and inevitably deteriorates the electron‐extraction efficiency. Here, fluorine‐containing insulating polymers, poly(perfluorobutenylvinylether) (Cytop), are used as the tunneling layer in planar PSCs for the first time, resulting in a significant improvement in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 11.9% to over 14.5%. It is found that the Cytop layer not only fills the pinholes of the perovskite surface to decrease the trap concentration, but can also provide a strong electron‐extraction ability to facilitate charge‐transfer process and restrict charge recombination. In addition, improved water resistance is demonstrated using Cytop, which significantly extends the PSC lifetime (78% of initial PCE vs 22% for control after 1500 h) and increases the practical applicability.
International acquisitions and emerging market firms' performance—a structural contingency perspective
Authors: Agnihotri Arpita , Bhattacharya Saurabh
Published: September 2017

Entry modes have impact on firms' performance in international markets. Using an organizational structural contingency perspective, we assert that firms with mechanistic structure can enhance their performance in international markets if they choose acquisitions as an entry mode. Mechanistic structure limits organizations' learning capability, which can be managed through acquisitions but not through other entry modes such as joint ventures. For managing limitations associated with the poor knowledge absorption capability of mechanistically structured organizations, firms should not follow the standard integration procedures associated with acquisitions aiming to achieve economies of scale or scope. Rather, they should provide corporate parenting advantage to the newly acquired unit by (a) granting complete autonomy and (b) contributing required resources for future growth, thus treating the acquired business as a strategic business unit. Since mechanistic structures are more common in emerging markets, we explain our perspective using illustrative caselets from these markets.
Migration of stabilizers and plasticizer from recycled polyvinylchloride
Authors: Mercea Peter Viktor , Losher Christoph , Petrasch Marcus , Toşa Valer
Published: September 2017

The migration of lead, cadmium, and zinc stabilizers from recycled unplasticized and plasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC) into deionized water (DW), saliva (SAS), and sweat (SWS) simulants was investigated. With the results obtained with DW diffusion coefficients in the plastics and partition coefficients at the plastic‐water interface for these additives were determined. The results indicate that organic stabilizers diffuse faster than inorganic ones in the matrix of the PVC. This fact is confirmed also by the low diffusion coefficients found for antimony oxide used as flame retardant in plasticized PVC. The migration rates of the metal (and especially lead) containing stabilizers from unplasticized PVC in DW are very low due to their low diffusion coefficients in the polymer and low solubilities in water. These migration rates are, as expected, higher from plasticized PVC, mainly because of the higher diffusion coefficients in the polymer. The migration levels of lead stabilizers from PVC into SAS are comparable with those into DW. However, for SWS considerably higher lead migration levels were found, probably due to the ability of the lactic acid and/or ammonium hydroxide components of SWS to coordinate the Pb ions resulting in an increase of the solubility of the lead containing stabilizers in this liquid. Migration of the plasticizer diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) from plasticized PVC samples into the same liquids was also investigated. The results obtained indicate that these migration processes are mainly controlled and limited by the low solubility of DEHP in these liquids. No enhanced DEHP migration into SWS was observed. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:E112–E124, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Conclusions of the Empirical Example
Authors: Gunneriusson Håkan
Published: September 2017

The discussion above demonstrates that it is possible to acquire useful knowledge for military purposes by studying the prelude to the conflict in Bosnia from a field theory perspective. As seen the method here is more the historian’s than one which one would need on a contemporary example. But the case here was to present the use of the theory, not of the methods. As has been said earlier, one can use almost any kind of method when one works with field theory.
Field Theory
Authors: Gunneriusson Håkan
Published: September 2017

In this chapter, the theoretical framework of field theory is presented. The freedom of framing the field depending on the task is discussed along with terms as capital, autonomous vs. heteronomous and illusio. An example of a social field of the discipline of history of war is also presented.
Field Operations as Information Warfare and Operationalisation of Theory
Authors: Gunneriusson Håkan
Published: September 2017

This chapter touches on concepts of information warfare, for example COIN-theory. Field theory as information warfare is the main topic. The purpose is to frame the field theory as a valid example of both method and theory regarding information warfare. This is especially important as a lot of the practice regarding information warfare is not anchored in a social theory but mostly in a best practice way of acting. That is all well but a theory provides a wider range of generalising and thus options of free-thinking.
The Pre-war Strategic Situation in the Balkans from a Field Theory Perspective
Authors: Gunneriusson Håkan
Published: September 2017

The following is a short account of the events leading up to war in the Balkans, in particular in Bosnia. The intention and overall description in these few pages will help provide an example of the practical application of a field
theory
perspective to conflict, rather than describing the conflict in full. Some actors are chosen as examples for the purpose of theoretical explanation, even though there are others to focus on if one wants a complete historical account. Main actors as for example Slobodan Milošević and Franjo Tudjman are also presented in this chapter.
The Events in 1990
Authors: Gunneriusson Håkan
Published: September 2017

This chapter deals with the continuation of the conflict and the breaking up of Yugoslavia. By 1990, Federal Yugoslavia was unpopular. Most Yugoslavs wanted to move from communism to democracy, yet they associated federation with communism and Serb domination.
miR‐17‐5p Regulates Differential Expression of NCOA3 in Pig Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
Authors: Han Haiyin , Gu Shuhua , Chu Weiwei , Sun Wenxing , Wei Wei , Dang Xiaoyong , Tian Ye , Liu Kaiqing , Chen Jie
Published: September 2017

Fat distribution affects economic value in pork production. Intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) improves meat quality, whereas subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) is usually regarded as waste. In the present study, we analyzed IMAT/SCAT (I/S) ratios in each pig. Individuals selected from a population of 1200 Suhuai pigs were divided into two cohorts; those with high I/S ratios and those with low I/S ratios, and correlations between nuclear Receptor Co‐activator 3 (NCOA3), a critical gene involved in regulating fat accumulation, and fat distribution were investigated. The ratio of IMAT NCOA3 to SCAT NCOA3 expression levels (NCOA3I/NCOA3S) was higher in the high I/S group compared with the low I/S group. The NCOA3 expression level in fat tissue was positively correlated with fat deposition. miR‐17‐5p was identified as a putative regulator of NCOA3 based on bioinformatics prediction analysis followed by gene expression analysis. The miR‐17‐5pI/miR‐17‐5pS ratio was negatively correlated with the NCOA3I/NCOA3S ratio. The predicted relationship between miR‐17‐5p and NCOA3 was further verified by dual luciferase activity assays, qPCR, and western blots. Overexpression of miR‐17‐5p in intramuscular preadipocytes inhibited NCOA3 expression and reduced preadipocyte differentiation. FABP4 and PPARG expression were also significantly decreased, as was triglyceride content. Meanwhile, knockdown of miR‐17‐5p significantly increased NCOA3 expression and promoted intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation. Based on these results, we propose that differential expression of NCOA3 in pig intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissue is regulated by miR‐17‐5p.
A binding-block ion selective mechanism revealed by a Na/K selective channel
Authors: Yu Jie , Zhang Bing , Zhang Yixiao , Xu Cong-qiao , Zhuo Wei , Ge Jingpeng , Li Jun , Gao Ning , Li Yang , Yang Maojun
Published: September 2017

Mechanosensitive (MS) channels are extensively studied membrane protein for maintaining intracellular homeostasis through translocating solutes and ions across the membrane, but its mechanisms of channel gating and ion selectivity are largely unknown. Here, we identified the YnaI channel as the Na+/K+ cation-selective MS channel and solved its structure at 3.8 Å by cryo-EM single-particle method. YnaI exhibits low conductance among the family of MS channels in E. coli, and shares a similar overall heptamer structure fold with previously studied MscS channels. By combining structural based mutagenesis, quantum mechanical and electrophysiological characterizations, we revealed that ion selective filter formed by seven hydrophobic methionine (YnaIMet158) in the transmembrane pore determined ion selectivity, and both ion selectivity and gating of YnaI channel were affected by accompanying anions in solution. Further quantum simulation and functional validation support that the distinct binding energies with various anions to YnaIMet158 facilitate Na+/K+ pass through, which was defined as binding-block mechanism. Our structural and functional studies provided a new perspective for understanding the mechanism of how MS channels select ions driven by mechanical force.
Is Political Philosophy Impossible?
Authors: Floyd Jonathan
Published: September 2017

Political philosophy seems both impossible to do and impossible to avoid. Impossible to do, because we cannot agree on a single set of political principles. Impossible to avoid, because we're always living with some kind of political system, and thus some set of principles. So, if we can't do the philosophy, but can't escape the politics, what are we to do? Jonathan Floyd argues that the answer lies in political philosophy's deepest methodological commitments. First, he shows how political philosophy is practiced as a kind of 'thinking about thinking'. Second, he unpicks the different types of thought we think about, such as considered judgements, or intuitive responses to moral dilemmas, and assesses whether any are fit for purpose. Third, he offers an alternative approach - 'normative behaviourism' - which holds that rather than studying our thinking, we should study our behaviour. Perhaps, just sometimes, actions speak louder than thoughts.
(Certified) Humane Violence? Animal Welfare Labels, the Ambivalence of Humanizing the Inhumane, and What International Humanitarian Law Has to Do with It
Authors: Stucki Saskia
Published: September 2017

The contemporary human-animal relationship is highly ambivalent. It is characterized by both the exacerbating exploitative use of animals and a progressing moral concern for the life, dignity, and welfare of animals. With regard to the agricultural use of animals (which is the quantitatively most significant area of animal use and accounts for more than sixty billion land animals slaughtered globally each year), these two poles stand in particular contrast. On the one hand, agriculture has been increasingly industrialized and intensified over the course of the Twentieth Century. The modern system of industrialized animal production (or the “animal-industrial complex”) is marked by a high degree of rationalization, automatization, efficiency, mass production, and profitability, and has turned animals into mere production units—biomachines that convert feed into meat, milk, and eggs. On the other hand, the transformation of agriculture to industrialized animal production has raised grave ethical concerns, and societal discomfort at the systemic disregard for the welfare of farmed animals has grown. Most people cringe at the sight of footage showing the horrifying conditions prevailing in factory farms and slaughterhouses, and the vast majority of society subscribes to the basic moral principle that inflicting unnecessary pain and suffering on animals is wrong (a dictum also underlying the nearly universal prohibition of animal cruelty and which is so ingrained it could be considered a “rule of civilization,” as noted by the dissent in a Canadian appeal decision regarding an elephant in a city-run zoo).
Animal Colonialism: The Case of Milk
Authors: Cohen Mathilde
Published: September 2017

Greta Gaard writes that “[t]he pervasive availability of cows’ milk today—from grocery stores to gas stations—is a historically unprecedented product of industrialization, urbanization, culture, and economics.” To these factors, I would add colonialism and international law; the latter understood broadly to include the rules considered binding between states and nations, transnational law, legal transplants, international food aid, and international trade law. Until the end of the Nineteenth Century, the majority of the world population neither raised animals for their milk nor consumed animal milk. Humans are unique in the mammalian realm in that they drink the milk of other species, including beyond infancy. With the European conquest of the New World and other territories starting in the Sixteenth Century, dairying began to spread worldwide—settlers did not set out to colonize lands and people alone; they brought with them their flora, fauna, and other forms of life, including lactating animals such as cows and sheep.
Two more manuscripts for Basil the Bastard
Authors: Parpulov Georgi R.
Published: September 2017

Two gospel lectionaries, Gregory-Aland l 367 and l 46, were probably commissioned circa 965–985 by Basil theParakoimomenos:the former as a gift for the St Basil Monastery that he founded, the latter for his personal use.
TheHistoriaiof John Tzetzes: a Byzantine ‘Book of Memory’?
Authors: Pizzone Aglae
Published: September 2017

The paper provides for the first time a full-fledged analysis of the structure and compositional principles sustaining JohnTzetzes’ ChiliadesorHistoriai. The article is divided into three sections. The first focuses on the developments of commentary literature in late twelfth-century Byzantium, showing how exegesis is used to textualize the authorial self and create autobiographical narratives. The second delves into the purpose of the work and its audience. The final section, focusing on the first part of the work, explores the role of memory in theHistoriaiand in particular, the interplay between cultural memories and experience in Tzetzes’ self-presentation.