bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver ERα regulates AgRP neuronal activity in the arcuate nucleus of female mice
Authors: Benedusi Valeria , Della Torre Sara , Mitro Nico , Caruso Donatella , Oberto Alessandra , Tronel Claire , Meda Clara , Maggi Adriana
Published: April 2017

Recent work revealed the major role played by liver Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) in the regulation of metabolic and reproductive functions. By using mutant mice with liver-specific ablation of Erα, we here demonstrate that the hepatic ERα is essential for the modulation of the activity of Agouti Related Protein (AgRP) neurons in relation to the reproductive cycle and diet. Our results suggest that the alterations of hepatic lipid metabolism due to the lack of liver ERα activity are responsible for a neuroinflammatory status that induces refractoriness of AgRP neurons to reproductive and dietary stimuli. The study therefore points to the liver ERα as a necessary sensor for the coordination of systemic energy metabolism and reproductive functions.
YAP modulates TGF-β1-induced simultaneous apoptosis and EMT through upregulation of the EGF receptor
Authors: Liu Yi , He Kai , Hu Ying , Guo Xiaojie , Wang Dongmei , Shi Weiwei , Li Jingsong , Song Jianguo
Published: April 2017

YAP is a transcriptional co-regulator that plays important roles in various patho-physiological processes, including the survival and death of cells. However, the effect of YAP on apoptosis and EMT, simultaneously mediated by TGF-β1, is not known. In this study, we demonstrate that YAP can modulate cell fate of apoptosis versus EMT by acting as a surviving factor. Overexpression of YAP in mouse mammary epithelial (NMuMG) cells suppressed TGF-β1-induced apoptosis, which shifted the cellular response predominantly toward EMT. In contrast, knockdown of YAP induced spontaneous apoptosis and enhanced TGF-β1-induced apoptosis, leading to a sharp decrease in the proportion of surviving cells that underwent EMT. These data suggest that YAP is an essential factor for modulating cellular responses to TGF-β1. Further investigation showed that YAP could regulate the expression level and activation of EGFR. Knockdown or inhibition of EGFR abolished the suppressive effect of YAP on apoptosis, whereas activation of EGFR by EGF significantly reduced apoptosis caused by the knockdown of YAP. The results indicate that EGFR and its activation are critical for YAP-mediated suppression of TGF-β1-induced apoptosis. This study provides a new understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying the determination of cell fate in response to TGF-β1-mediated simultaneous apoptosis and EMT.
Development and Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Recombinant Human Myelin Basic Protein Nano Therapeutic Vaccine in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice Animal Model
Authors: Al-Ghobashy Medhat A. , ElMeshad Aliaa N. , Abdelsalam Rania M. , Nooh Mohammed M. , Al-Shorbagy Muhammad , Laible Götz
Published: April 2017

Recombinant human myelin basic protein (rhMBP) was previously produced in the milk of transgenic cows. Differences in molecular recognition of either hMBP or rhMBP by surface-immobilized anti-hMBP antibodies were demonstrated. This indicated differences in immunological response between rhMBP and hMBP. Here, the activity of free and controlled release rhMBP poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles (NPs), as a therapeutic vaccine against multiple sclerosis (MS) was demonstrated in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model. Following optimization of nanoformulation, discrete spherical, rough-surfaced rhMBP NPs with high entrapment efficiency and controlled release pattern were obtained. Results indicated that rhMBP was loaded into and electrostatically adsorbed onto the surface of NPs. Subcutaneous administration of free or rhMBP NPs before EAE-induction reduced the average behavioral score in EAE mice and showed only mild histological alterations and preservation of myelin sheath, with rhMBP NPs showing increased protection. Moreover, analysis of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10) in mice brains revealed that pretreatment with free or rhMBP NPs significantly protected against induced inflammation. In conclusion: i) rhMBP ameliorated EAE symptoms in EAE animal model, ii) nanoformulation significantly enhanced efficacy of rhMBP as a therapeutic vaccine and iii) clinical investigations are required to demonstrate the activity of rhMBP NPs as a therapeutic vaccine for MS.
Nerve degeneration and regeneration in the cephalopod mollusc Octopus vulgaris: the case of the pallial nerve
Authors: Imperadore Pamela , Shah Sameer B. , Makarenkova Helen P. , Fiorito Graziano
Published: April 2017

Regeneration is a process that restores structure and function of tissues damaged by injury or disease. In mammals complete regeneration is often unsuccessful, while most of the low phyla animals can re-grow many parts of their body after amputation. Cephalopod molluscs, and in particular Octopus vulgaris, are well known for their capacity to regenerate their arms and other body parts, including central and peripheral nervous system. To better understand the mechanism of recovery following nerve injury in this species we investigated the process of axon regrowth and nerve regeneration after complete transection of the Octopus pallial nerves. This injury induces scar formation and activates the proliferation of hemocytes which invade the lesion site. Hemocytes appear involved in debris removal and seem to produce factors that foster axon re-growth. Connective tissue is involved in driving regenerating fibers in a single direction, outlining for them a well-defined pathway. Injured axons are able to quickly re-grow thus to restoring structure and function.
Molecular differentiation of five Cinnamomum camphora chemotypes using desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry of raw leaves
Authors: Guo Xiali , Cui Meng , Deng Min , Liu Xingxing , Huang Xueyong , Zhang Xinglei , Luo Liping
Published: April 2017

Five chemotypes, the isoborneol-type, camphora-type, cineole-type, linalool-type and borneol-type of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl have been identified at the molecular level based on the multivariate analysis of mass spectral fingerprints recorded from a total of 750 raw leaf samples (i.e., 150 leaves equally collected for each chemotype) using desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (DAPCI-MS). Both volatile and semi-volatile metabolites of the fresh leaves of C. camphora were simultaneously detected by DAPCI-MS without any sample pretreatment, reducing the analysis time from half a day using conventional methods (e.g., GC-MS) down to 30 s. The pattern recognition results obtained using principal component analysis (PCA) was cross-checked by cluster analysis (CA), showing that the difference visualized by the DAPCI-MS spectral fingerprints was validated with 100% accuracy. The study demonstrates that DAPCI-MS meets the challenging requirements for accurate differentiation of all the five chemotypes of C. camphora leaves, motivating more advanced application of DAPCI-MS in plant science and forestry studies.
The effect of hydraulic flowback and produced water on gill morphology, oxidative stress and antioxidant response in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Blewett Tamzin A. , Weinrauch Alyssa M. , Delompré Perrine L. M. , Goss Greg G.
Published: April 2017

Hydraulic fracturing fluid are complex mixtures containing high concentrations of salts (up to 330,000 ppm), organic, and metal contaminants. However, little data exist on the potential mechanisms of toxicity of these flowback and produced wastewaters (FPW) on aquatic biota. Juvenile rainbow trout were exposed to either control, FPW (2.5 or 7.5%), FPW that had been treated with activated charcoal (AC), or a custom salt-matched control (SW; replicating only the salt content of FPW) for 48 hours. Gill histology revealed decreases in interlamellar cell mass (ILCM) and mean lamellar length in all treatments (FPW, AC and SW) compared to control, indicative of hyperosmotic stress. Liver CYP1A1 activity was significantly elevated by 7.5-fold in the FPW 7.5% treatment only, indicative of Phase I metabolism. Superoxide dismutase activity significantly decreased in the gills to all treatments with the lowest activity occurring in the 7.5% FPW group. Catalase activity increased in liver with the highest values noted in fish exposed to 7.5% FPW. No changes were observed with respect to glutathione-S-transferase, while increased lipid peroxidation was only observed in both FPW treatments (2.5, 7.5%). These data suggest a characteristic signature of FPW impact which may help in risk assessment and biomonitoring of FPW spills.
Strong Reduction of Thermal Conductivity and Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties in CoSbS1-xSex Paracostibite
Authors: Chmielowski Radoslaw , Bhattacharya Sandip , Jacob Stéphane , Péré Daniel , Jacob Alain , Moriya Kenzo , Delatouche Bruno , Roussel Pascal , Madsen Georg , Dennler Gilles
Published: April 2017

In order to reduce the thermal conductivity of CoSbS, a newly developed thermoelectric semiconductor, we have aimed at intentionally induce atomic disorder in its structure. This endeavor was guided by Density Functional Theory(DFT) calculations which indicated that substituting sulfur with selenium might be easily achievable experimentally because of the low formation energy of this point defect. Thereby, CoSbS1−xSex compounds having 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 have been synthesized by solid state reaction. Besides the expected semiconducting paracostibite phase, we have observed the appearance of a semimetallic costibite phase, never reported experimentally before. This cross-fertilized theoretical and experimental approach allowed us to reduce by 50% the thermal conductivity of paracostibite and therefore reach a maximum zT of 0.62 at 730 K. This makes this entirely new CoSbS1−xSex alloy very attractive for further optimizations and potential usage in thermoelectric applications.
A combinatorial library of triazine-cored polymeric vectors for pDNA delivery in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wang Mingxing , Wu Bo , Tucker Jason D. , Lu Peijuan , Lu Qilong
Published: April 2017

Triazine-cored cationic amphiphilic polymers as potentially safe and effective carriers demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in mdx mice for pDNA delivery.
Electrochemical catalysis of artemisinin on hemoglobin functionalized carbon nanofibers
Authors: Mazzochette Z. , Newton E. , Mugweru A.
Published: April 2017

Artemisinin (ART) is a sesquiterpene lactone and a popular malaria drug used in the Asian subcontinent and some parts of Africa.
Vapor-phase transport synthesis of microfibrous-structured SS-fiber@ZSM-5 catalyst with improved selectivity and stability for methanol-to-propylene
Authors: Ding Jia , Fan Songyu , Chen Pengjing , Deng Tao , Liu Ye , Lu Yong
Published: April 2017

Microfibrous-structured SS-fiber@HZSM-5 catalyst prepared by cost-effective and high-efficiency VPT method delivers remarkable improvement in selectivity and stability for the MTP reaction due to the improved diffusion in zeolite shell.
ZnO/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite as a broad-spectrum photo-Fenton-like photocatalyst with near-infrared activity
Authors: Chen Huabin , Liu Wenxia , Qin Zhuozhuo
Published: April 2017

ZnO/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite/H2O2 shows NIR activity due to the absorption of NIR, electron–hole pair separation by p–n junction promoted charge transfer, and reaction of electrons with H2O2.
Quantification of Lewis acid induced Brønsted acidity of protogenic Lewis bases
Authors: Lathem A. Paige , Heiden Zachariah M.
Published: April 2017

Coordination of a Lewis acid to a protogenic Lewis base increases the Brønsted acidity between 20–50 pKaunits.
Rational synthesis of Ni3(HCOO)6/CNT ellipsoids with enhanced lithium storage performance: inspired by the time evolution of the growth process of a nickel formate framework
Authors: Gou Lei , Liu Peng-Gang , Liu Dan , Wang Chen-Yu , Lei Hao-Yu , Li Zhao-Yang , Fan Xiao-Yong , Li Dong-Lin
Published: April 2017

[Ni3(HCOO)6]/CNT composites exhibited significantly enhanced electrochemical performance in comparison with the pristine [Ni3(HCOO)6].
Sulfur vacancy-induced reversible doping of transition metal disulfides via hydrazine treatment
Authors: Chee Sang-Soo , Oh Chohee , Son Myungwoo , Son Gi-Cheol , Jang Hanbyeol , Yoo Tae Jin , Lee Seungmin , Lee Wonki , Hwang Jun Yeon , Choi Hyunyong , Lee Byoung Hun , Ham Moon-Ho
Published: April 2017

Controllable and reversible modulation of the electrical and optical properties of WS2 was demonstrated via hydrazine doping and sulfur annealing.
Switchable 19F MRI polymer theranostics: towards in situ quantifiable drug release
Authors: Fuchs A. V. , Bapat A. P. , Cowin G. J. , Thurecht K. J.
Published: April 2017

A switchable polymeric 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent was synthesised whereby the transverse (T2) relaxation times increased as a therapeutic was released from a hyperbranched polymer (HBP) scaffold.
Pressure-induced phase transition in N–H⋯O hydrogen-bonded crystalline malonamide
Authors: Yan Tingting , Xi Dongyang , Ma Zhenning , Wang Xun , Wang Qingjie , Li Qiang
Published: April 2017

In this study, malonamide (C3H6N2O2) was compressed under up to 10.4 GPa of pressure in a diamond anvil cell at room temperature.
Thermal decomposition and recovery properties of ZnAl–CO3 layered double hydroxide for anionic dye adsorption: insight into the aggregative nucleation and growth mechanism of the LDH memory effect.
Authors: Santos R. M. M. , Tronto J. , Briois V. , Santilli C. V.
Published: April 2017

The LDH memory effect is driven by an aggregative nucleation and growth mechanism limited by the adsorption of the anionic dye in on the external surface.
Superionic and electronic conductivity in monolayer W2C: ab initio predictions
Authors: Samad Abdus , Shafique Aamir , Kim Hye Jung , Shin Young-Han
Published: April 2017

Using density functional theory calculations, a freestanding monolayer of W2C in the 2H phase is explored to find its stability in terms of formation energy and phonon vibrations and the diffusion of Li/Na from an H-site to a nearby H-site through three different paths.
Graphene oxide as an efficient hole-transporting material for high-performance perovskite solar cells with enhanced stability
Authors: Yang‡ Qing-Dan , Li Jia , Cheng Yuanhang , Li Ho-Wa , Guan Zhiqiang , Yu Binbin , Tsang Sai-Wing
Published: April 2017

We demonstrated highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells with a simple solution and room temperature-processed GO as hole-transporting materials.
Facile synthesis of bowl-like 3D Mg(BH4)2–NaBH4–fluorographene composite with unexpected superior dehydrogenation performances
Authors: Zheng Jiaguang , Xiao Xuezhang , Zhang Liuting , Li Shouquan , Ge Hongwei , Chen Lixin
Published: April 2017

Significantly improved hydrogen desorption behaviors are found in 3D bowl-like Mg(BH4)2–NaBH4–FG composite.
On demand electrochemical release of drugs from porous reduced graphene oxide modified flexible electrodes
Authors: Boulahneche Samia , Jijie Roxana , Barras Alexandre , Chekin Fereshteh , Singh Santosh K. , Bouckaert Julie , Medjram Mohamed Salah , Kurungot Sreekumar , Boukherroub Rabah , Szunerits Sabine
Published: April 2017

Despite the advantages of an electrochemical control of drug release, only a handful of electrochemical-based release systems have been developed so far.
Ultrahigh, ultrafast and large response size visible-near-infrared optical position sensitive detectors based on CIGS structures
Authors: Qiao Shuang , Feng Kaiyu , Li Zhiqang , Fu Guangsheng , Wang Shufang
Published: April 2017

CIGS-based heterostructures have been demonstrated to achieve superior high absorption and photovoltaic effects theoretically and experimentally, making them extremely attractive for realizing optoelectronic devices.
Wide‐band high‐accuracy ΔΣ ADC using segmented DAC with DWA and mismatch shaping
Authors: Wang Y. , He T. , Silva P. , Zhang Y. , Temes G.C.
Published: April 2017

A discrete‐time ΔΣ analogue‐to‐digital converter utilising a multi‐bit successive approximation register quantiser and a segmented digital‐to‐analogue converter (DAC) is proposed. By adding the delayed DAC output to the modulator input and removing it at the modulator output in the digital domain, the mismatch error is filtered. Thus, a first‐order DAC mismatch error shaping is realised. This improves the DAC linearity without introducing an extra delay in the feedback path. Segmenting the DAC and processing the least significant bit and most significant bit segments separately, the dynamic range remains unaffected.
Comparative study of three model predictive current control methods with two vectors for three‐phase DC/AC VSIs
Authors: Park So‐Young , Kwak Sangshin
Published: April 2017

Three model predictive current control methods based on two‐vector utilisation are proposed and compared voltage source inverters (VSIs) to regulate the load currents and achieve a low current ripple and error. In the three methods, selecting and dividing two voltage vectors for a next sampling interval are determined by an optimisation. However, the procedure of determining two vectors and their durations differ for each method. The first method considers all 49 possible combinations obtained by two vectors. In the second method, the prior vector is selected beforehand using the conventional method, and then, the latter vector is selected among seven vectors along with durations. The second scheme has the advantage of lower computational complexity; however, it suffers from an increase in current error, relative to the first scheme. The least computationally complex approach is achieved using the third method choosing two vectors in the same manner as the conventional method but suffering from the largest current errors among the proposed methods. As a result of the optimisation procedure involved in selecting and partitioning two vectors, all three proposed methods result in a reduced total harmonic distortion and smaller current errors in comparison to the conventional method with half sampling period.
Statin Therapy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Kuhn Elmar , Slottosch Ingo , Thielmann Matthias , Wendt Daniel , Kuhr Kathrin , Jakob Heinz , Wahlers Thorsten , Liakopoulos Oliver ,   on behalf of the North-Rhine-Westphalia Study Group
Published: April 2017

Background This study evaluates whether preoperative statin therapy improves clinical outcomes in patients referred to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods A total of 1,151 patients undergoing CABG for ACS were prospectively entered into the North-Rhine-Westphalia surgical myocardial infarction registry and subdivided into two groups according to their preoperative statin status (statin naive vs. statin group). A logistic regression model was employed to analyze the impact of a statin therapy and dose for the endpoints in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results Demographics, pre- and intraoperative data of the statin-naive group (n = 208; 18%) and statin-treated group (n = 943, 82%) did not differ. In-hospital mortality (12.6 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.002) and MACE rates (22.1 vs. 9.7%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in statin naive when compared with statin-treated patients with ACS, respectively. Mevalonic acid revealed that both low- and high-dose statin treatment was associated to a reduction in in-hospital mortality and MACE, without a dose-dependent statin effect.

Conclusion Statin therapy in patients with ACS undergoing CABG reduces in a dose-independent manner in-hospital mortality and MACE.
Optimizing Outcomes in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction in the Community Hospital Setting: A Stepwise Approach to DIEP/SIEA Flap Procedures with Banking a Hemiabdominal Flap
Authors: Okada Alberto , Pereira Diego , Montag Eduardo , Portocarrero Marcelo , Felício Carlos , Arruda Eduardo , Fonseca Alexandre , Gemperli Rolf , Munhoz Alexandre
Published: April 2017

Background Free flap breast reconstruction is a conventional procedure in many countries; however, microvascular compromise remains a devastating outcome. Given the morbidity of total necrosis, optimizing free flap salvage stands out as an important area for research, especially among surgeons to overcome the learning curve period and in resource constrained scenario such as community hospitals. To ensure free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP)/superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap breast reconstruction, the authors present a technique involving raising a hemiabdominal flap as a free flap, and banking the remaining flap to be utilized if needed in a subsequent procedure.

Methods A retrospective review was performed on all free flap breast reconstructions. In this period, 84 patients (mean age: 50.1 ± 8 years) were included.

Results In this study, 65.5% patients underwent immediate reconstruction, and 51.2% received DIEP reconstruction; 9.52% patients were returned to the operating room, and salvage reconstruction using the banked flap was performed in all patients. No differences were observed regarding early complications and age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, diabetes, smoking history, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and type of flap used (p > 0.05). Hypertension was significantly associated with early complications (p < 0.05). Donor-site complications were associated with RT (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The banked flap is a reliable method for ensuring DIEP/SIEA flap survival and should be considered in higher risk reconstructions and community hospitals. We believe that the present technique can be a good addition to the arsenal of plastic surgeons dealing with free flap breast reconstructions in selected patients.
Brain Concussion: New Classifications and Current Physiopathological Knowledge of the Disease
Authors: Damiani Daniel , Damiani Durval
Published: April 2017

The present review paper aims to update the definition and classification of cerebral concussion, highlighting its pathophysiological mechanisms. The high prevalence of cerebral concussion in emergency rooms around the world makes it necessary to know its proper management to avoid its late sequelae, which traditionally compromise cognitive aspects of behavior. New evidence on potential neuroprotective treatments is being investigated.
Role of Phosphodiesterases on the Function of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Interacting Protein (AIP) in the Pituitary Gland and on the Evaluation of AIP Gene Variants
Authors: Hernández-Ramírez Laura C. , Trivellin Giampaolo , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: April 2017

Familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) is caused in about 20% of cases by loss-of-function germline mutations in the AIP gene. Patients harboring AIP mutations usually present with somatotropinomas resulting either in gigantism or young-onset acromegaly. AIP encodes for a co-chaperone protein endowed with tumor suppressor properties in somatotroph cells. Among other mechanisms proposed to explain this function, a regulatory effect over the 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway seems to play a prominent role. In this setting, the well-known interaction between AIP and 2 different isoforms of phosphodiesterases (PDEs), PDE2A3 and PDE4A5, is of particular interest. While the interaction with over-expressed AIP does not seem to affect PDE2A3 function, the reported effect on PDE4A5 is, in contrast, reduced enzymatic activity. In this review, we explore the possible implications of these molecular interactions for the function of somatotroph cells. In particular, we discuss how both PDEs and AIP could act as negative regulators of the cAMP pathway in the pituitary, probably both by shared and independent mechanisms. Moreover, we describe how the evaluation of the AIP-PDE4A5 interaction has proven to be a useful tool for testing AIP mutations, complementing other in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses. Improved assessment of the pathogenicity of AIP mutations is indeed paramount to provide adequate guidance for genetic counseling and clinical screening in AIP mutation carriers, which can lead to prospective diagnosis of pituitary adenomas.
Effect of positively charged particles on sputtering damage of organic electro-luminescent diodes with Mg:Ag alloy electrodes fabricated by facing target sputtering
Authors: Suemori Kouji , Hoshino Satoshi , Ibaraki Nobuki , Kamata Toshihide
Published: April 2017

We investigated the influence of the positively charged particles generated during sputtering on the performances of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with Mg:Ag alloy electrodes fabricated by sputtering. The number of positively charged particles increased by several orders of magnitude when the target current was increased from 0.1 A to 2.5 A. When a high target current was used, many positively charged particles with energies higher than the bond energy of single C–C bonds, which are typically found in organic molecules, were generated. In this situation, we observed serious OLED performance degradation. On the other hand, when a low target current was used, OLED performance degradation was not observed when the number of positively charged particles colliding with the organic underlayer increased. We concluded that sputtering damage caused by positively charged particles can be avoided by using a low target current.
Design of cadmium-free colloidal II–VI semiconductor quantum dots exhibiting RGB emission
Authors: Asano Hiroshi , Omata Takahisa
Published: April 2017

The size and composition dependence of the optical gap of colloidal alloyed quantum dots (QDs) of Zn(Te1−xSex) and Zn(Te1−xSx) were calculated by the finite-depth-well effective mass approximation method. QDs that exhibited red, green and blue emission were explored to develop cadmium-free II–VI chalcogenide-based QD-phosphors. We considered that highly monodisperse colloidal QDs with diameters of 3–6 nm are easy to synthesize and II–VI semiconductor QDs usually exhibit a Stokes shift ranging between 50 and 150 meV. We showed that Zn(Te1−xSex) QDs with 0.02≤x≤0.68, and 0≤x≤0.06, and 0.66≤x≤0.9 may be expected to exhibit green, and blue emission, respectively. Zn(Te1−xSx) QDs with 0.26≤x≤0.37, 0.01≤x≤0.2 and 0.45≤x≤0.61, 0≤x≤0.02, and 0.63≤x≤0.72, should give red, green and blue emission respectively. On the basis of our calculations, we showed that Zn(Te,Se) and Zn(Te,S) QDs are very promising cadmium-free II-VI chalcogenide semiconductor QD phosphors.
Advance care planning, culture and religion: an environmental scan of Australian-based online resources
Authors: Pereira-Salgado Amanda , Mader Patrick , Boyd Leanne M.
Published: April 2017

Objectives Culture and religion are important in advance care planning (ACP), yet it is not well understood how this is represented in ACP online resources. The aim of the present study was to identify the availability of Australian-based ACP websites and online informational booklets containing cultural and religious information. Methods An environmental scanning framework was used with a Google search conducted from 30 June 2015 to 5 July 2015. Eligible Australian-based ACP websites and online informational booklets were reviewed by two analysts (APS & PM) for information pertaining to at least one culture or religion. Common characteristics were agreed upon and tabulated with narrative description. Results Seven Australian-based ACP websites were identified with varying degrees of cultural and religious information. Seven Australian-based ACP informational booklets were identified addressing culture or religion, namely of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (n = 5), Sikh (n = 1) and Italian (n = 1) communities. Twenty-one other online resources with cultural and religious information were identified, developed within the context of health and palliative care. Conclusions There is no comprehensive Australian-based ACP website or informational booklet supporting ACP across several cultural and religious contexts. Considering Australia’s multicultural and multifaith population, such a resource may be beneficial in increasing awareness and uptake of ACP. What is known about the topic? Health professionals and consumers frequently use the Internet to find information. Non-regulation has resulted in the proliferation of ACP online resources (i.e. ACP websites and online informational booklets). Although this has contributed to raising awareness of ACP, the availability of Australian-based ACP online resources with cultural and religious information is not well known. What does this paper add? This paper is the first to use an environmental scanning methodology to identify Australian-based ACP websites and online informational booklets with cultural and religious information. What are the implications for practitioners? The results of this environmental scan present the availability of Australian-based ACP websites and online informational booklets containing cultural and religious information. A thorough understanding may assist in identifying gaps for future ACP project planning and policy objectives, consistent with meeting cultural and religious needs. This may be beneficial for health professionals, consumers, health associations, organisations and government policy makers concerned with ACP.
Why didn't the lizard cross the road? Dunes sagebrush lizards exhibit road-avoidance behaviour
Authors: Hibbitts Toby J. , Fitzgerald Lee A. , Walkup Danielle K. , Ryberg Wade A.
Published: April 2017

Context
Research has shown many negative effects of roads and traffic on wildlife and other biodiversity. The direct and indirect mechanisms through which roads and traffic harm animal populations vary across taxa, making mitigation of road effects a great challenge for conservation. As such, a large toolkit of species-specific management techniques may be needed to mitigate the negative effects of roads for wildlife and other biodiversity. The dunes sagebrush lizard, Sceloporus arenicolus, is a psammophilic (sand-loving) habitat specialist endemic to the Mescalero–Monahans Sandhills ecosystem of New Mexico and Texas. Within this ecosystem, roads fragment shinnery oak sand-dune landforms occupied by the species.

Aims
In the present study, we conducted behaviour trials in experimental enclosures to test whether the smallest roads restrict movements of the dunes sagebrush lizard. In addition, we also conducted trials to evaluate whether a sand-filled wildlife-crossing feature could facilitate road crossing.

Methods
We conducted behavioural trials on 24 dunes sagebrush lizards in our control enclosure and 22 lizards in our road and sand-filled wildlife-crossing enclosure. Movements were recorded for 15min. The final locations at the end of each trial were analysed using circular statistics to determine whether movements in the road or the sand-filled wildlife-crossing enclosures were different from the control.

Key results
Our results supported the hypotheses that dunes sagebrush lizards avoid roads and do so according to a surface-avoidance mechanism. We also found that the wildlife crossing-feature design tested here had no effect on the movements or road-crossing frequency of dunes sagebrush lizard.

Conclusions
Surface-avoidance behaviour indicated that roads will persistently affect the movements of dunes sagebrush lizard, even when traffic is not present. Also, more research into an effective wildlife crossing is needed to increase connectivity of fragmented populations.

Implications
These findings help evaluate the impact of roads in creating isolated populations that experience increased demographic stochasticity and, in some instances, localised extirpation in this species. Our study can guide conservation plans for the dunes sagebrush lizard, and contribute to our understanding of road effects on biodiversity in general.
The “risky” reading strategy revisited: New simulations using E-Z Reader
Authors: McGowan Victoria A , Reichle Erik D
Published: April 2017

Eye-movement studies have demonstrated that, relative to college-aged readers, older readers of alphabetic languages like English and German tend to read more slowly, making more frequent and longer fixations and longer saccades, and skipping more words, but also making more frequent regressions. These findings have led to suggestions that older readers either adopt a “risky” strategy of using context to “guess” words as a way of compensating for slower rates of lexical processing, or have a smaller and more asymmetrical perceptual span. Unfortunately, neither of these hypotheses seemingly explains more recent observations that older readers of Chinese seem to adopt a more “conservative” strategy, making shorter saccades and skipping less often. In this paper, we use the E-Z Reader model of eye-movement control to examine several possible accounts of the differences between college-aged and older readers of both alphabetic and non-alphabetic languages. These simulations re-confirm that the “risky” strategy may be sufficient to explain age-related differences in reader’s eye movements, with older readers of English versus Chinese being, respectively, more versus less inclined to guess upcoming words. The implications of these results for aging, reading, and models of eye-movement control are discussed.
The Whittaker period formula on metaplectic 𝑆𝐿₂
Authors: Qiu Yannan
Published: April 2017

The Whittaker period formula on

S
L

~

2

(

A

F

)

\widetilde {\mathrm {SL}}_2(\mathbb {A}_F)

was previously established only when the base field

F
F

is totally real. We present a new simple proof that works for all base number fields. Our local argument is uniform at every local place of

F
F

, based on the isometry property of quadratic Fourier transform and the estimates of matrix coefficients and Whittaker functions imposed by the unitarity of the local representations.
Korea’s Evolving Business–Government Relationship
Authors: Kim Eun Mee
Published: April 2017

South Korea is a country that has achieved economic development despite the obstacles it faced as a war-torn country with few natural resources and little capital. Poverty and lack of democracy, as well as war and conflict, were challenges the country faced in the early 1960s; issues not very different from those many developing countries face in the 21st century. This chapter focuses on the following topics during the most dynamic period in South Korea’s economic development from the 1960s to the 1980s: the developmental state and industrial policies; the role of the private sector; and state–business relations (SBRs).
The chemical computer: molecular information
Authors: Ball Philip
Published: April 2017

‘The chemical computer: molecular information’ outlines the ways that molecules can store and transmit information. Genetics is living proof that complex information can be encoded through systems using molecular recognition. Genetic systems have a vast array of copying, proof–reading and editing tools available to them to prevent errors when replicating, transcribing and translating data (although occasional errors — mutations — are essential for evolutionary progress). These tools can be commandeered by scientists to manipulate the genome. Moore's law states that computer power will double every two years. New technologies, such as genetic and molecular computers, are needed to ensure this law holds true.
The water molecule and its interactions
Authors: Finney John
Published: April 2017

‘The water molecule and its interactions’ discusses the structural and electrical properties of the water molecule. A water molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms connected by covalent bonds to one oxygen atom. Water molecules interact with each other through a type of interaction called hydrogen bonding. A tetrahedral arrangement of four water molecules around a central one is the key to understanding water. It helps to explain the structure of water in its various states, its properties, and how it interacts with other kinds of molecules, allowing exploration of the properties and behaviour of the wide range of chemical, physical, and biological systems in which water is involved.
What is military strategy?
Authors: Echevarria Antulio J.
Published: April 2017

Military strategy is the practice of reducing an adversary’s physical capacity and willingness to fight, and continuing to do so until one’s aim is achieved. It takes place in wartime and peacetime and may involve using force, directly or indirectly, as a threat. Military strategy is often divided into four components: ends (objectives), ways (courses of action), means (resources), and risk. The practice of military strategy is described along with military power, which is augmented by nine “principles of war”: objective, maneuver, surprise, mass, economy of force, offensive, security, simplicity, and unity of command. A general will likely use combinations of military strategies, linking them into a series of operations or campaigns.
Cyber power and military strategy
Authors: Echevarria Antulio J.
Published: April 2017

‘Cyber power and military strategy’ discusses the role of cyber power in reducing a rival power’s physical capacity and willingness to fight. This issue is important for contemporary military strategists because cyber power—the ability to operate within cyberspace with relative security—is comparatively new and has political advantages in that it rarely causes human casualties. The difference between cyber war and cyber power is explained before discussing cyber power’s indispensability to military strategy. It is difficult to imagine any exercise of military force today that would not also involve an attendant use of cyber power.
International differences and standardization
Authors: Nobes Christopher
Published: April 2017

Just how different can accounting numbers be for the same company under different accounting rules? Which countries use International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)? In what main ways is US ‘generally accepted accounting principles’ (US GAAP) different from IFRS? How have politics and economics affected accounting? ‘International differences and standardization’ shows how international standardization simplifies the preparation of financial statements covering whole international groups and how it improves the comparability of the accounting information for managers and investors. Differences between US GAAP and IFRS are considered: US GAAP is more detailed than IFRS and tends to be written in terms of rules rather than principles. It also has fewer options.
Molecular signatures that can be transferred across different omics platforms
Authors: Altenbuchinger M , Schwarzfischer P , Rehberg T , Reinders J , Kohler Ch W , Gronwald W , Richter J , Szczepanowski M , Masqué-Soler N , Klapper W , Oefner P J , Spang R
Published: April 2017

Motivation

Molecular signatures for treatment recommendations are well researched. Still it is challenging to apply them to data generated by different protocols or technical platforms.

Results

We analyzed paired data for the same tumors (Burkitt lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) and features that had been generated by different experimental protocols and analytical platforms including the nanoString nCounter and Affymetrix Gene Chip transcriptomics as well as the SWATH and SRM proteomics platforms. A statistical model that assumes independent sample and feature effects accounted for 69–94% of technical variability. We analyzed how variability is propagated through linear signatures possibly affecting predictions and treatment recommendations. Linear signatures with feature weights adding to zero were substantially more robust than unbalanced signatures. They yielded consistent predictions across data from different platforms, both for transcriptomics and proteomics data. Similarly stable were their predictions across data from fresh frozen and matching formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human tumor tissue.

Availability and Implementation

The R-package ‘zeroSum’ can be downloaded at https://github.com/rehbergT/zeroSum. Complete data and R codes necessary to reproduce all our results can be received from the authors upon request.
DeepBound: accurate identification of transcript boundaries via deep convolutional neural fields
Authors: Shao Mingfu , Ma Jianzhu , Wang Sheng
Published: April 2017

Motivation

Reconstructing the full-length expressed transcripts (a.k.a. the transcript assembly problem) from the short sequencing reads produced by RNA-seq protocol plays a central role in identifying novel genes and transcripts as well as in studying gene expressions and gene functions. A crucial step in transcript assembly is to accurately determine the splicing junctions and boundaries of the expressed transcripts from the reads alignment. In contrast to the splicing junctions that can be efficiently detected from spliced reads, the problem of identifying boundaries remains open and challenging, due to the fact that the signal related to boundaries is noisy and weak.

Results

We present DeepBound, an effective approach to identify boundaries of expressed transcripts from RNA-seq reads alignment. In its core DeepBound employs deep convolutional neural fields to learn the hidden distributions and patterns of boundaries. To accurately model the transition probabilities and to solve the label-imbalance problem, we novelly incorporate the AUC (area under the curve) score into the optimizing objective function. To address the issue that deep probabilistic graphical models requires large number of labeled training samples, we propose to use simulated RNA-seq datasets to train our model. Through extensive experimental studies on both simulation datasets of two species and biological datasets, we show that DeepBound consistently and significantly outperforms the two existing methods.

Availability and implementation

DeepBound is freely available at https://github.com/realbigws/DeepBound.
Trade-offs between forage fish fisheries and their predators in the California Current
Authors: Koehn Laura E , Essington Timothy E , Marshall Kristin N , Sydeman William J , Szoboszlai Amber I , Thayer Julie A
Published: April 2017

Forage fish generate economic benefits through directed fisheries, but also generate benefits through their role as prey to other valued species (large piscivorous fish, seabirds, and marine mammals). Previous evaluations of the ecosystem consequences of forage fish fisheries used models with coarse taxonomic resolution of forage fish and their predators. Here, we quantify trade-offs between forage fish fisheries and predator fisheries, and between forage fish fisheries and species of conservation interest in the California Current, using a taxonomically detailed foodweb model and a generalized equilibrium model. We propagated uncertainty in trade-offs to forage fish fishing based on uncertainty in foodweb model parameterization and uncertainty in predator–prey functional relationships in the generalized equilibrium model. The model predicted loss in catch of some higher trophic level fisheries [mainly salmon (Oncorhynchus sp.) and halibut (Paralichthys californicus)] from fishing sardine (Sardinops sagax), anchovy (Engraulis mordax), herring (Clupea pallasii), or aggregated forage fish, but the lost economic revenue from predators never exceeded the economic benefit from additional forage fish catch. Predicted reductions in biomass of seabirds and marine mammals were sufficiently large that, depending on the value of these nonmarket species, consideration of nonmarket predators could tip the balance of trade-offs toward conservation of forage fish and away from harvest. This work highlights specific predators [brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), marbled murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus), multiple other seabirds, sea lions (Zalophus californianus and Eumetopias jubatus), baleen whales (Mysticeti)] that are potentially sensitive to specific forage fish fisheries in the California Current.
Noninvasive RCM for Differentiation of Melanotic Macules From Melanocytic Lesions—Blinded Evaluation of a Series of 42 Pigmented Macules
Authors: Laimer Martin , Arzberger Edith , Kirchner Clara-Anna , Prodinger Christine , Hofmann-Wellenhof Rainer , Ahlgrimm-Siess Verena
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Differentiation of melanotic macules from melanocytic lesions, most importantly of melanoma, is a common problem on clinical-dermoscopic examination.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of noninvasive reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in the differential diagnosis of melanotic macules and melanocytic lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Reflectance confocal microscopy images of 42 pigmented macules on mucocutaneous junctions of genitalia and lips, including 31 melanotic macules, 6 nevi, and 5 melanomas, were retrospectively and independently assessed in a blinded manner by one expert observer and 2 less experienced observers together.

RESULTS

The authors differentiated 3 subtypes of melanotic macules; 2 subtypes (“solar lentigo type” and regular subtype of “dendritic type” melanotic macules) could be classified with confidence as benign by all RCM investigators, comprising 64% of melanotic macules. The third subtype (irregular subtype of “dendritic type” melanotic macules; 36%) displaying RCM features overlapping with melanoma was difficult to differentiate and should be biopsied not to miss a melanoma. The RCM differentiation between melanotic macules and nevi was easily performed.

CONCLUSION

RCM has the potential to increase the diagnostic accuracy in the noninvasive differentiation of pigmented macules on mucocutaneous junctions.
PARAPAPILLARY GAMMA AND DELTA ZONES IN HIGH MYOPIA
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Fang Yuxin , Weber Pascal , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To examine parapapillary zones gamma and delta in highly myopic eyes.

Methods:

The retrospective observational study included patients attending the Tokyo high myopia clinics. Fundus photographs were morphometrically examined.

Results:

The study population included 600 eyes (304 individuals) with a mean age of 62.7 ± 14.3 years (range: 13–90 years) and mean axial length of 29.6 ± 2.2 mm (range: 23.2–35.4 mm). In multivariate analysis (regression coefficient r2:0.90), larger horizontal gamma zone diameter was correlated with wider delta zone diameter (P < 0.001; standardized regression coefficient beta: 0.81), higher ratio of vertical-to-horizontal disk diameter (P < 0.001; beta: 0.10), shorter fovea–outer gamma zone border distance (P < 0.001; beta: −0.19), longer disk–fovea distance (P < 0.001; beta: 0.18), and higher count of chorioretinal atrophic lesions (P < 0.001; beta: 0.07). Longer horizontal delta zone width was correlated with longer horizontal gamma zone diameter (P < 0.001; beta: 1.00), longer horizontal disk diameter (P < 0.001; beta: 0.15), shorter disk–fovea distance (P < 0.001; beta: −0.19), longer fovea–outer gamma zone border distance (P < 0.001; beta: 0.19), and smaller diameter of the largest chorioretinal lesion (P = 0.03; beta: −0.04). Longer width of both zones together was associated with longer horizontal disk diameter (P < 0.001; beta: 0.31), higher ratio of vertical-to-horizontal disk diameter (P = 0.001; beta: 0.18), longer disk–fovea distance (P < 0.001; beta: 0.19), shorter fovea–outer gamma zone border distance (P < 0.001; beta: −0.18), higher number of chorioretinal lesions (P < 0.001; beta: 0.30), and longer vertical distance between the superior and inferior temporal arterial arcade (P = 0.001; beta: 0.13).

Conclusion:

Larger gamma and delta zones were correlated with larger optic disk and more marked vertical optic disk rotation, longer disk–fovea distance, higher number of chorioretinal lesions, and longer temporal vascular arcade diameter. Parapapillary gamma and delta zones may develop before chorioretinal lesions develop and enlarge.