bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existence of Two‐Dimensional Physical Gels even at Zero Surface Pressure at the Air/Water Interface: Rheology of Self‐Assembled Domains of Small Molecules
Authors: Veschgini Mariam , Habe Taichi , Mielke Salomé , Inoue Shigeto , Liu Xianhe , Krafft Marie Pierre , Tanaka Motomu
Published: August 2017

Films of mesoscopic domains self‐assembled from fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon diblock copolymers (FnHm) at the air/water interface were found to display highly elastic behavior. We determined the interfacial viscoelasticity of domain‐patterned FnHm Langmuir monolayers by applying periodic shear stresses. Remarkably, we found the formation of two‐dimensional gels even at zero surface pressure. These monolayers are predominantly elastic, which is unprecedented for surfactants, exhibiting gelation only at high surface pressures. Systematic variation of the hydrocarbon (n=8; m=14, 16, 18, 20) and fluorocarbon (n=8, 10, 12; m=16) block lengths demonstrated that subtle changes in the block length ratio significantly alter the mechanics of two‐dimensional gels across one order of magnitude. These findings open perspectives for the fabrication of two‐dimensional gels with tuneable viscoelasticity via self‐assembly of mesoscale, low‐molecular‐weight materials.
CD11b+Gr‐1dim Tolerogenic Dendritic Cell–Like Cells Are Expanded in Interstitial Lung Disease in SKG Mice
Authors: Sendo Sho , Saegusa Jun , Okano Takaichi , Takahashi Soshi , Akashi Kengo , Morinobu Akio
Published: August 2017

Objective

SKG mice develop interstitial lung disease (ILD) resembling rheumatoid arthritis–associated ILD in humans. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism underlying the lung pathology by analyzing lung‐infiltrating cells in SKG mice with ILD.

Methods

We assessed the severity of zymosan A (ZyA)–induced ILD in SKG mice histologically, and we examined lung‐infiltrating cells by flow cytometry. Total lung cells and isolated monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were cultured in vitro with granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin‐4. The proliferation of 5,6‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate N‐succinimidyl ester–labeled naive T cells cocultured with isolated CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells and MDSCs was evaluated by flow cytometry. CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells were adoptively transferred to ZyA‐treated SKG mice.

Results

MDSCs, Th17 cells, and group 1 and 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s and ILC3s) were increased in the lungs; the proportion of these cells varied with ILD severity. In this process, we found that a unique cell population, CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells, was expanded in the severely inflamed lungs. Approximately half of the CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells expressed CD11c. CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells were induced from monocytic MDSCs with GM‐CSF in vitro and were considered tolerogenic because they suppressed T cell proliferation. These CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells have never been described previously, and we termed them CD11b+Gr‐1dim tolerogenic dendritic cell (DC)–like cells. Th17 cells, ILC1s, and ILC3s in the inflamed lung produced GM‐CSF, which may have expanded CD11b+Gr‐1dim tolerogenic DC–like cells in vivo. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of CD11b+Gr‐1dim tolerogenic DC–like cells significantly suppressed progression of ILD in SKG mice.

Conclusion

We identified unique suppressive myeloid cells that were differentiated from monocytic MDSCs in SKG mice with ILD, and we termed them CD11b+Gr‐1dim tolerogenic DC–like cells.
Detection and application of neurochemical profile by multiple regional 1H‐MRS in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Guan Jitian , Rong Yu , Wen Ye , Wu Huanze , Qin Hong , Zhang Qingying , Chen Wei
Published: August 2017

Introduction

The accurate diagnosis and monitoring of idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, has not been fully developed. This study sought to identify a neurochemical profile in multiple regions of the PD brain and healthy controls by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS). We aimed to track changes of the brain neurochemical, quantify neuronal loss, and further determine the diagnostic value of 1H‐MRS.

Methods

PD patients and healthy controls recruited from Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, southern China, underwent 1H‐MRS. Chemical information was obtained for ratios of N‐acetylaspartate to creatine (NAA/Cr), NAA to choline (NAA/Cho), and Cho to Cr for substantia nigra, globus pallidus, prefrontal lobe, hippocampus, cuneus gyrus, and dorsal thalamus regions.

Results

Compared to the 20 healthy controls (12 male, age 58.75 ± 5.03 years), the 42 patients (21 male, age 61.60 ± 6.40 years) showed lower NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios in substantia nigra, globus pallidus, prefrontal lobe, hippocampus, cuneus gyrus and dorsal thalamus regions (p < .01); NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios were reduced for both patients with unilateral and mild/no cognitive impairment (p < .01); Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score was inversely correlated with NAA/Cr ratios in the substantia nigra (r = −.32; p = .042).

Conclusion

NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios may be useful metabolic biomarkers for early diagnosis of PD. Multi‐voxel 1H‐MRS can provide information on brain neurochemistry and may be a promising technique for diagnosis of and monitoring neuronal loss in PD.
Not all neuroligin 3 and 4X missense variants lead to significant functional inactivation
Authors: Xu Xiaojuan , Hu Zhengmao , Zhang Lusi , Liu Hongfang , Cheng Yuemei , Xia Kun , Zhang Xuehong
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Neuroligins are postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that interact with neurexins to regulate the fine balance between excitation and inhibition of synapses. Recently, accumulating evidence, involving mutation analysis, cellular assays, and mouse models, has suggested that neuroligin (NLGN) mutations affect synapse maturation and function. Previously, four missense variations [p.G426S (NLGN3), p.G84R (NLGN4X), p.Q162K (NLGN4X), and p.A283T (NLGN4X)] in four different unrelated patients have been identified by PCR and direct sequencing.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the functional effect of these missense variations by in vitro experiment via the stable HEK293 cells expressing wild‐type and mutant neuroligin.

Results

We found that the four mutations did not significantly impair the expression of neuroligin 3 and neuroligin 4X, and also did not measurably inhibit the neurexin 1–neuroligin interaction. These variants might play a modest role in the pathogenesis of autism or might simply be unreported infrequent polymorphisms.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that these four previously described neuroligin mutations are not primary risk factors for autism.
From Android games to coding in C—An approach to motivate novice engineering students to learn programming: A case study
Authors: Dolgopolovas Vladimiras , Jevsikova Tatjana , Dagiene Valentina
Published: August 2017

This paper deals with the problem of overcoming difficulties and raising the motivation of novice engineering students studying programming. We consider this an important factor for engineering education in general and for programming of embedded devices, as well as for calculations and modeling in the field of scientific computing in particular. We present a case study on how novice engineering students can be motivated to study structured programming and coding in C using game programming in the App Inventor environment. The study is based on the authors’ practical teaching experience in the Applied Sciences University for novice programmers, with students of the Technology of Smart Devices specialty, as well as the authors’ long‐time research activities in teaching Computer Science.
Balance social media concerns with free speech rights
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2017

ORLANDO, Fla. — When student‐athletes or coaches post to social media, it can seem like the whole world is watching. And some of their social media posts can make any athletics administrator cringe at the potential fallout. In an attempt to circumvent controversial posts, some athletics departments impose restrictions on student‐athletes' social media use, even going to the point of monitoring their online activities.
Interaction of the N‐Terminal Tandem Domains of hnRNP LL with the BCL2 Promoter i‐Motif DNA Sequence
Authors: Lannes Laurie , Young Phoebe , Richter Christian , Morgner Nina , Schwalbe Harald
Published: August 2017

The human genome contains GC‐rich sequences able to form tetraplex secondary structures known as the G‐quadruplex and i‐motif. Such sequences are notably present in the promoter region of oncogenes and are proposed to function as regulatory elements of gene expression. The P1 promoter of BCL2 contains a 39‐mer C‐rich sequence (Py39wt) that can fold into a hairpin or an i‐motif in a pH‐dependent manner in vitro. The protein hnRNP LL was identified to recognise the i‐motif over the hairpin conformation and act as an activating transcription factor. Thus, the Py39wt sequence would act as an ON/OFF switch, according to the secondary structure adopted. Herein, a structural study of the interaction between hnRNP LL and Py39wt is reported. Both N‐terminal RNA recognition motifs (RRM12) cooperatively recognise one Py39wt DNA sequence and engage their β‐sheet to form a large binding platform. In contrast, the C‐terminal RRMs show no binding capacity. It is observed that RRM12 binds to Py39wt regardless of the DNA conformation. We propose that RRM12 recognises a single‐stranded CTCCC element present in loop 1 of the i‐motif and in the apical loop of the hairpin conformation.
Direct stenting versus balloon predilation: Jury is still out
Authors: Belardi Jorge A. , Albertal Mariano
Published: August 2017

Key Points

Compared to balloon predilation, direct stenting (DS) shortens procedural time and reduces radiation and contrast exposure.

A meta-analysis that included 7 studies comparing these 2 strategies revealed lower adverse event rate with DS.

Studies included in the present meta-analysis were mostly observational and utilized first generation drug-eluting stent.

Patient and lesion selection may explain these positive results.
Assembly of Nitrofurazan and Nitrofuroxan Frameworks for High‐Performance Energetic Materials
Authors: Fershtat Leonid L. , Ovchinnikov Igor V. , Epishina Margarita A. , Romanova Anna A. , Lempert David B. , Muravyev Nikita V. , Makhova Nina N.
Published: August 2017

The design of novel energetic materials with improved performance, optimized parameters, and environmental compatibility remains a challenging task. In this study, new high‐energy materials based on isomeric dinitrobi‐1,2,5‐oxadiazole structures comprising nitrofurazan and nitrofuroxan subunits were synthesized. Due to planarity and strong noncovalent interactions, these materials display high density values as determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The thermal, impact, and friction sensitivities of both isomers are similar to that of nitroesters. Their high detonation performance along with the combined benefits of high density, high heat of formation, and good oxygen balance make the synthesized compounds promising as explosives and highly‐energetic oxidizers.
Generation of Xeno‐Free, cGMP‐Compliant Patient‐Specific iPSCs from Skin Biopsy
Authors: Wiley Luke A. , Anfinson Kristin R. , Cranston Cathryn M. , Kaalberg Emily E. , Collins Malia M. , Mullins Robert F. , Stone Edwin M. , Tucker Budd A.
Published: August 2017

This unit describes protocols for the generation of clinical‐grade patient‐specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived retinal cells from patients with inherited retinal degenerative blindness. Specifically, we describe how, using xeno‐free reagents in an ISO class 5 environment, one can isolate and culture dermal fibroblasts, generate iPSCs, and derive autologous retinal cells via 3‐D differentiation. The universal methods described herein for the isolation of dermal fibroblasts and generation of iPSCs can be employed regardless of disease, tissue, or cell type of interest. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Functional Stem Cell Integration into Neural Networks Assessed by Organotypic Slice Cultures
Authors: Forsberg David , Thonabulsombat Charoensri , Jäderstad Johan , Jäderstad Linda Maria , Olivius Petri , Herlenius Eric
Published: August 2017

Re‐formation or preservation of functional, electrically active neural networks has been proffered as one of the goals of stem cell–mediated neural therapeutics. A primary issue for a cell therapy approach is the formation of functional contacts between the implanted cells and the host tissue. Therefore, it is of fundamental interest to establish protocols that allow us to delineate a detailed time course of grafted stem cell survival, migration, differentiation, integration, and functional interaction with the host. One option for in vitro studies is to examine the integration of exogenous stem cells into an existing active neural network in ex vivo organotypic cultures. Organotypic cultures leave the structural integrity essentially intact while still allowing the microenvironment to be carefully controlled. This allows detailed studies over time of cellular responses and cell‐cell interactions, which are not readily performed in vivo. This unit describes procedures for using organotypic slice cultures as ex vivo model systems for studying neural stem cell and embryonic stem cell engraftment and communication with CNS host tissue. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Care for the whole student to retain student‐veterans
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2017

Cody Nicholls has more than nine years of experience in the military, and he brought that personal experience with him to his role as the assistant dean of students for military and veteran engagement at the University of Arizona.
Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein: Emerging mechanisms in immunity
Authors: Rivers Elizabeth , Thrasher Adrian J.
Published: August 2017

The Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) participates in innate and adaptive immunity through regulation of actin cytoskeleton‐dependent cellular processes, including immune synapse formation, cell signaling, migration and cytokine release. There is also emerging evidence for a direct role in nuclear transcription programmes uncoupled from actin polymerization. A deeper understanding of some of the more complex features of Wiskott Aldrich syndrome (WAS) itself, such as the associated autoimmunity and inflammation, has come from identification of defects in the number and function of anti‐inflammatory myeloid cells and regulatory T and B cells, as well as defects in positive and negative B‐cell selection. In this review we outline the cellular defects that have been characterized in both human WAS patients and murine models of the disease. We will emphasize in particular recent discoveries that provide a mechanistic insight into disease pathology, including lymphoid and myeloid cell homeostasis, immune synapse assembly and immune cell signaling.
Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of Indoline Derivatives using Flow‐Chemistry Techniques
Authors: Örkényi Róbert , Beke Gyula , Riethmüller Eszter , Szakács Zoltán , Kóti János , Faigl Ferenc , Éles János , Greiner István
Published: August 2017

Flow chemistry proved to be a valuable technique to improve the synthesis route to melanin‐concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHr1) antagonists with the 1H,2H,3H,4H,5H‐[1,4]diazepino[1,7‐a]indole scaffold. A one‐step route for the heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of ethyl 4‐(2‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐oxobutanoate for the synthesis of ethyl 2‐(2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indol‐2‐yl)acetate was developed, and the use of common reducing chemicals was avoided. N‐Alkylation of the indoline nitrogen atom was also optimized by using a purpose‐built flow reactor and by design of experiment (DoE). Applying an optimal set of parameters allowed us to decrease the amount of carcinogenic 1,2‐dibromoethane used by a factor of 10. Additionally, nearly complete conversion was achieved in a fraction of the original reaction time (30 min vs. 4 d); therefore, the productivity (space‐time yield) of the flow‐reactor system was proven to be ca. 200 times higher than that of the batch process.
Matrix stimulation in cancer pain: Methodology, safety and effectiveness
Authors: Mücke M. , Tils M. , Conrad R. , Kravchenko D. , Cuhls H. , Radbruch L. , Marinova M. , Peuckmann‐Post V. , Rolke R.
Published: August 2017

Background

This feasibility study addresses the applicability of matrix electrodes for the reduction of ongoing pain in cancer patients via low‐frequency electrical stimulation (LFS).

Methods

Low‐frequency matrix stimulation (4 Hz) was applied to the skin within the ‘Head's zones’ referring to the tumour localization of cancer pain patients. Pain at baseline was compared to a 3‐day treatment interval consisting of 5 min of matrix stimulation in the morning and evening followed by a 3‐day follow‐up period without therapy. Main outcome parameters included numeric rating scale values (rating scale 0–100), painDETECT, HADS, and German pain questionnaire, as well as the opioid intake, calculated as the oral morphine equivalent (OME).

Results

Twenty patients with cancer pain (aged 64.4 ± 10.3; 9 women) were examined. In the majority of patients, the pain was classified as nociceptive. The mean pain reduction achieved by matrix therapy was 30%, under stable daily controlled‐release opioid doses between 177 and 184 mg/day (OME). Seventeen patients (85%) were responders, defined by a pain reduction of at least 30%, while four responders experienced a pain reduction of over 50%. The only side effect was short‐term erythema.

Conclusion

Findings are consistent with the concept of synaptic long‐term depression in cancer pain induced after conditioning LFS. Despite the short, but well‐tolerated, treatment duration of 2 × 5 min/day, effects persisted throughout the 3‐day follow‐up.

Significance

Cutaneous neuromodulation using LFS via a matrix electrode has been shown to be a safe intervention for effectively reducing cancer pain in palliative care patients.
Challenges and Opportunities in Achieving the National Postsecondary Degree Attainment Goals
Authors: Nettles Michael T.
Published: August 2017

In 2009, at the end of the 12‐month Great Recession in the United States, the U.S. government established a college degree attainment goal for 60% of 25‐ to 34‐year‐olds to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree by the year 2020. In the same year, Lumina Foundation set a similar goal for 60% of 25‐ to 64‐year‐olds to earn a high‐quality certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree by the year 2025. Both the U.S. government's and Lumina Foundation's goals intend to place the United States in a leadership position in the global massification of postsecondary education that has evolved over the past few decades and to address the growing labor market demands for postsecondary education and training. This report provides a view of current progress and forecasts of the nation's long‐term progress toward achieving the goals. The analyses in this report represent college degree attainment performance of the U.S. population by race/ethnicity and gender and project through 2060. The projections reveal that neither goal is expected to be reached by target dates for the targeted adult populations, but the associate's and bachelor's degree attainment rates of the Asian American population are already beyond the 60% target and the White population, overall, is approaching at a pace to arrive a few years beyond the target year 2020 established by the U.S. government and 2025 set by Lumina Foundation. The projections for the African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic populations are not promising. Unless aggressive actions are taken to address the inequalities in each level and type of degree, and especially bachelor's and higher degrees, not only will the three underserved population groups (African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic) fail to reach the goals in the foreseeable future, but also the progress that they make could be overrepresented by lower status degrees and certificates and in turn lower status occupations. Each of these three underrepresented population groups may require targeted and tailored initiatives to make substantive progress toward a larger share being college and career ready and ultimately persisting toward and attaining college degrees. The report includes data and analyses that could be useful in designing interventions.
Mesoporous silica impregnated with organoamines for post‐combustion CO2 capture: a comparison of introduced amine types
Authors: Chen Chao , Bhattacharjee Samiran
Published: August 2017

Polyethylenimine (PEI) with different molecular weight such as 275, 800, 1800, and 25000, together with tetraethylenpentamine (TEPA) were impregnated into a mesoporous silica support (silica gel) using a wet impregnation method. These resultant solid amine sorbents with different amine types were compared in terms of CO2 sorption kinetics and capacity at different temperatures, sorbent regeneration, and cyclic sorption‐desorption performance, to study the effect of introduced amine types on the CO2 capture performance. In the studied temperature range of 35–95°C for CO2 sorption, samples with different amine types perform differently in CO2 sorption kinetics and capacity. The largest CO2 capture capacity for different solid amine samples appears at different temperatures, and there is evident difference on CO2 capture capacity of different samples. In particular, PEI(25000)/silica gel showed the lowest CO2 capture capacity among all samples. Compared to PEI/silica gel samples, TEPA/silica gel showed a relatively higher CO2 sorption capacity. The regeneration of TEPA/silica gel is more difficult than PEI/silica gel samples, and 100°C was found suitable for complete regeneration of all sorbents. PEI(25000)/silica gel showed good reversibility and stability during 10 cyclic CO2 sorption‐desorption (sorption at 75°C and desorption at 100°C) tests, whereas PEI(275), PEI(800), PEI(1800), and TEPA/silica gel all suffered to various extents from amine leaching problems in cyclic CO2 sorption‐desorption performance under identical conditions. The cyclic CO2 sorption‐desorption performance can be improved by decreasing the desorption temperature to 75°C that leads to slightly loss of CO2 uptake in the second run. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural, Mechanistic, Spectroscopic, and Preparative Studies on the Lewis Base Catalyzed, Enantioselective Sulfenofunctionalization of Alkenes
Authors: Hartmann Eduard , Denmark Scott E.
Published: August 2017

The full details of mechanistic investigation on enantioselective sulfenofunctionalization of alkenes under Lewis base catalysis are described. Solution spectroscopic identification of the catalytically active sulfenylating agent has been accomplished along with the spectroscopic identification of putative thiiranium ion intermediates generated in the enantiodetermining step. The structural insights gleaned from these studies informed the design of new catalyst architectures to improve enantioselectivity. In addition, structural modification of the sulfenylating agents had a significant and salutary effect on the enantioselectivity of sulfenofunctionalization which was demonstrated to be general for trans disubstituted alkenes. Whereas electronic modulation had little effect on the rate and selectivity, steric bulk on arylsulfenylphthalimides was very beneficial.
Reading the stars: Determining human capital's value in the hiring process
Authors: Kang Sung‐Choon , Oldroyd James B. , Morris Shad S. , Kim Junwoo
Published: August 2017

Star employees are highly sought after by competitors and thus more likely to move from one company to another. However, not all the factors related to stardom are as mobile as the stars themselves. We argue that while simply possessing star status leads to increased movement, differences in the attributions of human capital and value appropriation will also influence a star's movement to competing firms. To test this, we analyzed the careers of 695 security analysts over a 10‐year period. We found that while stars are more likely to move to competing firms than nonstars, the difference in movement between stars and nonstars decreases as the status of their current firm and their tenure increases.
Person–city personality fit and entrepreneurial success: An explorative study in China
Authors: Zhou Mingjie , Zhou Yixin , Zhang Jianxin , Obschonka Martin , Silbereisen Rainer K.
Published: August 2017

While the study of personality differences is a traditional psychological approach in entrepreneurship research, economic research directs attention towards the entrepreneurial ecosystems in which entrepreneurial activity are embedded. We combine both approaches and quantify the interplay between the individual personality make‐up of entrepreneurs and the local personality composition of ecosystems, with a special focus on person–city personality fit. Specifically, we analyse personality data fromN = 26,405 Chinese residents across 42 major Chinese cities, includingN = 1091 Chinese entrepreneurs. Multi‐level polynomial regression and response surface plots revealed that: (a) individual‐level conscientiousness had a positive effect and individual‐level agreeableness and neuroticism had a negative effect on entrepreneurial success, (b) city‐level conscientiousness had a positive, and city‐level neuroticism had a negative effect on entrepreneurial success, and (c) additional person–city personality fit effects existed for agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism. For example, entrepreneurs who arehighin agreeableness and conduct their business in a city with alowagreeableness level show the lowest entrepreneurial success. In contrast, entrepreneurs who arelowin agreeableness and conduct their business in a city with ahighagreeableness level show relatively high entrepreneurial success. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
FEASIBILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF DYADIC PROLONGED EXPOSURE INTERVENTION FOR PREVENTING POSTTRAUMATIC GRIEF IN YOUNG CHILDREN: A CASE REPORT OF TWO SIBLINGS
Authors: Rachamim Lilach
Published: August 2017

This article highlights the feasibility of a dyadic prolonged exposure (DPE) intervention (L. Rachamim, I. Mirochnik, L. Helpman, N. Nacasch, & E. Yadin, ) in a 3‐year‐old preschooler and in a 6‐year‐old kindergartener immediately following the traumatic death of their younger sibling. It presents a detailed case description of the DPE treatment addressing traumatic grief and includes transcribed treatment dialogue. At the time of treatment termination, both children and caregivers resumed normal functioning. The results suggest that DPE intervention may ameliorate posttraumatic grief symptoms in young children. Controlled studies of preventive interventions for this population are clearly warranted.
Analysis of low molecular weight compounds using MALDI‐ and LDI‐TOF‐MS: Direct detection of active pharmaceutical ingredients in different formulations
Authors: Bronzel João L. , Milagre Cintia D.F. , Milagre Humberto M.S.
Published: August 2017

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) is a high throughput, easy to use analytical technique. The simple sample preparation of this technique and its tolerance to the presence of contaminants are among its advantages. In contrast, depending on the matrix used, MALDI can ionize and generates ions in the low m/z range that complicate the interpretation of the spectra of low molecular weight compounds. To address this issue, one can envisage the use of tunable ionic matrices that can reduce the low m/z interferents. In this work, the ionic matrices triethylammonium α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamate and diisopropylammonium α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamate were used to directly analyze 14 pharmaceutical drugs in different formulations (coated tablets, noncoated tablets, capsules, and solutions). This methodology enabled the detection of their active compounds with minimum sample preparation, thus providing a straightforward approach for the forensic analysis of pharmaceutical drugs in the quest for detecting counterfeits. LDI‐MS experiments were also performed, and the active ingredient in all of the medicines analyzed were detected. However, MALDI‐MS spectra for the medicines analyzed herein showed less or no fragmentation than LDI‐MS, which makes the analysis easier.
Impact of source pocket doping on RF and linearity performance of a cylindrical gate tunnel FET
Authors: Dash Sidhartha , Lenka Annada Shankar , Jena Biswajit , Mishra Guru Prasad
Published: August 2017

The paper presents a cylindrical gate tunnel (CGT) field effect transistors (FETs) with a highly doped pocket layer introduced in the source region. The presence of pocket doped layer in the source provides higher lateral electric field and band‐to‐band tunneling (BTBT) generation rate in the vicinity of tunneling junction which in turn increases the drain current and transconductance significantly. Also, the linearity and radio frequency (RF) performance of the CGT FET with source pocket doping (CGTS) have been extensively investigated. The different linearity and RF figure of merits such as gmn, VIP2, VIP3, IIP3, ZCP, 1‐dB compression point, GBWP, TFP, unity gain cut‐off frequency, and maximum oscillation frequency of the present device are extracted and compared with the results of conventional CGT. The results exhibit superior linearity and RF performance along with improved current carrying capability of the proposed device. Thus, the device can be one of the possible contenders to replace bulk MOSFET in high‐frequency microwave applications. The accuracy of both the devices is validated by TCAD Sentaurus simulator.
Using risk analysis to guide changes to compounding formulae
Authors: del Rio Luis A. , Trives Carmen
Published: August 2017

“Frame formulations” are a framework for extemporaneously preparing pharmaceutical products. Alterations to the frameworks are allowed, e.g. by changing the quantity of active ingredients or by changing the percentage of excipients, as long as the variations do not affect the level of risk associated with the final product or their efficacy. Here we detail a method of analysing the risk of changes to frame formulations by assigning a risk priority number to the changes using Failure Modes Effects Analysis. The risk priority number estimates the severity and probability that changes to the formulation would have.
Inconsistency for the niche breadth invasion success hypothesis in aquatic invertebrates
Authors: Pettitt‐Wade Harri , Wellband Kyle W. , Fisk Aaron T.
Published: August 2017

Comparison of highly successful and less successful invasive species can highlight traits that are associated with invasion success, and indicate the associated risk of further establishment or invasion from novel species. We compared variation in δ13C and δ15N, or isotopic niche, in the tissues of matched pairs of highly successful and less successful (respectively) freshwater and marine aquatic invasive species: violet tunicate Botrylloides violaceus and golden star tunicate Botryllus schlosseri from the northwest Atlantic coast; spiny waterflea Bythotrephes longimanus and fishhook waterflea Cercopagis pengoi from the Great Lakes basin; and Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica from the northeast Pacific coast. Individual (δ13C and δ15N) and population (Bayesian ellipses of δ13C and δ15N) level comparisons of isotopic niche revealed, in most cases, greater niche breadth in the more successful species of tunicate but the less successful species of waterflea and oyster. Comparison with the literature suggested that a broad dietary niche is less crucial for widespread distribution of aquatic invasive invertebrates than it is for vertebrates (i.e., fishes). Inconsistency in the association between isotopic niche breadth and invasion success could be due to a greater influence of habitat suitability on variation in invertebrate diets. These findings challenge the common assumption that a broader niche promotes invasion success, and thus, have implications for invasive species risk assessment, management, and our understanding of species spread and distribution.
Responses of carbonate system and CO2 flux to extended drought and intense flooding in a semiarid subtropical estuary
Authors: Yao Hongming , Hu Xinping
Published: August 2017

Globally, estuaries are considered important CO2 sources to the atmosphere. However, estuarine water carbonate chemistry and CO2 flux studies have focused on temperate and high latitude regions, leaving a significant data gap in subtropical estuaries. In this study, we examined water column carbonate system and air–water CO2 flux in the Mission‐Aransas Estuary, a subtropical semiarid estuary in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, by collecting samples at five System Wide Monitoring Program stations from 05/2014 to 04/2015. The carbonate system parameters (total alkalinity [TA], dissolved inorganic carbon [DIC], pH, CO2 partial pressure [pCO2], and carbonate saturation state with respect to aragonite [ΩAr]) and air–water CO2 flux all displayed substantial seasonal and spatial variations. Based on freshwater inflow conditions, a drought period occurred between 05/2014 and 02/2015, while a flooding period occurred from 03/2015 to 04/2015. Average DIC was 2194.7 ± 156.8 μmol kg−1 and 2132.5 ± 256.8 μmol kg−1, TA was 2497.6 ± 172.1 μmol·kg−1 and 2333.4 ± 283.1 μmol kg−1, pCO2 was 477 ± 94 μatm and 529 ± 251 μatm, and CO2 flux was 28.3 ± 18.0 mmol C·m−2·d−1 and 51.6 ± 83.9 mmol·C·m−2·d−1 in the drought and flooding period, respectively. Integrated annual air–water CO2 flux during our studied period was estimated to be 12.4 ± 3.3 mol·C·m−2·yr−1, indicating that this estuary was a net CO2 source. High wind speed, warm climate, riverine input, and estuarine biogeochemical processes all contributed to the high CO2 efflux despite the modest pCO2 levels year round.
Inside a Rare NLRB Win for Employers
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: August 2017

A recent case provides employers with an excellent insight into how the National Labor Relations Board analyzes cases where employees engage in protected concerted activity but can nevertheless be lawfully disciplined or discharged.
The role of Melatonin receptor MTNR1A in the action of Melatonin on bovine granulosa cells
Authors: Wang Shu‐Juan , Liu Wen‐Ju , Wang Li‐Ke , Pang Xun‐Sheng , Yang Li‐Guo
Published: August 2017

Granulosa cells (GCs) play an important role in ovarian follicle growth, development, and follicular atresia. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Melatonin on bovine GCs, and asked if MTNR1A was involved in their response to this indole hormone. Our results indicated that Melatonin inhibited GC apoptosis by up‐regulating the expression of BCL2, BCL‐XL, GPX4, and SOD1, and down‐regulating the expression of BAX, CASP3, and TP53. Moreover, Melatonin modulated bovine GC function by decreasing the expression of INHA, INHBB, FSHR, and TGFBR3, and the abundance of Inhibin β and Activin B, while increasing the expression of LHR, INHBA, and secretion of progesterone by GCs. In contrast, knockdown of MTNR1A significantly increased the expression of BAX, CASP3, TP53, INHA, FSHR, and TGFBR3, as well as Inhibin β abundance, while decreasing the expression of BCL2, GPX4, SOD1, and LHR, and production of progesterone and estradiol; no effect was observed on the expression of BCL‐XL, INHBA, or INHBB. These results suggest that Melatonin and MTNR1A play an important role in modulating bovine GC function by regulating cellular progression, apoptosis, hormones secretion, and reproduction‐related genes. Furthermore, altered expression of MTNR1A could affect how bovine GCs respond to Melatonin.
Assessing the need for arthritis training among paid carers in UK residential care homes: A focus group and interview study
Authors: Whybrow Paul , Moffatt Suzanne , Kay Lesley , Thompson Ben , Aspray Terry , Duncan Rachel
Published: August 2017

Objective

The aim of the study was to perform an educational and training needs assessment for arthritis care in residential homes.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected from three purposively selected residential homes: one independent, one in a regional chain and one in a national chain. Three researcher‐led focus groups were conducted with paid carers (N = 22) using vignette exercises; interviews were undertaken with 12 residents with joint pain (N = 12), five managerial staff and two general practitioners (GPs). Data were compared and analysed thematically around care practices, communication and training.

Results

There is a lack of arthritis awareness among paid carers, although they regularly identify and manage arthritic symptoms. Residents rely on paid carers to recognize when pain and mobility problems are treatable. Senior staff and GPs rely on carers to identify arthritic problems. However, paid carers themselves undervalued the health significance of their activities and lacked the confidence to communicate important information to healthcare professionals. Few of the paid carers had received training in arthritis and many expressed a strong desire to learn about it, to improve their ability to provide better care.

Conclusions

Education for paid carers regarding arthritis is lacking and lags behind education about conditions such as dementia and diabetes. To meet the expectations of their care roles fully, paid carers require an awareness of what arthritis is and how to recognize symptoms. We suggest that training should be aimed at improving confidence in communicating with colleagues, residents and health professionals, with senior care staff receiving more in‐depth training.
Characterizing hypoxia in human glioma: A simultaneous multimodal MRI and PET study
Authors: Preibisch Christine , Shi Kuangyu , Kluge Anne , Lukas Mathias , Wiestler Benedikt , Göttler Jens , Gempt Jens , Ringel Florian , Al Jaberi Mohamed , Schlegel Jürgen , Meyer Bernhard , Zimmer Claus , Pyka Thomas , Förster Stefan
Published: August 2017

Hypoxia plays an important role for the prognosis and therapy response of cancer. Thus, hypoxia imaging would be a valuable tool for pre‐therapeutic assessment of tumor malignancy. However, there is no standard validated technique for clinical application available yet. Therefore, we performed a study in 12 patients with high‐grade glioma, where we directly compared the two currently most promising techniques, namely the MR‐based relative oxygen extraction fraction (MR‐rOEF) and the PET hypoxia marker H‐1‐(3‐[18F]‐fluoro‐2‐hydroxypropyl)‐2‐nitroimidazole ([18F]‐FMISO). MR‐rOEF was determined from separate measurements of T2, T2* and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) employing a multi‐parametric approach for quantification of the blood‐oxygenation‐level‐dependent (BOLD) effect. With respect to [18F]‐FMISO‐PET, besides the commonly used late uptake between 120 and 130 min ([18F]‐FMISO120–130 min), we also analyzed the hypoxia specific uptake rate [18F]‐FMISO‐k3, as obtained by pharmacokinetic modeling of dynamic uptake data. Since pharmacokinetic modeling of partially acquired dynamic [18F]‐FMISO data was sensitive to a low signal‐to‐noise‐ratio, analysis was restricted to high‐uptake tumor regions. Individual spatial analyses of deoxygenation and hypoxia‐related parameter maps revealed that high MR‐rOEF values clustered in (edematous) peritumoral tissue, while areas with high [18F]‐FMISO120–130 min concentrated in and around active tumor with disrupted blood–brain barrier, i.e. contrast enhancement in T1‐weighted MRI. Volume‐of‐interest‐based correlations between MR‐rOEF and [18F]‐FMISO120–130 min as well as [18F]‐FMISO‐k3, and voxel‐wise analyses in individual patients, yielded limited correlations, supporting the notion that [18F]‐FMISO uptake, even after 2 h, might still be influenced by perfusion while [18F]‐FMISO‐k3 was severely hampered by noise. According to these results, vascular deoxygenation, as measured by MR‐rOEF, and severe tissue hypoxia, as measured by [18F]‐FMISO, show a poor spatial correspondence. Overall, the two methods appear to rather provide complementary than redundant information about high‐grade glioma biology.
Exploring excited‐state proton transfer mechanism for 9,10‐dihydroxybenzo[h]quinolone
Authors: Yang Dapeng , Wu Jingyuan , Dong Hao , Jia Min , Song Xiaoyan
Published: August 2017

In this work, we mainly focus on the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism of a new molecule 9,10‐dihydroxybenzo[h]quinoline (9‐10‐HBQ). Within the framework of density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we have theoretically investigated its excited‐state dynamical process and our theoretical results successfully reappeared previous experimental electronic spectra. The ultrafast excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer process occurs in the first excited state (S1state) forming 9‐10‐HBQ‐PT1 structure without potential energy barrier along with hydrogen bond (O3–H4···N5). Then the second proton may transfer via another intramolecular hydrogen bonded wire (O1–H2···N3) with a moderate potential energy barrier (about 7.69 kcal/mol) in the S1state forming 9‐10‐HBQ‐PT2 configuration. After completing excited‐state dynamical process, the molecule on the first excited electronic state would come back to the ground state. We not only clarify the excited‐state dynamical process for 9‐10‐HBQ but also put forward new predictions and successfully explain previous experimental results.
The reversible P2Y12 antagonist ACT‐246475 causes significantly less blood loss than ticagrelor at equivalent antithrombotic efficacy in rat
Authors: Rey Markus , Kramberg Markus , Hess Patrick , Morrison Keith , Ernst Roland , Haag Franck , Weber Edgar , Clozel Martine , Baumann Martine , Caroff Eva , Hubler Francis , Riederer Markus A. , Steiner Beat
Published: August 2017

The P2Y12 receptor is a validated target for prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study was to compare two direct‐acting, reversible P2Y12 antagonists, ACT‐246475 and ticagrelor, in a rat thrombosis model by simultaneous quantification of their antithrombotic efficacy and surgery‐induced blood loss. Blood flow velocity was assessed in the carotid artery after FeCl3‐induced thrombus formation using a Doppler flow probe. At the same time, blood loss after surgical wounding of the spleen was quantified. Continuous infusions of ACT‐246475 and ticagrelor prevented the injury‐induced reduction of blood flow in a dose‐dependent manner. High doses of both antagonists normalized blood flow and completely abolished thrombus formation as confirmed by histology. Intermediate doses restored baseline blood flow to ≥65%. However, ACT‐246475 caused significantly less increase of blood loss than ticagrelor; the difference in blood loss was 2.6‐fold (P < 0.01) at high doses and 2.7‐fold (P < 0.05) at intermediate doses. Potential reasons for this unexpected difference were explored by measuring the effects of ACT‐246475 and ticagrelor on vascular tone. At concentrations needed to achieve maximal antithrombotic efficacy, ticagrelor compared with ACT‐246475 significantly increased carotid blood flow velocity in vivo (P = 0.003), induced vasorelaxation of precontracted rat femoral arteries, and inhibited contraction of femoral artery induced by electrical field stimulation or by phenylephrine. Overall, ACT‐246475 showed a significantly wider therapeutic window than ticagrelor. The absence of vasodilatory effects due to high selectivity of ACT‐246475 for P2Y12 provides potential arguments for the observed safety advantage of ACT‐246475 over ticagrelor.
Theoretical Study of Effective Parameters in Catalytic Growth of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Shahivandi Hamid , Vaezzadeh Majid , Saeidi Mohammadreza
Published: August 2017

In this article, an atomic model is used to study the carbon nanotube growth process in the catalytic chemical vapor deposition. The “rate of carbon production” conception is used to explain the feedstock decomposition and carbon diffusion in the catalyst. Some of the parameters, including carbon feedstock, catalyst particle, and growth temperature are the main effective parameters in the decomposition process and carbon diffusion. So the effect of the type and the diameter of the catalyst, the temperature of the growth environment, and the type and flow rate of the carbon feedstock, are assumed in the growth process analysis. On the other hand, these parameters affect the useful life time of the catalyst, the time during which the catalyst could decompose carbon feedstock and products carbon atoms. Theoretical results are compared with experimental results, and a good agreement is obtained. This theory is completed by optimization of the effective parameters in the growth process.
Impact of Thermal Treatments in Crystalline Reconstruction and Electrical Properties of Diamond Ohmic Contacts Created by Boron Ion Implantation
Authors: Piñero José C. , Villar María P. , Araujo Daniel , Montserrat Josep , Antúnez Bernat , Godignon Philippe
Published: August 2017

To obtain p‐type doping of diamond through B ion implantation, thermal treatments are necessary to reconstruct the diamond lattice and to locate B atoms in substitutional lattice positions. The present contribution evaluates by STEM‐EELS and CL spectroscopy the amorphisation of diamond lattice under the B+ bombardment and its subsequent reconstruction after the thermal treatment. In addition, TEM observations allowed localizing the boron spatial distribution. Carbon‐related peaks of EELS spectroscopy shows a nearly complete recovery of the diamond lattice after thermal treatment. Indeed, at 1600 °C, sp2/sp3 ratio in implanted regions changes from 0.56 to 0.18 (0.15 value was measured before implantation). On the other hand, CL spectroscopy reveals how A‐Band and free exciton emission peaks, which are quenched by B+ implantation, recover after annealing. Boron ion implantation was used to create ohmic contacts in two different diamond samples, treated with different annealing velocities. Crystalline reconstruction, evidenced by TEM data explains the related electric behaviour. Nanoscale evidences of amorphisation, lattice reconstruction and dopant activation are presented and discussed in this work.
Quantitative characterization of galectin‐3‐C affinity mass spectrometry measurements: Comprehensive data analysis, obstacles, shortcuts and robustness
Authors: Haramija Marko , Peter‐Katalinić Jasna
Published: August 2017

Rationale

Affinity mass spectrometry (AMS) is an emerging tool in the field of the study of protein•carbohydrate complexes. However, experimental obstacles and data analysis are preventing faster integration of AMS methods into the glycoscience field. Here we show how analysis of direct electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) AMS data can be simplified for screening purposes, even for complex AMS spectra.

Methods

A direct ESI‐MS assay was tested in this study and binding data for the galectin‐3C•lactose complex were analyzed using a comprehensive and simplified data analysis approach. In the comprehensive data analysis approach, noise, all protein charge states, alkali ion adducts and signal overlap were taken into account. In a simplified approach, only the intensities of the fully protonated free protein and the protein•carbohydrate complex for the main protein charge state were taken into account.

Results

In our study, for high intensity signals, noise was negligible, sodiated protein and sodiated complex signals cancelled each other out when calculating the Kd value, and signal overlap influenced the Kd value only to a minor extent. Influence of these parameters on low intensity signals was much higher. However, low intensity protein charge states should be avoided in quantitative AMS analyses due to poor ion statistics.

Conclusions

The results indicate that noise, alkali ion adducts, signal overlap, as well as low intensity protein charge states, can be neglected for preliminary experiments, as well as in screening assays. One comprehensive data analysis performed as a control should be sufficient to validate this hypothesis for other binding systems as well.