bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Sensing Applications of Graphene Assemblies and Their Composites
Authors: Tung Tran Thanh , Nine Md J. , Krebsz Melinda , Pasinszki Tibor , Coghlan Campbell J. , Tran Diana N. H. , Losic Dusan
Published: October 2017

Development of next‐generation sensor devices is gaining tremendous attention in both academia and industry because of their broad applications in manufacturing processes, food and environment control, medicine, disease diagnostics, security and defense, aerospace, and so forth. Current challenges include the development of low‐cost, ultrahigh, and user‐friendly sensors, which have high selectivity, fast response and recovery times, and small dimensions. The critical demands of these new sensors are typically associated with advanced nanoscale sensing materials. Among them, graphene and its derivatives have demonstrated the ideal properties to overcome these challenges and have merged as one of the most popular sensing platforms for diverse applications. A broad range of graphene assemblies with different architectures, morphologies, and scales (from nano‐, micro‐, to macrosize) have been explored in recent years for designing new high‐performing sensing devices. Herein, this study presents and discusses recent advances in synthesis strategies of assembled graphene‐based superstructures of 1D, 2D, and 3D macroscopic shapes in the forms of fibers, thin films, and foams/aerogels. The fabricated state‐of‐the‐art applications of these materials in gas and vapor, biomedical, piezoresistive strain and pressure, heavy metal ion, and temperature sensors are also systematically reviewed and discussed, and their sensing performance is compared.
Hierarchical Porous NC@CuCo Nitride Nanosheet Networks: Highly Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting and Selective Electrooxidation of Benzyl Alcohol
Authors: Zheng Jian , Chen Xianlang , Zhong Xing , Li Suiqin , Liu Tianzhu , Zhuang Guilin , Li Xiaonian , Deng Shengwei , Mei Donghai , Wang Jian‐Guo
Published: October 2017

Highly active and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting are important for clean and renewable energy technologies. The development of energy‐saving electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by replacing the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with a thermodynamically favorable electrochemical oxidation (ECO) reaction has attracted increasing attention. In this study, a self‐supported, hierarchical, porous, nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC)@CuCo2Nx/carbon fiber (CF) is fabricated and used as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for both HER and OER in alkaline solutions with excellent activity and stability. Moreover, a two‐electrode electrolyzer is assembled using the NC@CuCo2Nx/CF as an electrocatalyst at both cathode and anode electrodes for H2 production and selective ECO of benzyl alcohol with high conversion and selectivity. The excellent electrocatalytic activity is proposed to be mainly due to the hierarchical architecture beneficial for exposing more catalytic active sites, enhancing mass transport. Density functional theoretical calculations reveal that the adsorption energies of key species can be modulated due to the synergistic effect between CoN and CuN. This work provides a reference for the development of high‐performance bifunctional electrocatalysts for simultaneous production of H2 and high‐value‐added fine chemicals.
External‐Field‐Induced Gradient Wetting for Controllable Liquid Transport: From Movement on the Surface to Penetration into the Surface
Authors: Li Yan , He Linlin , Zhang Xiaofang , Zhang Na , Tian Dongliang
Published: October 2017

External‐field‐responsive liquid transport has received extensive research interest owing to its important applications in microfluidic devices, biological medical, liquid printing, separation, and so forth. To realize different levels of liquid transport on surfaces, the balance of the dynamic competing processes of gradient wetting and dewetting should be controlled to achieve good directionality, confined range, and selectivity of liquid wetting. Here, the recent progress in external‐field‐induced gradient wetting is summarized for controllable liquid transport from movement on the surface to penetration into the surface, particularly for liquid motion on, patterned wetting into, and permeation through films on superwetting surfaces with external field cooperation (e.g., light, electric fields, magnetic fields, temperature, pH, gas, solvent, and their combinations). The selected topics of external‐field‐induced liquid transport on the different levels of surfaces include directional liquid motion on the surface based on the wettability gradient under an external field, partial entry of a liquid into the surface to achieve patterned surface wettability for printing, and liquid‐selective permeation of the film for separation. The future prospects of external‐field‐responsive liquid transport are also discussed.
Morphology‐Induced TiO2 Bandgap Change for Super Rapid Treatment of Dye Wastewater under Visible Light
Authors: Qu Ruixiang , Liu Na , Chen Yuning , Zhang Weifeng , Zhu Guoxiang , Zhang Qingdong , Feng Lin
Published: October 2017

A novel morphology‐induced TiO2 nanowire‐based mesh with visible light catalytic ability and super wetting behavior is successfully fabricated by a simple hydrothermal reaction. Combined the special wettability and the excellent photoelectric property of TiO2 nanowires, such material can realize reusable oil removal and soluble dye molecules degradation under visible light within 30 s. It is believed that the special nanowire morphology reduces the bandgap of TiO2 from 3.18 to 2.07 eV, and the composite of Cu(OH)2 substrate provides the material with higher light absorption efficiency, changing the catalytic degradation condition of dye from original UV light to visible light. Such material expands the application of traditional semiconductor oxide, owns outstanding prospect to be used in industrial wastewater treatment and drinking water purification, and provides a brand new method for combining catalytic and environmental chemistry.
Defective ciliogenesis in INPP5E‐related Joubert syndrome
Authors: Hardee Isabel , Soldatos Ariane , Davids Mariska , Vilboux Thierry , Toro Camilo , David Karen L. , Ferreira Carlos R. , Nehrebecky Michele , Snow Joseph , Thurm Audrey , Heller Theo , Macnamara Ellen F. , Gunay‐Aygun Meral , Zein Wadih M. , Gahl William A. , Malicdan May Christine V.
Published: October 2017

Joubert syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by malformation of the mid and hindbrain leading to the pathognomonic molar tooth appearance of the brainstem and cerebellum on axial MRI. Core clinical manifestations include hypotonia, tachypnea/apnea, ataxia, ocular motor apraxia, and developmental delay of varying degrees. In addition, a subset of patients has retinal dystrophy, chorioretinal colobomas, hepatorenal fibrocystic disease, and polydactyly. Joubert syndrome exhibits genetic heterogeneity, with mutations identified in more than 30 genes, including INPP5E, a gene encoding inositol polyphosphate 5‐phosphatase E, which is important in the development and stability of the primary cilium. Here, we report the detailed clinical phenotypes of two sisters with a novel homozygous variant in INPP5E (NM_019892.4: c.1565G>C, NP_063945.2: p.Gly552Ala), expanding the phenotype associated with Joubert syndrome type 1. Expression studies using patient‐derived fibroblasts showed changes in mRNA and protein levels. Analysis of fibroblasts from patients revealed that a significant number of cells had shorter or no cilia, indicating defects in ciliogenesis, and cilia maintenance.
Investigating the minimal clinically important difference for SNOT‐22 symptom domains in surgically managed chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Chowdhury Naweed I. , Mace Jess C. , Bodner Todd E. , Alt Jeremiah A. , Deconde Adam S. , Levy Joshua M. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Prior work has described 5 domains within the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT‐22) that allow for stratification of symptoms into similar clusters and that can be used to direct therapy. Although the outcomes of various interventions on these symptom domains have been reported, minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values have not been investigated, which has limited clinical interpretation of these results.

Methods

This study was designed as a secondary analysis of a prospective, multi‐institutional, observational cohort. A total of 276 patients with medically refractory CRS who underwent surgical management were enrolled. Distribution‐based methods (half‐standard deviation, standard error of measurement, Cohen's d, and the minimum detectable change) were used to compute MCID values for both SNOT‐22 total and domain scores. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 6D (SF‐6D) health utility score was used to operationalize anchor‐based associations using receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The mean MCID of several distribution‐based methods for total SNOT‐22 scores was 9.0, in agreement with previously published metrics. Average MCID values for the rhinologic, extranasal rhinologic, ear/facial, psychological, and sleep domain scores were 3.8, 2.4, 3.2, 3.9, and 2.9, respectively. Anchor‐based approaches with the SF‐6D did not have strong predictive accuracy across total SNOT‐22 scores or domains (ROC areas under‐the‐curve ≤ 0.71), indicating weak associations between improvement in SNOT‐22 scores and health utility as measured by the SF‐6D.

Conclusion

This estimation of MCID values for the SNOT‐22 symptom domains allows for improved clinical interpretation of results from past, present, and future rhinologic outcomes research.
Herstellung von funktionalisierten Diaryl‐ und Diheteroaryl‐Lanthanreagenzien mittels eines schnellen Halogen‐Lanthan‐Austausches
Authors: Benischke Andreas D. , Anthore‐Dalion Lucile , Berionni Guillaume , Knochel Paul
Published: October 2017

Ausgehend von Aryl‐ und Heteroarylhalogeniden (X=Br, I) erlaubt nBu2LaMe einen schnellen und praktischen Halogen‐Lanthan‐Austausch, welcher zu funktionalisierten Diaryl‐ und Diheteroaryl‐Lanthanderivaten führt. Deren anschließende Abfangreaktionen mit ausgewählten Elektrophilen, wie Ketonen, Aldehyden oder Amiden, gelangen reibungslos bei −50 °C in THF, und polyfunktionalisierte Alkohole und Carbonylderivate wurden erhalten. Kinetische Vergleichsexperimente zeigen einen ähnlichen Reaktivitätsverlauf wie bei einem Br‐Mg‐Austausch, jedoch machen um 106 höhere Austauschgeschwindigkeiten ihn eher vergleichbar mit einem Br‐Li‐Austausch.
Reactions and microstructure evolution in Al2O3‐Al system in vacuum
Authors: Feng Yue Bin , Zhang Xiao , Yang Bin , Yang Bao Min , Chen Zhen
Published: October 2017

The reactions and microstructure evolution in Al2O3‐Al system were researched through the experiments at a temperature range of 1,573–1,773 K in vacuum, along with thermodynamic analysis. The X‐ray diffraction and the scanning electron microscope were used to characterize the residues and the condensates. The results demonstrated that Al2O3 and Al reacted to form gaseous Al2O, and then the gaseous Al2O disproportionated into Al2O3 and Al with the decrease in temperature, which constituted the condensates together with the condensed Al from Al vapor. The residual Al2O3 and Al were transformed into the composite powders consisting of the interconnected Al2O3 flakes coated with Al, and the Al2O3 in the condensates were not coated by Al even at the condensation temperature up to about 1,523 K. It was deduced that the reaction between Al2O3 and molten Al should be the key factor leading to their bonding in vacuum.
Recyclable and Intrinsically Anti‐cyanobacterial Polyanionic Membranes
Authors: Sun Zhe , Liu Xin , Guo Jiangna , Xu Dan , Shen Songdong , Yan Feng
Published: October 2017

Cyanobacteria blooms possess serious threats to water resources. Herein, we report the synthesis of polyanionic membranes (PA‐M) by in situ photo‐crosslinking of a sulfate‐based anionic monomer followed by cation‐exchange with metal cations, Fe3+ (PA‐Fe), Cu2+ (PA‐Cu), or Zn2+ (PA‐Zn). The effect of cations on the anti‐cyanobacterial activities against both Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) and Anabaena flos‐aquae (A. flos‐aquae) was investigated. All the prepared metal‐containing membranes (PA‐Fe, PA‐Cu, PA‐Zn) exhibit high anti‐cyanobacterial activities and long‐term anti‐cyanobacterial stability, demonstrating that the synthesized PA‐M membranes can be used as an effective and safe inhibitor to control cyanobacterial blooms.
Inferring social structure from continuous‐time interaction data
Authors: Lee Wesley , Fosdick Bailey , McCormick Tyler
Published: October 2017

Relational event data, which consist of events involving pairs of actors over time, are now commonly available at the finest of temporal resolutions. Existing continuous‐time methods for modeling such data are based on point processes and directly model interaction “contagion,” whereby one interaction increases the propensity of future interactions among actors, often as dictated by some latent variable structure. In this article, we present an alternative approach to using temporal‐relational point process models for continuous‐time event data. We characterize interactions between a pair of actors as either spurious or as resulting from an underlying, persistent connection in a latent social network. We argue that consistent deviations from expected behavior, rather than solely high frequency counts, are crucial for identifying well‐established underlying social relationships. This study aims to explore these latent network structures in two contexts: one comprising of college students and another involving barn swallows.
Shank3‐deficient rats exhibit degraded cortical responses to sound
Authors: Engineer Crystal T. , Rahebi Kimiya C. , Borland Michael S. , Buell Elizabeth P. , Im Kwok W. , Wilson Linda G. , Sharma Pryanka , Vanneste Sven , Harony‐Nicolas Hala , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Kilgard Michael P.
Published: October 2017

Individuals with SHANK3 mutations have severely impaired receptive and expressive language abilities. While brain responses are known to be abnormal in these individuals, the auditory cortex response to sound has remained largely understudied. In this study, we document the auditory cortex response to speech and non‐speech sounds in the novel Shank3‐deficient rat model. We predicted that the auditory cortex response to sounds would be impaired in Shank3‐deficient rats. We found that auditory cortex responses were weaker in Shank3 heterozygous rats compared to wild‐type rats. Additionally, Shank3 heterozygous responses had less spontaneous auditory cortex firing and were unable to respond well to rapid trains of noise bursts. The rat model of the auditory impairments in SHANK3 mutation could be used to test potential rehabilitation or drug therapies to improve the communication impairments observed in individuals with Phelan‐McDermid syndrome. Autism Res 2018, 11: 59–68. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Individuals with SHANK3 mutations have severely impaired language abilities, yet the auditory cortex response to sound has remained largely understudied. In this study, we found that auditory cortex responses were weaker and were unable to respond well to rapid sounds in Shank3‐deficient rats compared to control rats. The rat model of the auditory impairments in SHANK3 mutation could be used to test potential rehabilitation or drug therapies to improve the communication impairments observed in individuals with Phelan‐McDermid syndrome.
Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway mediated aberrant hippocampal neurogenesis in kainic acid‐induced epilepsy
Authors: Qu Zhengyi , Su Fang , Qi Xueting , Sun Jianbo , Wang Hongcai , Qiao Zhenkui , Zhao Hong , Zhu Yulan
Published: October 2017

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a chronic disorder of nerve system, mainly characterized by hippocampal sclerosis with massive neuronal loss and severe gliosis. Aberrant neurogenesis has been shown in the epileptogenesis process of temporal lobe epilepsy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant neurogenesis remain unclear. The roles of Wnt signalling cascade have been well established in neurogenesis during multiple aspects. Here, we used kainic acid‐induced rat epilepsy model to investigate whether Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway is involved in the aberrant neurogenesis in temporal lobe epilepsy. Immunostaining and western blotting results showed that the expression levels of β‐catenin, Wnt3a, and cyclin D1, the key regulators in Wnt signalling pathway, were up‐regulated during acute epilepsy induced by the injection of kainic acids, indicating that Wnt signalling pathway was activated in kainic acid‐induced temporal lobe epilepsy. Moreover, BrdU labelling results showed that blockade of the Wnt signalling by knocking down β‐catenin attenuated aberrant neurogenesis induced by kainic acids injection. Altogether, Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway mediated hippocampal neurogenesis during epilepsy, which might provide new strategies for clinical treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy. Temporal lobe epilepsy is a chronic disorder of nerve system, mainly characterized by hippocampal sclerosis. Aberrant neurogenesis has been shown to involve in the epileptogenesis process of temporal lobe epilepsy. In the present study, we discovered that Wnt3a/β‐catenin signalling pathway serves as a link between aberrant neurogenesis and underlying remodelling in the hippocampus, leading to temporal lobe epilepsy, which might provide new strategies for clinical treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Effectiveness of current policing‐related mental health interventions: A systematic review
Authors: Kane Eddie , Evans Emily , Shokraneh Farhad
Published: October 2017

Background

There are three commonly used mental health interventions associated with policing: liaison and diversion, street triage and having specialist staff embedded in police contact control rooms. Crisis intervention teams (CITs), already used in the USA, are now attracting wider interest, including in the UK. Investment in these interventions is growing, so it is important to have evidence of their effectiveness.

Aim

To conduct a systematic literature review to answer questions about effectiveness of police‐mental health service models for responding to people with mental disorder and suspected offending or public safety problems.

Methods

A population/participant, intervention/indicator, comparator/control, outcome (PICO) framework was developed and keywords used to locate research studies within 29 databases. The 3179 results returned were screened by two researchers against preset inclusion and exclusion criteria. This resulted in 23 studies being included from which were taken the study methodology and findings and on which a narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Twenty‐three studies could be included, overall showing a positive impact of the interventions considered, but no well‐designed randomised controlled trials to test this optimistic view rigorously.

Conclusions

Overall, rather than indicating that one approach is more effective than another, the review points to the need for a multi‐faceted approach within a structured and integrated model, such as the CIT model. This is generally not the current pattern of interventions, and policy makers, service commissioners and providers may wish to review future options. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insight into the Role of Pd State on Pd‐Based Catalysts in o‐Xylene Oxidation at Low Temperature
Authors: Wang Yafei , Zhang Changbin , He Hong
Published: October 2017

Pd‐based catalysts are long known to be efficient for catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but the effect of the Pd state on the activity remains controversial. In this study, we prepared a series of Pd supported on Co3O4, MnO2, CeO2, TiO2, Al2O3, SiO2 catalysts. The as‐prepared catalysts were pretreated by NaBH4 and H2 reduction, respectively, and then tested towards o‐xylene oxidation. The samples were next characterized to investigate how the Pd state and the support type affect the catalytic activity. The test and characterization results clearly show that the metallic Pd species is much more active than the Pd oxide species for o‐xylene oxidation at low temperatures, independent of the presence of reducible oxides as supports. Furthermore, NaBH4 pretreatment could avoid undesired support reduction; thus, it is a more appropriate method than H2 reduction for the preparation of supported metallic noble‐metal catalysts.
In Situ Synthesis of Li2S‐Loaded amphiphilic Porous Carbon and Modification of the Li2S Electrode for Long‐Life Li2S Batteries
Authors: Wang Can , Cai Wenlong , Li Gaoran , Liu Binhong , Li Zhoupeng
Published: October 2017

A strategy to construct amphiphilic inner surfaces with hydrophilic N, S−O and C−S−C sites in porous carbon is presented for applications in Li2S batteries. The amphiphilic porous carbon (APC) with high wettability, specific surface area, and polysulfide (PS) absorption ability is obtained through the pyrolysis of a glucose−thiourea resin with a nano‐CaCO3 template. Furthermore, a Li2S‐loaded APC is developed in which Li2SO4 is employed instead of CaCO3. Li2SO4 is not only a reactant for Li2S production, but also functions as a template to form mesopores. Sulfur blending in the Li2S electrode successfully improves the electrode activation. The initial capacity decay is suppressed significantly after the Li2S electrode is modified with a protective layer composed of polyethylene oxide and polybenzimidazole. The first discharge capacity reaches 1082 mAh g−1 Li2S (equivalent to 1554 mAh g−1 S). The resultant Li2S battery exhibits excellent cyclability. A discharge capacity as high as 565 mAh g−1 is retained after 300 cycles at a discharge rate of 0.5 C. A rate capacity of 376 mAh g−1 is achieved at 5 C.
Photoresponsive Electrodes Modified with DNA Duplexes Possessing a Porphyrin Dimer
Authors: Takada Tadao , Iwaki Toshihiro , Nakamura Mitsunobu , Yamana Kazushige
Published: October 2017

This work describes the formation of a porphyrin (Por) dimer using a DNA duplex as a scaffold and photocurrent generation from electrodes modified with a monolayer of Por–DNA conjugates. The solid‐phase click reaction between an azide‐porphyrin and oligonucleotide labeled with an ethynyl group on CPG support was utilized to conjugate the Por to the DNA. UV/Vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectral studies revealed that the Por dimer can be formed through DNA hybridization and that through‐space electronic interactions, characterized from the exciton‐coupled absorption and the bisignate CD, can occur between the two Por molecules. Photoelectrochemical experiments were performed for the electrodes functionalized with a monolayer composed of the Por–DNA conjugates. It was found that the Por dimer on the electrode, which was designed to resemble the special pair in natural photosynthesis, shows efficient photocurrent generation in the presence of electron‐acceptor reagents compared with the Por monomer. These findings strongly support the idea that the DNA structures could be useful to construct Por arrays, which is essential for the design of photo‐ and bio‐electronic devices.
Structure and Function of Human Tyrosinase and Tyrosinase‐Related Proteins
Authors: Lai Xuelei , Wichers Harry J. , Soler‐Lopez Montserrat , Dijkstra Bauke W.
Published: October 2017

Melanin is the main pigment responsible for the color of human skin, hair and eye. Its biosynthesis requires three melanogenic enzymes, tyrosinase (TYR), and the tyrosinase‐related proteins TYRP1 and TYRP2. The difficulty of isolating pure and homogeneous proteins from endogenous sources has hampered their study, and resulted in many contradictory findings regarding their physiological functions. In this review, we summarize recent advances on the structure and function of TYR and TYRPs by virtue of the crystal structure of human TYRP1, which is the first available structure of a mammalian melanogenic enzyme. This structure, combined with tyrosinase structures from other lower eukaryotes and mutagenesis studies of key active site residues, sheds light on the mechanism of TYR and TYRPs. Furthermore, a TYRP1‐based homology model of TYR provides a high‐quality platform to map and analyze albinism‐related mutations, as well as the design of specific antimelanogenic compounds. Finally, we provide perspectives for future structure/function studies of TYR and TYRPs.
A Facile and Green Method for the Synthesis of SFE Borosilicate Zeolite and Its Heteroatom‐Substituted Analogues with Promising Catalytic Performances
Authors: Luo Yi , Wang Zhendong , Sun Junliang , Wang Yingying , Jin Shaoqing , Zhang Bin , Sun Hongmin , Yang Weimin
Published: October 2017

Synthesis of SFE‐type borosilcate zeolite was successfully carried out using a commercially available low‐cost organic structure directing agent (OSDA) with ultra‐low OSDA and water contents within a short crystallization time. Heteroatom (Al, Ti, V, or Fe)‐substituted SFE‐type zeolite analogues were also directly synthesized for the first time. The obtained Al containing zeolites exhibited promising catalytic performances in the disproportionation of isopropylnaphthalene.
The Development of Functional Mesocrystals for Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Conversion
Authors: Zhang Peng , Tachikawa Takashi , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro
Published: October 2017

Higher‐ordered semiconductors have attracted extensive research interest as an adopted engineering for active solar energy harvesting, storage, and conversion. It is well‐known that the effective separation and anisotropic migration of photogenerated charges are the basic driven force required for superior efficiency. However, the morphology and stoichiometric variation of these semiconductors play essential roles in their physicochemical properties of bulk and surface, especially for efficient interparticle or interfacial charge transfer. To this point, the strategy of controlling the topotactic transformation toward superstructures with optimized functionality is preferable for a wide range of optoelectronic and catalytic engineering applications. In this Minireview, we provide an overview of the crystal orientation, synthetic engineering, functional applications, and spatial and temporal charge dynamics in TiO2 mesocrystals and others. The viewpoint of in‐depth understanding of the structure‐related kinetics would offer an opportunity for design of versatile mesocrystal semiconductors sought‐after for potential applications.
High Surface Area, Thermally Stable, Hydrophobic, Microporous, Rigid Gels Generated at Ambient from MeSi(OEt)3/(EtO)3SiCH2CH2Si(OEt)3 Mixtures by F−‐Catalyzed Hydrolysis
Authors: Furgal Joseph C. , Yamane Honami , Odykirk Timothy R. , Yi Eongyu , Chujo Yoshiki , Laine Richard M.
Published: October 2017

High surface area materials are of considerable interest for gas storage/capture, molecular sieving, catalyst supports, as well as for slow‐release drug‐delivery systems. We report here a very simple and fast route to very high surface area, mechanically robust, hydrophobic polymer gels prepared by fluoride‐catalyzed hydrolysis of mixtures of MeSi(OEt)3 and bis‐triethoxysilylethane (BTSE) at room temperature. These materials offer specific surface areas up to 1300 m2 g−1, peak pore sizes of 0.8 nm and thermal stabilities above 200 °C. The gelation times and surface areas can be controlled by adjusting the solvent volume (dichloromethane), percent fluoride (as nBu4NF or TBAF) and the BTSE contents. Polymers with other corners and linkers were also explored. These materials will further expand the materials databank for use in vacuum insulation panels and as thermally stable release and capture media.
Standardized Qualification of Stirred Bioreactors for Microbial Biopharmaceutical Production Processes
Authors: Schirmer Cedric , Blaschczok Katharina , Husemann Ute , Leupold Marco , Zahnow Christian , Rupprecht Jens , Glöckler Rainer , Greller Gerhard , Pörtner Ralf , Eibl Regine , Eibl Dieter
Published: October 2017

An in 2016 published DECHEMA guideline concerning process engineering characterization and a new Escherichia coli model process were utilized for the qualification of two geometrically similar stirred stainless steel bioreactors (30 L and 100 L working volume). The achieved results demonstrate that performing an additional biological model process is a valuable complement to the process engineering characterization. Optical densities of 27 (100 L) and 39 (30 L) were reached in the batch cultivation process.
Rh/Lewis Acid Catalyzed Regio‐, Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Addition of 2‐Acyl Imidazoles with Allenes
Authors: Bora Pranjal P. , Sun Gui‐Jun , Zheng Wei‐Feng , Kang Qiang
Published: October 2017

A highly regio‐, diastereo‐ and enantioselective addition of 2‐acyl imidazoles or 2‐acyl pyridines with allenes promoted by Rh/Lewis acid synergistically catalytic system is described. This atom economic approach leads to the formation of the branched allylic alkylated products including acyclic quaternary all‐carbon stereogenic centres in good yields with good to excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities. Kinetic studies reveal that the rate‐determining step in this process is the oxidative addition of Rh(I) with C—H bond.
The tumor genome in human immunodeficiency virus–related head and neck cancer: Exploitable targets?
Authors: Burtness Barbara
Published: October 2017

In a small cohort of human immunodeficiency virus–related head and neck cancers, the majority are demonstrated to bear mutations in head and neck cancer–relevant genes, with some similarities to genomic profiles for human immunodeficiency virus–unrelated head and neck cancers. Although gene panels are not definitive for mutational signatures, the pattern of mutations is consistent with mutational signatures associated with the activity of the virally responsive APOBEC gene editing proteins.

See also pages 84‐94.
Early effect of Medicare Shared Savings Program accountable care organization participation on prostate cancer care
Authors: Borza Tudor , Kaufman Samuel R. , Yan Phyllis , Herrel Lindsey A. , Luckenbaugh Amy N. , Miller David C. , Skolarus Ted A. , Jacobs Bruce L. , Hollingsworth John M. , Norton Edward C. , Shahinian Vahakn B. , Hollenbeck Brent K.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) can improve prostate cancer care by decreasing treatment variations (ie, avoidance of treatment in low‐value settings). Herein, the authors performed a study to understand the effect of Medicare Shared Savings Program ACOs on prostate cancer care.

METHODS

Using a 20% Medicare sample, the authors identified men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer from 2010 through 2013. Rates of treatment, potential overtreatment (ie, treatment in men with a ≥75% chance of 10‐year mortality from competing risks), and Medicare payments were measured using regression models. The impact of ACO participation was assessed using difference‐in‐differences analyses.

RESULTS

Before implementation of ACOs, the treatment rate was 71.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 70.2%‐73.3%) for ACO‐aligned beneficiaries and 72.3% (95% CI, 71.7%‐73.0% [P = .51]) for non‐ACO‐aligned beneficiaries. After implementation, this rate declined to 68.4% (95% CI, 66.1%‐70.7% [P = .017]) for ACO‐aligned beneficiaries and 69.3% (95% CI, 68.5%‐70.1% [P<.001]) for non‐ACO‐aligned beneficiaries. There was no differential effect noted for ACO participation. The rate of potential overtreatment decreased from 48.2% (95% CI, 43.1%‐53.3%) to 40.2% (95% CI, 32.4%‐48.0% [P = .087]) for ACO‐aligned beneficiaries and increased from 44.3% (95% CI, 42.1%‐46.5%) to 47.0% (95% CI, 44.5%‐49.5% [P = .11]) for non‐ACO‐aligned beneficiaries. These changes resulted in a significant relative decrease in overtreatment of 17% for ACO‐aligned beneficiaries (difference‐in‐differences, 10.8%; P = .031). Payments were not found to be differentially affected by ACO alignment.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of prostate cancer and annual payments decreased significantly between 2010 and 2013, but ACO participation did not appear to impact these trends. Among men least likely to benefit, Medicare Shared Savings Program ACO alignment was associated with a significant decline in prostate cancer treatment. Cancer 2018;124:563‐70. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
“Suspicious” salivary gland FNA: Risk of malignancy and interinstitutional variability
Authors: Maleki Zahra , Miller James Adam , Arab Seyedeh Elham , Fadda Guido , Bo Ping , Wise Olga , Rossi Esther Diana , Jhala Nirag , Ashish Chandra , Ali Syed Z. , Wang He
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is well accepted as a safe, reliable, minimally invasive, and cost‐effective method for the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. Salivary gland neoplasms are often difficult to diagnose because of morphologic heterogeneity and a variety of epithelial metaplastic changes. Hence, a number of salivary gland FNA specimens yield indeterminate results. For indeterminate FNA specimens, the suspicious‐for‐malignancy (SFM) category is used when a specific neoplasm falls short in quantity or quality for the criteria for malignancy. Therefore, the findings are not sufficient for a conclusive diagnosis of malignancy.

METHODS

This study was designed to evaluate the risk of malignancy (ROM) for the SFM group at 5 tertiary medical centers worldwide with the aforementioned criteria. Among 12,606 salivary gland FNA cases between 1997 and 2014, 276 (2.2%) were reported to be SFN. Specifically, 114 suspicious cases (41%) had histological follow‐up.

RESULTS

Histological follow‐up of the 114 suspicious cases showed 95 malignant tumors indicating a risk of malignancy (ROM) of 83.3%. The ROM varied between 74% and 88% for the 5 participating institutions, and a Fisher's exact test with significance set to p<.05 showed no significant difference in ROM among the institutions (p = .78).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 83.3% of SFM salivary gland FNA specimens turned out to be malignant; there was no significant interinstitutional variability in the ROMs. The SFM category for salivary gland FNA is very homogeneous, and the ROMs are quite similar worldwide. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:94‐100. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Another Look on Wulff Construction
Authors: Peev Nikolay Slavev
Published: October 2017

The Wulff construction is relation which links the size of the crystal and its anisotropy, given by the surface tensions of the different crystal faces. The crystal size is presented by the perpendicular from point O inside the crystal (the Wulff‐point) to the crystal face. This relation allows to be constructed the equilibrium shape of the crystal, which is the subject of many investigations. In this paper are presented relations allowing the broadening of the use of Wulff construction.
Imidazolium‐ and Triazine‐Based Porous Organic Polymers for Heterogeneous Catalytic Conversion of CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Zhong Hong , Su Yanqing , Chen Xingwei , Li Xiaoju , Wang Ruihu
Published: October 2017

CO2 adsorption and concomitant catalytic conversion into useful chemicals are promising approaches to alleviate the energy crisis and effects of global warming. This is highly desirable for developing new types of heterogeneous catalytic materials containing CO2‐philic groups and catalytic active sites for CO2 chemical transformation. Here, we present an imidazolium‐ and triazine‐based porous organic polymer with counter chloride anion (IT‐POP‐1). The porosity and CO2 affinity of IT‐POP‐1 may be modulated at the molecular level through a facile anion‐exchange strategy. Compared with the post‐modified polymers with iodide and hexafluorophosphate anions, IT‐POP‐1 possesses the highest surface area and the best CO2 uptake capacity with excellent adsorption selectivity over N2. The roles of the task‐specific components such as triazine, imidazolium, hydroxyl, and counter anions in CO2 absorption and catalytic performance were illustrated. IT‐POP‐1 exhibits the highest catalytic activity and excellent recyclability in solvent‐ and additive‐free cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with epoxides.
Harmonic balance method to analyze bifurcations in memristor oscillatory circuits
Authors: Di Marco Mauro , Forti Mauro , Innocenti Giacomo , Tesi Alberto
Published: October 2017

The paper studies nonlinear dynamics and bifurcations of a class of memristor oscillatory circuits obtained by replacing the nonlinear resistor of a Chua's oscillator with a flux‐controlled memristor. A recently developed technique, named flux‐charge analysis method, has shown that the state space of such circuits can be decomposed in invariant manifolds, where each manifold is characterized by a different dynamics and different attractors. Goal of the paper is to investigate the use of the harmonic balance method in combination with flux‐charge analysis method in order to study the different kinds of bifurcations generated by changing the circuit parameters on a fixed manifold, changing manifold for a fixed parameter set (bifurcations without parameters), or changing simultaneously circuit parameters and manifolds. The main result is that the harmonic balance method is quite simple to apply in this rich bifurcation context and is effective to detect Hopf and to accurately predict period‐doubling bifurcations of all these different kinds. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limited polymorphism of the functional MHC class II B gene in the black‐spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) identified by locus‐specific genotyping
Authors: Liu Hong‐Yi , Xue Fei , Gong Jie , Wan Qiu‐Hong , Fang Sheng‐Guo
Published: October 2017

Amphibians can be more vulnerable to environmental changes and diseases than other species because of their complex life cycle and physiological requirements. Therefore, understanding the adaptation of amphibians to environmental changes is crucial for their conservation. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) presents an excellent tool for the investigation of adaptive variations and the assessment of adaptive potential because it can be under strong diversifying selection. Here, we isolated the MHC class II B (MHCIIB) gene from cDNA sequences of the black‐spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus), a widespread amphibian species in China, and designed locus‐specific primers to characterize adaptive variability of this amphibian. Ten alleles were identified from 67 individual frogs of three populations and no more than two alleles were present in each individual animal. Furthermore, none of the sequences had indels or/and stop codons, which is in good agreement with locus‐specific amplification of a functional gene. However, we found low polymorphism at both nucleotide and amino acid levels, even in the antigen‐binding region. Purifying selection acting at this locus was supported by the findings that the dN/dS ratio across all alleles was below 1 and that negatively selected sites were detected by different methods. Allele frequency distributions were significantly different among geographic populations, indicating that physiographic factors may have strong effect on the genetic structure of the black‐spotted frog. This study revealed limited polymorphism of three adjacent black‐spotted frog populations at the functional MHCIIB locus, which may be attributed to region‐specific differences. The locus‐specific genotyping technique developed in this study would provide a foundation for future studies on adaptive divergence among different frog populations.
A Study of an FDTD‐Based Frequency‐Dependent Line Model for Electromagnetic Transient Simulations
Authors: NODA TAKU
Published: October 2017

Electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations of power systems require accurate representation of models in a wide range of frequencies. This of course applies to the representation of transmission lines, and the phase‐domain frequency‐dependent line model is often used to this end. The phase‐domain line model does not require modal transformation in EMT simulations but requires modal decomposition at its model identification stage, and there are cases where it fails to fix switchovers of propagation modes with respect to frequency. Thus, a frequency‐dependent line model which essentially avoids modal decomposition is desired. This paper studies the possibility of a frequency‐dependent line model based on the FDTD (Finite Difference Time Domain) method as a candidate which satisfies the above‐mentioned requirements. First, improvements regarding computational efficiency and numerical stability are made to Kordi's FDTD‐based frequency‐dependent line model. Then, the following points are clarified using the developed model: (i) Waveform deformations due to propagation modes with different velocities can be reproduced completely without modal decomposition; (ii) As the time step size becomes larger, waveforms obtained by the developed model become less accurate due to the embedded filter for numerical stability. These points assure, if the error due to the embedded filter is reduced, that the developed model can become a useful frequency‐dependent line model without model identification problems.
An Approach to Assess Learning Conditions, Effects and Outcomes in Environmental Governance
Authors: Armitage Derek , Dzyundzyak Angela , Baird Julia , Bodin Örjan , Plummer Ryan , Schultz Lisen
Published: October 2017

We empirically examine relationships among the conditions that enable learning, learning effects and sustainability outcomes based on experiences in four biosphere reserves in Canada and Sweden. In doing so, we provide a novel approach to measure learning and address an important methodological and empirical challenge in assessments of learning processes in decision‐making contexts. Findings from this study highlight the effectiveness of different measures of learning, and how to differentiate the factors that foster learning with the outcomes of learning. Our approach provides a useful reference point for future empirical studies of learning in different environment, resource and sustainability settings. © 2017 The Authors. Environmental Policy and Governance published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Square Wave Voltammetry Measurements of Low Concentrations of Nitrate Using Au/AgNPs Electrode in Chloride Solutions
Authors: Chen Legrand D. , Barus C. , Garçon V.
Published: October 2017

The aim of this work is to highlight the potential of using a modified gold electrode with controlled quantity of silver nanoparticles as a working electrode to detect low concentrations of nitrate in chloride solutions. Optimal charge for silver deposition has been determined to obtain the highest signal for the nitrate reduction as the electrocatalytic properties of the bimetallic electrode were directly influenced by its composition. According to the Volcano plot obtained the charge chosen was −52 μC for a 3 mm diameter electrode, corresponding to 4.6×1015 Ag atoms cm−2. It has been shown that dioxygen did not participate to the nitrate reduction mechanism. In order to decrease the limit of quantification, square wave voltammetry was preferred to less sensitive cyclic voltammetry. Nitrate was quantified in chloride solutions in the concentration range found in the open ocean, i. e. 0.39–50 μmol L−1 with a good linear regression (R2=0.9969). The stability of the bimetallic Au−Ag systems has been evaluated and showed almost no difference on the signal recorded over a 26 days period which is suitable to consider an in situ sensor development for marine applications.
Applicability of Thermophotovoltaic Technologies in the Iron and Steel Sectors
Authors: Utlu Zafer , Paralı Ufuk , Gültekin Çağrı
Published: October 2017

The theoretical potential for converting excess heat from the iron and steel sectors in Turkey into electricity by the use of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems is investigated and analyzed. The TPV usage in this industry is numerically investigated because this sector is in the leading position in terms of energy consumption in industrial sectors. Using the iron and steel industry waste heat energy data, it is shown that the energy conversion efficiencies of the TPV systems with the photovoltaic (PV) cell modules of In0.2Ga0.8As0.18Sb0.82 and GaSb are 7.31 % and 2.04 %, respectively. When using TPV systems in the Turkish iron and steel sectors for waste heat energy potential, it is calculated that 29.88 MJ per year can be generated with GaSb cells, and 1.076 PJ per year can be generated with In0.2Ga0.8As0.18Sb0.82 cells. Based on the results obtained from the numerical model in this study, some specific advice for the applicability and the development of the high efficiency TPV conversion systems is proposed.
Provenance and tectonic setting of Early Eocene Sohnari Member of Laki Formation from southern Indus Basin of Pakistan
Authors: Hakro Asghar A.A.D. , Xiao Wenjiao , Yan Zhen , Mastoi Abdul S.
Published: October 2017

The current study is carried out the bulk mineralogical and geochemical investigation of the Early Eocene Sohnari coal‐bearing sedimentary rocks from the southern Indus Basin in Pakistan. The sediments of the Sohnari Member of Laki Formation are composed of shale and sandstone. Their provenance and tectonic setting can well constrain the evolution of the Indus Basin and help solve the controversy regarding the timing of the India–Eurasia collision. X‐ray diffraction results confirm the existence of abundant quartz, zircon, and hematite. The assemblages of hematite, calcite, halite, and gypsum indicate the depositional history of Early Eocene time of southern Indus Basin had with dry, low temperature, and high salinity conditions. The geochemical results demonstrate that the Sohnari sediments are dominated by mature sublitharenites derived predominantly from quartz sedimentary and felsic rocks with minor arc‐related mafic inputs. The chemical index of alteration and plagioclase index of alteration of the Sohnari Member indicate the sediments experienced low to high weathering conditions in the southern Indus Basin during Early Eocene time. The provenance characteristics suggest that the Early Eocene sediments were deposited in a passive margin, instead of a foreland basin. Therefore, we propose that India might still have not collided with Eurasia in the Ypresian of Early Eocene (56–47.8 Ma).
Crustal structure and rifting of the northern South China Sea margin: Evidence from shoreline‐crossing seismic investigations
Authors: Zhu Junjiang , Xu Huilong , Qiu Xuelin , Ye Chunming , Li Sanzhong
Published: October 2017

Seismic reflection and refraction data acquired from both onshore and offshore in the South China area and on the continental shelf of the northern South China Sea passive margin provide new constraints on the P‐wave velocity structure beneath the continental shelf and contribute to constructing a continental rift evolution model. Based on the crustal thicknesses and P‐wave velocities derived from the velocity structure of the seismic profile OBS2010‐2 across the continental shelf, two distinct domains are identified: (a) the thinned/extended continental crust and (b) the transitional crust. The thinned continental crust has a thickness of 25–27 km across the Hainan Rise, decreasing to 21–23 km further south in the rift and faulted depression zone. The transitional crust is characterized by a thickness of 20–21 km. High‐velocity values (>7.0 km/s) in the lower crust of the transitional domain may indicate possible magmatic underplating during rifting. Our results show that the Cathaysia Block extends from onshore South China to offshore into the South China Sea and is bounded by the transitional crust of the continental shelf. The initial rifting of the continental margin occurred in the rift and faulted depression zone and might be explained by the upwelling of the lithosphere based on a depth‐dependent extension mechanism during the late Cretaceous or Paleocene rifting.