bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanostructural Uniformity of Ordered Mesoporous Materials: Governing Lithium Storage Behaviors
Authors: Park Gwi Ok , Yoon Jeongbae , Park Su Bin , Li Zhenghua , Choi Yun Seok , Yoon Won‐Sub , Kim Hansu , Kim Ji Man
Published: December 2017

Nanostructured materials make a considerable impact on the performance of lithium‐storage characteristics in terms of the energy density, power density, and cycle life. Direct experimental observation, by a comparison of controlled nanostructural uniformity of electrode materials, reveals that the lithium‐storage behaviors of mesoporous MoO2 and CuO electrodes are linearly correlated with their nanostructural uniformity. Reversible capacities of mesoporous MoO2 and CuO electrodes with well‐developed nanostructures (1569 mA h g−1 for MoO2 and 1029 mA h g−1 for CuO) exceed their theoretical capacity based on the conversion reaction (838 mA h g−1 for MoO2 and 674 mA h g−1 for CuO). Given that exact understanding of the origin of the additional capacity is essential in maximizing the energy density of electrode material, this work may help to gain some insights into the development of high energy‐density lithium‐storage materials for next‐generation lithium rechargeable batteries.
Rodlike Supramolecular Nanoassemblies of Degradable Poly(Aspartic Acid) Derivatives and Hydroxyl‐Rich Polycations for Effective Delivery of Versatile Tumor‐Suppressive ncRNAs
Authors: Song Hai‐Qing , Pan Wenting , Li Rui‐Quan , Yu Bingran , Liu Wenjuan , Yang Ming , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: December 2017

The delivery of tumor‐suppressive noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) including short ncRNAs (i.e., miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) is put forward to treat tumors. In this work, novel rodlike supramolecular nanoassemblies (CNC @CB[8] @ PGEA) of degradable poly(aspartic acid) (PAsp) derivatives‐grafted cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and hydroxyl‐rich polycations (ethanolamine‐functionalized poly(glycidyl methacrylate), PGEA) are proposed via typical cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8])‐based host–guest interactions for delivery of different ncRNAs to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Spindly CNCs, one kind of natural polysaccharide nanoparticles, possess good biocompatibility and unique physico‐chemical properties. PGEA with abundant hydroxyl groups is one promising gene carrier with low cytotoxicity. PAsp can benefit the disassembly and degradability of nanoassemblies within cells. CNC @ CB[8]@PGEA combines the different unique properties of CNC, PGEA, and PAsp. CNC @ CB[8] @ PGEA effectively complexes the expression constructs of miR‐101 (plasmid pc3.0‐miR‐101) and lncRNA MEG3 (plasmid pc3.0‐MEG3). CNC @ CB[8] @ PGEA produces much better transfection performances than PGEA‐containing assembly units. In addition, the codelivery system of CNC @ CB[8] @ PGEA/(pc3.0‐MEG3+pc3.0‐miR‐101) nanocomplexes demonstrates better efficacy in suppressing HCC than CNC @ CB[8] @ PGEA/pc3.0‐MEG3 or CNC @ CB[8] @ PGEA/pc3.0‐miR‐101 nanocomplexes alone. Such rodlike supramolecular nanoassemblies will provide a promising means to produce efficient delivery vectors of versatile tumor‐suppressive nucleic acids.
Ultrathin Porous NiFeV Ternary Layer Hydroxide Nanosheets as a Highly Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Dinh Khang Ngoc , Zheng Penglun , Dai Zhengfei , Zhang Yu , Dangol Raksha , Zheng Yun , Li Bing , Zong Yun , Yan Qingyu
Published: December 2017

Herein, the hydrothermal synthesis of porous ultrathin ternary NiFeV layer double hydroxides (LDHs) nanosheets grown on Nickel foam (NF) substrate as a highly efficient electrode toward overall water splitting in alkaline media is reported. The lateral size of the nanosheets is about a few hundreds of nanometers with the thickness of ≈10 nm. Among all molar ratios investigated, the Ni0.75Fe0.125V0.125‐LDHs/NF electrode depicts the optimized performance. It displays an excellent catalytic activity with a modest overpotential of 231 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and 125 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 1.0 m KOH electrolyte. Its exceptional activity is further shown in its small Tafel slope of 39.4 and 62.0 mV dec−1 for OER and HER, respectively. More importantly, remarkable durability and stability are also observed. When used for overall water splitting, the Ni0.75Fe0.125V0.125‐LDHs/NF electrodes require a voltage of only 1.591 V to reach 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline solution. These outstanding performances are mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of the ternary metal system that boosts the intrinsic catalytic activity and active surface area. This work explores a promising way to achieve the optimal inexpensive Ni‐based hydroxide electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.
Experiments in systems engineering and design research
Authors: Panchal Jitesh H. , Szajnfarber Zoe
Published: December 2017

Controlled experiments ranging from laboratory experiments to field experiments are becoming increasingly important within systems engineering and design (SE&D) research. Controlled experiments provide unique capabilities for testing hypotheses, and guiding the development of scientific theories, but their potential is not being fully exploited. As the systems engineering research community embraces different research methods commonly adopted in other domains, there is a need for understanding the role and appropriateness of those methods within the research process. While the design of experiments in SE&D research is not unique per se, we contend that aspects of representativeness in the SE&D context pose different experimental design challenges than do the problems typically studied by experimental social scientists. There is therefore a need to translate established practices to the SE&D context, and also belay widely held concerns about the value of experiments in SE&D research. To address this need, the goals of the paper are to discuss the potential role of controlled experiments in systems engineering and design research, to review the benefits and limitations of different types of experiments, and to highlight the key issues in validating experimental studies. The taxonomy and the discussion on validation build on the rich history in social and behavioral sciences, with specific adaptation to the SE&D context. The discussion is anchored in specific examples from the authors’ own research on open innovation in systems engineering.
The Use of a Pre‐operative Carbohydrate Drink in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective, Non‐inferiority, Cohort Study
Authors: Laffin Michael R. , Li Shuai , Brisebois Rondald , Senior Peter A. , Wang Haili
Published: December 2017

Background

Pre‐operative fasting leads to insulin resistance and increased metabolic stress in non‐diabetic patients. Consumption of a carbohydrate drink may alleviate these deleterious effects. Patients with diabetes mellitus represent over 15% of the surgical population, yet concerns over hyperglycemia and aspiration have excluded patients with diabetes mellitus from studies assessing the utility of pre‐operative carbohydrate drinks.

Objective

To assess for a clinically significant increase in pre‐operative blood glucose concentration (defined as >2 mmol/L) in patients with diabetes consuming a pre‐operative carbohydrate drink.

Methods

A prospective observational non‐inferiority cohort study of 106 subjects with diabetes mellitus was undertaken to assess the effect of consuming a pre‐operative carbohydrate drink in surgical patients. All patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing surgery (including but not limited to cardiac, neurologic, urologic, and general surgical procedures) were enrolled. Subjects were instructed to consume two carbohydrate‐rich drinks, one before sleeping the evening prior to surgery and another on the day of surgery.

Results

In total, 43% of subjects were fully compliant with the pre‐operative carbohydrate drink regimen. There were no significant differences between the fully compliant and non‐compliant subjects with respect to baseline characteristics. Consumption of a pre‐operative carbohydrate drink was determined to be non‐inferior to fasting in terms of pre‐operative blood glucose concentration (absolute difference 0.23 mmol/L, 95% CI: −1.00 to 1.45 mmol/L, pnon‐inferiority < 0.01). Neither group was found to be superior in terms of pre‐operative blood glucose concentration, hyperglycemia, or length of stay.

Conclusions

These findings function as a step toward ensuring pre‐operative carbohydrate drinks are safe in patients with diabetes undergoing surgery.
Locoregional Tumor Extension and Preoperative Smoking are Significant Risk Factors for Early Recurrence After Esophagectomy for Cancer
Authors: Mantziari Styliani , Allemann Pierre , Winiker Michael , Demartines Nicolas , Schäfer Markus
Published: December 2017

Background

Tumor recurrence during the first year after oncological esophagectomy has been reported in up to 17–66% of patients. However, little is known as to the risk factors potentially associated with this adverse outcome. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to identify clinically relevant parameters associated with early recurrence.

Methods

All patients with squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction, operated with curative intent in our center from 2000 to 2014, were screened for this study. Univariate analysis was conducted to identify variables potentially associated with early recurrence, and clinically relevant parameters with P < 0.1 were included in multiple logistic regression. Survival analyses were conducted with the Kaplan–Meier method. Significance threshold was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Among the 164 included patients, 46 (28%) presented early recurrence. Eight patients (17.4%) had locoregional and 38 patients (82.6%) metastatic recurrence. Advanced T and N stages, lymph node capsular effraction, a high positive‐to‐resected lymph node ratio, positive resection margins, poor response to neoadjuvant treatment, preoperative active smoking, malnutrition and dysphagia were associated with early recurrence on a univariate level. In multivariable analysis, preoperative smoking (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.28–6.17), pT stage (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.18–2.58) and an increased positive‐to‐resected lymph node ratio (OR 6.72, 95% CI 1.08–48.51) remained independently associated with ER.

Conclusion

Our study identified both patient‐ and tumor‐related parameters as risk factors for early recurrence after oncological esophagectomy. Of particular interest, active smoking was significantly associated with this adverse outcome, highlighting the importance of preoperative smoking cessation.
Can Increased Educational Attainment Among Lower-Educated Mothers Reduce Inequalities in Children’s Skill Development?
Authors: Augustine Jennifer March , Negraia Daniela V.
Published: December 2017

A rich tradition of stratification research has established a robust link between mothers’ education and the skills in children that forecast children’s own mobility. Yet, this research has failed to consider that many U.S. women are now completing their education after having children. Such a trend raises questions about whether increases in mothers’ educational attainment can improve their children’s skill development and whether these gains are enough to reduce inequalities in skills compared with children whose mothers completed the same degree before they were born. To answer these questions, we draw on a nationally representative sample of mothers and children participating in the National Longitudinal Surveys (NLSY79 and CNLY), random- and fixed-effects techniques, and repeated measures of children’s cognitive and noncognitive skills. Contrary to existing research and theory, our results reveal that educational attainment obtained after children’s births is not associated with an improvement in children’s skills. Such findings offer substantial refinement to a long-standing model of intergenerational mobility by suggesting that the intergenerational returns to mother’s education are weaker when education is acquired after children are born. Results also highlight the limits of two-generation policy approaches to reducing inequality in future generations.
Hospitalization in people with dementia with Lewy bodies: Frequency, duration, and cost implications
Authors: Mueller Christoph , Perera Gayan , Rajkumar Anto P. , Bhattarai Manorama , Price Annabel , O'Brien John T. , Ballard Clive , Stewart Robert , Aarsland Dag
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Increased hospitalization is a major component of dementia impact on individuals and cost, but has rarely been studied in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Our aim was to describe the risk and duration of hospital admissions in patients with DLB, and compare these to those in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the general population.

Methods

A large database of mental health and dementia care in South London was used to assemble a cohort of patients diagnosed with DLB. These were 1:4 matched with patients diagnosed with AD on age, gender, and cognitive status.

Results

Rates of hospital admissions in the year after dementia diagnosis were significantly higher in 194 patients with DLB than in 776 patients with AD (crude incidence rate ratio 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.28–1.75) or the catchment population (indirectly standardized hospitalization rate 1.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.39). Patients with DLB had on average almost four additional hospital days per person‐year than patients with AD. Multivariate Poisson regression models indicated poorer physical health early in the disease course as the main driver of this increased rate of hospitalization, whereby neuropsychiatric symptoms additionally explained the higher number of hospital days.

Discussion

Patients with DLB are more frequently admitted to general hospitals and utilize inpatient care to a substantially higher degree than patients with AD or the general elderly population. These data highlight an opportunity to reduce hospital days by identifying DLB earlier and providing more targeted care focused on the specific triggers for hospitalization and associations of prolonged stay.
A novel cognitive‐functional composite measure to detect changes in early Alzheimer's disease: Test–retest reliability and feasibility
Authors: Jutten Roos J. , Harrison John , Lee Meeuw Kjoe Philippe R. , Opmeer Esther M. , Schoonenboom Niki S.M. , de Jong Frank Jan , Ritchie Craig W. , Scheltens Philip , Sikkes Sietske A.M.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

To improve the detection of changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we designed the cognitive‐functional composite (CFC). As a first validation step, we investigated its test–retest reliability and feasibility of use.

Methods

We performed a test–retest study with 2–3 weeks between assessments, including patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild AD dementia and cognitively healthy participants. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) type absolute agreement for all CFC measures and compared baseline and retest scores using paired‐samples t‐tests. We evaluated feasibility by interviewing participants.

Results

Forty‐three patients (40% female, mean age = 69.9) and 30 controls (50% female, mean age = 65) were included. Subtest intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from .70 to .96. We found negligible improvements after retesting on only two subtests. Overall, patients perceived the administration of the CFC as feasible.

Discussion

The CFC is a stable and feasible measure in MCI and mild AD dementia, and thereby meets important quality metrics for clinically meaningful outcome measures.
Safety of Flibanserin in Women Treated With Antidepressants: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Clayton Anita H. , Croft Harry A. , Yuan James , Brown Louise , Kissling Robert
Published: December 2017

Background

Depression is often associated with sexual dysfunction, and pharmacologic treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder can be considered in women receiving treatment for depression.

Aim

To evaluate the safety of flibanserin in women treated for depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

Methods

In this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, women with remitted or mild depression treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors who were not postmenopausal and were experiencing symptoms of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (ie, decreased sexual desire and related distress) received flibanserin 50 mg at bedtime (qhs) for 2 weeks and up-titrated to 100 mg qhs, flibanserin 100 mg qhs for the entire treatment period, or placebo for up to 12 weeks.

Outcomes

Safety assessment included adverse events and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Results

73 patients were randomly assigned to flibanserin (both dose groups combined) and 38 to placebo. The sponsor terminated the study early at discontinuation of the development of flibanserin. Treatment duration was at least 8 weeks for 84.9% and 94.7% of patients in the flibanserin and placebo groups, respectively. The most common adverse events (incidence ≥ 2% in the flibanserin group and higher than that in the placebo group) included dry mouth (5.5% for flibanserin vs 2.6% for placebo), insomnia (5.5% vs 2.6%), back pain (4.1% vs 2.6%), and dizziness (4.1% vs 0.0%). There were no serious adverse events and no instances of suicidal ideation or behavior. The proportions of patients with symptom worsening in the flibanserin and placebo groups, respectively, were 6.9% and 21.6% for depression and 1.4% and 2.7% for anxiety. Remission of depression at study end point, as measured by the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Self Report, was experienced by 19.4% of flibanserin-treated patients and 10.8% of patients receiving placebo; remission of anxiety based on the Beck Anxiety Inventory was noted in 16.4% and 2.7% of patients, respectively.

Clinical Implications

The results of this study support the safety of flibanserin in premenopausal women being treated with a serotonergic antidepressant. No increased risks were observed when adding flibanserin to a stable selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor treatment regimen.

Strengths and Limitations

This was a well-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The primary limitation was the early study discontinuation by the sponsor, which decreased the sample size and duration of treatment.

Conclusion

In this small trial, flibanserin 100 mg qhs was generally safe and well tolerated in premenopausal women with mild or remitted depression taking a serotonergic antidepressant.
Differences in Perceived and Physiologic Genital Arousal Between Women With and Without Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Handy Ariel B. , Stanton Amelia M. , Pulverman Carey S. , Meston Cindy M.
Published: December 2017

Background

Many sexual psychophysiologic studies have failed to find differences in physiologic genital arousal between women with and those without sexual dysfunction. However, differences in self-reported (ie, perceived) measures of genital responses between these 2 groups of women have been noted.

Aims

To determine whether women with and without sexual dysfunction differ on measures of physiologic and perceived genital arousal based on type of analytic technique used, to explore differences in perceived genital arousal, and to assess the relation between physiologic and perceived genital arousal.

Methods

Data from 5 studies (N = 214) were used in this analysis. Women were categorized into 3 groups: women with arousal-specific sexual dysfunction (n = 40), women with decreased sexual function (n = 72), and women who were sexually functional (n = 102). Women viewed an erotic film while their physiologic genital arousal was measured using a vaginal photoplethysmograph. After watching the film, women completed a self-report measure of perceived genital arousal.

Outcomes

There were differences in vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) levels and association of VPA with perceived genital sensations based on level of sexual function.

Results

Commonly used methods of analysis failed to identify significant differences in VPA among these groups of women. When VPA data were analyzed with hierarchical linear modeling, significant differences emerged. Notably, women with arousal-specific dysfunction exhibited lower VPA than sexually functional women at the beginning of the assessment. As the erotic film progressed, women with arousal-specific dysfunction became aroused at a faster rate than sexually functional women, and these 2 groups ultimately reached a similar level of VPA. Sexually functional women reported the highest levels of perceived genital responses among the 3 groups of women. No significant relation between VPA and perceived genital arousal emerged.

Clinical Translation

Women's perception of their genital responses could play a role in women's experience of sexual dysfunction and might be more clinically relevant for women with sexual dysfunction than genital blood flow.

Strengths and Limitations

This study's large sample is unique in sexual psychophysiology, and it strengthens the credibility of the findings. However, this study is limited in that arousal-specific dysfunction was determined with self-report measures, not by a clinician-administered assessment.

Conclusion

These findings suggest distinct response trajectories in women with and without sexual dysfunction, and although perceived genital responses are important for women who are experiencing problems with arousal, they do not seem to be related to objective measures of physiologic arousal.
Treatment of Paraphilic Disorders in Sexual Offenders or Men With a Risk of Sexual Offending With Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Agonists: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Turner Daniel , Briken Peer
Published: December 2017

Background

Different pharmacologic agents are used in the treatment of paraphilic disorders in sexual offenders or men with a risk of sexual offending, with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists being the agents introduced more recently to treatment regimens.

Aim

To summarize the relevant literature concerning LHRH agonist treatment of paraphilic disorders in sexual offenders and update the previously published systematic review by Briken et al (J Clin Psychiatry 2003;64:890–897).

Methods

The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for literature published from January 2003 through October 2017 using the following key words: LHRH agonists, GnRH agonists, antiandrogens AND paraphilia, pedophilia, sex offenders.

Outcomes

Evaluation of the effectiveness and side effects of LHRH agonist treatment of paraphilic disorders in sexual offenders.

Results

After screening for duplicates and applying specific selection criteria, the search yielded 24 eligible studies reporting on a sample of 256 patients. There is increasing evidence that LHRH agonists are more effective than steroidal antiandrogens in lowering paraphilic sexual thoughts and behaviors. Current research also is based on methods that might be less susceptible to faking (eg, eye-tracking, brain imaging, and viewing-time measures). Side effects occurring most frequently are fatigue, hot flashes, depressive mood, weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, gynecomastia, loss of erectile function, and loss of bone mineral density.

Clinical Implications

Although LHRH agonists seem to be the most effective drugs in the treatment of paraphilic fantasies and behaviors, they should be reserved for patients with a paraphilic disorder and the highest risk of sexual offending because of their extensive side effects.

Strengths and Limitations

This systematic review considers all types of research on LHRH agonist treatment in patients with paraphilic disorders, thereby providing a complete overview of the current state of research. However, most studies are case reports or observational studies and randomized controlled clinical trials have not been conducted or published.

Conclusions

LHRH agonists are a useful treatment when combined with psychotherapy in patients with a paraphilic disorder and the highest risk of sexual offending. However, throughout treatment, close monitoring of side effects is needed and ethical concerns must always be kept in mind.
Glucose Modulates Human Ventral Tegmental Activity in Response to Sexual Stimuli
Authors: Ulrich Martin , Stauß Philipp , Grön Georg
Published: December 2017

Background

Attribution of salience to sexual stimuli is mediated by the dopaminergic midbrain, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The existence of glucose-sensing neurons in the VTA, as suggested by animal studies, offers the opportunity to modulate aberrant salience coding involved in sexual disorders such as sexual addiction. Recent neuroimaging work supported that VTA activity in humans can be modulated by intravenously infusing a small bolus of glucose. However, that study used appetitive food stimuli, leaving the possibility that glucose modulation of VTA-mediated salience coding might be bound to this class of stimuli.

Aim

To test whether glucose-modulatory effects generalize to food-unrelated stimuli despite being in the class of primary reinforcers.

Methods

During functional imaging, 37 healthy men were exposed to images showing nude or clothed female upper bodies. At the end of the 1st quarter (∼6 minutes) of the experiment, 18 participants received a small amount of intravenously infused glucose.

Results

Before glucose administration, VTA activity was higher for nude than for clothed female stimuli. After infusion of glucose, this pattern reversed such that VTA activity was higher for clothed than for nude female stimuli. The effect was at its maximum approximately 7 to 12 minutes after glucose infusion, changing back during the experiment’s 4th phase. In another 19 participants not treated with glucose, VTA activity was consistently higher for nude than for clothed female stimuli throughout the experiment.

Conclusion

The present findings show that glucose modulates VTA-mediated salience coding of sexual stimuli. These results suggest that glucose might affect salience coding in a stimulus-general way. However, future studies are necessary to address the question of whether glucose modulation also affects the VTA’s salience coding of secondary reinforcers.
United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2321, 2371, & 2375
Authors: Rathbone Meredith , Jeydel Pete
Published: December 2017

As concerns grow that North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs are nearing the point of becoming an unacceptably dire threat to international peace and security, the United Nations, acting with unprecedented collective resolve, has imposed potentially suffocating international economic sanctions on North Korea. These sanctions are bolstered by even more stringent measures imposed unilaterally by the United States. The international community has not in recent memory come together in this way to seek to cut a country off from nearly all trade and investment. This will be a test of the effectiveness of economic sanctions in achieving a nonmilitary solution to what is arguably the most significant military threat impacting global interests since the end of the Cold War.
Effects of physical attractiveness on political beliefs
Authors: Peterson Rolfe Daus , Palmer Carl L.
Published: December 2017

Physical attractiveness is an important social factor in our daily interactions. Scholars in social psychology provide evidence that attractiveness stereotypes and the “halo effect” are prominent in affecting the traits we attribute to others. However, the interest in attractiveness has not directly filtered down to questions of political behavior beyond candidates and elites. Utilizing measures of attractiveness across multiple surveys, we examine the relationship between attractiveness and political beliefs. Controlling for socioeconomic status, we find that more attractive individuals are more likely to report higher levels of political efficacy, identify as conservative, and identify as Republican. These findings suggest an additional mechanism for political socialization that has further implications for understanding how the body intertwines with the social nature of politics.
Investment Efficiency and Product Market Competition
Authors: Stoughton Neal M. , Wong Kit Pong , Yi Long
Published: December 2017

Does more competition lead to more information production and greater investment efficiency? This question is largely unexplored in the finance literature. This article provides both a model and a series of extensive empirical tests. The model features a 2-stage Bayesian game in differentiated products market competition. We find that competition causes firms to acquire less information and investments to become more inefficient relative to a first-best case with the same market structure. Empirically, the panel regression analysis provides strong support for the theory and shows that investment is more efficient in concentrated industries.
Horses for Courses: Fund Managers and Organizational Structures
Authors: Han Yufeng , Noe Tom , Rebello Michael
Published: December 2017

We model and test the relations between the team management of mutual funds, managers’ ability, performance, and holdings. Our model predicts that team-managed funds perform better and behave more conservatively than single-manager funds. However, the effect of team management is masked in equilibrium because high-ability managers rationally self-select into single-manager funds. Consistent with the model’s prediction, we find that team-managed funds perform better and deviate less from their benchmark allocations than single-manager funds with the same characteristics. These differences are marked after we control for the endogenous self-selection of managers.
Risk Premia and the VIX Term Structure
Authors: Johnson Travis L.
Published: December 2017

The shape of the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) term structure conveys information about the price of variance risk rather than expected changes in the VIX, a rejection of the expectations hypothesis. The second principal component, SLOPE, summarizes nearly all this information, predicting the excess returns of synthetic Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 variance swaps, VIX futures, and S&P 500 straddles for all maturities and to the exclusion of the rest of the term structure. SLOPE’s predictability is incremental to other proxies for the conditional variance risk premia, economically significant, and inconsistent with standard asset pricing models.
The Unintended Consequences of the Launch of the Single Supervisory Mechanism in Europe
Authors: Fiordelisi Franco , Ricci Ornella , Stentella Lopes Francesco Saverio
Published: December 2017

The launch of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) was an historic event. Beginning in Nov. 2014, the most significant banks came under the direct supervision of the European Central Bank (ECB), while national supervisory authorities (NSAs) maintained direct supervision of the remaining banks. Thus, supervision is conducted on two levels, which could cause inconsistency problems. Did the behavior of the significant banks differ from that of the less significant banks during the SSM launch? We find that the significant banks reduced their lending activity more than the less significant banks did in order to shrink their balance sheets and increase their capitalization.
Initial assessment in the management of adult epistaxis: systematic review
Authors: Khan M , Conroy K , Ubayasiri K , Constable J , Smith M E , Williams R J , Kuhn I , Smith M , Philpott C
Published: December 2017

Background:

The initial assessment of epistaxis patients commonly includes: first aid measures, observations, focused history taking, and clinical examinations and investigations. This systematic review aimed to identify evidence that informs how the initial assessment of these patients should be conducted.

Method:

A systematic review of the literature was performed using a standardised methodology and search strategy.

Results:

Seventeen articles were included. Factors identified were: co-morbidity, intrinsic patient factors, coagulation screening and ice pack use. Hypertension and anticoagulant use were demonstrated to adversely affect outcomes. Coagulation screening is useful in patients on anticoagulant medication. Four studies could not be accessed. Retrospective methodology and insufficient statistical analysis limit several studies.

Conclusion:

Sustained ambulatory hypertension, anticoagulant therapy and posterior bleeding may be associated with recurrent epistaxis, and should be recorded. Oral ice pack use may decrease severity and can be considered as first aid. Coagulation studies are appropriate for patients with a history of anticoagulant use or bleeding diatheses.
Humans to Blame for Higher Drought Risk in Some Regions
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: December 2017

New observations and analysis dispel remaining doubts that anthropogenic climate change is expanding dry areas in northern midlatitudes.
Brian Kennett Receives 2017 Inge Lehmann Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: December 2017

Brian Kennett was awarded the 2017 Inge Lehmann Medal at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 13 December 2017 in New Orleans, La. The medal is for “outstanding contributions to the understanding of the structure, composition, and dynamics of the Earth’s mantle and core.”
Amphiphilic nanocarrier-induced modulation of PLK1 and miR-34a leads to improved therapeutic response in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Gibori Hadas , Eliyahu Shay , Krivitsky Adva , Ben-Shushan Dikla , Epshtein Yana , Tiram Galia , Blau Rachel , Ofek Paula , Lee Joo Sang , Ruppin Eytan , Landsman Limor , Barshack Iris , Golan Talia , Merquiol Emmanuelle , Blum Galia , Satchi-Fainaro Ronit
Published: December 2017

The heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) suggests that successful treatment might rely on simultaneous targeting of multiple genes, which can be achieved by RNA interference-based therapeutic strategies. Here we show a potent combination of microRNA and siRNA delivered by an efficient nanocarrier to PDAC tumors. Using proteomic-microRNA profiles and survival data of PDAC patients from TCGA, we found a novel signature for prolonged survival. Accordingly, we used a microRNA-mimic to increase miR-34a together with siRNA to silence PLK1 oncogene. For in vivo dual-targeting of this combination, we developed a biodegradable amphiphilic polyglutamate amine polymeric nanocarrier (APA). APA-miRNA–siRNA polyplexes systemically administered to orthotopically inoculated PDAC-bearing mice showed no toxicity and accumulated at the tumor, resulting in an enhanced antitumor effect due to inhibition of MYC oncogene, a common target of both miR-34a and PLK1. Taken together, our findings warrant this unique combined polyplex’s potential as a novel nanotherapeutic for PDAC.
Momentum-resolved observations of the phonon instability driving geometric improper ferroelectricity in yttrium manganite
Authors: Bansal Dipanshu , Niedziela Jennifer L. , Sinclair Ryan , Garlea V. Ovidiu , Abernathy Douglas L. , Chi Songxue , Ren Yang , Zhou Haidong , Delaire Olivier
Published: December 2017

Magnetoelectrics offer tantalizing opportunities for devices coupling ferroelectricity and magnetism but remain difficult to realize. Breakthrough strategies could circumvent the mutually exclusive origins of magnetism and ferroelectricity by exploiting the interaction of multiple phonon modes in geometric improper and hybrid improper ferroelectrics. Yet, the proposed instability of a zone-boundary phonon mode, driving the emergence of ferroelectricity via coupling to a polar mode, remains to be directly observed. Here, we provide previously missing evidence for this scenario in the archetypal improper ferroelectric, yttrium manganite, through comprehensive scattering measurements of the atomic structure and phonons, supported with first-principles simulations. Our experiments and theoretical modeling resolve the origin of the unusual temperature dependence of the polarization and rule out a reported double-step ferroelectric transition. These results emphasize the critical role of phonon anharmonicity in rationalizing lattice instabilities in improper ferroelectrics and show that including these effects in simulations could facilitate the design of magnetoelectrics.
ERK-mediated phosphorylation regulates SOX10 sumoylation and targets expression in mutant BRAF melanoma
Authors: Han Shujun , Ren Yibo , He Wangxiao , Liu Huadong , Zhi Zhe , Zhu Xinliang , Yang Tielin , Rong Yu , Ma Bohan , Purwin Timothy J. , Ouyang Zhenlin , Li Caixia , Wang Xun , Wang Xueqiang , Yang Huizi , Zheng Yan , Aplin Andrew E. , Liu Jiankang , Shao Yongping
Published: December 2017

In human mutant BRAF melanoma cells, the stemness transcription factor FOXD3 is rapidly induced by inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling and mediates adaptive resistance to RAF inhibitors. However, the mechanism underlying ERK signaling control of FOXD3 expression remains unknown. Here we show that SOX10 is both necessary and sufficient for RAF inhibitor-induced expression of FOXD3 in mutant BRAF melanoma cells. SOX10 activates the transcription of FOXD3 by binding to a regulatory element in FOXD3 promoter. Phosphorylation of SOX10 by ERK inhibits its transcription activity toward multiple target genes by interfering with the sumoylation of SOX10 at K55, which is essential for its transcription activity. Finally, depletion of SOX10 sensitizes mutant BRAF melanoma cells to RAF inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our work discovers a novel phosphorylation-dependent regulatory mechanism of SOX10 transcription activity and completes an ERK1/2/SOX10/FOXD3/ERBB3 axis that mediates adaptive resistance to RAF inhibitors in mutant BRAF melanoma cells.
Linking soil biology and chemistry in biological soil crust using isolate exometabolomics
Authors: Swenson Tami L. , Karaoz Ulas , Swenson Joel M. , Bowen Benjamin P. , Northen Trent R.
Published: December 2017

Metagenomic sequencing provides a window into microbial community structure and metabolic potential; however, linking these data to exogenous metabolites that microorganisms process and produce (the exometabolome) remains challenging. Previously, we observed strong exometabolite niche partitioning among bacterial isolates from biological soil crust (biocrust). Here we examine native biocrust to determine if these patterns are reproduced in the environment. Overall, most soil metabolites display the expected relationship (positive or negative correlation) with four dominant bacteria following a wetting event and across biocrust developmental stages. For metabolites that were previously found to be consumed by an isolate, 70% are negatively correlated with the abundance of the isolate’s closest matching environmental relative in situ, whereas for released metabolites, 67% were positively correlated. Our results demonstrate that metabolite profiling, shotgun sequencing and exometabolomics may be successfully integrated to functionally link microbial community structure with environmental chemistry in biocrust.
Non-canonical Wnt signaling regulates neural stem cell quiescence during homeostasis and after demyelination
Authors: Chavali Manideep , Klingener Michael , Kokkosis Alexandros G. , Garkun Yury , Felong Sylwia , Maffei Arianna , Aguirre Adan
Published: December 2017

Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in a specialized microenvironment, the subventricular zone (SVZ), which provides them with unique signaling cues to control their basic properties and prevent their exhaustion. While the signaling mechanisms that regulate NSC lineage progression are well characterized, the molecular mechanisms that trigger the activation of quiescent NSCs during homeostasis and tissue repair are still unclear. Here, we uncovered that the NSC quiescent state is maintained by Rho-GTPase Cdc42, a downstream target of non-canonical Wnt signaling. Mechanistically, activation of Cdc42 induces expression of molecules involved in stem cell identity and anchorage to the niche. Strikingly, during a demyelination injury, downregulation of non-canonical Wnt-dependent Cdc42 activity is necessary to promote activation and lineage progression of quiescent NSCs, thereby initiating the process of tissue repair.
Dynamic metal-ligand coordination for multicolour and water-jet rewritable paper
Authors: Ma Yun , She Pengfei , Zhang Kenneth Yin , Yang Huiran , Qin Yanyan , Xu Zihan , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Qiang , Huang Wei
Published: December 2017

Rewritable paper has recently become prevalent in both academic research and marketplace due to the potential environmental advantages, including forest conservation, pollution reduction, energy saving and resource sustainability. However, its real-life applications are limited by a lack of effective strategy to realize multicolour and water-jet printing on rewritable paper with long legible image-lasting times. Herein, we report an effective strategy to construct rewritable paper based on colour or luminescence switching induced by dynamic metal–ligand coordination. This type of rewritable paper can be conveniently utilized for multicolour water-jet printing by using aqueous solutions containing different metal salts as ink. In addition, the printed images on the water-jet rewritable paper can be retained for a long time (> 6 months), which shows great progress compared to previous work. We believe that this type of rewritable paper could be considered as a prototype for multicolour water-jet printing to meet the practical needs.
Metabolic rate evolves rapidly and in parallel with the pace of life history
Authors: Auer Sonya K. , Dick Cynthia A. , Metcalfe Neil B. , Reznick David N.
Published: December 2017

Metabolic rates and life history strategies are both thought to set the “pace of life”, but whether they evolve in tandem is not well understood. Here, using a common garden experiment that compares replicate paired populations, we show that Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) populations that evolved a fast-paced life history in high-predation environments have consistently higher metabolic rates than guppies that evolved a slow-paced life history in low-predation environments. Furthermore, by transplanting guppies from high- to low-predation environments, we show that metabolic rate evolves in parallel with the pace of life history, at a rapid rate, and in the same direction as found for naturally occurring populations. Together, these multiple lines of inference provide evidence for a tight evolutionary coupling between metabolism and the pace of life history.
Structural basis for DNA 3′-end processing by human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1
Authors: Flett Fiona J. , Ruksenaite Emilija , Armstrong Lee A. , Bharati Shipra , Carloni Roberta , Morris Elizabeth R. , Mackay C. Logan , Interthal Heidrun , Richardson Julia M.
Published: December 2017

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase (Tdp1) is a DNA 3′-end processing enzyme that repairs topoisomerase 1B-induced DNA damage. We use a new tool combining site-specific DNA–protein cross-linking with mass spectrometry to identify Tdp1 interactions with DNA. A conserved phenylalanine (F259) of Tdp1, required for efficient DNA processing in biochemical assays, cross-links to defined positions in DNA substrates. Crystal structures of Tdp1–DNA complexes capture the DNA repair machinery after 3′-end cleavage; these reveal how Tdp1 coordinates the 3′-phosphorylated product of nucleosidase activity and accommodates duplex DNA. A hydrophobic wedge splits the DNA ends, directing the scissile strand through a channel towards the active site. The F259 side-chain stacks against the −3 base pair, delimiting the junction of duplexed and melted DNA, and fixes the scissile strand in the channel. Our results explain why Tdp1 cleavage is non-processive and provide a molecular basis for DNA 3′-end processing by Tdp1.
Two-way vapochromism of a luminescent platinum(ii) complex with phosphonic-acid-functionalized bipyridine ligand
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Yamamoto Naotaka , Shigeta Yasuhiro , Yoshida Masaki , Kato Masako
Published: December 2017

A luminescent Pt(ii) complex bearing a phosphonic-acid-functionalized bipyridine ligand was successfully synthesized and its unique two-way vapochromic behaviour investigated.
Asiatic acid suppresses neuroinflammation in BV2 microgliaviamodulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Qian Yisong , Xin Zhaochen , Lv Yanni , Wang Ziwei , Zuo Li , Huang Xiang , Li Yunman , Xin Hong-Bo
Published: December 2017

Asiatic acid promotes Sirt1 expression and inhibits NF-κB-induced microglia activation.
Metal-free remote-site C–H alkenylation: regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of solvatochromic dyes
Authors: Albaladejo María José , González-Soria María José , Alonso Francisco
Published: December 2017

The metal-free regio- and diastereoselective remote C–H self-alkenylation of indolizines leads to a new family of solvatochromic dyes.
Association of iminium and alkanolamine forms of the benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid chelerythrine with human serum albumin: photophysical, thermodynamic and theoretical approach
Authors: Bhuiya Sutanwi , Haque Lucy , Das Suman
Published: December 2017

Association of isoforms of chelerythrine (CHL) with HSA.
Adsorptive removal of ciprofloxacin by ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid/β-cyclodextrin composite from aqueous solution
Authors: Yu Fei , Chen Dexian , Ma Jie
Published: December 2017

EDTA/β-CD was prepared by EDTA cross-linked with β-CD, and then used as adsorbent for the removal of ciprofloxacin.
Synthesis, structural analysis, and supramolecular assembly of a series ofin situgenerated uranyl–peroxide complexes with functionalized 2,2′-bipyridine and varied carboxylic acid ligands
Authors: Ridenour J. August , Cahill Christopher L.
Published: December 2017

Presented herein are eight new binuclear uranyl complexes bridged byin situgenerated peroxide ligands and assembledvianoncovalent interactions.
Self-powered implantable electronic-skin forin situanalysis of urea/uric-acid in body fluids and the potential applications in real-time kidney-disease diagnosis
Authors: Yang Wenyan , Han Wuxiao , Gao Huiling , Zhang Linlin , Wang Shuai , Xing Lili , Zhang Yan , Xue Xinyu
Published: December 2017

Self-powered implantable electronic-skin forin situanalysis of urea/uric-acid in body fluids for real-time kidney-disease diagnosis.
Unusual devisable high-performance perovskite materials obtained by engineering in twins, domains, and antiphase boundaries
Authors: Lei Shenhui , Fan Huiqing , Fang Jiawen , Ren Xiaohu , Ma Longtao , Tian Hailin
Published: December 2017

With the widespread application, engineering of microstructures, domains, twins, and antiphase boundaries (APBs) is attracting significant attention.
Co2P nanoparticles encapsulated in 3D porous N-doped carbon nanosheet networks as an anode for high-performance sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhou Dan , Fan Li-Zhen
Published: December 2017

A novel Co2P-3D PNC composite with Co2P NPs encapsulated in 3D porous N-doped carbon nanosheet networks was synthesized by a cobalt nitrate-induced PVP-blowing method combined with an in situ phosphidation process. The resultant Co2P-3D PNC anode delivers high specific capacity, enhanced rate capability, and improved cycling stability.
Silk fibroin scavenges hydroxyl radicals produced from a long-term stored water-soluble fullerene system
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Yanghong , He Hongping , Wang Fan , Yao Danyu , He Fangfei , Liu Haifeng , Fan Yubo
Published: December 2017

In this study, we find that silk fibroin as an antioxidant is capable of scavenging OH˙ and accelerating the degradation of water-soluble fullerene, which provides further insight into the application of WSF in intratracheal instillation and inhalation.
Synthesis of magnetic molecularly imprinted nanoparticles with multiple recognition sites for the simultaneous and selective capture of two glycoproteins
Authors: Sun Xiao-Yu , Ma Run-Tian , Chen Juan , Shi Yan-Ping
Published: December 2017

Magnetic molecularly imprinted nanoparticles with multiple recognition sites were prepared, which exhibited excellent selectivity for two glycoproteins simultaneously.