bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PADRÕES HIDROBIOLÓGICOS COMO INDICADORES AMBIENTAIS EM ÁGUAS AFLUENTES E EFLUENTES DE VIVEIROS DE CARCINICULTURA MARINHA NO ESTADO DO CEARÁ
Authors: Bezerra Márcio Alves , Lustosa Daniel Clayton Pinheiro , Furtado-Neto Manuel Antônio de Andrade
Published: February 2017

Uma das formas de verificar os impactos ambientais da criação de camarões(carcinicultura) é pela análise sistêmica das águas afluentes e efluentes deseus viveiros de produção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar afluentese efluentes da carcinicultura por meio de seus parâmetros físicos, químicose biológicos e suas concentrações, adotando um regime temporal de coletade amostras nas diferentes estações climáticas do ano. As metodologiase os padrões de referência na pesquisa estão respaldados pela legislaçãoambiental vigente. Os resultados indicaram que não houve diferençassignificativas entre as concentrações dos parâmetros avaliados das águasafluentes e efluentes. Indicaram também a inaplicabilidade da legislaçãoambiental em vigor, que não considera nossas particularidades ambientaisregionais, já que algumas concentrações dos parâmetros de qualidade deafluentes se encontram em desconformidade com essa legislação, o que temcausado dificuldades na avaliação ambiental dos órgãos licenciadores sobrea atividade no Ceará.
O EFEITO DA INUNDAÇÃO SAZONAL SOBRE A REGENERAÇÃO NATURAL EM UMA FLORESTA OMBRÓFILA DENSA ALUVIAL NO ESTUÁRIO AMAZÔNICO
Authors: E Silva Julie Andrews de França , Jardim Mario Augusto Gonçalves
Published: February 2017

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da inundação sazonalna composição florística, na estrutura e na forma de vida da regeneraçãonatural em uma floresta ombrófila densa aluvial no estuário amazônico,em dois períodos sazonais. Na Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) Ilha doCombu, foram demarcadas quatro parcelas de 20 x 20 m, onde as espéciese respectivos indivíduos foram identificados, quantificados, agrupados emcategorias de tamanho (CT) e classificados quanto ao tipo de forma de vida.Foram calculadas: densidade e frequência relativas; categoria de tamanhorelativa; regeneração natural relativa; e diversidade. Os dados de inundaçãoforam coletados diariamente em cinco varas de 1,5 m, em cada parcela. Nãohouve diferença significativa no número de espécies, indivíduos, diversidadee equabilidade entre os períodos analisados, os quais foram similares emambos os períodos. A forma de vida dominante em espécies foi árvore; e emindivíduos, herbácea. A CT2 apresentou a maior quantidade de indivíduos e aCT1 a menor quantidade. Os níveis de maré não interferiram na composiçãoflorística, demonstrando que as espécies são capazes de sobreviver aoestresse hídrico, principalmente: Pariana campestris, Anthurium sinuatum,Costus spicatus e Costus arabicus.
FORMULATION OF SEDIMENTS WITH CHARACTERISTICS OF TROPICAL LOTIC SYSTEMS FOR USE IN ECOTOXICOLOGICAL ASSAYS
Authors: Arine Ana Lúcia Fermino de Oliveira , Fracácio Renata
Published: February 2017

Investigation of the dynamics and toxicity of pollutants in natural sediments
is hindered by the great complexity of their matrix. Given this difficulty, the
objective of this paper was to recommend the formulation of sediments
representative of tropical lotic environments, considering their use
in ecotoxicological assays. Organic and inorganic fractions were used in
different percentages, resulting in five sediment formulations with different
grain size proportions (fine, medium and coarse sand, and clay). Measured
dissolved oxygen and hardness values were suitable for ecotoxicological
assays; however, regarding pH values, only formulations with lower levels of
organic matter provided suitable water quality for this purpose (between 6.3
and 7.3), for up to 10 days. These formulations were tested using
Hyalella azteca, which confirmed their suitability for use in toxicological tests, since
no lethal effects were observed and there were no significant changes in
terms of growth and reproduction of the organisms.
Effectiveness of a chronic disease self-management program in Mexico: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Córdova Maria Isabel Peñarrieta de , Leon Rodrigo , Gutierrez Tranquilina , Mier Nelda , Banda Olga , Delabra Magdalena
Published: February 2017

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a Spanish-language version of the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-management Program among adults who received medical care in community health centers in Mexico.Methods: This was a prospective, randomized study with Mexican users of community health centers in Tampico, Mexico, conducted between September 2015 and July 2016. A total of 120 adults aged 18 years or older were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 62) and control (n = 58) groups. Data were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post intervention using a structured questionnaire. A repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis.Results: Statistically significant differences were found in intervention participants at 3 and 6 months post intervention compared to baseline and the control group for self-management behaviors, including: social activity limitation, quality of life perception, depression, stress, physical activity, communication with physicians, adherence to physician visits, and self-management behaviors.Conclusions: Chronic disease self-management programs (CDSMP) with Mexican adults in community settings are effective in improving their health and self-management behaviors. Further research is needed to assess CDSMP in Mexico and Latin America using objective measurements and examining health outcomes and self-management maintenance over longer periods of time.
Is Islamic Banking and Finance Doing Enough? Shaping the Sustainable and Socially Responsible Investment Community
Authors: Ahamat Amiruddin
Published: February 2017

Islamic finance assets advanced at double-digit rates during the past decade, from about US$200 billion in 2003 to an estimated US$1.8 trillion at the end of 2013 (Ernst & Young 2014; IFSB 2014; Wyman 2009). Hence, despite this growth, Islamic finance and its related products are still focused in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Malaysia, and represent less than 1 percent of global financial assets. While, Islamic banking and finance sector, should responsive to small medium enterprises mitigating liability of smallness and newness. The factors mitigating the inherent liabilities associated with new entrepreneurial startups were found to be institutional support. Institutional support was also found to be an important factor of success for new startups. The primary focus of this study is to examine the critical role of Islamic Banking and Finance, expanding and facilitating entrepreneurial opportunities. This study draws on triple bottom line concept (people, planet and profit), by developing standards equivalent to triple bottom line reporting for Islamic banking and financial institutions, and disseminating independent and objective research to relevant stakeholders. This includes examining the potential positive or negative social impact of Islamic Banking and Finance on the financially sustainable and responsible community.
A Model to Approximate the Distribution of Rank Order Associations
Authors: Tarsitano Agostino , Amerise Ilaria L.
Published: February 2017

The relationship between two set of ranks can be evaluated by several coefficient of rank-order association. To judge the significance of an observed value of one of these statistics we need a reliable procedure for determining the $p$-value of the test. In several works the $t$-Student has been suggested as being relevant for the description of the null distribution of many coefficients. In this article, we propose a new model of density function, the generalized Gaussian on a finite range, which can be used to model data exhibiting a symmetrical unimodal density with a bounded domain. Several simulations illustrate the advantages of this technique over conventional methods. This is particularly useful in the case the number of ranks is larger than the threshold for which the exact null distribution is known, but lower than the threshold for which the asymptotic Gaussian approximation becomes valid.
Evaluating Legal Status of Inconsistent Possessions with Stipulation
Authors: Baladehi Arefe Emadi , Niknejad Javad
Published: February 2017

In our law, in both terms of analysis and legal principles, condition is not a part of consideration so commitment due to the condition cannot be known at the same level of main conventional commitments, but condition has a relative independence while it has dependence and communication with contract. In fact the condition is an independent undertaking which its survival has been depended to existence of contract by backbone of both parties not vice versa. The final purpose of both parties from obligation and undertaking is realization of contingent commitment; so a condition which its execution to be out of responsibility of one against whom the condition is made is null such as each non-executive commitment. Invalidity of impossible condition cannot be known lack of intention of both parties. Therefore the invalidity of impossible condition can be known abort of tradition and necessity of Gharar in the condition. The purpose of conducting this was evolution of legal status of inconsistent possession with stipulation and is bail of executing opposing transaction inconsistent with condition different according to this issue that legal inconsistent possession to be covenented or possessory contract.
Prologue: The IALS Law Reform Project
Authors: Teasdale Jonathan
Published: February 2017

Prologue: The IALS Law Reform Project

Law, particularly enacted law, needs to be as simple and as accessible as possible, clear and concise and – perhaps above all – fit for the purposes of modern society. Laws passed in one decade may prove to be less than adequate for the needs of later generations because of changes in the social fabric or social mores or because of technological advance or economic challenge. Societies needs mechanisms for keeping law under review, particularly when governments are focused on introducing more law – sometimes layered on top of existing law – to fulfil electoral promises. The position is compounded in common law systems where the senior judiciary add to the legal corpus.

Different jurisdictions have differing needs. The IALS Law Reform Project (at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London) has set itself the task of identifying the range of law reform mechanisms employed across the common law and civil law worlds with a view to establishing which of the components are core, and identifying others which could be improved. The starting point, of course, is: what is law reform? Are reform and revision the same? Does reform need to be legislative? Why does codification work in civil law jurisdictions but is eschewed in parts of the common law world? This is about the processes of law reform; substantive reform is for another day.
The Italian ‘Legislation-Cutting’ Tool
Authors: Pacini Fabio
Published: February 2017

The Italian ‘Legislation-Cutting’ Tool

The article offers an overview of the most ambitious operation of law revision ever attempted in Italy, retracing its phases in order to give an overview of some of the major constitutional questions it raised. The article will focus, in particular, on principles and criteria of the delegation to the Government – which represented the core of the entire operation – as well as on the use of emergency instruments for the same purpose. Two examples of errors or political use of law revision will also be analyzed.
"Combined Diagnostic Tool" APPlication to a Retrospective Series of Patients Undergoing Total Joint Revision Surgery
Authors: Gallazzi Enrico , Drago Lorenzo , Baldini Andrea , Stockley Ian , George David A. , Scarponi Sara , Romanò Carlo L.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Background: Differentiating between septic and aseptic joint prosthesis may be challenging, since no single test is able to confirm or rule out infection. The choice and interpretation of the panel of tests performed in any case often relies on empirical evaluation and poorly validated scores. The "Combined Diagnostic Tool (CDT)" App, a smartphone application for iOS, was developed to allow to automatically calculate the probability of having a of periprosthetic joint infection, on the basis of the relative sensitivity and specificity of the positive and negative diagnostic tests performed in any given patient.Objective: The aim of the present study was to apply the CDT software to investigate the ability of the tests routinely performed in three high-volume European centers to diagnose a periprosthetic infection.Methods: This three-center retrospective study included 120 consecutive patients undergoing total hip or knee revision, and included 65 infected patients (Group A) and 55 patients without infection (Group B). The following parameters were evaluated: number and type of positive and negative diagnostic tests performed pre-, intra- and post-operatively and resultant probability calculated by the CDT App of having a peri-prosthetic joint infection, based on pre-, intra- and post-operative combined tests.Results: Serological tests were the most common performed, with an average 2.7 tests per patient for Group A and 2.2 for Group B, followed by joint aspiration (0.9 and 0.8 tests per patient, respectively) and imaging techniques (0.5 and 0.2 test per patient). Mean CDT App calculated probability of having an infection based on pre-operative tests was 79.4% for patients in Group A and 35.7 in Group B. Twenty-nine patients in Group A had > 10% chance of not having an infection, and 29 of Group B had > 10% chance of having an infection.Conclusion: This is the first retrospective study focused on investigating the number and type of tests commonly performed prior to joint revision surgery and aimed at evaluating their combined ability to diagnose a peri-prosthetic infection. CDT App allowed us to demonstrate that, on average, the routine combination of commonly used tests is unable to diagnose pre-operatively a peri-prosthetic infection with a probability higher than 90%.
QUALITY OF LIFE AND DEPRESSION IN WAR-RELATED THE ENDURING PERSONALITY CHANGE AFTER CATASTROPHIC EXPERIENCE (F62.0)
Authors: Stojaković Milan , Medenlica S. , Stojakovic Bogdan
Published: February 2017

GOALS: The authors' objective is to analyze Quality of Life (QoL) and depression in the Enduring personality change after catastrophic expirience (F62.0)SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In study we include 120 adult men, 60 subjects with diagnosis F62.0. according to ICD-10 (experimental group) and 60 adult men veterans without the diagnosis of F62.0 (control group). The subjects were assessed with the standardized psychometric instruments.RESULTS: In subjects with Enduring personality change (F62.0) assessment of QoL shows differences in some segments that are important for further monitoring and analysis. The results of the depression in experimental and control group show statistically significance on level (p< 0.05) for baseline visit and follow-up visit.CONCLUSIONS: The statistical relationship between level of combat exposure and war-related F62.0. depression symptoms and QoL, suggests that it may take time for the consequences of traumatic exposure to become apparent. Moreover, degree of exposure may be important in predicting the eventual development of symptoms and precipitation of F62.0. Continued follow-up will address the evolution of PTSD symptoms in war related PTSD. The results indicate the importance of further monitoring and analysis symptoms of depression in F62.0 and QoL.
Perceptual decisions are biased by the cost to act
Authors: Hagura Nobuhiro , Haggard Patrick , Diedrichsen Jörn
Published: February 2017

Perceptual decisions are classically thought to depend mainly on the stimulus characteristics, probability and associated reward. However, in many cases, the motor response is considered to be a neutral output channel that only reflects the upstream decision. Contrary to this view, we show that perceptual decisions can be recursively influenced by the physical resistance applied to the response. When participants reported the direction of the visual motion by left or right manual reaching movement with different resistances, their reports were biased towards the direction associated with less effortful option. Repeated exposure to such resistance on hand during perceptual judgements also biased subsequent judgements using voice, indicating that effector-dependent motor costs not only biases the report at the stage of motor response, but also changed how the sensory inputs are transformed into decisions. This demonstrates that the cost to act can influence our decisions beyond the context of the specific action.
High performance communication by people with paralysis using an intracortical brain-computer interface
Authors: Pandarinath Chethan , Nuyujukian Paul , Blabe Christine H , Sorice Brittany L , Saab Jad , Willett Francis R , Hochberg Leigh R , Shenoy Krishna V , Henderson Jaimie M
Published: February 2017

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have the potential to restore communication for people with tetraplegia and anarthria by translating neural activity into control signals for assistive communication devices. While previous pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated promising proofs-of-concept (Serruya et al., 2002; Simeral et al., 2011; Bacher et al., 2015; Nuyujukian et al., 2015; Aflalo et al., 2015; Gilja et al., 2015; Jarosiewicz et al., 2015; Wolpaw et al., 1998; Hwang et al., 2012; Spüler et al., 2012; Leuthardt et al., 2004; Taylor et al., 2002; Schalk et al., 2008; Moran, 2010; Brunner et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2013; Townsend and Platsko, 2016; Vansteensel et al., 2016; Nuyujukian et al., 2016; Carmena et al., 2003; Musallam et al., 2004; Santhanam et al., 2006; Hochberg et al., 2006; Ganguly et al., 2011; O’Doherty et al., 2011; Gilja et al., 2012), the performance of human clinical BCI systems is not yet high enough to support widespread adoption by people with physical limitations of speech. Here we report a high-performance intracortical BCI (iBCI) for communication, which was tested by three clinical trial participants with paralysis. The system leveraged advances in decoder design developed in prior pre-clinical and clinical studies (Gilja et al., 2015; Kao et al., 2016; Gilja et al., 2012). For all three participants, performance exceeded previous iBCIs (Bacher et al., 2015; Jarosiewicz et al., 2015) as measured by typing rate (by a factor of 1.4–4.2) and information throughput (by a factor of 2.2–4.0). This high level of performance demonstrates the potential utility of iBCIs as powerful assistive communication devices for people with limited motor function.

Clinical Trial No: NCT00912041
Ribosomal mutations promote the evolution of antibiotic resistance in a multidrug environment
Authors: Gomez James E , Kaufmann-Malaga Benjamin B , Wivagg Carl N , Kim Peter B , Silvis Melanie R , Renedo Nikolai , Ioerger Thomas R , Ahmad Rushdy , Livny Jonathan , Fishbein Skye , Sacchettini James C , Carr Steven A , Hung Deborah T
Published: February 2017

Antibiotic resistance arising via chromosomal mutations is typically specific to a particular antibiotic or class of antibiotics. We have identified mutations in genes encoding ribosomal components in Mycobacterium smegmatis that confer resistance to several structurally and mechanistically unrelated classes of antibiotics and enhance survival following heat shock and membrane stress. These mutations affect ribosome assembly and cause large-scale transcriptomic and proteomic changes, including the downregulation of the catalase KatG, an activating enzyme required for isoniazid sensitivity, and upregulation of WhiB7, a transcription factor involved in innate antibiotic resistance. Importantly, while these ribosomal mutations have a fitness cost in antibiotic-free medium, in a multidrug environment they promote the evolution of high-level, target-based resistance. Further, suppressor mutations can then be easily acquired to restore wild-type growth. Thus, ribosomal mutations can serve as stepping-stones in an evolutionary path leading to the emergence of high-level, multidrug resistance.
An essential dual-function complex mediates erythrocyte invasion and channel-mediated nutrient uptake in malaria parasites
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Schureck Marc A , Desai Sanjay A
Published: February 2017

Malaria parasites evade immune detection by growth and replication within erythrocytes. After erythrocyte invasion, the intracellular pathogen must increase host cell uptake of nutrients from plasma. Here, we report that the parasite-encoded RhopH complex contributes to both invasion and channel-mediated nutrient uptake. As rhoph2 and rhoph3 gene knockouts were not viable in the human P. falciparum pathogen, we used conditional knockdowns to determine that the encoded proteins are essential and to identify their stage-specific functions. We exclude presumed roles for RhopH2 and CLAG3 in erythrocyte invasion but implicate a RhopH3 contribution either through ligand-receptor interactions or subsequent parasite internalization. These proteins then traffic via an export translocon to the host membrane, where they form a nutrient channel. Knockdown of either RhopH2 or RhopH3 disrupts the entire complex, interfering with organellar targeting and subsequent trafficking. Therapies targeting this complex should attack the pathogen at two critical points in its cycle.
Impaired respiration elicits SrrAB-dependent programmed cell lysis and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Mashruwala Ameya A , Guchte Adriana van de , Boyd Jeffrey M
Published: February 2017

Biofilms are communities of microorganisms attached to a surface or each other. Biofilm-associated cells are the etiologic agents of recurrent Staphylococcus aureus infections. Infected human tissues are hypoxic or anoxic. S. aureus increases biofilm formation in response to hypoxia, but how this occurs is unknown. In the current study we report that oxygen influences biofilm formation in its capacity as a terminal electron acceptor for cellular respiration. Genetic, physiological, or chemical inhibition of respiratory processes elicited increased biofilm formation. Impaired respiration led to increased cell lysis via divergent regulation of two processes: increased expression of the AtlA murein hydrolase and decreased expression of wall-teichoic acids. The AltA-dependent release of cytosolic DNA contributed to increased biofilm formation. Further, cell lysis and biofilm formation were governed by the SrrAB two-component regulatory system. Data presented support a model wherein SrrAB-dependent biofilm formation occurs in response to the accumulation of reduced menaquinone.
The Implications of Literacy Teaching Models
Authors: Gunawardena Maya
Published: February 2017

First year students often experience a culture shock as certain literacy practices at the university level are different from their experiences in high schools. Some major challenges that students encounter include students’ ability to maintain academic integrity practices in their studies, to comprehend complex academic texts to outline key ideas, and to communicate confidently and effectively in diverse academic genres. As these challenges are common, often universities offer activities to assist students’ with their academic enculturation process. The three popular literacy teaching models currently in practice are the generic, embedded and literacies models. All the three models offer challenges in their effective practice. By evaluating the ethnographic data from the models used at UNSW Canberra Academic Language Learning Unit (ALL), this paper argues that in line with Lea and Street’s (2006) discussion, literacies is the most effective approach for developing students’ lifelong skills for effective communication, reading and critical thinking. Literary teaching should involve an advanced inquiry into writing practices in diverse disciplines helping students’ identifying and practicing using language devices and rhetorical structures in academic genres.
Integral cross sections of the dipole‐allowed excitations of nitrogen molecule studied by the fast electron scattering
Authors: Liu Ya‐Wei , Xu Long‐Quan , Ni Dong‐Dong , Xu Xin , Huang Xin‐Chao , Zhu Lin‐Fan
Published: February 2017

The integral cross sections (ICSs) of the electron scattering of nitrogen molecule are of great importance to the understanding of many different aspects of atmospheric physics. In the present work, the generalized oscillator strengths (GOSs) of the valence shell excitations of
,
,
,
, and
of nitrogen have been determined by fast electron scattering at an incident electron energy of 1500 eV and an energy resolution of 70 meV. By cross‐checking strictly the present results with the previous electron scattering and inelastic X‐ray scattering (IXS) ones, the accuracy and reliability of the GOSs for the corresponding dipole‐allowed transitions of nitrogen are tested stringently. Based on the accurate GOSs of these dipole‐allowed transitions, their ICSs are obtained systematically from the threshold to 5000 eV for the first time with the aid of the BE‐Scaling (B is the binding energy and E is the excitation energy) method, and the corresponding ICSs at the moderate and high energies are the only available data to the best of our knowledge.
Seismic imaging of the Sun's far hemisphere and its applications in space weather forecasting
Authors: Lindsey Charles , Braun Douglas
Published: February 2017

The interior of the Sun is filled acoustic waves with periods of about 5 min. These waves, called “p modes,” are understood to be excited by convection in a thin layer beneath the Sun's surface. The p modes cause seismic ripples, which we call “the solar oscillations.” Helioseismic observatories use Doppler observations to map these oscillations, both spatially and temporally. The p modes propagate freely throughout the solar interior, reverberating between the near and far hemispheres. They also interact strongly with active regions at the surfaces of both hemispheres, carrying the signatures of said interactions with them. Computational analysis of the solar oscillations mapped in the Sun's near hemisphere, applying basic principles of wave optics to model the implied p modes propagating through the solar interior, gives us seismic maps of large active regions in the Sun's far hemisphere. These seismic maps are useful for space weather forecasting. For the past decade, NASA's twin STEREO spacecraft have given us full coverage of the Sun's far hemisphere in electromagnetic (EUV) radiation from the far side of Earth's orbit about the Sun. We are now approaching a decade during which the STEREO spacecraft will lose their farside vantage. There will occur significant periods from thence during which electromagnetic coverage of the Sun's far hemisphere will be incomplete or nil. Solar seismology will make it possible to continue our monitor of large active regions in the Sun's far hemisphere for the needs of space weather forecasters during these otherwise blind periods.
Fabricating Three‐Dimensional Periodic Micro Patterns on Photo‐Resists Using Laser Interference Lithography
Authors: Rößler Florian , Lang Valentin , Günther Denise , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: February 2017

Springtails are hexapods, which have a complex skin surface composed of periodically arranged mushroom‐like features. This topography offers surface functionalities like non‐wetting and preventing bacterial settlement. This study demonstrates a novel way of replicating the morphology of the springtail skin using interference lithography. The micro patterns are produced with an undercut contour in a multilayer resist system on Si‐wafers consisting of a lower lift‐off resist and an upper photo‐sensitive resist. After irradiation, several developing and rinsing steps are carried out to produce cavities in the lift‐off resist layer with an undercut geometry directly below the SU‐8 top layer.
Genetic Assembly of Double‐Layered Fluorescent Protein Nanoparticles for Cancer Targeting and Imaging
Authors: Kim Seong‐Eun , Jo Sung Duk , Kwon Koo Chul , Won You‐Yeon , Lee Jeewon
Published: February 2017

Hepatitis B virus capsid (HBVC), a self‐assembled protein nanoparticle comprised of 180 or 240 subunit proteins, is used as a cage for genetic encapsulation of fluorescent proteins (FPs). The self‐quenching of FPs is controlled by varying the spacing between FPs within the capsid structure. Double‐layered FP nanoparticle possessing cancer cell‐targeting capabilities is also produced by additionally attaching FPs and cancer cell receptor‐binding peptides (affibodies) to the outer surface of the capsid. The generically modified HBVC with double layers of mCardinal FPs and affibodies (mC‐DL‐HBVC) exhibit a high fluorescence intensity and a strong photostability, and is efficiently internalized by cancer cells and significantly stable against intracellular degradation. The mC‐DL‐HBVC effectively detects tumor in live mice with enhanced tumor targeting and imaging efficiency with far less accumulation in the liver, compared to a conventional fluorescent dye, Cy5.5. This suggests the great potential of mC‐DL‐HBVC as a promising contrast agent for in vivo tumor fluorescence imaging.
Incorporation of Counter Ions in Organic Molecules: New Strategy in Developing Dopant‐Free Hole Transport Materials for Efficient Mixed‐Ion Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Jinbao , Xu Bo , Yang Li , Mingorance Alba , Ruan Changqing , Hua Yong , Wang Linqin , Vlachopoulos Nick , Lira‐Cantú Mónica , Boschloo Gerrit , Hagfeldt Anders , Sun Licheng , Johansson Erik M. J.
Published: February 2017

Hole transport matertial (HTM) as charge selective layer in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) plays an important role in achieving high power conversion efficiency (PCE). It is known that the dopants and additives are necessary in the HTM in order to improve the hole conductivity of the HTM as well as to obtain high efficiency in PSCs, but the additives can potentially induce device instability and poor device reproducibility. In this work a new strategy to design dopant‐free HTMs has been presented by modifying the HTM to include charged moieties which are accompanied with counter ions. The device based on this ionic HTM X44 dos not need any additional doping and the device shows an impressive PCE of 16.2%. Detailed characterization suggests that the incorporated counter ions in X44 can significantly affect the hole conductivity and the homogeneity of the formed HTM thin film. The superior photovoltaic performance for X44 is attributed to both efficient hole transport and effective interfacial hole transfer in the solar cell device. This work provides important insights as regards the future design of new and efficient dopant free HTMs for photovotaics or other optoelectronic applications.
Hybrid Composite Coatings for Durable and Efficient Solar Hydrogen Generation under Diverse Operating Conditions
Authors: Walczak Karl A. , Segev Gideon , Larson David M. , Beeman Jeffrey W. , Houle Frances A. , Sharp Ian D.
Published: February 2017

Safe and practical solar‐driven hydrogen generators must be capable of efficient and stable operation under diurnal cycling with full separation of gaseous H2 and O2 products. In this study, a novel architecture that fulfills all of these requirements is presented. The approach is inherently scalable and provides versatility for operation under diverse electrolyte and lighting conditions. The concept is validated using a 1 cm2 triple‐junction photovoltaic cell with its illuminated photocathode protected by a composite coating comprising an organic encapsulant with an embedded catalytic support. The device is compatible with operation under conditions ranging from 1 m H2SO4 to 1 m KOH, enabling flexibility in selection of semiconductor, electrolyte, membrane, and catalyst. Stable operation at a solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency of >10% is demonstrated under continuous operation, as well as under diurnal light cycling for at least 4 d, with simulated sunlight. Operational characteristics are validated by extended time outdoor testing. A membrane ensures products are separated, with nonexplosive gas streams generated for both alkaline and acidic systems. Analysis of operational characteristics under different lighting conditions is enabled by comparison of a device model to experimental data.
The prognostic relevance of serum lactate dehydrogenase and mild bone marrow reticulin fibrosis in essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Mudireddy Mythri , Barraco Daniela , Hanson Curtis A. , Pardanani Animesh , Gangat Naseema , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: February 2017

The 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) underscore the prognostically‐relevant distinction between essential thrombocythemia (ET) and prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis (pre‐PMF). In addition, leukocytosis has been identified as an important prognostic marker in otherwise WHO‐defined ET. However, controversy remains regarding the objectivity of morphologic criteria in distinguishing ET from pre‐PMF and the precise prognostic cutoff values for leukocytosis. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level might be a biologically more accurate measure of leukocyte turnover and a more sensitive marker of pre‐PMF, in otherwise WHO‐defined ET. In the current study of 183 consecutive patients with WHO‐defined ET, the presence of grade 1 bone marrow (BM) fibrosis did not affect presenting clinical or laboratory features; in contrast, increased serum LDH at diagnosis was associated with leukocytosis (p = .002), thrombocytosis (p < .001), palpable splenomegaly (p = .03) and higher international prognostic score (IPSET) (p = .002); serum LDH did not correlate with BM fibrosis, JAK2/CALR/MPL or TET2/ASXL1 mutations. In univariate analysis, risk factors for survival included age ≥60 years (p = .002; HR 10.2, 95% CI 2.3‐44.6), male sex (p = .02; HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2‐8.2), leukocyte count ≥15 × 109/L (p = .007; HR 4.7, 95% CI 1.5‐14.6), and increased serum LDH (p = .002; HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5‐9.1), but not BM fibrosis (p = .17). In multivariable analysis, age, sex and serum LDH remained significant; serum LDH also remained significant, in the context of IPSET (p = .003) and in patients with leukocytosis (p = .003). We conclude that serum LDH level carries an independent prognostic value for survival in ET and might represent a biologically more accurate surrogate for leukocytosis.
One‐Pot Assembly of Amino Acid Bridged Hybrid Macromulticyclic Cages through Multiple Multicomponent Macrocyclizations
Authors: Wessjohann Ludger A. , Kreye Oliver , Rivera Daniel G.
Published: February 2017

An important development in the field of macrocyclization strategies towards molecular cages is described. The approach comprises the utilization of a double Ugi four‐component macrocyclization for the assembly of macromulticycles with up to four different tethers, that is, hybrid cages. The innovation of this method rests on setting up the macromulticycle connectivities not through the tethers but through the bridgeheads, which in this case involve N‐substituted amino acids. Both dilution and metal‐template‐driven macrocyclization conditions were implemented with success, enabling the one‐pot formation of cryptands and cages including steroidal, polyether, heterocyclic, peptidic, and aryl tethers. This method demonstrates substantial complexity‐generating character and is suitable for applications in molecular recognition and catalysis.
Ein stabiles Hexakis(guanidino)benzol: Synthese des stärksten neutralen organischen Vier‐Elektronen‐Donors
Authors: Eberle Benjamin , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: February 2017

Die wachsende Nachfrage nach effizienten Batterien hat die Suche nach redoxaktiven organischen Verbindungen mit mehrstufigem Redoxverhalten als Materialien mit großer Ladungskapazität angeregt. Wir berichten hier über die Synthese und Eigenschaften des ersten Hexakis(guanidino)benzol‐Derivats, eines starken neutralen organischen Elektronendonors mit reversiblem mehrstufigem Redoxverhalten und dem niedrigsten bekannten Redoxpotential für die Abgabe von vier Elektronen. Die detaillierte strukturelle und spektroskopische Charakterisierung dreier Redoxzustände (0, +2 und +4) belegt dessen einzigartigen elektronischen Eigenschaften. Trotz ihres Stickstoffreichtums ist die Verbindung thermisch stabil und lässt sich durch Sublimation reinigen.
Self‐Assembly of Iodine in Superfluid Helium Droplets: Halogen Bonds and Nanocrystals
Authors: He Yunteng , Zhang Jie , Lei Lei , Kong Wei
Published: February 2017

We present evidence of halogen bond in iodine clusters formed in superfluid helium droplets based on results from electron diffraction. Iodine crystals are known to form layered structures with intralayer halogen bonds, with interatomic distances shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii of the two neighboring atoms. The diffraction profile of dimer dominated clusters embedded in helium droplets reveals an interatomic distance of 3.65 Å, much closer to the value of 3.5 Å in iodine crystals than to the van der Waals distance of 4.3 Å. The profile from larger iodine clusters deviates from a single layer structure; instead, a bi‐layer structure qualitatively fits the experimental data. This work highlights the possibility of small halogen bonded iodine clusters, albeit in a perhaps limited environment of superfluid helium droplets. The role of superfluid helium in guiding the trapped molecules into local potential minima awaits further investigation.
Mehrkomponenten‐Oxyalkylierung von Styrolen durch Wasserstoffbrücken‐unterstützten photoinduzierten Elektronentransfer
Authors: Tlahuext‐Aca Adrian , Garza‐Sanchez R. Aleyda , Glorius Frank
Published: February 2017

Eine Strategie zur Aktivierung von N‐(Acyloxy)phthalimiden für den photoinduzierten Elektronentransfer durch die Bildung von Wasserstoffbrücken wird vorgestellt. Dieser Aktivierungsmodus führt effektiv zu C(sp3)‐zentrierten Radikalen nach Decarboxylierung von stabilen und leicht zugänglichen Substraten. Darüber hinaus wurde gezeigt, dass die gebildeten Alkylradikale in einem neuartigen redoxneutralen Protokoll zur Bildung von C(sp3)‐C(sp3)‐Bindungen zwischen Styrol‐Einheiten eingesetzt werden können, was einen einfachen Zugang zu komplexen Alkohol‐ und Ethergerüsten ermöglicht.
Multicomponent Oxyalkylation of Styrenes Enabled by Hydrogen‐Bond‐Assisted Photoinduced Electron Transfer
Authors: Tlahuext‐Aca Adrian , Garza‐Sanchez R. Aleyda , Glorius Frank
Published: February 2017

Herein, we disclose a strategy for the activation of N‐(acyloxy)phthalimides towards photoinduced electron transfer through hydrogen bonding. This activation mode enables efficient access to C(sp3)‐centered radicals upon decarboxylation from bench‐stable and readily available substrates. Moreover, we demonstrate that the formed alkyl radicals can be successfully employed in a novel redox‐neutral method for constructing sp3−sp3 bonds across styrene moieties that gives straightforward access to complex alcohol and ether scaffolds.
Enhancing the stability of UV‐curable thiol/vinyl carbonate resins
Authors: Edler Matthias , Mostegel Florian H. , Roth Meinhart , Oesterreicher Andreas , Kappaun Stefan , Griesser Thomas
Published: February 2017

In this study, the effect of various stabilizer systems on low‐cytotoxic thiol/vinyl carbonate formulations was evaluated with the aim to inhibit premature dark polymerization reactions. The addition of hydroxybenzene‐based radical scavengers such as pyrogallol (PyG), hydroquinone monomethyl ether (MEHQ), or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) resulted in a significantly decelerated increase in viscosity compared to formulations without stabilizers during a defined storage period at 50 °C. The usage of bicomponent stabilization systems in appropriate concentrations further reduced the viscosity increase for nonpigmented formulations. The most effective heterosynergistic stabilization system based on PyG and diisoctyl phosphonic acid (9 mM/90 mM) exerts only a minor influence on the polymerization performance, which was shown by photo‐DSC measurements. The herein presented stabilization of vinyl carbonate/thiol resins exhibits a significant contribution to bringing these low‐toxic building blocks into industrial applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44934.
Reachable Set Estimation for Discrete‐Time Singular Systems
Authors: Li Jiangrong , Feng Zhiguang , Zhang Changzhu
Published: February 2017

This paper is concerned with the problem of reachable set estimation for discrete‐time singular systems with bounded input disturbances. Based on the Lyapunov method, a new sufficient condition is established in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) to guarantee that the reachable set of discrete‐time singular system is bounded by the intersection of ellipsoids. Then the result is extended to the problem for discrete‐time singular systems with time‐varying delay by utilizing the delay‐dependent approach and free weighting matrices. Two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results proposed in this paper.
Bayesian tail‐risk forecasting using realized GARCH
Authors: Contino Christian , Gerlach Richard H.
Published: February 2017

A realized generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (GARCH) model is developed within a Bayesian framework for the purpose of forecasting value at risk and conditional value at risk. Student‐tand skewed‐treturn distributions are combined with Gaussian and student‐tdistributions in the measurement equation to forecast tail risk in eight international equity index markets over a 4‐year period. Three realized measures are considered within this framework. A Bayesian estimator is developed that compares favourably, in simulations, with maximum likelihood, both in estimation and forecasting. The realized GARCH models show a marked improvement compared with ordinary GARCH for both value‐at‐risk and conditional value‐at‐risk forecasting. This improvement is consistent across a variety of data and choice of distributions. Realized GARCH models incorporating a skewed student‐tdistribution for returns are favoured overall, with the choice of measurement equation error distribution and realized measure being of lesser importance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of XPM and UCAC4 catalogues in the galactic coordinate system
Authors: Vityazev V. V. , Tsvetkov A. S. , Petrov S. D. , Trofimov D. A.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the results of the comparison of the galactic reference frames realized by the catalogues XPM and UCAC4. Based on about 40 million stars common to both catalogues, the systematic differences of the galactic coordinates and proper motions have been derived for 12 magnitudes in 0.5m width bins with the mean J‐values from 10m.25 to 15m.75. The systematic differences were represented by vector spherical harmonics, with the magnitude equation taken into consideration. The mutual orientation of the frames was found to be at the level of 10 mas. It is concluded that these differences are negligible in comparison with the accuracy of the implementation of the standard galactic coordinate system MAS 1958. We investigated two features of the XPM catalogue. First, unlike the HCRF and UCAC4 catalogues, whose proper motions are tied to the quasars and galaxies, the XPM catalogue implements a reference system based only on galaxies. Second, the XPM catalogue has two systems of proper motions—XPMx and XPMp, referred to the two galaxy sub‐catalogues of the project 2MASS—PSC and XSC. The study of the differences XPMx−XPMp showed that they are free of the magnitude equation. The speed of relative rotation of XPMx over XPMp was found to be ω=0.453±0.003 mas/year, which exceeds the residual rotation of the HCRF (0.25 mas/year). Analysis of systematic differences XPMx−UCAC4 and XPMp−UCAC4 showed that both frames XPMx and XPMp have an appreciable rotation speed relative to the UCAC4 (hence the ICRF), especially large (up to 2 mas/year) for the brightest stars in our range. This shows that a relatively high speed of rotation of the two frames XPMx and XPMp with respect to the UCAC4 is a consequence of the transition from a combined “quasar‐galaxy” to a purely “galactic” reference system. It is shown that the systematic difference between the proper motions of stars can be interpreted within the Ogorodnikov–Milne kinematic model of the velocity field.
Releasing the cohesin ring: A rigid scaffold model for opening the DNA exit gate by Pds5 and Wapl
Authors: Ouyang Zhuqing , Yu Hongtao
Published: February 2017

The ring‐shaped ATPase machine, cohesin, regulates sister chromatid cohesion, transcription, and DNA repair by topologically entrapping DNA. Here, we propose a rigid scaffold model to explain how the cohesin regulators Pds5 and Wapl release cohesin from chromosomes. Recent studies have established the Smc3‐Scc1 interface as the DNA exit gate of cohesin, revealed a requirement for ATP hydrolysis in ring opening, suggested regulation of the cohesin ATPase activity by DNA and Smc3 acetylation, and provided insights into how Pds5 and Wapl open this exit gate. We hypothesize that Pds5, Wapl, and SA1/2 form a rigid scaffold that docks on Scc1 and anchors the N‐terminal domain of Scc1 (Scc1N) to the Smc1 ATPase head. Relative movements between the Smc1‐3 ATPase heads driven by ATP and Wapl disrupt the Smc3‐Scc1 interface. Pds5 binds the dissociated Scc1N and prolongs this open state of cohesin, releasing DNA. We review the evidence supporting this model and suggest experiments that can further test its key principles.
Tunable luminescence and energy transfer in Ca3SiO4Cl2:Ce3+,Li+,Mn2+,Eu2+ phosphors
Authors: Li Xiangqi , Xie Xiuzhen , Wei Haiting , Zhong Minzhen
Published: February 2017

A series of color‐tunable Ca3–2x‐y‐zSiO4Cl2 (CSC):xCe3+,xLi+,yMn2+,zEu2+ phosphors with low temperature phase structure was synthesized via the sol–gel method. An energy transfer process from Ce3+ to Mn2+ in CSC:0.01Ce3+,0.01Li+,yMn2+ (y = 0.03–0.09) and the mechanism was verified to be an electric dipole–dipole interaction. The Ce3+ and Mn2+ emission intensities were greatly enhanced by co‐doping Eu2+ ions into CSC:0.01Ce3+,0.01Li+,0.07Mn2+ phosphors due to competitive energy transfers from Eu2+/Ce3+ to Mn2+, and Ce3+ to Eu2+. Under 332 nm excitation, CSC:0.01Ce3+,0.01Li+,0.07Mn2+,zEu2+ (z = 0.0005–0.002) exhibited tunable emission colors from green to white with coexisting orange, green and violet‐blue emissions. These phosphors could have potential application in white light‐emitting diodes.
Citizen Science
Authors: Zizka Georg
Published: February 2017

Citizen Science ist charakterisiert durch ehrenamtliche wissenschaftliche Arbeit von Personen, die nicht in diesem Bereich beruflich tätig sind und kann bezüglich Fachrichtung, Ausbildung, Vorkenntnissen und Zeiteinsatz der Akteure sehr unterschiedlich sein. Gerade in Bereichen, die heute oft von der Berufswissenschaft vernachlässigt werden, z. B. der regionalen Forschung, spielt diese Form der Citizen Science („Citizen Science proper”) eine wichtige Rolle.

In den letzten Jahren hat sich eine andere, jüngere Form der Bürgerwissenschaft stark entwickelt, bei der eine größere Zahl von Personen an der Erhebung von wissenschaftlichen Daten mitwirkt („Citizen Science light”). Internet, Smartphones und Georeferenzierung über GPS sind wichtige Werkzeuge für die Dokumentation und Weiterleitung der Daten. Neben dem wissenschaftlichen Ertrag spielen die Erhöhung der gesellschaftlichen Relevanz durch Teilnahme und Information der Bürger sowie die Mobilisierung, z. B. für den Naturschutz, eine sehr wichtige Rolle. Die aktuell große Resonanz und Beteiligung im Bereich „Citizen Science” ist ein wichtiger Fortschritt, der dazu beiträgt, Wissenschaft stärker in der Gesellschaft zu verankern und ihre Ergebnisse zu kommunizieren.